“I’d like to stanch the tears and dowse the anger and control the frustration but retain that ability to show people that I love and value them. And if it’s not possible to have all that, then maybe keeping the tears and the rage isn’t entirely a bad thing.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨

I cannot think of a better way to start 2025 than with a review of a book by my favourite author, Kelley Armstrong.

But before we jump in, please know that this was an advance readers copy sent to me in exchange for an honest review.

Now let’s get into it!

For those that do not know, this is the third book in the Haven’s Rock series which is a spin off of Armstrong’s Rockton series.

I really did not see the point of having this spin off series, initially. I thought the story had ran its course but Armstrong keeps proving me wrong and Cold as Hell drives it home that there is more story to tell.

So what I liked:

1. I love Armstrong characters and character development. The strong portrayal of woman along with the fact that she keeps adding in more complex conversations around social constructs, mental illness, disabilities, and the systemic issues/bigotry that racial and minority groups face.

2. Her writing style is very readable/digestible making her works hard to put down and Cold as Hell is no exception.

3. The plot was very fast paced in this one and I was engaged the entire time.

Now for what I didn’t like:

1. This one felt rushed and more of a filler book. The issues that were previously raised, that we would assume would carry over into the rest of the series, were hardly mentioned and played zero part in this book.

2. The who-do-it aspect was incredibly predictable. I guessed it right away and I think most people would as well.

But overall I enjoyed it. If you are a fan of thriller/mystery novels, with an off the grid setting, you need to check this series out. This one does deal with some very dark themes, however, and I do recommend checking out and CW before hand.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fantastic addition to the series.

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Kelley Armstrong, and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

After discovering the previous series connected to Haven’s Rock, I could not get enough of Kelley Armstrong’s writing. I followed the stories through to the development of this new series and have been just as enthralled with the writing. Haven’s Rock is a hidden and private community tucked into the Yukon Territory in Canada’s North. It has limited access, but all the problems of any community, including infighting and criminal activity. When Detective Casey Duncan and Sheriff Eric Dalton are called out to help with a woman who was drugged and almost attacked, they are on edge. Soon thereafter, another woman goes missing, with more drastic outcomes. A killer is on the loose and a winter storm is pushing in, sure to cover all evidence under a pile of snow. Now Casey and Eric must rush to find the killer and set things right. Armstrong delivers a gripping thriller that had me hooked until the final pages.

Haven’s Rock has made a discrete name for itself as a place people can go to disappear from the mainstream, for reasons determined by the local council. Nestled in the backcountry of Canada’s Yukon Territory, Detective Casey Duncan and her husband, Sheriff Eric Dalton, run a tight ship, though many are quite respective of the community rules. When a knock comes on their door in the middle of the night, news that a local woman had been drugged and almost attacked in the woods leaves many to wonder what is going on. The drug in her system is not commonly found and only a single resident has a prescription. Could this be an assault that went sideways?

As Casey and Eric continue their investigation, a severe winter storm blows into the region, sure to create havoc for many. Soon thereafter, the naked body of another resident is found, likely tossed to face the elements. With no hope of bringing her back to life, Casey and Eric ensure she receives a thorough autopsy, which might shed some light on what happened. Beginning to question those who last saw the victim. Casey and Eric cobble together the truths they are meant to believe.

All the while, Casey is working through the final trimester of her pregnancy and Eric is overly protective, worried about any exertion. Casey cannot accept bedrest, especially with a killer on the loose, and must piece things together to stop the killings while fingering the guilty party. Haven’s Rock was supposed to be a place away from this sort of violence, but no one can truly trust their neighbours, with their backstories a mystery to everyone. Armstrong adds another wonderful novel to this series that has had me on the edge of my seat from the outset.

