Deep in the Yukon, Haven's Rock was built as a sanctuary for people who need to disappear. One of the town's residents gets drugged and wanders away but is found before anything serious could happen to her. Casey and Eric start their investigation to find out what happened but more women are targeted.

This is the third book in the Haven's Rock novels but can easily be a standalone as the author does a good job filling in the background information. When I realized this was a series, I got my hands on the previous 2 books and I'm so glad I did. Each book was very well done and kept you in suspense. As this is a review for Cold as Hell, I'll stop with the prior books but after each book I was getting more and more excited for this installment. I also highly recommend the first two books, not because you need them to understand Cold as Hell but because they're really good :) I did find this book to be more mature than the other 2. I found the writing to be very detailed and the characters were well developed and complex and I love the remote setting and atmosphere of the book. The book is full of suspense and keeps you on your toes, I didn't want to stop listening to the book. I'm so glad i found this series and will be recommending the whole series.

The audiobook narration by Thérèse Plummer is done flawlessly. The way they quicken the pace for the suspense of the scene is fantastic. It really adds to the whole chilling atmosphere of the book. They do a great job distinguishing the characters of the book so you always know who the scene is about.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thérèse Plummer is as always a FANTASTIC narrator. This was almost hard to read at times because of Casey being in such a vulnerable position -- being 8 months pregnant and tracking a serial killer -- but I still loved the latest installment. I can't wait for more and feel like this series is still going strong! If you like this series, you will be on the edge of your seat in this latest installment.

Cold as Hell comes out next week on February 18, 2025, and you can purchase HERE!

This was one of the best Haven's Rock books yet. A serial killer is hunting the citizens of Haven's Rock, and the killer is one of their own. There are scenes with pulse-pounding excitement. Casey is also very pregnant, so that makes hunting down the killer difficult. However, she has a whole town to support her. The narrator was excellent as well and kept good pace with story's energy.

Thank you, Net Galley for the advanced audio of COLD AS HELL by Kelley Armstrong. I didn't read the blurb completely since I requested this because of the author so do give you fair warning this is the third in the series and after reading this, I have to read the whole series. This novel captured my interest immediately. The characters were extremely relatable, and the plot was interesting. Though I had a few moments of 'would that really happen', the author explains the logic behind her premise making it quite plausible. The narrator's voice felt to me like the main character reading to me and was very good.

Thrilling suspense, twisted serial killer, small isolated town, Cold As Hell… So good! I was at the edge of my seat! Definitely recommend! Storm, the Newfoundland tracking dog is amazing! This is my first book in the Haven’s Rock series. I am definitely going to read the others!

Thank you to NetGalley, St Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for this ALC and ARC!

Thank you @NetGalley and @MacmillanAudio for the ARC. I did not realize that this was book 3 in a series. I think it can also be read as a stand alone. Kelley Armstrong does a great job making you think something sinister is around the corner. Haven's Rock is supposed to be a second chance from violence and a safe haven. Yet, someone is playing a game of cat and mouse and hurting the residents. Casey Duncan has to find out before she delivers her baby and they both become victims. Lots of suspense, a good read.

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!

Kelley Armstrong returns to her secluded town in the Canadian North, Haven's Rock, for another, tense instalment in this offshoot series of her Rockton stories.

Casey and Dalton are trying to create the town they really wanted after experiencing various failures at Rockton. And things do seem to be going well. Except….this novel opens with Kendra stumbling about after a couple of drinks at the Rock, and wondering how she can keep losing time when all she had were two drinks. Then, she's grabbed and dragged into the forest. Thankfully, Sebastian was walking his dog at the time, and gets to her in time.

This puts Casey and Dalton on alert: who would do this? Why, when it's not clear exactly clear what the intent was, despite sexual assault being a possible cause.

