I enjoyed this entry, but all these books have started to feel fairly predictable to me. The reveal of who the killer was is a twist that I absolutely saw coming - maybe I've read too many other suspense novels recently that used the very same tactic. Regardless, it was a quick, easy read that scratches the itch if you've already enjoyed the others in the Rockton/Haven's Rock series. 3.5 stars overall, rounded down due to predictability.

Kelley Armstrong’s Cold as Hell, the latest installment in the Haven’s Rock series, is a gripping and atmospheric thriller that showcases her masterful storytelling. Set in the secluded and enigmatic town of Haven’s Rock, the novel plunges readers into a world brimming with secrets, danger, and a community of close-knit, yet not always trustworthy characters. Armstrong weaves a tightly plotted mystery with rich character development, delivering a story that keeps you guessing until the very end. As always, her prose is immersive, drawing you effortlessly into the eerie charm and tension of her fictional setting.

As a longtime fan of Armstrong’s work, I was thrilled to preview this newest addition to the series. Cold as Hell exceeded my high expectations, combining sharp twists with emotionally resonant moments that deepen the stakes for the characters. The novel strikes a perfect balance between a standalone mystery and a continuation of the series’ overarching narrative, making it accessible for newcomers while rewarding for returning readers. With its compelling plot and expertly crafted suspense, this is a 4.75-star read for me and another stellar entry in Armstrong’s impressive bibliography.

It’s always good to catch up with the crew from Haven’s Rock (and formerly Rockton). This time around, Casey is very pregnant with her and Eric’s child, but unfortunately the remaining days before she gives birth are not going to be peaceful ones. A female resident at Haven’s Rock is nearly assaulted, and then another woman is murdered. Despite being quite physically limited, Casey is on the case, once again investigating to see who is the latest threat to the community (definitely time to work on the vetting process!).

While the storylines.in the Haven’s Rock/Rockton series can feel a little repetitive at times (only so much variety of mayhem can occur out in the middle of the woods I guess) this continues to be an engaging, well-written group of characters that carries the series. I’m personally more intrigued to see how Casey and Eric adapt to parenting in the wilderness than the next threat lurking in the forest, but I’ll be back for more either way!

This review comes with a heavy dose of bias because Armstrong's series has thoroughly claimed its spot as one of my all-time favorites. Sometimes you just have to own your bookish devotion.
The suspense in "Cold as Hell" is absolutely exhilarating. Armstrong knows exactly how to ratchet up the tension until you're holding your breath, gripping your e-reader (or book) with white knuckles. And setting it all against the backdrop of the remote northern territories? Perfect. The harsh, unforgiving landscape becomes a character in its own right, adding layers of intensity to every dangerous situation.
Getting to spend more time with this ensemble cast feels like reuniting with old friends – if your old friends regularly dealt with heart-stopping danger. These characters have taken up permanent residence in my mind, and for good reason. The group dynamics continue to evolve in satisfying ways that reward long-time readers.
At the heart of it all, Casey and Eric's relationship remains a highlight. Their solid partnership and the way they support each other through every challenge shows exactly how you write a strong couple without sacrificing individual character development. They've grown together without losing what made them compelling as individuals.
Would I recommend this book? Absolutely. Just know that between the pulse-pounding suspense, the masterful use of setting, and characters that feel like family, Armstrong proves once again why this series has such staying power.

This was an excellent mystery set in the Yukon. Detective Casey Duncan and her husband Sheriff Eric Dalton created a secret town so they could provide sanctuary for people who need it. In this third installment Casey is eight months pregnant but that does not slow her down when a local resident is abducted. The resident gets away but the abductor strikes again and this time the victim is not as lucky. With the weather against them and premature labor a possibility, the reader is left guessing as to what will happen next.

I love all of Kelley Armstrong's books no matter what genre she is writing in and this one did not disappoint. What I loved most about this mystery is that I thought I had it figured out but I was completely wrong. An action packed mystery set against really bad weather that will have you on the edge of your seat. I look forward to reading more in this series!

Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for this ARC.

As soon as I saw that there was a new book in this series I couldn't wait to start reading it. Haven Rock is a fascinating community that's still working out the bugs in the system. And that leaves room for lots of suspenseful action. A killer in their midst, a baby on the way, lots of residents with secrets... it all adds up to a great story.

The series is a fantastic look into living in a hidden town in the Yukon. Although the characters in the story always leave you wanting more, they are well rounded and you feel like you know them . This was a very pleasant, intriguing, suspenseful and fun read . I love reading about their adventures and there’s always something interesting a foot. Then of course Storm is simply wonderful. You just wanna cuddle up to her and bury your face in her fur. May Eric and Casey continue their adventures for a long time.

I first discovered Kelley Armstrong with her Women of the Otherworld series. I honestly think she just keeps getting better and better. The entire Haven's Rock series has been fantastic. This is a spin-off series to her Rockton series, which I also enjoyed, but in the Haven's Rock series Kelley has really brought her characters to life. I enjoyed the relationship between Casey and Eric, the suspense, and the mystery. This book kept me engaged right until the end! Highly recommend!