I love a good thriller series and Kelley Armstrong has never failed to impress. Using the Canadian North as its setting adds increased mystery to the story and keeps the reader from feeling they have entered anything too repetitive. The narrative clips along in this story, tossing out many storylines for the reader to follow. The momentum is propelled with numerous happenings in a great setting, providing something that lurks in the background for something to derail. Great characters offer up a flavouring to keep the reader curious and provides added depth to Haven’s Rock and the community as a whole. Plot points not only expound on the various characters in town, but also offer surprises to keep the story clipping along and adds new wonders that are sure to be addressed in future stories. I cannot wait to see what Kelley Armstrong has to offer with this ever-evolving series.

Kudos, Madam Armstrong, for another winner in this series!

I absolutely love this series, but I have a question. How can there be so many murders in an isolated village with so few residents such as Rockton or Haven's Rock?

That thought aside, Cold As Hell is another great installment to Shannon Mayer's series.

The book can be read stand alone but you will be missing the back story of how Casey and Dalton came to be in the Yukon with a motley crew of people who cannot be protected by Witsec.

The characters are well developed and continued to evolve with each book in the series.

Not a cozy mystery

In the third book of Kelley Armstrong’s Haven’s Rock series, all is not what it seems:

Blizzards are a natural occurrence when one lives in an isolated town in the middle of the Yukon. What is not common is Haven’s Rock is for a woman to be drugged during that blizzard and someone attempts to kidnap her. Even though the plan is thwarted Casey still needs to investigate where the drugs came from and who would was trying to drag her into the forest. The hunt is on for a dangerous person who uses the blizzards Mother Nature provides to their advantage.

The original series, Rockton, and this new spin off is one of the my favourites out there. I love that Armstrong is still inventive in her storylines and I each book does not repeat what has occurred before. Is there a bit of a formula sure, but Armstrong is always adding new factors to it.

Just when you think you know what is going on, it totally flips on you and i loved that about this book. I should know by now that Armstrong is more than likely going to surprise me. This one is my favourite so far in the Haven Rock series so far.

The addition of Casey being pregnant in this book added a new dynamic not just to her relationship with Dalton but also her ability to investigate. One can only do so much with an 8-9month pregnancy especially in the wilderness in the winter.

I would be okay if Armstrong decided this was the last book in the Haven Rock series, but I dont hink that it will be. There are still some loose end and avenues for stories to come but I really enjoyed not only this book but Dalton and Casey’s story arc.

As long as Armstrong writes with series I will read it. I really enjoyed this addition to the series.

Enjoy!!!

Kelley Armstrong’s Cold as Hell delivers a thrilling and intense entry into the world of supernatural mysteries, mixing gripping suspense with fascinating character development. The novel follows the strong-willed protagonist as she navigates a world where danger lurks around every corner, with a compelling blend of supernatural elements, mystery, and action.

Armstrong’s world-building is fantastic, as she expertly crafts a universe full of dangerous creatures, complicated alliances, and shifting powers. The pacing is well-balanced, keeping readers engaged with heart-pounding action and intriguing plot twists. Armstrong’s writing style is engaging and fluid, and her ability to create vivid, multi-dimensional characters shines through.

However, there are a few moments where the plot feels predictable, and some secondary characters could have been more developed. While Cold as Hell is a solid addition to the series, it doesn’t quite reach the emotional depth of some of Armstrong’s previous works. Still, for fans of supernatural thrillers, this book offers plenty of suspense and intrigue.

Overall, Cold as Hell is an enjoyable read that will leave fans eagerly awaiting the next installment. Armstrong once again proves her skill in blending the supernatural with real-world stakes, delivering a story that’s both dark and captivating.

I absolutely love the Haven's Rock series. "Cold As Hell", the third book in this series, is non-stop action. In this novel, Detective Casey and her husband, Sherriff Eric Dalton, are expecting their first child. This pregnancy has had a few bumps in the road, and they are ready to fly out at a moments notice if she experiences and more problems. This child is a much wanted but unexpected child. Casey suffered injuries when she was in college and never expected that she could carry a child to full term.

