Kelley Armstrong delivers another winner-winner-chicken-dinner with "Cold as Hell". This is the third book in her Haven's Rock series and it was a great addition to it.

Kelley Armstrong just keeps getting better! The Haven's Rock series is just as good, if not better than Rockton! I love the characters so much and the suspense and mysteries in them always leave me guessing. I cannot wait for more!!

As Casey nears the end of her pregnancy, she lets nothing, including her worried husband, stop her from investigating the things that are keeping Haven's Rock from being the sanctuary it's supposed to be. Casey and her husband, who just happens to be the sheriff, don't know who they can trust ... and who they should not trust for even a minute.

I'm sad to say that I didn't like Cold as Hell as much as I did the first two books. For one thing, I dislike it when characters sometimes go by their first names and other times go by their last names. There were a lot of characters in Cold as Hell, which made it more of a challenge to keep up with everyone. But one of my bigger complaints was with Casey thinking she's totally indispensable.

Does this mean I'm not going to read any additional books in the series? Oh, heck no!! I've enjoyed the first two books - especially the one right before this, The Boy Who Cried Bear! I find Casey's sister, April, to be fascinating, and Casey and Eric make a fabulous couple. And then there is the Newfie, Storm. I love her so much!! Bring on book #4!

Many thanks to both #StMartinsPress and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of Cold as Hell. This book is #3 in the #HavensRockSeries, and has an expected publication date of February 18, 2025.

* Thank you NetGalley & Minotaur Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review *

I've been reading the Rockton/Haven's Rock series for series now, and they rarely disappoint. Cold as Hell is unique from the others in that our MC, Casey, is heavily pregnant and cannot be the (physically) ass-kicking heroine chasing down suspects that we've all come to love. It is still wildly entertaining, and jam packed with adventure, mystery, and action.

And that scene by the lake... wow. Just wow!

I will, of course, be following this series until the very end.

I love a good Rockton/Haven’s Rock book - they are one of my guilty pleasures. Even tho the story lines are always twisted and gruesome, they’re formulaic and a great palette cleanser for me between books that are more difficult. I read them in one sitting typically and they always go something like this…

Someone kills someone else in this intentional community for people seeking an escape from danger or trouble back home. Detective Casey Duncan and her husband Sheriff Eric Dalton + Storm, the greatest Newfoundland ever - are on the case. They have a rag tag group of loyal and trustworthy helpers - the inner circle - who all have their own trouble to escape but are dedicated to weeding out the bad elements and keeping their community safe.

This one was no different although with a very very pregnant Casey at the center of the story, it’s definitely a bit wild (and maybe a little unrealistic) at times. Another fast read with another cliffhanger leading us into the next book - which I’ll read as well!

I like this series it was a good addition to her books . I felt it was a good engaging read with a good plot . Overall a good read
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review the book

It is such a good season for mystery and thriller books. Cold as Hell was the latest that I’ve read. I didn’t want to put this book down.

This book is third in the series, but I read it as a stand-alone. I did feel like I was missing some pieces or some of the background information.
Casey is pregnant with her and Eric’s first child, but unfortunately the remaining days before she gives birth are pretty tough for her. A female resident at Haven’s Rock is drugged and nearly assaulted, and then another woman is murdered. Despite her physical limitations Casey is on top of the investigation until the very end.
This book was definitely suspenseful and kept me engaged.
Worth the read if you’re into thrillers but I would suggest reading the other books in the series.

Thanks to St Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ebook arc in exchange for my honest review.

I loved it! So very much! I can't move on to anything else because my mind won't let go of this book. This is my favorite series from my favorite author. Casey is incredibly thorough in her investigations because she looks at everything from all angles. It's gratifying to watch her work through it since she doesn't entirely dismiss some of her theories but comes back around to them when new insights arise. The town is beautiful and I love Eric and her dog as much as she does.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I'm going to start this review with a caveat. I was not (and I see I wasn't alone looking through other advanced reviews) aware this was part of a series when I requested this title. Therefore, I can only review this title honestly with that consideration in mind.

I found this book very difficult to get into. Partly because there was valuable back story and context that I had missed from the first two titles in the series. But, here is the first factor in my overall rating; there was absolutely no explanation as to why the characters (and there were a lot) found themselves in this closed settlement in the Yukon. I can't get my head around why there wasn't even a brief explanation for people who stumbled into the series (like myself.) Additionally, it took me the longest time to realize that Eric/Dalton was the same character. Again, I attribute this to missing the first two books. Moreover, it wasn't until 250 pages in that I learned Anders/Will were the same character.

I felt this could have been established and clarified for new readers very early on without much effort and avoided this unnecessary confusion.

As for the plot, it was mostly dialogue driven which I don't usually mind but a lot of the interactions were really mundane and it took me a while to work out the dynamics between the characters as there were about 20 of them in total. The climax to the story was very far fetched in my opinion with one shocking conclusion basically just ignored by the main character, which seemed at odds with the entire plot as they spent the entire story trying to solve a brutal crime.

If you're familiar with the series, I suspect you'll enjoy it. As a newbie, I didn't feel the same.

2/5.

I was begging for more after the end of The Boy Who Cried Bear, and this one didn't disappoint. We've reached a point where the characters are well-established, and the stakes were really upped in this book. I can't say much more than that without spoiling the book, but let's just say this one scene was absolutely insane, in the best way. (view spoiler)

The mystery here was outstanding, I was thrown in many directions looking for the culprit, and when the big reveal came there was an additional twist to make it even better. Several of the characters featured weren't particularly likeable, but it was precisely the complicated relationships they had with our leads which added to the story. My only disappointment was that there wasn't any mention of the miners? I'm hoping to get my answers in book four.