Casey is constrained in her investigating by her 8-month along pregnancy, which has various risks, and a need to very carefully manage her energy and actions. She and Dalton begin questioning people, but have to halt things temporarily because of a blizzard. The next day, they discover another woman is missing, and begin searching as soon as conditions are clear. They eventually find the woman, dead, seemingly from exposure. Not only is something bugging Casey about the dead woman's condition, but Casey's body is complaining, and she has genuine fears for her baby. A trip to a larger centre for medical care is necessary, even during this second investigation, and a realization that even with the changes they've made at Haven's Rock, more care and rules will be necessary in the future, once they can figure out what is really happening and who the culprit is.

Wow. I could not put this book down. Having read some of the Rockton series as well as the two previous entries in this series, I was familiar with the setup of the isolated towns and the reasons behind them, and how people end up there. It's not at all critical knowledge, as Kelley Armstrong easily conveys necessary backstory in her confident and economical way. Armstrong never lets up on the tension that just keeps building till the reveal of the perpetrator, and their twisted aims. And then, she ratchets things up further, and though I'm used to Casey in danger from previous stories, this time I felt even more concerned, what with her compromised mobility. But Casey's greatest strength is her ability to keep thinking even when faced with dangerous situations, and she shows, again, why she's such a great character, and why I keep returning to this author's work: it's tautly written, with great characters at its centre, with the action and emotional moments well balanced.

I switched back and forth between the text and the audio, and Thérèse Plummer again does a great job with voicing all the characters. I love Casey's confident tones, as well as how Plummer takes us through Casey's thought processes. I also have a particular fondness for her prickly Yolanda and the wonderful Anders.

Thank you to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for these ARCs in exchange for my review.

I enjoy how elements of the isolated setting in Northern Canada, where Haven's Rock is located, play a big role in this series. Nature is an extra character, creating obstacles and altering events. I also like the cast of characters, and the concept of Haven's Rock offering refuge to those facing danger, only for them to find danger there. The main character of the series, Detective Casey Duncan, is back working alongside her husband Sheriff Eric Dalton, and this time Casey is dealing with the added complication of being very pregnant while trying to find a killer. This one is a slower burn that took a while to get going, but I liked how it all played out in the end. The narration by Therese Plummer pulled me into the story and did a great job of conveying the tone of the story.

Cold as Hell is book 3 in the Haven's Rock series which is a spin-off from Rockton. We pick up where we left off in The Boy Who Cried Bear and Casey and Eric are close to being parents at this time. The setting in the frosty Yukon is perfect like always and I finished as fast as I could so I could find out who did it! The side characters are all great...Anders is one of my favorites and of course Casey's dog Storm is such a wonderful helper too. I love this series so much ....well I love all of Kelley Armstrong's books but this was fast-paced and fun to read/listen to.

Therese Plummer is one of my all-time favorite narrators and she did a wonderful job as usual!

Many thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 18 February 2025

(4.25 stars)
Cold As Hell is the third book in the Haven's Rock series, which is a spinoff from/continuation of Kelley Armstrong’s excellent Rockton series. This could be read as a standalone, although as with any good series, you would have a richer reading experience if you’ve read the previous books. Armstrong provides some backstory without weighing down the current story.

As with the other books, the story is narrated by the female main character, Casey. Casey is a detective and her husband Eric serves as the sheriff of their new town, set in the midst of the Yukon wilderness in Canada. The location is purposeful, as they are trying to be a sanctuary of sorts for people who really need sanctuary. Currently there are fewer than 100 residents, so it’s quite small. Armstrong writes such great suspense stories, with very individual and interesting characters. The townspeople all have different capabilities and personalities and it’s not hard at all to keep them straight. One of my favorite recurring characters is Casey’s sister April, who is the town’s doctor and is “on the spectrum.” Another favorite is Will, Eric’s deputy. Both of those characters can be found in the Rockton series. Among the new to Haven’s Rock characters (they are in the previous HR books) are Yolanda and Gunnar and they are both fascinating people. I love the diversity in the Haven's Rock population.