But, as everyone knows, things in Casey and Eric's life seldom goes to plan. Someone drugged and very nearly dragged one of the female residents off into the woods. Only by happenstance does this get interrupted.

Casey begins having some problems and she and Eric decide that they need to leave, but a big snowstorm storm hits, and another woman goes missing.

Armstrong gives us her quality writing and suspenseful tale culminating in a hang on to your seat ending.

Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this fantastic ARC. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

WOW. My new favorite Kelley Armstrong book!!! This story was an amazing piece of the story of Casey Butler and Eric Dalton! It flew by but ESPECIALLY the last 1/3 of the book - finished reading in only a few hours.

This series of crimes she had to solve was so different from the others in the Rockton and Havens Rock series but felt familiar at the same time. I can’t say too much without spoiling the story but this is easily my favorite of all the Rockton/Havens Rock books. The length was perfect. I loved getting to know Yolanda as a character better. I missed Phil and Isabel, felt like they were not included at all. April is “growing up” and learning a lot. Carson was perfect. Grant was just terrible enough to be a good antagonist even though he wasn’t the bad guy here. Matthias got sassy there but when is he not? Applauses for Sebastian. Loooovvveee Anders as always. Dalton and Casey and Storm and the baby make such a good family and I cannot wait to find out what happens next for them!

I also appreciated that it was entirely in first person / Casey’s POV. The previous book threw me off a bit when it went into third person for a few chapters.

Thank you to Kelley and St Martins Press for the approval to read early via NetGalley!!!!

I didn't enjoy it as much as I wanted to. Perhaps reading the previous books will provide more of the characters' backgrounds. the story tries to check too many boxes than yours telling a story...That was all for me, but other readers may find it engaging.

Kelley Armstrong never fails to provide a thrilling mystery. “Cold As Hell” is one of those works of fiction that makes supper late. This is another Haven’s Rock mystery in a series, but this can stand on its own …featuring murder, secretive people and a full term pregnancy in the northern woods. The series is highly recommended and each sequel gets more interesting.
Thank you to St Martins Press and Net Galley for this preview book.

Cold as Hell is a Haven's Rock Novel by Kelley Armstrong. There are several references to Rockton Community, but it did not affect my enjoyment of this novel since I did not read that series. This story begins with a prologue that is attention grabbing then continues to be so until the very end. Detective Casey Duncan and her husband, Sheriff Eric Dalton, find themselves immersed in a case of women being attack in their settlement. What’s more it seems that the attacks must be from someone there. This addictive story kept me reading long into the night as I was as concerned for the expectant mother Casey as Eric was. Then the attacks do not seem to stop so that makes this even mor of a compelling read.

The story is a twisty convoluted one from the beginning. Until Casey begins putting the clues, facts, and information she learns, I did not have a clue who was the guilty one but, boy, is it a complicated and smart killer, questioning how the people brought into the community are chosen. A must read for anyone following the series.

Okay I'm torn about this one because I overall love this series and the characters. But for some reason the first 75 percent of this book dragged. There was a lot of spinning in circles which I get was kind of the point but not super enjoyable as a reader. The last 15 percent was really fun but I may not have stuck around if I hadn't read all the other books in the series. Overall, a disappointing addition to this series but I will still read the next one.

What. A. Ride!!! I always love these books, the series is very binge-able. The progression of the relationship with all the characters has been very engaging all along.
this book, however, has so many twists and turns, my eyeballs had whiplash!!
The final face off scene is OMG off the charts crazy. I hope there are many more books to come.

The 3rd title in the Haven's Rock series, Kelley Armstrong sets another mystery in the sanctuary town in the frozen Yukon. After an attempted kidnapping and murder, Detective Casey Duncan finds it difficult to conduct the investigation when the backgrounds of the town's citizens are unknown besides being 9 months pregnant!

This was quite surprising. I found myself turning the pages to see how this would play out especially with a killer on the lose, a blizzard and a pregnancy. This was a good page turner.