I’m ever so glad that the Rockton series continues! It’s a challenging series to write at this point because the new community is small enough that pulling off a surprise mystery becomes harder with each book. I guessed the “baddie” early enough, if only by process of elimination. I had issues with some of Casey’s decisions at the end, but I’m looking forward to what’s next for the gang. I hope we see more of the core group in the next one!
*Thanks to St Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ebook copy

This book is third in the series and i read it as a stand alone. I’ll definitely be adding the other two to my TBR as i feel like i was missing some pieces, but reading it as a stand alone would be fine. It was so suspenseful and that kept me turning pages. I believe i even got goosebumps during certain parts (no spoilers). Definitely worth the read if you’re into thrillers!

Cold as Hell by Kelley Armstrong feels like a homecoming for fans of the Rockton series. Diving back into the lives of Casey, Dalton, and Anders was a thrill, as Armstrong continues to develop these beloved characters while breathing life into the newer additions to the series. The duplicity of Casey and Dalton's situation is handled masterfully, adding depth to their dynamic that kept me on edge. The story's pacing is perfect—fast enough to keep you hooked but never rushed. I found myself holding my breath with every chapter, utterly engrossed. I devoured this book in hours, leaving me eagerly anticipating what’s next for these characters. Armstrong has once again delivered a captivating read that fans will love.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC copy of “Cold as Hell” in exchange for an honest review.

I will start by saying that I love the Rockton/Havens Rock series and I am always anticipating the next installment. This certainly did not disappoint!

Casey is very pregnant with her and Eric’s first child, but unfortunately the remaining days before she gives birth are not going to be easy for her. A female resident at Haven’s Rock is drugged and nearly assaulted, and then another woman is murdered. Despite being quite physically limited, Casey is on top of the investigation until the very end

I love to see how the stories of each of the characters unfold as the series continues. Ican't wait to see what is in store for Casey and Eric as new parents in the wilderness!

*CRACK* That is the sound of Kelley Armstrong hitting it out of the ball park with Cold as Hell!!! This is how you do it! Cold as Hell is a gripping, intense, atmospheric, suspenseful, moving, and chilling page turner! Another fantastic addition to her Haven's Rock Series!!!!! I was fully invested in this book from the very first page and did not want to put this book down.

Haven's Rock is a haven/sanctuary deep in the Yukon. It is a place for people to disappear and start over. You must be willing to live in a beautiful yet isolated setting. Residents rely on the land, each other and Detective Casey Duncan and her husband, Sheriff Eric Dalton to keep them safe. Both are dedicated to their jobs and keeping the people of Haven's Rock safe. During a snowstorm, they find themselves searching for a sinister and vicious killer who has been taking women into the snow filled woods to kill them. Making things more difficult is that Casey is nearing the end of her pregnancy and trudging through the snow is not as easy as it once was.

I was blown away when I read the first book in this series, Murder at Haven's Rock, and devoured The Boy Who Cried Bear. Cold as Hell continues this amazing, atmospheric and beautifully written series. I love the characters of Casey and Eric. Both are strong, intelligent, tough, and devoted to keeping the residents of Haven's Rock safe. The supporting cast of characters are fantastic as well. The setting is also wonderful. I love the idea of an isolated town/sanctuary in the Yukon where people must be approved to live there.

I am drawn to books that are set in remote and snow-covered settings. I love the feeling of being isolated, battling the elements, and those around you. The Haven's Rock series fits the bill perfectly.

All the books in this series are oozing with a chilling atmosphere. With Armstrong's vivid descriptions, I can hear the crunch of snow under the characters’ feet, I can feel the chill in the air, and I can image the snowflakes as they fall.

Cold as Hell was full of tension, suspense, danger, and some heart pounding moments. This book kept me on my toes and turning the pages!

I highly recommend this series and as this book is the third book in the series, it will be easy to go back to start from the beginning. Having said that, I do feel that this book would work as a stand-alone novel, but readers will miss some backstories, and the character development of the characters.

Chilling, captivating, suspenseful, moving and wonderfully written!


Thank you to St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Combine a mysterious death with second chances, a shot at a little redemption while living off the grid and Armstrong strikes gold once again in Haven's Rock.
Casey, the town's detective, along with with Eric, the town's sheriff, who also just happens to be her husband, are on the hunt for a killer who left his victim to freeze to death, naked and staked to the ground, in a heinous crime, just outside their Yukon wilderness town.
Haven's Rock is an off the grid town, built and populated through the generosity of a wealthy benefactor. The inhabitants are closely vetted before allowing them to move there and once there, they must live and abide by the rules of the town's charter. There are less than 100 pax and every one has a story in their past; the reason they were willing to give up the life they led and come here to live in this isolated, self sustaining community.
And now they have a murderer living among them.
Dealing with the how he/she managed to get into this community will have to come after they find the perpetrator.
Suspense abounds with non stop action and thrills as they follow the clues and search for the killer, hiding in plain sight, among their self sufficient village.
There just might be something to this whole "off the grid" idea.
Great writing Kelly Armstrong.
Can not wait to return to Haven's Rock again.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC copy of “Cold as Hell” in exchange for an honest review.

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!

Four stars.

More stories about Haven's Rock. Casey and Eric are now starting a family. She continues her detective work despite her husband's concerns. One of the town's residents is drugged and every one feels unsafe....

Love Casey and Eric together. They are so good for each other. The mystery is good and the suspense sustains. Love the ending. A great mystery with a sweet romance.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

I Wanna thank NetGalley and St. Martins Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

something with this one is just not interesting me in the slightest.. I’m not getting any chills or eerie feelings to this one and it’s a little slow and boring to get into.. not much else to say.. the writing was very fast paced and easy to get into but the plot wasn’t all that wow