This was such a fantastic audiobook! From the first page, I was entranced by Theodora's life. Not remembering much of her early years, she is shocked when she finds a picture of herself as a child at her fiance's family estate where she goes to meet his family for the first time. Why is it there? Has she been there before? As the pieces started to unravel, I found myself unable to stop listening as I just HAD to know who Theo was! With an excellent storyline, I guarantee this one will be a thriller you'll want to pick up - highly recommend!

Audiobook version. Karissa Vacker is my favorite narrator and did not disappoint with this book reading performance. Kate Alice Marshall's A Killing Cold is a twisty and thrilling tale of a woman who discovers a dark secret hidden in her past. When Theo arrives at her fiance's family home, she starts getting strange messages telling her to leave. As she tries to figure out why, her lost memories slowly come back, revealing a chilling truth and a past she truly never expected.
The book is full of suspense , twists and thrills, and keeps you longing for the next chapter. . The author paints a vivid picture of a wintry snowy setting, making you feel the cold, chills and the danger. Theo is a relatable character, and you'll be rooting for her to solve the mystery of her past the through the entire book. If you enjoy twisty psychological thrillers with a touch of romance, you'll love A Killing Cold.
Thank you MacMillian audio, NetGalley and Kate Alice Marshall for the privilege of receiving an ARC.
I truly enjoyed reading this book, as all Kate Alice Marshall books, I'm excited to read more future releases!

Toxic family drama + a secluded winter setting + endless secrets and lies + a hint of romance = this fantastic nail-biter of a thriller. I devoured this audiobook! The author is a fantastic story teller and this one kept me on the edge of my seat.

Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for a copy of this audiobook.

Ifyoulove thrilers, then this book is foryou. I recommendlistening to the audiobook. Karissa Vacker did a
superb job narrating. Her voice draws you in, and Kate Alice Marshal's writing keeps you enthralled. Every
time i thought I had this book figured out, it changed. I can tell you that I had it wrong, and I love that.

*4.5 stars*

Finished listening to this one on my run and it was SUCH A GOOD WINTER RUN thriller to listen to! I was SO HOOKED! Legit kept me on the edge of my seat wanting more. And then when she's running in the cold, I felt like I was right there with her!

It reminded me of some other thrillers I've read but still so good. Gave me similar vibes of The Heiress or a Stacey Willingham book! There was also a slight romance plot line I was of course majorly rooting for and enjoying!! Very enjoyable winter read! Loved the narration. She's a fav!! I saw some of the twists coming but not all but mostly I was along for the ride. So much family drama!

Childhood, chilling, and challenging.

Theo is on a beautiful trip to meet her fiancé’s family at their wintery resort. When she begins to get messages that she isn’t welcome on the premises, memories of her childhood (in these cabin homes) also arise. What truly happened to her when she was young? Is Theo safe on this family introduction trip? Who is her fiancé and how does this all connect to her childhood?

This was perfect winter timing on my audio grant, thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio in return for my honest review. This book is being published February 4th and is also available early through Book of the Month club. I was able to get my chores done, while listening to an excellent, suspensful, seasonal story! This is Kate Alice Marshall’s best yet.

This book felt like the most posh of the game wack-a-mole! Red herrings were everywhere, trust was lacking, some characters couldn’t even trust themselves or their memories. It kept me on my feet, reading and watching for clues to figure out what was going on! I ended up having so many different theories on what happened that I ended up just forgoing trying to predict the ending and just let it happen! I ended up being so surprised and it really added to my enjoyment of the book!

⭐️A KILLING COLD, out FEB 4th⭐️

5⭐️


Special thanks to Macmillan Audio #MacAudio2024 for the review copy of this audiobook!

A fast food page-turner, A Killing Cold is the definition of a popcorn thriller—an overused premise that still has appeal (a woman with 'suspicious' past visiting her fiance's rich family for the first time at their remote mountain lodge), with cookie-cutter characters, and a convoluted web of twists and reveals, throwing every character's morality for a loop once or twice. There's an instinctual desire to keep on reading because it is SO easy to digest, but if one were to pause and think realistically—this pivotal mystery could've been a written email, and then none of the subsequent chaos would ever happen—but then what's the fun in that?

This reminds me a lot of Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six by Lisa Unger, another sensationalized 'family with secrets at a winter gathering' story where characters performing unrealistically elaborate action for the sake of being inside a thriller (leaving unsigned, threatening note wrapped within a gift box—why doesn't anyone just tell people in their face when they want something done!?). While I quite enjoyed What Lies in the Woods from Kate Alice Marshall, I might have to re-calibrate my expectation, as A Killing Cold turns out to be a lot more silly and nonsensical than I anticipated.

There's a time when I want a story that I can shut my brain off, be entertained for its duration, and forget it once it's over. A Killing Cold is exactly such title (the audiobook is perfectly produced for an even easier consumption), BUT typically I do prefer stories that provide a lasting impact, either emotionally or stylistically. This is ideal as a library loan, or when one's in a bit of a reading slump.