The “pregnant detective giving birth and facing danger while doing so” is one of my two least favorite tropes in detective fiction. Cold as Hell is definitely an exception to that rule. Casey continues on as a calm, competent detective doing her job, no matter the complications thrown at her. Dalton is always at her side, supporting and encouraging her, even when he has misgivings. They are one of my favorite fictional couples.

Haven’s Rock and its inhabitants continue to be intriguing and sometimes unnerving. Reading the Rockton series first helps to give an understanding of the psychology of Haven’s Rock, but it’s not essential. The setting of the Canadian Yukon is a much a character as the humans.

As always, the mysteries are complicated and have unexpected twists leading up to the climax. This was no exception. Very much looking forward to the next book in this series.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review

In the sanctuary town of Havens Rock a resident is drugged and dragged into the woods near her home. The town, hidden in the Yukon, is for persons that want to disappear from the regular world. Now as a blizzard starts, Casey , who is near term in a difficult pregnancy and her husband need to find a dangerous killer among them. A thrilling page turner that takes you through many emotions begins. I highly recommend this series as each is more thrilling than the last.

Haven's Rock was supposed to be better then Rockton, but things don't always work out exactly as planned. That's why a heavily pregnant Casey Butler is tramping - or being pulled- through snow looking for a missing woman. Because It had to be that she just got lost, not that a murderer had somehow found their way in to the sanctuary. This has everything to keep you turning the pages!

Rounded up to 4.5 Stars!!!

Kelley Armstrong writes another atmospheric tale in the latest installment of the Havens Rock series! Casey and Eric continue to police and manage the new town of Havens Rock. They are expecting their first child, and Casey has had some scares in her pregnancy. One night, the social worker for the town, Kendra, is drugged and attacked. However, she gets away, and soon Casey and the team are investigating and trying to figure out who would do this. The citizenship in Havens Rock is small, so they begin looking into some of the locals. As the investigation begins, a huge blizzard is heading their way- and another local woman- Lynn goes missing. When they discover her- it is one of the most horrifying scenes they have experienced. And it is at this point that Casey starts having issues with her pregnancy, and she and Eric must fly out after the storm to go see her doctor/specialist. However, during this trips, Casey discovers a suspect that is close to everyone in the community. As she and Eric try to call on the Sat phone, there is no answer. They become frantic with worry, and as the situation with the pregnancy calms down, they head back- only to walk into another nightmare.

Whew! I absolutely loved the Rockton series, and this spin-off (so to speak!), is a continuation of the fantastic series. Armstrong is a master at atmospheric reads. I was completely enveloped in the bitter cold and isolation of Havens Rock. My adrenaline was rushing when they were tracking the killer, and I found myself wrapping up in two blankets as I read about the blizzard and the white out! Havens Rock is as much a main character as Casey, Eric, Storm and Anders. I absolutely love when authors include the setting as a way to propel the story and add atmosphere and tone, and Armstrong continues to excel in this as is also evident in the Rockton, Cainesville, and A Rip Through Time series. She also continues to be a master of world building, paying attention to the big and little details of her worlds!

Casey is a very good investigator, and with her dog, Storm- she is becoming quite good at tracking. I love the community and how they work together and help each other. The police team is tight knit, and knows the community well. I also love how they are "minimal" in Havens Rock, with very little electronics. It is a very "organic" and human place, and it is fast paced. While they rely on computer searches and information- it is still old fashioned police work and wilderness training that gets the job done!

I will warn that the deaths are brutal and I was a bit horrified at what the victims went through. However, the weakness in the system that is in place to filter applicants to live in Havens Rock was revealed, and now the team needs to refine this issue.

Highly recommend to people looking for an atmospheric, dark, read that takes place in secluded locations!!

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.

If you’re in the mood for a thriller, check out Cold as Hell by Kelley Armstrong. This book was a page turner.