Specific to this book, Casey is almost at the end of her pregnancy, which, for various reasons, is a precarious one. She is trying to continue being an active detective but is naturally hampered physically, as she nears term. Of course, things can’t stay quiet in Haven’s Rock, just for Casey’s convenience! One of the residents, Kendra, is drugged and dragged off into the forest right outside of town. Luckily she is rescued before anything horrible can happen, but the whole town is on edge, especially the women. During a late winter/early spring snowstorm, Casey and Eric find another resident dead in unusual circumstances and the investigation moves into even higher gear.

I was really intrigued by the story and tried hard to figure out who the culprit would be! And I was so nervous for Casey and her soon-to-be-born baby!

I bounced between the audiobook and the ebook for this title, which was very convenient and helped me speed through this book in just two days. The audiobook was beautifully narrated by Thérèse Plummer, as for past books in this series.

Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book and to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to a review copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.

Wilderness, warning, and weathered.

This is Kelley Armstrong’s third installment of the Haven’s Rock mystery series. I need to thank NetGalley, because I received this ARC, and went back and read the first two, before this one. I have found an author that I enjoy, especially reading about the elements in the Yukon forest, mixed with mystery. Haven’s Rock is an interesting working community, unlike anything I have experienced and read before.
Thérèse Plumber has completed 3 excellent audio books. Although there is a thriller/mystery to them, they almost feel cozy with the way she represents each character. I was also gifted the electronic ARC as well, this was such a treat to have both versions! I loved reading while at home, and listening while driving and cooking.
Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and St. Martin’s Press for this opportunity, in exchange for my honest review. I hope and look forward to book 4!

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC.
This is the first time I have read a book by this author and it won’t be my last!
This book was filled with complex characters, intriguing mysteries and a bone chilling storyline.
I really enjoyed the tense atmosphere and the descriptive writing.
I highly recommend this book!

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillian Audio for the Audio ARC of Cold as Hell by Kelley Armstrong and narrated by Thérèse Plummer. Though this book was the third in the series, I read this as a standalone and was still following the characters easily, I had plenty of understanding about the community, and the author did a great job providing enough background for the reader to not feel like they have missed anything. This book kept my attention and made me want to binge on the rest of the series. There was plenty of mystery, suspense, and the chilling atmosphere provided a thrill of wanting to figure out who the bad guy was. The narrator did a fantastic job of displaying the characters' feelings through inflection of her voice, so it was clear exactly what the character was experiencing.

Jumping back to the world of Haven's Rock was such a delight. This was such an atmospheric read and to up the ante of this suspenseful read, Detective Casey Duncan is pregnant! I was very anxious with some of the things that happened and I was like her husband and trying to rush her off. I really liked how everything was presented and I very much appreciated the reminders of the townspeople. I feel like this one can be read as a stand-alone but would appreciate the characters more if read in order. The narrator, Thérèse Plummer does a wonderful job portraying Casey, and many of the other characters. The tones and inflections used were spot on.

A very special thanks to Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for the ALC.

Thank you NetGalley, Kelley Armstrong, and Macmillan Audio for the advance copy of the audiobook in exchange for my honest review! This was narrated by Thérèse Plummer whom I thought did a fantastic job! She voiced each character perfectly, it was a delight to listen to!

You'll need to bare with me for this review because while I ended up really enjoying the book, I feel like I was missing something. I did not realize this was the 3rd book in the Haven's Rock series, and while it is a standalone, I just felt I was missing on the development of Haven's Rock and past crimes they solved. Armstrong does give us some background, but I felt like I needed more development of it, as well as more background of some of the characters.

Focusing solely on the crime in this book, the tale is absolutely thrilling! Haven's Rock is a place set deep in Canada where those trying to escape their lives flee. No one knows anyone's background, just that they needed to get away. They vet the residents and keep things in order. There's a small police force that Casey is a detective on, while her husband, Eric, is the sheriff. To throw a wrench into this, Casey is 8 months pregnant when a resident is drugged and dragged into the woods, but makes an escape. Will she be able to solve the crime in time before she has to fly to the nearest big city to have her child?

