In the heart-stopping pages of "Snow" by Mike Bond, a thrilling and enigmatic tale unfurls, shrouded in the chilling beauty of the Rocky Mountains. A serpentine manhunt ensues, starting innocently enough with the discovery of a crashed plane laden with a treacherous cargo of cocaine hidden away in the unforgiving Montana wilderness.

Amidst this frigid backdrop, three souls stand at the epicenter of the storm, each burdened with their own desperate motives. Zack, once an illustrious NFL star turned TV sports icon, teeters on the precipice of ruin, indebted to shadowy figures lurking in the glitzy enclaves of Las Vegas. On the other hand, Steve, a once successful Wall Street broker, grapples with the aftermath of a cataclysmic securities crash that swallowed both his and Zack's fortunes.

The guiding force behind this perilous escapade is Curt, a half-Cheyenne mountain man, who seeks to protect his imperiled ranch from a voracious energy company's clutches. Their paths converge at the fateful discovery, and from there, fate spins its web as they vie for control over the cocaine.

But beyond the snow-capped peaks and hidden valleys, a cast of ruthless characters enters the fray. Diego, the cold-blooded executioner, wields the cartel's deadly justice under the command of María Christina, an enigmatic mastermind hailing from Harvard and Yale. And then there's Whitney Castro, a brilliant DEA agent with a gritty past in the slums of Denver, determined to bring down the cartel and its empire.

Bounded by the unrelenting pursuit of love and freedom, the narrative thrusts us into a kaleidoscope of emotions as alliances form and shatter like ice beneath the weight of secrecy and ambition. The world of "Snow" stretches from the icy embrace of Montana to the ivory towers of Wall Street and the opulence of Vegas, an electrifying tableau of modern American culture where the ethereal line between good and evil blurs.

Amidst the flurry of action and intrigue, the characters' inner demons rise to the fore. Zack grapples with his feelings for two women, one a relic of his cocaine-fueled past, and the other a beacon of hope for redemption. Steve, on the other hand, juggles his love for his family, imprisoned by debts and desperation. Curt guides this fragile trio towards the mirage of wealth, but his heart yearns for a simple life with his wife and the salvation of his imperiled ranch.

As the forces of the drug cartel, DEA, and relentless law enforcement descend upon them like a merciless avalanche, the stakes escalate to a heart-pounding crescendo. And at the helm of this snowstorm stands Kenny Stauffenberg, the unyielding Montana sheriff, steadfast in his pursuit of justice.

With every page turned, "Snow" beckons readers into an abyss of uncertainty, where the human spirit is tested, alliances crumble, and destinies intertwine. The allure of wealth, the hunger for love, and the fight for survival collide, casting an unshakable spell that lingers.

Intrigue, passion, and suspense dance in tandem as Mike Bond masterfully paints an unforgettable portrait of a world where shadows of light and darkness merge, and the thin line between right and wrong becomes indistinguishable. Prepare to be entangled in the storm, for once you enter the world of "Snow," escape is futile.

This was a fascinating study about how two people who seemingly "had it all" could make a bad decision - followed by other bad decisions because it seemed easier than correcting course - and end up in such a mess. They are a great example of clearly flawed but basically good people doing all the wrong things. Who among us hasn't made a bad decision, resulting in negative consequences? This is that idea taken to an extreme, although it is developed in a way that makes it believable. Sometimes I read an interesting book, but it is hard to remember a week later. This one is sticking with me. Overall I found it well written and I would highly recommend it. I will be looking for more by this author.

A thrill a minute suspense ride! the plot grabs you and you cannot put this down. A tremendous, action packed read. Don't miss this one!

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

In the terrific thriller film “A Simple Plan,” (based on Scott Smith’s novel) three somewhat dim-witted but decent guys come across a crashed plane containing a considerable stash of cash. Their plans to keep the money don’t go well. Author Mike Bond has given that storyline a 21st-century update and thrown in many additional complications, including a drug cartel enforcer. The result is a too-complicated thriller that often gets lost in the snow.

