ARC Review
Cold as Hell
By Kelly Armstrong
Publish Date: February 18, 2025

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you NetGalley for sending me a copy to review.

I was hooked from the prologue. This book was full of mystery, suspense, deceptions, and lies. This series can be read standalone or in order to gain more character development.

This is the perfect dark read. Absolutely love kelly Armstrong!! I look forward to reading more from this amazing author!!

Cold as Hell was a gripping and chilling read that kept me on edge from start to finish. The remote setting of Haven's Rock added a perfect layer of isolation and tension, and Casey Duncan's determination to investigate, even while heavily pregnant, made her a compelling lead. The mystery surrounding the attack and the discovery of the frozen body in the snow was eerie and intense, and the snowy setting made everything feel even more dangerous. The twists kept me guessing, and the dynamics between the characters, especially Casey and Eric, added emotional depth. While the pacing was a bit slow at times, the tension and suspense made up for it. Definitely looking forward to more in this series!

In this novel about Haven’s Rock, Casey and Eric are faced with one challenge after another. The book begins with an attempted assault, moves to a blizzard and then the discovery of a dead body. With Casey very pregnant and Eric realistically protective, this story adds to the characterization of these two protagonists. We see Casey becoming more and more independent at a time when Eric wants her to depend on him more and to back off from dangerous investigations. Rather, Casey jumps in with two feet in this fast-paced and highly charged book. The suspects are almost as numerous as the residents of Haven’s Rock and even include a nearby gold mining settlement. I loved the mystery, the family drama and the way the characters interacted. The investigation was well portrayed with plenty of red herrings and unexpected twists. The danger for everyone in Haven’s Rock ramps up as the killer closes in on the real prey and then surprises just kept coming. I really enjoyed this book and think it is the best one in the series so far. With characters that pull you into their lifestyle and the investigation itself, this book is memorable as well as compelling and unputdownable.
Disclaimer:
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher via Netgalley. All views expressed are completely my honest opinion.

Only Casey Duncan would be running around in the snow hunting a murderer at 8 months pregnant...
I guess we shouldn't be surprised that Casey and Dalton wouldn't be able to make it all the way through without some kind of mayhem, and true to form we have more murderous mischief in the Yukon just at the worst moment. The pacing was excellent, with a believable approach to Casey's unique situation. (Until maybe the completely crazy end, but even that was totally in character.) Given the situation at Haven's Rock, there are multiple ways a killer can be introduced, and I really liked how it was done this time. It's been really enjoyable to see Haven's Rock's growth and evolution I look forward to seeing that continue.

The Great White North isn’t as safe as the small group living in the off-grid Yukon town hoped for including an attacker in the dark. Kelley Armstrong’s chilling thrillers give a rugged gritty feel with setting and plot circumstances, but add a compelling piece with the complex character and relationship development that goes on along with it.

Cold as Hell is the third of the Haven’s Rock books that follow up the close of the Rockton series. For newcomers, I recommend starting way back at the beginning with the first of the Rockton series because the books and series are all carefully connected.

In this latest, things have had advanced several month from the end of the last book so that Casey is nearly ready to have her baby and things are settling after those previous events. But, peace is not to continue when one of the residents is date-rape drugged and nearly dragged off into the cold, dark, and wintery woods.

Casey and Eric must figure out who’s behind the crime even while the clock is ticking on the time they must withdraw for the birth of their baby after some bumps in Casey’s pregnancy.

Cold As Hell was stark and had dark tones from the beginning because of the nature of the threat that is coming from within. The pacing was steady with a growing ominous feeling as more issues and dangers come up. There wasn’t lag or let up in the suspense right to the heart-pounding climax.

This read so swiftly because I was riveted from cover to cover. I was very taken about the especial emotional punch with Casey and Eric working out becoming new parents and how that dynamic will affect their detecting relationship, too. I can’t wait for more from this strong, amazing series.

Cold as Hell by Kelley Armstrong

Welcome back to Haven's Rock home to a group of survivalists (each person has their own reason for wanting to be there) The environment is harsh and unforgiving; errors can cost your life. For me, the cast of characters and community is familiar since I've been reading the series since it's predecessor series Rockton was written.

The story has it all, atmosphere, murder, graphic situations, well developed characters, friendships and the first birth of a new resident. My favorite characters have always been Eric, Casey and Storm, I truly believe they are the glue that hold it all together through both series.
I will say I found the pregnancy portion of storyline a bit distracting, but it's actually a vital part of the overall plot and tension of the book. I also felt there was a bit of redundancy in the progression of the plot, but in the end, I actually enjoyed Cold as Hell more than the 2nd book in the series.

Due to the characters and all of the various back stories I would suggest reading both of the series in order, at minimum reading Haven's Rock, so that you don't become to confused or feel like your missing something (I have read in some reviews, that select characters are referred to with dual names and readers new to the series find this confusing).

For me this was a 4 out of 5 star read.

I wish to thank the author, Netgalley and Minotaur Books for a complimentary arc of this title for review. Any opinions expressed are my own.

