Heather Gudenkauf writes the most intriguing psychological thrillers out these days, and this book is one of her best. I was captivated by this book and I hope that others will pick it up as well. If you’re looking for an exciting mystery with thrills and chills, then look no further. If you’re snowed in, this book will make you feel happy to be cozy and warm while the characters try to survive during an ice and snow storm.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links, see disclosures for more detail.
About the Book:
In a snowstorm, the safest place is home. Or is it?
True crime writer Wylie Lark doesn’t mind being snowed in at the isolated farmhouse where she’s retreated to write her new book. A cozy fire, complete silence. It would be perfect, if not for the fact that decades earlier, at this very house, two people were murdered in cold blood and a girl disappeared without a trace.
As the storm worsens, Wylie finds herself trapped inside the house, haunted by the secrets contained within its walls—haunted by secrets of her own. Then she discovers a small child in the snow just outside. How long had the child been there? Where did he come from? Bringing the child inside for warmth and safety, she begins to search for answers. But soon it becomes clear that the farmhouse isn’t as isolated as she thought, and someone is willing to do anything to find them.
My Thoughts:
I gave this book 4 stars.
Exciting mystery/thriller!
Gudenkauf’s books are kind of hit or miss for me, but this one is definitely a hit. There are three separate storylines:
–Present day with true crime writer Wylie hunkered down in a house in order to finish her book. One night a horrible ice storm hits and Wylie finds a young boy nearly frozen to death. When she brings him into the house he won’t speak, and when she goes to investigate where he came from, she finds an injured woman and a wrecked truck.
–The year 2000, a family with a rebellious teenage son and a younger teen daughter who has a friend come to stay the night
–A woman and her young daughter, the woman is being abused by the girl’s father
These seemingly unconnected storylines come together in some surprising ways in the end. I liked the twists the author created and the winter setting that made me shiver and presented the perfect atmosphere for the present day storyline. This is contrasted with the thread from 2000, which takes place during a sweltering summer. The stark difference between the two makes for a very atmospheric tale.
I did guess most of what was going on after a bit, but the journey to bring the three threads together is the best part. The narrative moves quickly and kept me engaged throughout. The parts about the mom and the girl had shades of Room and the abuse was pretty difficult to read, that was my least favorite of the storylines because it felt really “been there done that” for any seasoned reader.
Overall, it is a captivating tale with some intrigue and surprises that make the book worth reading.
About the Author:
Heather Gudenkauf is the critically acclaimed author of several novels, including the New York Times bestseller The Weight of Silence. She lives in Iowa with her husband and children.
Social Links:
Instagram: @heathergudenkauf
Twitter: @hgudenkauf
Facebook: @HeatherGudenkaufAuthor
