Thank you NetGalley for the ARC audiobook Taken in the Cold by Roger Stelljes.

I was fortunate enough to have been able to listen to the first book in the series a few weeks ago. I will admit that I skipped to the 7th book in the series to see if they had gotten any better. I feel like the first book was a bit too long and little too much extra information about Special Agent Tori Hunter.

After starting this book, I did realize that it would have been nice if I had listened/read the books in-between. I do not feel like it was necessary, I just felt like I had missed out on some exciting cases.

I feel like the author's books in this series got better with time. I enjoyed following Tori and her beau Will Braddock. It was a fast paced mystery from the start. It was twisty and I enjoyed the ride. I don't want to spoil the case but it was a good read.

Teddy was getting ready for school when he heard a noise. His mother and her boyfriend were dead. Teddy is missing.
In the midst of a blizzard, Agent Tori Hunter and Detective Braddock searches for ten-year-old Teddy Marist. Teddy isn’t the only one missing, so is his father. On the surface it appears a case of a jealous ex-husband committing two murders, grabbing his son and running. But the deeper the law digs the more puzzling the situation becomes. Then Teddy’s father is found dead. Tori receives a phone call about Teddy. She goes to a tavern, alone and no guns. Can she save Teddy’s life?
I have not read any of the other books in this series, but this book stands well alone. The description of the blizzard and left me feeling chilled. There is a lot I would like to discuss concerning this tale however that would be spoilers.

Thank you NetGalley for the review copy of this book. My reviews are always my personal opinions.

This is book 7 in the Tori Hunter series but it’s my first. I didn’t feel I missed out on the backstory from not reading the others but it has definitely intrigued me. I found it to be extremely long and dragged out for the first half of the listen to the point I found my mind wandering and constantly had to drag myself back. It’s a great storyline once it gets going but it was just too slow paced for this kind of storyline. I really liked the characters and found them an endearing bunch. The narration was engaging for the most part but found the gunfire scenes annoying. The second half of the listen really ramped up and I really enjoyed how it unfolded. I would be interested to read others in the series.

3.5/5 🌟🌟🌟/🌟

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for the opportunity to listen and review #TakenInTheCold

Action packed crime thriller!

Even though this is the 7th book in the series and only the second installment I’ve read (just #1), I can say that this is definitely one of the better ones out there. I enjoyed the plot and how the investigation came together with all of its twists and turns. I like the characters, especially Tori Hunter and Chief Detective Braddock. Despite the gap between 1 and 7, I never felt lost as there was plenty of backstory and I was able to catch up quickly.

Though this involves domestic terrorism and also a few other issues like embezzlement and kidnapping, it all flows well and moves quickly. I like the writing style and also the vivid descriptions of the Minnesota weather and the lakes areas.

I was able to listen to the audiobook while following along in the e-book ARC (both provided by the publishers) and I highly recommend you do that if you can. The narrator did a great job voicing all the characters and adding an appropriate amount of dramatic flair to the story. Listening while reading definitely enhanced my enjoyment of the book.

Can’t wait for the next in series. Only sorry that I missed 2 through 6! I’ve given up on many series lately but I’m making an exception with this one.

Stelljes keeps me on my toes!
Another ripping great Tori Hunter!
A young boy walks downstairs to find his mother and stepfather murdered - execution style.
His dad races to cash in the money he's been siphoning for years.
With the money delivered - what befalls the boy?
Could murders possess humanity? Excellent, fast paces and thought provoking.

Soooo.... I hadn't read this author before last week...when I received Book #1 from NetGalley.
Now I've read this one (which is actually book #7 in the series, but the 2nd I've read of his) ...ANDDDDD....I believe I have a new favorite author!!

Tori Hunter (ex FBI Agent) and Will Braddock (Detective with the Sheriff's Office) return in this book for more adventures. =0

We open up with multiple shootings in a private home, AND, a child is missing....

So, Tori is pulled in as her expertise was always in child abduction...and as they investigate, the plot ABSOLUTELY thickens.... and twists and turns abound... and every time I thought that I might just have it all figured out.... I was wrong!

This one is a definite NAIL BITER, hang on the edge of your seat, heart palpitating kind of read. If you are not up for the task, do NOT pick this one up. IF you ARE, then please ENJOY!!

#TakenInTheCold by #RogerStelljes and narrated beautifully by #KateHandford.

5+ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ✨✨✨💫💫💫 for me!

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #BookoutureAudio for an ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

***** This one is DUE TO BE RELEASED TOMORROW, 11/1/24!! So, look 👀 for it then! *****

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Good book I enjoyed the storyline and I have also started to listen to other books in the Tori Hunter series

Acting as a consultant, Tori Hunter jumps in to help Will Braddock with a fast-moving case concerning the abduction of a child after the murder of his parents. As if the abduction wasn't pressing enough, Hunter & Braddock must race against the incoming blizzard, chasing unknown assailants across a treacherous snow-covered landscape of northern Minnesota.

