Review: Cold as Hell (Haven’s Rock, #3)
When I first picked up Cold as Hell by Megan Hart, I was immediately drawn to the intriguing premise of Haven’s Rock—a sanctuary nestled in the heart of the Yukon, designed to provide solace to those escaping from life’s tumult. The idea of a tight-knit community facing external threats, especially during a snowstorm, felt both chilling and captivating. As a lover of winter settings, I hoped this book would weave the warmth of human connection through a frosty backdrop, but sadly, it left me a bit cold.
The story picks up with Detective Casey and her husband, Eric, trying to maintain the fragile peace in their isolated haven. While the inciting incident—a resident being drugged and dragged into the wilderness—offers plenty of suspense, my emotional connection with the main character, Casey, was quickly tested. Reading through her first-person perspective became a mixed bag. At times, her reflections felt insightful, but too often, I found her grappling with moral dilemmas that veered into the overly naïve. Casey’s introspective nature, rather than adding depth, occasionally made her sound borderline whiny.
What I truly loved, however, was the overarching mystery. The tension surrounding the investigation was well-crafted, and the character of Sebastian quickly became a standout for me. He added layers of complexity that kept me engaged. Still, the climax fell flat. I could sense how it would play out long before it did, which diminished my investment in the outcome. The thrill was there, but at the cost of realism; Casey’s heroics felt excessive at points, pushing the boundaries of believability.
On the crafting side, Hart used only a fraction of the book—namely the prologue—to give voice to another character’s perspective. While I appreciated the change, the return to Casey’s POV for most of the narrative limited the storytelling scope. I yearned for deeper insights that a multi-POV format could have provided, especially during such tense scenes.
Yet, amidst my critiques, I found solace in the lighthearted moments, especially toward the end. The resolution provided a satisfying closure, complete with adorable scenes that momentarily softened the tension. Small touches, such as the delightful Storm and a fleeting appearance by a spirited child, added layers of charm that reminded me of the earlier books in the series.
In conclusion, Cold as Hell holds an intriguing and action-packed mystery that could certainly appeal to many readers, especially those who enjoy stories with strong, sometimes overzealous protagonists. If you’re a fan of Hart’s previous work, this installment is worth checking out—but do consider reading the series in order for the full effect. While my experience was more lukewarm than I’d hoped, I appreciate the effort Hart puts into crafting thrilling narratives. If you enjoy a cozy yet thrilling winter mystery with a dash of drama, then perhaps Cold as Hell will do the trick for you.
Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin’s (Minotaur Books), for the eARC. My thoughts, as always, are my own!
Discover more about Cold as Hell (Haven’s Rock, #3) on GoodReads >>