Kelley Armstrong's "Cold as Hell" is a gripping and atmospheric thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This novel is a masterclass in suspenseful storytelling, with a unique blend of mystery, horror, and supernatural elements.

Return trips to Haven's Rock never disappoint! The story line of Cold as Hell has been skillfully crafted to keep the reader intrigued and second guessing their deductions until the end. Not to be overlooked, the character arcs are brilliant. I adore the fact that the characters are all real and sometimes gritty. That they have flaws and make mistakes and take the wrong steps and aren't perfect. It all adds up to making them feel real and believable and leaves the reader rooting for them to win. If you're looking for a book that will entertain, intrigue, and not disappoint - this is the book for you.

The Haven's Rock series is an electrifying sequel to the captivating Rockton series. While reading the “Rockton series first is not essential, doing so will enrich your experience and deepen your connection to the story and characters. In "Cold as Hell," the series' third book, our beloved characters are settling into their new lives in the enigmatic town of Haven’s Rock, hidden away in the breathtaking Yukon wilderness. “Haven’s Rock” is meant to be a sanctuary for those in need escaping peril in the outside world—but it’s clear that safety is a delicate facade. Casey and Duncan made sure that they made changes in policy when they began building Haven’s Rock. Learning from the mistakes made by the council in “Rockton.” Learning from what didn't work in Rockton.

When a woman is drugged and attacked, Casey and Eric find themselves in a race against time. With Casey eight months pregnant, they must unearth the identity of the attacker and fly to a hospital before any complications arise. A fierce white-out blizzard descends as they begin their investigation, heightening the stakes and sending the tension soaring.

The suspense in this story is an exhilarating whirlwind! With many suspects, clever red herrings, and a pulse-pounding pace, the explosive climax had me on the edge of my seat, practically biting my nails. The ensemble cast is fantastic, each character adding depth to the thrilling narrative. I love the setting—being off the grid in the remote northern wilderness creates a captivating atmosphere where a tight-knit community must unite and trust one another to survive. The fact that everyone is there under assumed names with hidden pasts adds another layer of intrigue, making it a perfect breeding ground for gripping thriller scenarios.

If you’re a fan of Kelley Armstrong’s masterful storytelling, you won’t want to miss either the Rockton or Haven's Rock series. And if you’re new to her work but enjoy compelling police procedurals, mysteries, or thrilling murder plots, I wholeheartedly recommend starting with the Rockton series before diving into Haven's Rock. This series is an exciting adventure you won’t want to miss. I highly recommend it.

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books and NetGalley for providing me with this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. Cold as Hell” expected release date is February 18, 2025

I was given this book for 72 hours by NetGalley. I read it in 48 - it's that fast paced and good. In this installment, one of the women in Haven's Rock is escapes a kidnapping; another isn't so lucky. Casey, Eric and crew have to protect their town - but Casey is very pregnant, creating a time crunch. We get to spend more time with Sebastian and Mathias here, and learn more about how the new town works. We don't spend much time with the other settlements, but this is an engaging mystery and I didn't know whodunit until the end. The personal ending, with the baby, was a little predictable but handled well.

I love this series and this was a strong installment, perfect for tucking into on a cold winter night. The only thing with this series at this point - this book could standalone, but you would get so much more from starting the series at the beginning.

I received a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I was a fan of this author's Rocton Series and Haven's Rock is a continuation of that series. So I jumped at the chance to read this next installment. As such, I knew going in this book is the kind of book I like.

The first thing to know is that this series is the kind that is better read in order. It would be best to start with the Rocton series which has the same main characters and many overlapping characters as well. They change and grow and the storylines make the most sense if you read them in order where you can appreciate this. However, each book is a self contained story with out cliff hangers or the main storyline carrying over. So you could read a single one and still get enjoyment out of them.

These books are mystery suspense. They do a good job of ratcheting tension while trying to figure out the central mystery. They are set in a rural Alaskan Wilderness town where people go to disappear for a while. As such, the town tries to stay off the grid and it can be a bit primitive in some respects. That concept from the beginning alone was intriguing and then you add the additional characters, some mystery and suspense and I was sold. This book carries on in that tradition and I gobbled it up. I have come to love the characters and have enjoyed each installment. I highly recommend both this book and this series overall.

Being eight months pregnant is not easy at the best of times but it is much harder when you live in a secret town isolated in the Yukon where you (along with your husband and a colleague) are responsible for law enforcement and security. Especially when one of the residents is drugged and attacked, then another resident goes missing during a blizzard, only to be found dead, apparently due to exposure (hypothermia) but signs suggest it was a sadistic murder. Suspects are limited but still too many options, and plenty of confusion, as someone seems to be going out of the way to make a particular resident appear guilty. The story is full of surprises, along with a colorful cast of characters.

This was goooood. Kelley Armstrong is a new to me author and I fell in love with the cover when I saw it on NetGalley so I jumped in blind. I didn’t pick up that this was a series until I was a couple chapters in and it was too late for me to put it down at that point, the intro chapter already hooked me in lol.