I really enjoyed this one! As with each of the books in this series, you could definitely read as a standalone and not feel lost but as a fan of the series I enjoy knowing all of the backstory with the characters. I enjoy all of the books in this series but this one I especially loved for the setting. The incoming blizzard was written so vividly it could have been another character. It reminded me a lot of the way Ragnar Jonasson writes his books about Iceland and I absolutely loved it. I was reading this in New York in the warm beginning of fall but at certain points could feel like cold of Minnesota winter. Just really well done. I also really liked the layers of this case and how it took off in a direction I wasn't expecting. The only thing I didn't love was that it definitely felt like the first half of the book was almost completely separate from the second half in the way they each had their own complete arcs, it could almost have been two books. Still, it was really well done and kept me interested the entire time. If you're not already reading this author you're missing out, definitely pick up this series!

The narration in this book was also excellent, the narrator did a great job with all the voices and keeping the tension up!

It rarely happens. but I was right. I predicted a couple of weeks ago that there’d be a book 7 on the way, and here it is in all its glory. I also mentioned that after book one I immediately wish listed the rest of the series. I was therefore a little apprehensive in going into book 7 having only read the first, that I might ruin the rest of the series for myself. However I’m really pleased to say that this wasn’t the case. This title works well as a standalone, there are enough references to the past that you connect with the characters and the story flows well. There are however loads of little teasers from throughout the rest of the series that left me still really wanting to read them. If you’d join me in offering up a prayer to the audible gods for 5 credits, please and thank you 😉

This is by far my favourite detective series for many years. It feels like the author has really done the work, there’s no paint by numbers here, and you really are going along with the story and of course the investigation. There’s a real gritty meat on the bones style to the writing. The character development is brilliant. The plot is solid, smart and bang up to date.

I loved the narration again this time around. I really couldn’t find anything to fault.

Loved it.
An easy 4 ⭐️

My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture audio for this ALC

4.5 stars - this series is so damn good. The plots always unfold in ways I don't see coming! It's non-stop action, suspense, and filled with twists & turns, which is then perfectly balanced with love, family, and friendships surrounding our main characters (Will and Tori).

I have just recently listened to the first in this series and now jumping straight to this one. It didn’t matter. I think you can probably pick up anywhere in the series and be fine.
The narration was good except for the bullets. That was horrible. I would definitely have preferred the narrative to just be along the lines of ‘rapid gunfire’ rather than pew pew pew!
The story itself revolves around a kidnapped child and the murder of his parents and the reasons behind it all. A good pacy tale that kept me thinking until close to the end

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC in audiobook format.

Roger Stelljes’ Taken in the Cold is a gripping addition to the Agent Tori Hunter series, blending intense crime-solving with the chilling atmosphere of a Minnesota winter. This seventh installment keeps the stakes high and the suspense palpable, making it a must-listen for fans of the genre.

Kate Handford’s narration is a standout feature of this audiobook. Her ability to convey the urgency and emotional depth of the story enhances the overall experience. Handford’s clear and expressive voice brings each character to life, from the determined Agent Tori Hunter to the desperate victims and cunning antagonists. Her pacing is impeccable, maintaining the tension and keeping listeners engaged throughout.

The novel opens with a bang—literally—as ten-year-old Teddy Marist goes missing amidst a snowstorm, and gunshots are heard. Agent Tori Hunter is thrust into a complex investigation. Stelljes masterfully weaves multiple plot threads together, creating a narrative that is both intricate and fast-paced. The twists and turns are well-timed, ensuring that the suspense never lets up.

Tori Hunter continues to be a compelling protagonist, characterized by her relentless pursuit of justice and her personal struggles. Stelljes does an excellent job of developing her character further, revealing new layers of her personality and backstory. The supporting cast, including Detective Braddock and the various suspects, are equally well-drawn, adding depth and realism to the story.

The small-town Minnesota setting is vividly depicted, with the harsh winter conditions adding an extra layer of tension to the narrative. Stelljes’ descriptions of the snow-covered landscapes and the biting cold create a palpable sense of place, immersing listeners in the story’s environment. The setting not only enhances the mood but also plays a crucial role in the plot, influencing the characters’ actions and decisions.

Taken in the Cold explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the lengths to which people will go to protect their secrets. Stelljes delves into the psychological aspects of crime, examining the motivations and fears of both the perpetrators and the victims. The novel also touches on the impact of trauma and the resilience required to overcome it, adding emotional depth to the thriller.

Taken in the Cold is a thoroughly addictive crime thriller that will keep listeners on the edge of their seats. Stelljes’ skillful storytelling, combined with Handford’s exceptional narration, makes for a compelling and immersive audiobook experience. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the Agent Tori Hunter series or new to Stelljes’ work, this book is sure to satisfy your craving for suspense and intrigue.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this arc!