Such a well done “whodunit”! So many twists and turns that every prediction I made fell through before I could make another. Kate Alice Marshal does such a good job of creating thrillers with intriguing plot while still managing to write characters with depth. I feel like so often with thrillers we have to pick one or the other.

📖 Book Review: A Killing Cold by Kate Alice Marshall


My thoughts 💭

Please check for trigger warnings. ‼️

Thank you NetGalley, Macmillan Publishing, and Kate Alice Marshall for providing me with an ALC (advanced listeners copy) of this book. As always, all thoughts are my own.

"When Theodora Scott met Connor—wealthy, charming, and a member of the powerful Dalton family—she fell in love in an instant. Six months later, he’s brought her to Idlewood, his family’s isolated winter retreat, to win over his skeptical relatives.

Stay away from Connor Dalton.
Theo has tried to ignore the threatening messages on her phone, but she can’t ignore the footprints in the snow outside the cabin window or the strange sense of familiarity she has about this place. Then, in a disused cabin, Theo finds something impossible: a photo of herself as a child. A photo taken at Idlewood.

I’ve been here before.
Theo has almost no recollection of her earliest years, but now she begins to piece together the fragments of her memories. Someone here has a shocking secret that they will do anything to keep hidden, and Theo is in terrible danger. Because the Daltons do not lose, and discovering what happened at Idlewood may cost Theo everything."

Overall, this was a good time. I loved the narrator, Karissa Vacker, as always she brings the characters to life. It was fast paced and the ending definitely keeps you guessing. Deducting points solely because of how unlovable the characters were. I would definitely recommend this book but probably would not purchase a copy for my shelves as I don't see myself re-reading it.
3.5/5 ⭐️

🥶 A Killing Cold - Kate Alice Marshall

4 ⭐️ - Okay, I liked this one! I’ve enjoyed all of Kate Alice Marshall’s books so far and this was no different. I was into the setting, the “closed” door mystery, and the wintery spooky vibe.

When Theo met Connor Dalton, wealthy and charming, she instantly fell in love. Six months later, after getting engaged, Connor brings Theo to Idlewood, the family’s isolated winter cabin, to win over some skeptical relatives. But when Theo receives threatening messages and tries to ignore them, she feels something is off. Then, something creepier happens; she finds an old photo of her as a child in one of the abandoned cabins. Someone here has some secrets to share…

Kate kept me guessing from the beginning. It was a tad slow for me; I think I was just excited to see what happened. Our characters and unreliable and untrustworthy. The setting is spooky and perfect for a winter thrill. While I questioned some things, I never really knew what was going to happen. I actually enjoyed Theo as a main character. I listened to this one because Karissa Vacker narrates so I definitely recommend that!

This was my second book by Kate Alice Marshall. One thing rings true, she is an excellent story teller. This story was filled with rich family dysfunction, flashbacks, lies, secrets, and deep emotional pain. This was all about the characters and each part they played in this twisted, isolated, wintery atmospheric mystery.

I do wish this audio would have had more than one narrator. I feel like there were just too many characters and flashbacks that could have been more enjoyable with a full cast.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this ALC of The Killing Cold. I definitely recommend this if you’re looking for a character driven, mysterious, atmospheric story.

Karissa Vacker’s narration is a standout feature of A Killing Cold. She gives distinct voices to every character, making it easy to immerse yourself in the story and feel like you're right in the middle of Idlewood's eerie, isolated setting. Vacker’s performance is dynamic, capturing the tension and suspense that drive the plot forward. While the story features a large cast of characters—especially with the inclusion of flashbacks—her ability to differentiate between voices is impressive and adds depth to the audiobook. However, with so many characters, I occasionally lost track of who was in a scene, especially during the audio format. Still, the narration was so engaging that it kept me hooked despite these moments of confusion.

As for the story itself, this is a must-listen for fans of isolated settings, dark family secrets, and the toxic dynamics of awful wealthy characters. Marshall crafts an atmospheric and suspenseful tale, but I wish she had dug deeper into the emotional pain of the protagonist, Theo, particularly the storyline with her mother. This element felt like it had the potential to make the story even more impactful. That said, the family drama and unfolding secrets kept the story moving at a good pace, and the dual timelines added layers to the mystery.

The flow of the audiobook is generally smooth, though navigating between past and present events requires close attention. Flashbacks are critical to the plot but occasionally blurred into the present timeline, which is more challenging in audio form compared to print. There are no extra features like music or sound effects, but Vacker’s narration is strong enough to carry the story on its own.

A small personal note: I could not help but laugh at Theo’s dog being named “Duchess.” As much as I tried, I kept picturing Duchess from We Begin at the End—a name that is simply too iconic to share! 😂

Overall, I gave A Killing Cold 4 out of 5 stars. It is a solid listen with engaging narration and an atmospheric story. I recommend this audiobook for readers who enjoy a suspenseful, character-driven mystery, but the print version might be better for those who want to easily keep track of the large cast.

