Cold as Hell is the third mystery in Kelley Armstrong's Haven's Rock series. Taking place in the Yukon in deep winter, this mystery is chilling in more than one way. With Casey very pregnant, it's not a good time to find a dead body in the woods outside of Haven's Rock. One of the things I love about this series (besides the dynamite mysteries) is how Armstrong balances the returning characters with new residents. I still hope these characters make their way to a screen eventually, but until then, spending a few days with them every year feels like visiting old friends or family, albeit with more murder. This one had one really clever twist that made my jaw drop.

I love this series as well as the previous Rockton series from which this is a spin-off. I've read them all. At the start of this one, it felt as though it was going to be all about Casey's final days of pregnancy and not as much action as usual. About a quarter of the way in, though, that changed. Although the pregnancy continued to be a big part of the story, it certainly didn't hold the action back. Another strong element of the plot was the powerful winter storm. In fact, when I had to set the book down (and believe me, I didn't want to), I would be amazed that there wasn't a storm raging outside. Much of the plot action is based around the cold, snow and wind brought in by the storm.

Casey and Eric are more complex than usual in this book, as they struggle with handling the exigencies of an end-of-term pregnancy with a killer in their midst and a storm cutting off both communication and travel. Both are usually the strong, tough-as-nails type, but in COLD AS HELL they must temper that with the needs of their immanent childbirthing. The storm and the killer it seems to protect also make them reflect upon the shortcoming of the policies they've put in place in Haven's Rock even as they deal with the consequences of those shortcomings.

The ending is one of those that kept me reading deep into the night, absolutely unable to set the book aside. Armstrong is among the best at making an impossibly implausible resolution feel possible in the moment. No spoilers here, but you'll know what I mean when you read this.

This is a strong addition to the series that has me wondering how Haven's Rock will change in book #4.

This book was well-written, mysterious, and action-packed. I was dropped in this atmospheric cold world and I never looked back. Excellent characters. Excellent story. I will admit I was skeptical about this book for two reasons. One - I read a couple of books from this author, and I had some issues with them. Second - normally, when I discover that I've picked up a book that's third in the series, I would shy away. I like reading a series in order because a lot of authors don't do a good enough job filtering in the past. That's not the case with this book on either point.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for providing an eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

I love the setting of the Yukon Wilderness and the atmosphere. Excited to the continue the goings on of Haven's Rock and Casey and Eric's story. Cold as Hell continues setting up the series as complex, atmospherics thrillers and well-developed characters that grow along the way. I love the relationship dynamics of Eric and Casey. And the supporting cast of characters are interesting and entertaining. The mystery is solid and looking forward to the rest of the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.

Detective Casey and her husband Eric run a brand new, off the grid community called Haven's Rock, in remote Alaska for individuals who need a safe place to hide, similar to witness protection. In this third book of the series a woman is dragged into the woods, but manages to escape her attacker, but then realization dawns that one of the other women in the community has gone missing. When she is found dead Casey and Eric must determine whether it was exposure as it seems or if there is something more sinister going on. Casey deals with a lot in this one, she truly is one bad ass woman!

I listened to the audiobook version with my hubby as well, and the narrator does an excellent job of capturing the emotions throughout the novel.

This book gave me one of those "book hangovers" and it was a while before I could get this book out of my head. I just love it when that happens, so that's why I'm giving it 5 stars. There's plenty of tension and suspense as a serial killer is uncovered among the Haven's Rock closed community. It wasn't supposed to be able to happen with the extensive background checks and such, but that was the cool part of this -- there was a great explanation for how everyone was fooled.

Casey and Eric are not only running this investigation into the killer among them, but Casey is in the last trimester of her pregnancy, and there's quite a bit of anxiety happening there. But it was the action sequences as Casey and Eric are stalking the killer that kept me on the edge of my seat and I just could not put this book down until I completed that incredibly suspenseful ending.

I just love this series. While this third book does reference action and people introduced in the first two installments, you won't have any trouble reading this without reading the others. Casey is an awesome heroine, and she really proves it in Cold as Hell.

Kelley Armstrong is back in Haven's Rock with her best story yet!

Cold as Hell has all the twists and mystery that if you have read Kelley you have come to expect, but this time there are even higher stakes! This story is so thrilling, but not in an over-the-top way. There was so much mystery and so many moving parts that keep you on the edge of your seat.

Honestly, I do not have any critiques of this book. I will say that you should check out any trigger warnings because there is murder etc.

I love this series, but this particular novel is my favorite yet. All the plot nuances that I have come to appreciate came together perfectly to create a story that surprised me and kept me on edge. Kelley Armstrong has created something really special with her Haven's Rock series and I cannot recommend it enough!

