z0en0e's review against another edition
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
bmacenlightened's review against another edition
4.0
Strand Delivers
Packing his usual snark into a super tense novella? No problem. These characters are imperfect and not the easiest to like but I'll be gosh darned if I didn't root for them after spending time with them. Solid recommendation.
Packing his usual snark into a super tense novella? No problem. These characters are imperfect and not the easiest to like but I'll be gosh darned if I didn't root for them after spending time with them. Solid recommendation.
edith_emily_reads's review
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
mrfrank's review
4.0
Jeff Strand's COLD DEAD HANDS takes place in a freezer. I'd heard a lot about method acting and I wanted to test if the practice translated to reading. I dropped trousers and went outside into the cold November night with COLD DEAD HANDS tucked under my arm. It was cold. The book, the air, all of it.
Reading a book that takes place in the freezer while freezing your ass off really adds atmosphere. Which is odd because cold air contracts so you would think it would subtract atmosphere. But this is literary atmosphere we are talking about and when you talk about literary atmosphere all the rules go right out the window.
COLD DEAD HANDS is a quick read. Thank goodness because my shriveled up scrotum was really becoming uncomfortable. It's purple now. I finished reading the book (which was really good by the way) and I'm now warming up my COLD DEAD HANDS and shriveled up scrotum.
The read was immersive but I think you'll do just fine reading it in relative warmth. It's just that good. The character really drive the story, a sort of slasher tale served up four ways. The characters didn't even complain too much about the cold until very near the end. I was complaining about the cold much sooner.
COLD DEAD HANDS is a great quick read. If you plan on reading one book naked and exposed to the elements, make it COLD DEAD HANDS. You'll read it quick because it's a real page turner. You can get back inside, warm up and choose your next awesome Jeff Strand book.
Now, I wonder if any of Jeff Strand's books take place in the Caribbean...
Reading a book that takes place in the freezer while freezing your ass off really adds atmosphere. Which is odd because cold air contracts so you would think it would subtract atmosphere. But this is literary atmosphere we are talking about and when you talk about literary atmosphere all the rules go right out the window.
COLD DEAD HANDS is a quick read. Thank goodness because my shriveled up scrotum was really becoming uncomfortable. It's purple now. I finished reading the book (which was really good by the way) and I'm now warming up my COLD DEAD HANDS and shriveled up scrotum.
The read was immersive but I think you'll do just fine reading it in relative warmth. It's just that good. The character really drive the story, a sort of slasher tale served up four ways. The characters didn't even complain too much about the cold until very near the end. I was complaining about the cold much sooner.
COLD DEAD HANDS is a great quick read. If you plan on reading one book naked and exposed to the elements, make it COLD DEAD HANDS. You'll read it quick because it's a real page turner. You can get back inside, warm up and choose your next awesome Jeff Strand book.
Now, I wonder if any of Jeff Strand's books take place in the Caribbean...
jeanne25's review
3.0
I received this as an ARC from Cemetery Dance last year. My history with Strand's books hasn't been positive so I put it off. I love dark humor but Strand's brand seems to be more like a slap schtick movie. I see the merit in it. There is definitely an audience for it. It isn't for me. This book wasn't horrible. (None of his books I have read are horrible.) There were redeeming points but overall I tend to find his humor incompatible to mine. I would compare it to when I talk my husband into watching American Idol. While there are entertaining bits, overall he would rather be watching anything else. I am rounding up to 3 stars because I know this isn't a quality issue but a personal preference.
beccajbooks's review
4.0
This was quite funny. A really short story about 10 strangers stuck in a grocery store freezer when the store comes under seige by hostage takers.
We follow their plans to escape and get out of there, hopefully alive.
Funny, short, interesting, unique. I'd recommend as a quick time passer.
Www.thebeautifulbookbreak.com
We follow their plans to escape and get out of there, hopefully alive.
Funny, short, interesting, unique. I'd recommend as a quick time passer.
Www.thebeautifulbookbreak.com
amia's review
4.0
Wacky, warped, weird and very dark humor poured into a terrifying scenario. Jeff Strand has an imagination and wit that astounds and entertain. As with all of his work, I highly recommend Cold Dead Hands, but beware: it is not for the faint of heart or the squeamish. I read straight through, had to know who survived. I hope you enjoy this short story as much as I did.
Read via Kindle Unlimited
Read via Kindle Unlimited
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