A Killing Cold Book Review
Publisher: Flatiron Books
What you can expect
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A Killing Cold includes several sensitive themes that readers should be aware of. These include physical and emotional abuse, death and murder, and mentions of suicidal thoughts. The book also touches on depression, isolation, and parental neglect. In addition, there are elements of child endangerment, animal death (specifically involving a deer), and scenes involving physical violence, swearing, and kidnapping. Given these topics, the book may be distressing for some readers, especially those sensitive to these kinds of content.
Why you can trust my review of A Killing Cold
Preferences in books are widely subjective, but I tried to come up with a methodology for rating thriller books that focuses on the elements of the genre. My rating and review are based on how well A Killing Cold incorporates all of those elements. While I can't promise complete objectivity, you can trust that my rating and review are not completely biased.
Summary of A Killing Cold
Theodora Scott’s whirlwind romance with Connor Dalton takes a sinister turn when he brings her to Idlewood, his family’s remote and icy retreat. Theo hopes to win over Connor’s skeptical relatives, but unsettling threats begin to surface—warnings that she doesn’t belong. Her fear deepens when she discovers a childhood photograph of herself at Idlewood, a place she has no memory of ever visiting.
As buried fragments of her past claw their way to the surface, Theo realizes her connection to Idlewood runs deeper than she could have imagined. The Dalton family is guarding a chilling secret, one they’re willing to protect at any cost. Racing against time and the growing danger around her, Theo must confront the truth of her forgotten history. But in a place where the past and present collide, uncovering the answers may cost her everything—even her life.
Judging the book by its cover
A Killing Cold. That title grabbed my attention. Not A Cold Killing, which is how my brain reads the title of this book every time. Why do I find that title to be so tantalizing? I couldn’t resist reading more about it. But the summary is just as mysterious. It doesn’t give enough away for me to get a sense if I’ll actually like it or not. Honestly, it’s such a bland summary that I probably should have passed on it. But there’s also the promise of more in between the lines of the summary. And that’s why I chose to read the book.
My take on A Killing Cold
The thriller genre has become harder for me to enjoy lately, as I often predict the twists from reading so many books in the genre. However, A Killing Cold was a refreshing change. It didn’t focus on guessing who the villain was; instead, it kept me on edge trying to figure out who wasn't the villain. I really appreciated this unique twist.
The story centers around Theodora Scott, who’s invited to Idlewood, an isolated mansion on a mountain, by her fiancé, Connor Dalton. Life has hardened Theo, and this hardness made it difficult to tell whether she truly loves Connor or if she’s simply clinging to him for the stability his family’s wealth provides. Connor’s family shares this skepticism, and some members seem to scrutinize her for reasons beyond just her intentions.
As Theo explores the grounds, she discovers a decrepit cabin that seems to call to her. Inside, she’s overwhelmed by a sense of familiarity, especially when she finds a set of stairs leading to the second floor. Her intuition proves right, and she’s shocked by what she uncovers. Theo has no memory of her early childhood, only recollections of life with her adopted parents—who had no connection to the Daltons. So, when she stumbles upon a photograph of her and Connor’s father hidden behind a mirror upstairs, her world is turned upside down.
Already feeling distrustful, Theo now questions whether she can even trust Connor. Her doubts deepen when she encounters Trevor, Connor’s younger brother, who reveals a secret that Connor has been keeping. As events take a darker turn, Theo begins to fear for her life. The story unfolds in a series of suspenseful moments, each bringing Theo closer to uncovering the truth about her past—one piece at a time.
By the end, Theo has the answers she’s been searching for. While the conclusion isn’t exactly the happy ending she hoped for, it marks the beginning of a life she can now live on her own terms, free from the secrets and trauma of her past. She’s finally able to move forward, knowing who she truly is.
While I would have liked a more consistent pace in the action and suspense throughout, A Killing Cold stood out with its mystery, unexpected twists, and fast-paced narrative. I was engaged from start to finish and thoroughly enjoyed the book.
Who should read this book?
A Killing Cold is a great option for thriller enthusiasts and those wanting to get into the genre. Anyone who is sensitive to depictions of domestic violence should sit this one out. There’s also mention of suicide, which could be distressful for some so I caution those readers before picking up this book.