Ex-NFL star Zack and investment broker Steve go on a hunting trip in the Montana mountains every year. There are two major differences this year. Both men are desperate for money, thanks to some investments Steve made with their money that went south. And then, their luck changes when they find their crashed plane, this time carrying a large amount of cocaine. The two men take the coke and go their separate ways on a cross-country trip to Colorado, New York, Las Vegas, and places in between, trying to sell their newly found product. On their trail is their guide Curt, whose truck the pair stole to escape their campsite and later crashed. Also on their track are various law enforcement authorities. And most dangerous of all, is a ruthless drug cartel enforcer determined to get his boss’s product back and teach the thieves a permanent lesson.

The best way to describe the plotting of “Snow” is haphazard. As criminals, Zack and Steve are complete bumblers who don’t have a coordinated plan to sell their stash. The author violates the first rule of thriller writing: show, don’t tell. Instead, he spends about half the book describing these characters’ thought processes to readers. Zack and Steve are whiny, self-absorbed losers. Some authors can make this type of character interesting even when unlikable. But Mike Bond never does. Instead, the characters’ inner monologues become repetitive and boring.

The author also teases the audience with many coincidences and near misses. Several times, he notes multiple characters are heading to the same motel or diner at the same time. Readers expecting a dramatic confrontation will be disappointed, however. The characters continue their journey on most of these near misses, utterly oblivious to the nearby people. These repeated close calls do not affect the characters who were unaware of them. But they frustrate readers.

“Snow” has two good action sequences. The first is a confrontation in a Vegas hotel room that turns into a shootout. Later, the main characters have their final showdown in a wintery landscape in the middle of nowhere. Both sequences work well because the characters’ thoughts are directed at surviving. Allowing the readers access to these thoughts builds the story’s suspense. Unfortunately, the book’s ultimate resolution was a major disappointment for me, not so much for what happened but for how it happened.

I found it challenging to assign a rating to “Snow.” The basic premise makes for an excellent thriller plot, but the execution is sloppy. The author spends far more time on what the characters are thinking (usually uninteresting) than what they are doing. I would rate this book 2.5 stars if I could, but I’m raising it to three stars and a marginal recommendation based on the two strong set pieces. “Snow” makes for a decent winter night’s read and could make a great movie. But there are many better thrillers available to pass the time.

a fast paced thriller that keeps you captivated

Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for the review copy.

"Snow" by Mike Bond is a captivating adventure that takes readers on a wild ride through a snow-covered landscape. Bond's vivid descriptions and atmospheric writing bring the wintry setting to life, making it a character in itself.

The story follows the protagonist's struggle for survival in the unforgiving snow, and Bond does a fantastic job of creating tension and keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The pacing is relentless, with unexpected twists and turns that keep you hooked from beginning to end.

Bond's characters are well-developed and relatable, with their own distinct personalities and motivations. The protagonist's determination and resilience make them easy to root for, and the supporting cast adds depth and complexity to the narrative.

What sets "Snow" apart is Bond's ability to weave in social and environmental themes seamlessly. He tackles important issues without detracting from the thrilling plot, making it a thought-provoking read.

While the ending left me wanting a bit more closure, "Snow" is a thrilling and immersive novel that will transport you to a chilling and dangerous world. If you're a fan of adventure and suspense, this book is definitely worth picking up.

I received a free copy of this book from my honest review from NetGalley. A book about finding something you shouldn't have but not doing what you are supposed to. The book is fast paced and told from many different perspectives. So many poor decisions made this book frustrating at times. Can anyone really be this dumb was a frequent thought in my mind.

This is a very "scary" book. Mr. Bond's writing style really pulled me into the story, It is a wild chase in the mountains by three groups---which makes it an exciting romp in hazardous situations. I would recommend this book to not only mystery fans, but nature fans and action fans also. Something for everybody here.