A wonderful, well written book incorporating well drawn characters that pulled me in immediately.. Simple to get back to after a short absence. I look forward to more of this series.

Haven’s Rock is a sanctuary town hidden deep in the Yukon for those who need to disappear from the regular world. Detective Casey Duncan and her husband, Sheriff Eric Dalton, are settled into their life, and Casey is pregnant. She is nearing delivery time, but she has a new case to investigate. Someone is taking women from the town and leaving them to die in extreme pain. One escapes, but the next night another disappears and is found dead. During a snowstorm, no one could hear her scream. The town is now in turmoil. Someone who lives there is a killer. Suspicions cause issues and Casey is afraid to leave, but knows she must for the safety of herself and her baby. Will they be able to find the killer before someone else ends up dead?

I enjoyed seeing what is happening in Haven's Rock, seeing the residents living their lives and supporting one another. When Casey's sister April discovers that there is a problem with Casey's baby, she tells her she needs to leave to have the baby. She and Eric try to prepare the others in their police force, but the murder puts a wrench in the works. I will say that this killer is really sick. As we learn more about previous deaths that were rather gruesome, I was scared for Casey. This was a complex story, one that was very atmospheric, had well developed characters and pulled me in from the start until the ending. I definitely recommend you read this series in order to see the growth of the community and meet the characters. The audiobook was well narrated by Thérèse Plummer. She is definitely the voice of this series. I enjoy the voices she gives the various characters with their accents and individuality. If you like audiobooks, I recommend you listen to this one.

I feel as though I would have enjoyed this one more if I’d read the first couple books. There was a lot of reference made to people/places that weren’t explained in this particular book. I do really like Casey and her grit!

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC publication for an honest review.

This was the perfect addition to this breakoff series! I highly recommend starting with the initial Rockton series to get the full experience...

I love how this series has evolved especially with my favorite couple Casey and Eric (Dalton) who are about to become parents in this book. Talk about full circle! Pause while I do a happy dance!!

This series has complex, well-developed characters. There is always a mystery and great suspense as well as moments of friendship and domestic intimacy that helps take the edge off from those heart pounding times.

Our detective Casey is close to the end of her pregnancy (one that has had some complications.). Eric and Casey are in the middle of investigating who drugged a resident when another woman goes missing. Then a snowstorm hits to make the gravity of the situation even more dire. Did I mention our heroine is about to have a baby!

We have so many interesting, not your run of the mill characters. The cast of suspects includes some of our favorites, too. I admit I suspected who the killer was but HOLY COW...the storyline was so intense as little by little layers were revealed. And the final showdown and the ending absolutely EPIC!! This was some masterful storytelling...I can hardly wait to see where this series goes!

5 stars

Totally forgot that this book was part of a series. However, I wasn't disappointed and enjoyed this knew to me author. Will go back and read the books before it.

I received this book as an arc through NetGalley so thank you to Kelley Armstrong and NetGalley for this opportunity.

Details:
1. Plot and Storytelling: ★★★★☆
Cold as Hell continues the journey of Casey and Eric in their remote Yukon town. While the mystery was engaging with a satisfying twist, I found this installment less captivating than previous books. The story’s premise—though surprising—felt like something that might have occurred earlier in the series. Side characters carried much of the interest for me, and while Kelley Armstrong’s storytelling remains excellent, this wasn’t my favorite book in the series.
2. Characterization: ★★★★☆
The side characters truly shone in this book, showing significant growth and adding depth to the story. Casey and Eric, though still complex and relatable, felt more settled in their roles, with less personal development compared to earlier books. That said, they remain flawed yet compelling protagonists who anchor the series.
3. Writing Style: ★★★★★
Kelley Armstrong’s writing is as sharp as ever, with tightly woven plots, vivid descriptions, and atmospheric tension. Her dialogue is crisp, and her ability to immerse readers in the harsh Yukon setting is unmatched.
4. Originality: ★★★½☆
While the overarching premise of Haven’s Rock remains unique, some elements of Casey’s journey have become predictable at this point in the series. However, Armstrong’s ability to craft an original and engaging mystery keeps things fresh overall.
5. Emotional Impact and Resolution: ★★★½☆
This book didn’t evoke a strong emotional response for me—it lacked the gripping intensity of earlier installments. However, the resolution was satisfying and could easily serve as a conclusion to the series (though it isn’t). While enjoyable, it didn’t leave me obsessed or deeply moved.

