Member Reviews

Frozen Eden by Sarah Bewley is the second book in Eden County, Florida. When Bailey Braden is found by Sheriff Jim Sheppard and his Sgt. Dee Jackson beside a dead body. While trying to deal with freezing temperatures and solve the mystery of who killed Noel, the Sheriff is hampered by his connection to Bailey, which limits his involvement. I haven't read the first book in the series but am intrigued by the characters so will certainly read it and any others that come along.

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This book caught my attention with its ice storm in Florida, I immediately had to google if snow in Florida was a thing! I enjoyed the interaction between the characters and the investigation of the mystery. I took a chance knowing it was the second book in a series but was not hard to catch up with the characters and I now want to read the first book when I have a moment. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.

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Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Frozen Eden: An Eden County Mystery by Sarah Bewley is a captivating blend of mystery and suspense set against the unlikely backdrop of a frigid Florida. Bewley, known for her intricate plotting and deep character development, delivers a story that is thrilling and thought-provoking.

The novel opens with Sheriff Jim Sheppard and Sgt. Dee Jackson discovering Bailey Braden nearly frozen to death alongside the body of a murdered woman. This chilling scene sets the stage for a complex investigation that unfolds as an unprecedented ice storm grips Eden County. The stark contrast between the typically warm Florida setting and the icy conditions adds a unique layer of tension and atmosphere to the narrative.

Bewley’s characters are richly drawn and multifaceted. Sheriff Sheppard, a seasoned lawman with a strong moral compass, and Sgt. Jackson, a determined and resourceful investigator, make a compelling team. Their dynamic is one of the highlights of the book, as they navigate the challenges of the case and the harsh weather conditions. Bailey Braden, the only lead in the murder, is a character shrouded in mystery, and her survival becomes a race against time.

The plot of Frozen Eden is meticulously crafted, with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end. Bewley expertly weaves together multiple storylines, each adding depth and complexity to the central mystery. The pacing is impeccable, with moments of high tension balanced by quieter, introspective scenes that explore the characters’ motivations and backgrounds.

Bewley vividly brings Eden County to life, from the small-town charm to the eerie, ice-covered landscapes. The unusual weather conditions serve as more than just a backdrop; they become a character in their own right, influencing the actions and decisions of the characters. This environmental element adds a layer of realism and urgency to the story.

Frozen Eden delves into themes of survival, resilience, and the human capacity for good and evil. Bewley doesn’t shy away from exploring the darker aspects of human nature, while highlighting the strength and determination of her characters. The novel is a testament to the power of perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds.

Frozen Eden: An Eden County Mystery is a must-read for fans of mystery and suspense. Sarah Bewley has crafted a gripping tale that is emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating. With its well-drawn characters, intricate plot, and atmospheric setting, this novel is sure to captivate readers from start to finish. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the genre or new to Bewley’s work, Frozen Eden is a book that should not be missed.

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**Frozen Eden** is the second installment in the Eden County Mystery series.

In this chilling sequel, Sheriff Jim Sheppard and Sergeant Dee Jackson are called to a crime scene in Eden County, Florida, where they discover Bailey Braden in a shed with the body of a young woman. As they delve into the investigation, they uncover a web of potential suspects and motives.

The book offers a captivating mystery and plot, but what stood out most to me was the rich characterization. The camaraderie among the police and local residents, who rally together to support Bailey and solve the crime, adds depth and warmth to the story. The interactions often feel cozy and humorous, making for an enjoyable read. Plus, the presence of a lovable dog named Bonehead is a charming touch.

There's a lot more to uncover in this book, but I won’t spoil the details. If you enjoy intricate mysteries, engaging characters, and a fulfilling conclusion, **Frozen Eden** is well worth reading.

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Ever heard of a b-level movie? This is a b-level book. This is a solid 3 star book. It had great characters (I loved Dr. Ryan! Small town sheriffs and his deputies? Yes! The sheriff's son and since-elementary-school friend? Yes!) and a relatively great plot, but the overall writing was simplistic, the conversations stilted or awkward. The middle dragged on (maybe the whole book was about 50 pages too long?) and by the time we made it to the end it was well past time.

I appreciate that this is a very clean book—very little profanity and any used was mild, no explicit scenes or references. I liked it, and would even recommend it, just be prepared for the quality level.

Thanks for the ARC NetGalley.

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I’m not sure what I was expecting out of this one, but I think it definitely gives better winter vibes. I’ll reread then and see if it hits differently

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Good book, the freezing temps being described almost made me cold in this summer heat. I wish I had read the first book in this series before this one though, but I guess it doesn't matter. Maybe I'll go back and read it at some point. The characters interactions were well thought out and funny at some points which kept the story from being too serious all the time.

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Good murder mystery. Interesting characters and a edge of your seat story. Looking forward to more by this author.

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Get read for a fast paced murder mystery that will have you on the edge of your seat. Thinking about Florida in 20 degree weather almost had me shivering while I was reading. That or might have been the chills from Sheriff Jim and Sargent Dee trying to find out who the murderer is while keeping Bailey alive!! Get ready for ride that will keep you guessing!!

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I'm surprised by how much I liked this book, it's weird since it's not my usual genre of reading but I love a good mystery and this book gave it to me. All the clues, all the unknowns, all the characters…. I just liked, to see that deciphering someone's death is a bit more complicated when from the beginning you know who the killer is but at the same time you think that this person is not capable of that, the friendship and camaraderie relationship between the characters is what I liked the most. This book even though it will be released at the end of July is set in the year 2001, so the way of writing is very much of that time, but overall this book was good, it reads fast and even though it is told in different voices you can easily differentiate each character.

📌I received an e-arc through netgalley, and this is my honest opinion/review of it.

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I recently picked up my first book by this author and I am already hooked! After discovering there is a book #1 available, I can't wait to go back and read more.

Sheriff Jim Sheppard and Sgt. Dee Jackson discover Bailey Braden, nearly frozen to death, along with a murdered woman in Florida during freezing temperatures. They must save Bailey, protect the crime scene, and track down the killer. Sgt. Jackson investigates the case while Sheriff Sheppard keeps Bailey safe as the key witness.

The story is full of unexpected twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. The vivid setting makes you feel like you're right there, shivering along with the characters. Trust me, once you start reading, you won't be able to put it down.

I absolutely loved the storyline with its surprising twists and turns. Imagining Florida in such a cold setting gave me chills. It's even more impactful for me since I used to live in the Gainesville area. This book hits close to home in the best way possible.

Thank you NetGalley and Level Best Books for my ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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I really enjoyed this book and want to find others in the series. Plot is good with lots of twists. Characters are believable and I like their interactions

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