This title in all formats was released on Feb. 18, 2025.

I love this author and I love this series. I was super excited when I received an ARC for review (thank you to #netgalley and #STMartins ) This is one of those books where you set aside time to read it, so that you can settle in without interruptions. However, being last in a line of series I am waiting for the time when it starts to decline, and I dont enjoy it as much.

Luckily - I loved this book as much as the others! The story was really good which is actually a bonus. I read this series because I love the town and the characters and I love seeing their development. I also really enjoyed the fact that although the main character is pregnant, it doesn't slow her down at all.

My only problem with this book was it was too short and now it's over :(

Wow, this book was absolutely gripping! I've been a long-time fan of Kelley Armstrong's work, especially her Rockton and Haven's Rock series, and this one definitely did not disappoint. I honestly wish this series would never end.

From start to finish, this book had me completely hooked. True to the series' trademark style, it was full of unexpected twists and turns that kept me guessing. Just when I thought I had the mystery figured out, the plot took another surprising turn—and I absolutely love that in a mystery/thriller.

One of the highlights for me was reconnecting with familiar characters and watching their development unfold. In particular, I really enjoyed seeing Casey come to terms with the major changes on the horizon for her (no spoilers here!) and how those changes would impact her career. It added such a rich layer to her journey.

As much as this can be enjoyed as a stand-alone, I do highly recommend reading the Haven's Rock series from the beginning, and if you can, the Rockton Series to start.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's press for the opportunity to read this ARC.

As usual another home run for the series. I will admit the pregnancy had me worried since that is usually the point in a series where I call it quits. Alot of authors take their strong females make them pregnant and turn them completely uncappable and I hate that.

This was not the case with this book!
Casey is still just as much of a badass as before! I enjoyed the crime that needed to be solved with the ticking clock of child birth looming over our main characters head.

It's always nice hearing about characters that you have followed now for years. This is book is almost like catching up with an old friend in a cozy warm coffee shop then going next door and stopping a bank robbery. Cozy mixed with thrills and excitement.

*** minor spoilers for other books in the series ***

Ahoy there mateys! This series continues to be wonderful (if silly) and I loved this third installment.  This book could be the series ender but I would read more if they happen.  As a reminder, these books should not be read out of order and readers really should finish the Rockton series before beginning this spinoff.  Otherwise confusion is likely.

Casey is now eight months pregnant and the pregnancy has not been as smooth as she would like.  Dalton is trying not to be overprotective but it is a struggle.  Then one of the women in town is drugged and dragged out of town.  She is rescued but one of the 70+ town residents is responsible.  How can Casey solve the issue when weather and baby brain is in the way?

Lots more happens in this book.  We have another close ridiculous animal encounter.  There is a couple in a marital dispute.  Another murder.  An intense whiteout blizzard.  Casey is trying to survive her pregnancy and has to (gasp!) ask for help.  Plus it is hard to rule anyone out including Casey's close friends.

While I did guess who-dun-it, the how and why tripped me up.  There were multiple twists that I did not see happening.  Even though some of the ending was absolutely over-the-top, I didn't care because watching Casey deal with cases is always a good time.  And how the killer is dealt with was unexpected yet inevitable.

I absolutely love  the characters in these books and never get tired of reading about them.  I will read anything set in Haven's Rock.  Arrr!

4.5 rounded up

Favorite Quotes:

Haven’s Rock has no sex trade. Unless you count Gunnar, but he’s free, so there’s no “trade” involved.

You ever get the feeling we have some skewed ideas of what constitutes ‘nice people’?

“Well, at least we’re both remaining calm about this. Despite the fact there is a raging storm outside. I just hope we’re not in shock and are going to freak out in five minutes.” “You’re in shock. I’m in denial. Whole different land.”

Are you looking for me to play profiler, Casey? It is a game for fools and Hollywood detectives.

He’s a card-carrying member of a white nationalist group. Okay, maybe they don’t have cards, but they should— preferably stapled to their foreheads.


My Review:

The author hit a new level with this installment. There was more of everything - story threads, character development, levity, and personal issues tossed into the mix. At the same time, the small community was rocked by an apparent gruesome and sadistic serial killer living among them. I’m hoping there are many more of these to come.

Last week, book 3 in @kelleyarmstrongauthor’s Haven’s Rock series was published. I absolutely love this series and Cold as Hell is a fantastic addition. I highly recommend this book if you love:
❄️ fast paced crime thrillers
❄️ smart & tough female protagonists
❄️ secluded settings
❄️ atmospheric writing
❄️ unexpected twists

I do recommend reading this series in order. Haven’s Rock is a spinoff of the Rockton series, but you do not have to read the Rockton books first.

I am looking forward to the next installment of Haven’s Rock adventures.

Cold as Hell was everything, the author knocked this one out of the park. This is my first book in the series, but I really enjoyed it and not having read the first two books didn't affect the story. I would recommend that they are read in order but its not required. The storyline is very interesting and it keeps you turning pages for more, you never know what is going to happen next. I cannot wait to see what's next in this series.