WOW!!! What a great book!! This one had me hooked from page 1! This was a first for me from this author and I will not be my last! This one was a win for me!

There are only a few thriller series that I religiously keep up-to-date with, and this is one of them! From the first book, I've always looked forward to catching up with Tori and Braddock. And Taken In The Cold is another action-packed and engaging thriller, with a snowy setting perfect for the colder months!

I usually read these books on my Kindle, but I opted for the audiobook this time, which was brilliantly narrated. It kept me invested throughout and made for a great listen on a lazy day at home, meaning that I could read it all in one go!

Stelljes is a great writer and I love that you can vividly picture every scene with his words. I wouldn't say that this is the most exciting book in terms of plot in the series so far, as many of the others have much more shocking twists and emotional investigations, but this instalment definitely works as a standalone, so it would work as a great teaser to the series. You're sure to want to go back to the start to see how it all began for Tori anyway! And I can't wait to see what happens to her next.

A good editor could have cut this book down by about 1/3 and that would have really helped keep the pace engaging. Despite this I really enjoyed the plot and characters.

Book 7 in the Agent Tori Hunter series. Reads best if you read the entire series, but probably would work as a stand alone. You would just miss the dynamics of the police force.

Tori has been on her break for several months when a child is abducted. Will calls her and she runs right to work- despite being in a blizzard. But the scene is unsettling to her- it doesn't make sense. It is too obvious. Can she figure it all out and save Teddy before it is too late?

This was a bit of a different investigation for Will and Tori. I enjoyed it being different, but also didn't enjoy it because the concept is too real in today's reality of sovereign citizens.

I hope the series continues, as I love reading about Tori and Will, Steak and Eggs, etc...

Kate Handford narrates again. She has narrated the entire series thus far. I like her tone, but as in all previous books, mispronunciations are somewhat common. A few per book.

I received an advance audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

Taken in the Cold by Roger Stelljes
Narrated by Kate Handford
Provided by NetGalley

Warning: YMMV

This book has been very well received so far, so the following opinion might be unpopular. If you’re new to the mystery/thriller genre, this book might be your jam. But if like me, you’re an aficionado, then I think there would be little here to keep you interested.
The author’s works are quite popular, but I’ve decided they’re just not to my taste.

This is my second book in the Tori Hunter series and although there wasn’t as much filler as in Silenced Girls (the first in the series) there was still no lack here. I found myself zoning out numerous times, and most disappointingly, once during an action scene that initially had me nailed to my chair. The chase began so well, but being dragged off into characters thoughts and myriad directions, slowed the chase so much that I zoned out. When I caught myself thinking of other things and dragged myself back, the chase was still going, and the characters were still receiving directions.

I read for interest and/or entertainment. Sadly, this book catered little to either.

I have to thank NetGalley for turning me on to the Tori Hunter series. The series isn't new, but the audio versions are and that's my jam! And this is the newest edition of the series. Tori is such a smart and strong female protagonist. This book focused on a case with many layers - a handful of murders, a child abduction, even a bombing and assassination worries too. All in a lot of snow. I felt cold just reading it! I can't wait to get my hands on more of Tori's stories.

Tori Hunter is called in to help with a mother is found shot to death and her son missing. His biological father then gets a ransom call and the book takes off from there. What is the father involved in? Will they find his son? It was a good book. I think I am getting burned out from all these murder mystery series. They all kind of seem the same and you can really jump to the back to find out the ending.

A Blizzard is on the way but that won’t stop a killer from taking the lives of two people and kidnapping a boy named Teddy! Hold onto your hats folks, because things are about to get dicey! Taken in the Cold is gripping, shocking, well thought out, captivating and tense. I loved the atmosphere. There is something about books which take places in snowy settings that get me every time. I love the chilling atmosphere and tension it provides. This book has a pulse pounding mystery and I was there for it every step of the way.

In Taken in the Cold, Agent Tori Hunter and Detective Braddock have their hands full. There is more going on than meets the eye in this book. As they dig deeper and follow leads, they learn that there is more to be learned as embezzlement also comes into play.

I loved the mystery and the investigation. I enjoyed getting both of their perspectives as they did their investigative work. This is not an easy case, but they pour everything they have into it. I love a well thought out plot and Roger Stelljes nailed it! He had me turning those pages, fully invested and wanting more.

This worked very well as a stand-alone book for me. I have recently listened to the first book in the series, Silenced Girls and thought it was extremely well done. It piqued my interest and when I saw this book was coming out, I jumped at the opportunity to read Taken in the Cold! I was thrilled that I did. I found this book to be well written, well thought out, perfectly plotted and full of tension.

I had both the audiobook and the kindle edition of the book which made for a fully immersive reading experience. I thought the narration on the audiobook was very well done. I am looking forward to reading more of Roger Stelljes books in the future!

Gripping, tense, atmospheric, and riveting!