While that resident was safe, they soon discover another resident deceased after a snow storm. It appears they got stuck in a white out trying to get to their house and in the state of hypothermia, their body thought it was hot so they de-robed and froze to death. Upon further investigation, it's noticed there's slight bruising on her wrists so now it's being looked at as a homicide.

Casey and her pregnancy throw a wrench into the investigation and the last 25% of this one is a wild roller coaster ride that will have you holding your breath in suspense. The end absolutely made up for how I felt in the beginning of this one. What. A. Wild. Ride. So many surprising little things at the end!!

All that said, I would give this 3.5 stars, rounding up to 4. I plan on going back and reading the first 2 in this series, so I did enjoy it. I would just not recommend if you haven't read the other books in this series, to not start here as it may not be as enjoyable. I'm happy to have found another series I can enjoy!

Great bone chilling (pun intended) read that I thoroughly enjoyed and made me interested in more from this author! Cold as Hell follows a story that unfolds while investigating a murder investigation in a small town in Canada. The eerie cold and dark setting adds to the chilling atmosphere, making this suspense novel very tense. Well written novel with great narration, that keeps you at the edge of your seat.

Thank you Macmillan Audio for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Cold as Hell by Kelley Armstrong is a thrilling and atmospheric mystery set in the isolated town of Haven's Rock, a sanctuary for those looking to disappear. The story follows Detective Casey Duncan, who, now nearing the end of her pregnancy, is determined to continue investigating the dark secrets of the town—despite her husband's concerns. When a woman is attacked and dragged into the forbidden forest, Casey and her husband, Sheriff Eric Dalton, are thrust into a dangerous investigation that takes a chilling turn when a frozen body is discovered in the snow.

Armstrong masterfully builds tension as the couple uncovers unsettling truths, all while navigating the harsh, unforgiving environment of the Yukon. The arrival of a snowstorm adds an extra layer of isolation, and the mysterious circumstances surrounding the victim raise suspicion within the town’s close-knit community. The couple must work together to uncover the truth while contending with growing fears about who they can trust.

A perfect blend of suspense, mystery, and emotional depth, Cold as Hell will keep readers on the edge of their seats, captivated by the tight-knit town, its secrets, and the unraveling danger that lurks beneath the surface. Fans of Armstrong’s writing will find this book an exciting addition to her repertoire.

Thank you #NetGalley and #MacmillanAudio for granting me access to the ALC for my honest review!

I have never heard of this book serier or author, but I decided to give it a try. Half way through I wished I had started from book 1, but you didn't really need to. This caught my attention so quickly, I finished it the same day. The characters are fasinating, the plot always seems to thicken and you seem to always get what you want! I'll be reading her 1st and 2nd book this week!

Cold as Hell is an engaging mystery set in the remote town of Haven’s Rock. Even though I haven’t read the previous books in the series, I had no trouble getting to know the characters. Detective Casey Duncan and Sheriff Eric Dalton are a strong team, and their relationship felt real and well-developed. Casey’s determination to keep investigating, even in the final stages of pregnancy, made her a compelling lead. The mystery itself was intriguing, with enough twists to keep me hooked.

One of the biggest strengths of the book was the setting. The author did a great job of making the Yukon wilderness feel real and intense. The isolation and freezing cold added to the tension, making the town feel both like a sanctuary and a potential trap. The descriptions of the environment were so vivid that I could almost feel the snow and the biting wind. The atmosphere played a huge role in shaping the suspense, making every step in the investigation feel dangerous.

The pacing was a little slow at times, but the plot was well thought out, and the conclusion was satisfying. The mix of character moments and suspense worked well, keeping me invested in both the mystery and the people involved. The book felt complete on its own, but it also made me curious about the rest of the series. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys atmospheric thrillers. Four out of five stars. Thanks to Galley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced reader copy of the audiobook.