Theodora "Theo" Scott is engaged to Connor Dalton, heir to the powerful Dalton family, after a whirlwind romance. Invited to their secluded winter retreat, she hopes to win over his skeptical relatives. Theo knows the cards are stacked against her: she was raised by adoptive parents and has only spotty memories of her early life. She does not come from the same stratosphere as the Daltons.

As the snow begins to fall, this idyllic escape starts to feel more sinister. Especially as Theo can't help but feel she's been here before. Chilling secrets emerge, and the family will stop at nothing to keep their dark history buried. Theo has unwittingly become a threat to the Daltons' carefully constructed facade and now she must unravel the mystery of her past while fighting for her survival in an snowswept, unforgiving landscape.

Overall, I found A Killing Cold to be a tense, atmospheric thriller and I'm willing to forgive most of its flaws. The unraveling of the mystery happens slowly over the course of the novel, and I was surprised by how much I thought had been revealed by the midpoint. Little did I know that there were so many more twists and turns in store. Theo's hunt for secrets in forgotten corners of the retreat reminded me of some of my favorite aspects of gothic literature.

I was disappointed that this was yet another thriller that relies on lost/recovered memories as the solution to the central mystery. This particular trope is a pet peeve of mine, so it may not detract from the experience for other readers.

While most of the characters were fairly well developed, I thought that Connor lacked much personality. I wish that the reader had been given a better sense of why Theo loves him, since that is so crucial to the plot.

Since this was told from first person perspective, I really appreciated the audiobook narration as it further enhanced my immersion into the story.

Despite its reliance on a familiar trope, A Killing Cold is a gripping and atmospheric thriller. The sense of isolation and dread builds steadily, culminating in a satisfyingly suspenseful climax. If you enjoy a psychological/survival thriller with a touch of the gothic, I highly recommend giving this one a try.

I received the audio version ARC from the publisher on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. WOW! Fantastic, fast paced read. The audiobook version is great and the story itself grabs you and doesn’t let go until the end. As the story unfolds, the twists keep you wanting to get to the next chapter. Overall great read that I really enjoyed.

4.5 stars. Wow! A Killing Cold by Kate Alice Marshall kept me on my toes. It is challenging to surprise me, but these twists did it. I constantly thought I knew where the book was going, only to be surprised a few chapters later! I devoured this in 24-hours. The characters were compelling and well-rounded, considering how many there were to fit onto the page. My only criticism is that a few components were a touch unbelievable. However, this didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story. I need to hit up Marshall's backlist ASAP!

I absolutely adored this book! The narration was truly exceptional—it had a way of immersing you in the story, making you feel like you were right there in the scene. The isolated setting, the mysterious family members, and the constant sense of uncertainty about who to trust all came to life so vividly. The narrator's voice brought depth and tension to every moment, skillfully shifting between characters to give each one a unique voice and personality.

For example, the way the narrator used subtle tonal changes helped convey the underlying suspense, creating a palpable sense of unease. When the protagonist faced moments of doubt or fear, the narrator’s voice would drop to a whisper, pulling you into that tension. The pacing was also perfectly timed, with pauses that heightened the drama or built anticipation. Whether it was the sharp wit of one character or the cold indifference of another, the narrator truly made each voice distinct and gave them emotional weight. The experience of hearing the story rather than just reading it made everything feel more immediate and visceral.

When Theodora Scott agreed to accompany her new fiancé to his family’s mountain retreat over Christmas, she expected things to be uncomfortable for her—he does come from a wealthy and rather powerful family and this is their first meeting after all—but she never expected to be in danger.

As she spends more time at the family’s isolated mountain refuge, things begin to feel more familiar. Surely she hasn’t been here before, has she?

Every family has its secrets. The wealthy ones just have better means to cover them up.

A Killing Cold is a suspenseful slow build with plenty of twists and turns.

Karissa Vacker is one of my favorite narrators, and her narration here had me hooked from the very first chapter. I highly recommend reading this one on audio.

I received an advance copy of the audiobook from Macmillan Audio. All review opinions are my own.

I've really enjoyed Kate Alice Marshall’s recent adult thrillers, so I was thrilled to get my hands on an early copy of "A Killing Cold" from BOTM, along with the audio version through NetGalley. The novel did not disappoint. It was a suspenseful read, perfect for winter with its isolated setting.
The story featured a mix of characters you’ll both love and hate. It was filled with twists, though a couple of them felt a bit far-fetched and coincidental to me. Nonetheless, it was an engaging read that kept me hooked.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley who provided me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review

What a perfect winter read! The setting was a house (and cabins) in the woods during winter. It added to the mystery of what was going on in the story. This one really flew by. It was engaging and fast paced. There were dual timelines and I was invested in both. There were lots of characters and any of them could have been good or bad with my mind switching back and forth. I like stories about family dramas and this one had plenty. The ending worked for me. A great book by an author who is definitely becoming a favorite of mine! Recommended read!
I listened on audio and the narrator was excellent!