This is not my favorite genre. The subject matter, guns, drugs, gambling debts, and retribution make me uneasy and upset. I can understand the appeal of this novel to an audience that loves fast paced action filled chases and underworld mobsters. Not me.

There is a lot going on in Snow. In fact, too much is going on. Ostensibly, it is about 2 friends who meet every year in Montana for hunting. On their current trip during a blizzard, they find a crashed plane filled with cocaine. Along with losses in auction rate securities, grizzly bears, stolen trucks, broken arms, Las Vegas gambling debts and attempts to cash in on the stolen cocaine, the reader can become bored.

Great read
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on June 19, 2023
Two friends go on a hunting trip with a guide. The friends find a crashed plane loaded with cocaine and decide it will solve their money problems. What follows is their attempts to sell the drugs while running from a cartel, the DEA and various state agencies. You witness how quickly their world starts to crumble by the choices they make. The writing allows you to feel the snow and cold. This book kept my attention and made me want to keep reading.

The premise sounded interesting, but the book was so implausible that it was a torture to finish. Could and should have been a much better story.

Bond is a great writer and Snow was my favorite of all his works. Such a page turner. Bond has the ability to keep the suspense going in this cocaine chase story where the bad guys are running from the even badder guys. No one is innocent here. There were so many vices played out (gambling, drinking, drugs) that it was tough not to sit at the sidelines and yell “don’t do it!”. But they always did. There is a deeper reminder here as to the drug culture in America and how we have failed to control it at all. This warning shouldn’t be lost in the suspenseful, nail-biting plot.
Thank you NetGalley for a ARC.

ending up as a DNF...
characters are almost cartoonish in their portrayals. perhaps I've READ this story too many times.

Snow by Mike Bond is a well written action packed thriller.
I enjoyed the suspense throughout this book and I thought it was exciting with great plot twists, good characters and a satisfying ending.
I was very excited to start political thriller. Which kept me entertained and flipping takes kindle pages.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Thank You NetGalley and Mandevilla Press for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Three men. One, a pro football player, future hall of fame turned announcer. Another involved in bonds and security’s. The third, a hunting guide leading a simple life.
The three go on their annual hunting trip and while out hunting, one of them finds a recently crashed plane.
Upon closer inspection it is discovered that there is a particular illegal substance hidden in the plane. Said substance is worth millions of dollars.
This is very good for two of the men as they both have financial difficulties.
They decide to keep and then sell this substance.
And that is where the guide finds himself reluctantly involved .
I don’t want to give the end away. Let’s just say nothing goes as planned.
I do recommend this novel. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me this ARC..

Right off the bat I have to say this reminded me quite a bit of Scott Smith's A Simple Plan, though instead of finding money in a crashed plane a massive stash of cocaine is found. The characters were all fully fleshed out, felt like real people and it was easy to understand their motivations and even sympathize with their actions (even when they were making foolish decisions). Bond did a great job of pulling me in and then ratcheting up the tension. I was actually surprised by just how much I enjoyed this one and will definitely be checking out more of Mike's work. I'd like to thank Mandevilla Press, AuthorBuzz, and NetGalley for allowing me the chance to read and review an ARC of Snow.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/snow-mike-bond/1126755509?ean=9781949751109&bvnotificationId=8e356c86-075e-11ee-9d59-0ebbf99b797b&bvmessageType=REVIEW_APPROVED&bvrecipientDomain=gmail.com#review/250411546

What is right and what is wrong? This novel explores this fine line.

When a cocaine plane is found in the snow, two of the three passengers steal cocaine for their own reasons.

A DEA agent is hot on their tale. The cartel from which the drugs were stolen are also right on top of this.

When is it ok to cross the edge and who really determines it?

This is a fast paced thriller for a winter's day

Good setting and a fast paced plot but weak on characters, This might be one for an airplane ride- diverting and entertaining enough but not requiring much from the reader. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

Very intriguing plot. Kept me guessing! Get this book, you won't be disappointed but will be up late reading.