Thank you for sending me an early copy of this book to review. Like always with any kelley armstrong book I loved it. Probably my favorite book in the newer series. Loved all the twists and turns on who could be the suspect and then the ending was crazy! Never saw that coming!

Cold as Hell is a tense thriller set in the remote Yukon town of Haven’s Rock, a secret refuge for people looking to disappear. Everyone there has been carefully vetted, making it a haven, until a woman is drugged and attacked, and another body is found frozen in the snow. With no outsiders in town, Detective Casey Duncan and her husband, Sheriff Eric Dalton, must uncover which of their carefully chosen residents is a killer.

The harsh wilderness and isolation create a gripping, locked-room mystery - one of my favourite settings to read. The pacing is steady, with a strong mix of action, investigation, and character development. Casey, despite being in the final months of pregnancy, refuses to back down, making her a BADASS and very compelling lead.

With an eerie setting, well-developed characters, and plenty of twists, this is a must-read for fans of atmospheric thrillers and police procedurals. Even if you haven’t read the previous books in the Haven's Rock series, you can easily jump into this one. Highly recommended for those who enjoy dark, suspenseful mysteries!

When one of the town’s residents is drugged and wanders too close to the edge of town, she’s dragged into the woods kicking and screaming. She’s saved in the nick of time, but the women of the town are alarmed. Casey and Eric investigate the assault just as a snowstorm hits Haven’s Rock, covering the forest. It’s there they find a frozen body, naked in the snow. With mixed accounts of the woman’s last movements, the two begin to question who they can trust—and who they can’t—in their seemingly safe haven.

I enjoy this series. It is full of intensity and has a great setting! It is not necessary that you read them in order.

Now, I did think Casey’s pregnancy and the way she had her baby was a bit predictable. But I did enjoy the action. And let me tell you this is action packed and full of intensity. I mean, Casey has all kinds of safe guards in place but someone slipped by all of those and lived among them.

I love the narrator by Thérèse Plummer. She has some wonderful narrations. However, in this book, she tended to get faster during the tense moments…and there are a lot of those!

Need a good hunt for a killer…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

Casey and Eric are back and wouldn't you know it, there is another dead body. The Butler Did it! This newest book in the Haven's Rock series gives the vibe of an Agatha Christie's murder mystery. Why? Because in an allegedly closed environment, the killer has to be someone in the community. I'm riveted and try to solve the mystery along side with Casey and Eric. They are racing against the clock because, Casey is heavily pregnant and due at any moment.



This story is more than trying to figure out who it is that is dragging a woman off and killing them. It's more than betrayals and not knowing the real background of the "refugees" looking to stay in Haven's Rock. The last story involved what happens when a no frills settlement includes children. This one brings forth new beginnings with a baby born in the settlement.

Yet this ties back to Eric and his past. Specifically how he came to be adopted. His story is beyond heartbreaking and I'm horrified at what "civilized" people think they should be doing. It reminds me of colonization and how invaders believe their way is the best way. I'm surprised Eric was able to grow up as well as he did. I'm also sad for him because he can never reconcile with his birth parents.

This story may be set as a murder mystery, but it is so much more with the weaving in of characters. Casey and Eric's relationship deeps. As well as Casey's relationship with her high-functioning sister. It is an interesting social experiment version 3.0 with Haven's Rock. I am intrigued with where this will all end. Recommended for murder mystery readers.

Cold as Hell is just another great trip to the Canadian Yukon. Casey and Dalton have the extra pressure of her pregnancy that was not supposed to be. And then the fact that Haven’s Rock is full of people with questionable pasts. And the others in the few settlements around them are not to be trusted. All of that always leads to trouble. Each installment of the two series has new residence and the chance for new trouble. This time, of course, there are murders. Our two sheriffs have to balance trying to solve the murder, keep everyone safe, and have this baby.

I really like these characters. That is what kleeps me coming back to Rockton and Haven’s Rock. I like them and I love their dog. The mostly changing supporting cast is often hit and miss. I am also often left wondering if they will ever figure that this place is just a murderer’s haven, too.

This is such a good series with an unusual premise. The series revolves around a sanctuary, off the grid town hidden in the Yukon. Residents have to be vetted prior to being eligible to become part of the community. Casey and Dalton are thrust into investigating the foiled assault of one of the female residents. Before they can make much progress in their investigation, a snowstorm hits and another female resident goes missing and is eventually found dead. What is initially thought to be death by exposure, is revealed to be a brutal murder. Casey and Dalton race to find the murderer before her high risk pregnancy necessitates going south to be nearer a hospital. This is a really good story that keeps you in suspense until the end!

When an attempted abduction and a murder occur in a small sanctuary town in the Yukon, a very pregnant detective, Casey, and her husband, Sheriff Eric work diligently to solve the crimes prior to the birth of their baby. This is one of the most suspenseful books I’ve read. Nature and the weather work against their efforts. The characters are well written and intriguing. I couldn’t put this book down.