This book is set in a secretive town in the remote Yukon wilderness that provides a refuge for people needing to disappear. Since I didn’t read the first two in the series but plan on it, I’m going to assume the series like this book has the main character Detective Casey solving the crime.

This book stressed me out lol. The isolation and snow storm added layers of tension and claustrophobia to the plot. I appreciated the twists and red herrings along the way that kept me guessing until the big reveal. I think I likely would have appreciated it more had I known these characters prior to jumping into an already running series. Nonetheless, 4 stars for me and i will going back to read the first book since im invested now.

Thank you to NetGalley & St. Martin's Press for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review!

I am a huge Kelley Armstrong fan. No matter what genre, I can count on her novels for an enjoyable read. This book didn't disappoint. It's the third book in the Haven Rock series. A decent mystery but what I found most interesting are the characters. With each installment we learn more about the characters and their relationships. Ms. Armstrong has a knack for creating compelling characters that keeps me riveted as the mystery unravels.

I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC.

I received a copy of this from Netgalley in exchange for a review.

I love anytime I get to visit Casey and Dalton in Haven’s Rock. I love seeing how the town and residents are growing, and see how Casey and her crew manage to stop the big bad that’s happening. This time, someone appears to want to assault women living in the town, by drugging them and taking them towards the forest. The first person manages to escape, but then in the middle of a blizzard, the second victim is lead astray by the prepared perpetuator. I’d say murderer, but this particular person seems to enjoy the steps leading up to the murder maybe more than the death itself. But who in Haven’s Rock would do this?? Conflicting stories from residents about who they saw in a very low visibility storm compound the issue.

Also concerning? During all this, Casey is SO pregnant. And she’s had a couple scares this pregnancy as well. The blizzard keeps her and Eric from flying out to stay in Whitehorse, so she’s able to continue her investigation until skies are clear, but is that enough?

Kelley Armstrong pulls me into everything she writes - I was on edge the entire second half of this book wondering who was the murderer and what would happen to Casey and the baby. The climax of the book? Definitely could not put down. The way she created a way for this murderer to be in Haven’s Rock that made sense, and also leaves things open for future changes to the process of bringing people in was great. The danger Casey was placed in while in labor? My heart rate skyrocketed even though I knew it would end well. And it did. Casey and the baby healthy and at home, Haven’s Rock back to having no dangerous murderers, and the murderer in this story having been dealt with in a way that was completely justified.

I can’t wait for the next book in the series and to see how my favorite small town family grows!

Haven's Rock is an unusual place just over the Canadian border. It seems there is no money there - just points. And you have to undergo a deep background check to move there. At any rate, Casey is the detective and she's trying to determine who drugged Kendra enough to drag her out to the woods to kill. Kendra is rescued in time, but another girl goes missing. This is problematic in and of itself, but worse for 2 conditions. It's winter and it's darned cold and a storm has passed over the area with plenty of snow. It makes finding tracks difficult. White out conditions make the search impossible. And one other condition - Casey is 8 months pregnant and she's feeling cramps as the baby tries to turn itself around for a correct birth. So the time limit is short both for the birth - but also for solving the crime.
When a 3rd girl is taken, the plot thickens and hastens. You know who the perpetrator is - but where is he?
Really well written, and it goes at a fast pace (I finished in 2 days).

Haven’s Rock is the sanctuary that Rockton was supposed to be. Or so Casey Duncan and her husband Eric Dalton thought. They, as detective and sheriff, had been an integral part in planning for everything. Again, so they thought. After the rocky start to the town opening when Max was lost, things had been settling into a more normal Yukon winter pace. But when one of the residents is drugged and then dragged into the woods kicking and screaming, things snap back to reality. The resident is saved just in time. Then the snowstorm hits, a resident goes missing, and complications suddenly arise in Casey’s pregnancy.

This is the third book in this series by Kelly Armstrong. I went into this knowing I’d love the writing style, but unsure how Armstrong was going to be able to create another murder mystery in the Yukon setting without it starting to feel repetitive but also push the overall series forward. Casey, having a traumatic backstory and this amazing character growth throughout the Rockton series (Prior to Haven’s Rock series), continues to grow. The fact that she’s struggling to solve a suspected murder while rapidly approaching her due date, was interesting enough to keep me reading the story. I won’t say this is my favorite book in the two series featuring Casey and Dalton, but it is a worthy addition.

I would recommend this to any fan of Kelley Armstrong and anyone who likes murder mysteries. This is a twist on the closed-door murder mystery, and one that I sadly saw coming before Detective Casey did - can she blame it on the baby brain? Fast paced and thrilling, it’s a good read for crime lovers.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for providing me with an eARC of this book to read and review.

Content Warnings:
Major - Pregnancy, Murder
Moderate - Sexual assault, Torture, Violence

Another excellent entry in the Haven’s Rock series. Armstrong’s character development and depth really soar, making this a mystery/thriller series which is fun to come back to again and again, even knowing the twists and turns. Truly an auto-buy author, and I hope this series has many more books to come following Casey and the Haven’s Rock family.