Overall Rating: ★★★★☆
Cold as Hell is a solid addition to Kelley Armstrong’s Haven’s Rock series. Though not my favorite installment, it offers an intriguing mystery, strong side characters, and Armstrong’s signature atmospheric storytelling. Fans of the series will appreciate revisiting this world but may find themselves longing for the spark of earlier books.

Kelley Armstrong has done it again!
Cold as Hell-the third book in the Havens Rock series.
AMAZING!
Kelsey Armstrong is one of my all time favourite authors, so when I was accepted to view this book as an ARC I was so excited!
This series is one of my top favourites as well!

Casey Duncan- Badass ex detective
Eric Dalton- Tough "Sheriff"

These two will always have you looking for the next twist! The first chapter hooks you in right away, and never gives way. You will feel yourself gripping the book with anticipation just waiting for what's going to happen next.

Thank you Netgalley and the Publisher for allowing me an opportunity to read Cold as Hell as an ARC.

Another great book in the Haven's Rock series. I loved the Rockton series and the Haven's Rock spinoff does not disappoint. Kelley Armstrong continues the series of a secret community hidden in Yukon for people who need to disappear from their lives "down south". There are several characters from the Rockton series who have moved to Haven's Rock as well as new residents to the town. Sheriff Eric Dalton and Detective Casey Duncan have their hands full protecting the residents as unfortunately trouble always seems to find it's way to the secluded town. Thanks to NetGalley for making this book available.

I did not realize this is book 3 in a series as enough background information was given, I was completely confused. I do however suggest starting with book 1. I know I am still left with questions over this little settlement.

Overall, I loved the story and the mystery. Several times I was holding my breath when it came to the pregnancy and labor of the MFC.

I will be reading the first two and excited for the next book.

How have I missed this series and its predecessor “Rockton” series. Holy sugar, I love the idea of this town and the problems that can arise from this setup. Kelley Armstrong has once again created a world within a world and I’m all there for it.

Obviously Haven’s Rock has a wide array of characters living there as everyone has secrets from their past lives that NO ONE knows about…can you say disaster in the making. (chuckle) I love it. (rubbing my hands gleefully) The diversity is amazing. Armstrong has a little bit of everything across the board from race to disability to mental health. I actually don’t have a favorite character because everyone was a suspect in this one. Okay, I just realized that I may have lied. I think I really like Sebastian, Mathias, and April because they are all no-nonsense. Now two of them are killers and I still love them (chuckle).

Now one would think having the main character and detective be eight-months pregnant might make this story less action-packed and you would have it wrong. The author manages to keep us on our toes through the mystery and nature’s own impact on the town and one very pregnant citizen. The mystery is good. I didn’t guess the killer, but I could see where Casey was going. The devil is in the details (chuckle).

I can’t get over how much I love this book and how I’m so late coming to this series as I am a fan of Armstrong’s. I’m going back to the beginning…so Rockton here I come. You don’t have to read any of the previous books to have a good time in Haven’s Rock. So no worries if you are late to scene like me.

This is my first foray into the series and whoa- it has off the charts mood. The mood pops you in the face from the very beginning. The mystery needs it, of course, but Armstrong is a Queen of Writing and this is amazing.

Characters- I love them. They are intently trying to solve the crimes, intently participating in life at Haven’s Rock.

The end was everything I hoped for in this unique book. Five stars all the way.

Once again another stellar book from Kelley Armstrong! I love this series and these characters.

I don't want to say too much, because I don't want to give anything away, but Casey is heavily pregnant, there is lots of snow, and a serial killer!

I want to thank Netgalley, St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for both a kindle and an audiobook of this story. I was able to read and listen off and on to this book. Having gotten a free book I still bought an the audiobook of this book for my audio library. I know that I will listen to this series again!

As always Therese Plummer adds a special something to the story making it come alive, to me she is Casey Butler.

Although you don't need to start this series with the Rockton series, I would advise it. You learn so much about the main characters if you start at the beginning.

Also Ms. Armstrong I would really love even a novella with Mathias's story!!

Cold as Hell is the 3rd book in the Haven’s Rock series but it’s the first one I have read. Obviously I was missing a little of the back story and the details of the events in the first 2 books that were mentioned, however I found it easy to follow along with and I was really invested in story.

Casey is a strong FMC and I loved everything about her. I liked the diversity of the characters and how the different relationships worked within the town. The world building is phenomenal and I felt like I could picture the town of Haven’s Rock and how everyone worked together to make everything happen.

As far as the actual case that was happening, I could not put the book down and had to know what was going on. I was shocked at times and horrified at others and it was everything you want in a detective story. I have to go read the first two books now.