laurenjodi's review against another edition
3.0
Cold Fear
3 Stars
When evidence from an old case is found on the body of a new victim, the FBI's behavioral analysis unit is called in, and ASAC Lincoln Frazer travels to the Outer Banks of North Carolina to ensure that a vicious killer doesn't escape his appointment with death. Dr. Isadora Campell has returned to the Outer Banks to care for her rebellious teenage sister, but a terrible secret from her past connected to the current investigation threatens both her freedom and her life.
While the serial killer mystery is well-plotted with a particularly sick and twisted villain, the romance falls flat.
The suspense portion of the book is gripping with a solid pool of suspects that keeps the reader guessing until the very end. The opening sequence is heart-wrenching, and some readers may find the descriptions upsetting.
Unfortunately, the romance section is very lackluster. Linc and Izzy's reluctant attraction is bland and their chemistry is non-existent. Neither one of them is particularly appealing as Linc is so cold and controlled that it is difficult to empathize with and connect to him. His backstory, which is supposedly meant to explain his chilly demeanor, is revealed too late and in such a pragmatic way, that it has no effect on the reader's perception of his character.
Likewise, Izzy's past is revealed in drips and drabs, and the secret-keeping trope is exceedingly annoying, especially considering the fact that she is well aware of the deadly consequences of continuing to remain silent.
There are also some minor writing issues, such as the overuse of the word "guy", and one or two paragraphs with problematic sentence structure that has the unwanted effect of confusing the reader as to what is going on.
All in all, not one of the better installments in the series, which is disappointing as Linc's character was very intriguing in the previous books and I was eager for his HEA.
3 Stars
When evidence from an old case is found on the body of a new victim, the FBI's behavioral analysis unit is called in, and ASAC Lincoln Frazer travels to the Outer Banks of North Carolina to ensure that a vicious killer doesn't escape his appointment with death. Dr. Isadora Campell has returned to the Outer Banks to care for her rebellious teenage sister, but a terrible secret from her past connected to the current investigation threatens both her freedom and her life.
While the serial killer mystery is well-plotted with a particularly sick and twisted villain, the romance falls flat.
The suspense portion of the book is gripping with a solid pool of suspects that keeps the reader guessing until the very end. The opening sequence is heart-wrenching, and some readers may find the descriptions upsetting.
Unfortunately, the romance section is very lackluster. Linc and Izzy's reluctant attraction is bland and their chemistry is non-existent. Neither one of them is particularly appealing as Linc is so cold and controlled that it is difficult to empathize with and connect to him. His backstory, which is supposedly meant to explain his chilly demeanor, is revealed too late and in such a pragmatic way, that it has no effect on the reader's perception of his character.
Likewise, Izzy's past is revealed in drips and drabs, and the secret-keeping trope is exceedingly annoying, especially considering the fact that she is well aware of the deadly consequences of continuing to remain silent.
There are also some minor writing issues, such as the overuse of the word "guy", and one or two paragraphs with problematic sentence structure that has the unwanted effect of confusing the reader as to what is going on.
All in all, not one of the better installments in the series, which is disappointing as Linc's character was very intriguing in the previous books and I was eager for his HEA.
sophlf13's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
bibliostorian's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Rape, Sexual assault, Stalking, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Violence and Misogyny
marysebcalderon's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Death, and Torture
alwaysreadingreview's review against another edition
5.0
This is book #4 in the Cold Justice series. I was really intrigued by everything in this book. What happened 17 years ago? Who was the new killer? What does Isadora have to do with it? I was glued from the first page to the end. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Read more from this author? Yes!
Happy Reading!
Melissa
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Read more from this author? Yes!
Happy Reading!
Melissa
_sylviareads_'s review against another edition
4.0
Great storyline with the mystery was that was really good. I had some suspicions and some of them came true but even so, I was still shocked by the ending. The romance aspect in this book was ... ok I guess. It was in the background not really important to the plot.
Overall I enjoyed this story and I'll go back to this series to get to know more about some of the characters that appeared in this story.
Overall I enjoyed this story and I'll go back to this series to get to know more about some of the characters that appeared in this story.
missmaj's review against another edition
5.0
This is probably the creepiest and most disturbing of the series thus far.
_sylviareads_'s review
4.0
Great storyline with the mystery was that was really good. I had some suspicions and some of them came true but even so, I was still shocked by the ending. The romance aspect in this book was ... ok I guess. It was in the background not really important to the plot.
Overall I enjoyed this story and I'll go back to this series to get to know more about some of the characters that appeared in this story.
Overall I enjoyed this story and I'll go back to this series to get to know more about some of the characters that appeared in this story.
marysues's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
bodebeabay's review against another edition
4.0
[b:Cold Fear|24788406|Cold Fear (Cold Justice, #4)|Toni Anderson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1427030130l/24788406._SX50_.jpg|44422137] by [a:Toni Anderson|2820461|Toni Anderson|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1542643749p2/2820461.jpg]
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Crime, Mystery, Romance, Suspense
4.5 Stars
The loss of star points was from the pace in the romance department and repetitive thoughts of both mc's. The repetitive thoughts weren't numerous, but they happened enough times to irritate me. I hate repetition of any kind and I will admit I am sensitive to it.
I loved both mc's. Both Frazer and Izzy were strong personalities and highly intelligent. They both had flaws, secrets and huge responsibilities.
The attraction was instant, but they both ignored it. Fought it at every step. The build-up to their 'Wowzer' moment was a slow burn. I started to think it wasn't going to happen when they finally capitulated. It was well worth the wait. Hot and steamy love scenes commenced and they were just shy of what some would describe as erotica. Ms. Anderson even managed to add a touch of humor in their intimate scenes. She also used the scenes to connect the characters and readers alike.
Well Done!
The suspense, mystery, and crime aspects were spot on. You even got the serial killer's pov in small doses. Talk about creepy!
The investigation was well written. Everything moved in a mostly realistic method. Although there were some things with procedure etc. that were stretched. These areas added to the story's intensity, the personality of the characters and the world build.
I am so glad I didn't give up on this series. I almost did after book #3. This one has completely redeemed my faith in the author and I plan on continuing this series for a long time to come.
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Crime, Mystery, Romance, Suspense
4.5 Stars
The loss of star points was from the pace in the romance department and repetitive thoughts of both mc's. The repetitive thoughts weren't numerous, but they happened enough times to irritate me. I hate repetition of any kind and I will admit I am sensitive to it.
I loved both mc's. Both Frazer and Izzy were strong personalities and highly intelligent. They both had flaws, secrets and huge responsibilities.
The attraction was instant, but they both ignored it. Fought it at every step. The build-up to their 'Wowzer' moment was a slow burn. I started to think it wasn't going to happen when they finally capitulated. It was well worth the wait. Hot and steamy love scenes commenced and they were just shy of what some would describe as erotica. Ms. Anderson even managed to add a touch of humor in their intimate scenes. She also used the scenes to connect the characters and readers alike.
Well Done!
The suspense, mystery, and crime aspects were spot on. You even got the serial killer's pov in small doses. Talk about creepy!
The investigation was well written. Everything moved in a mostly realistic method. Although there were some things with procedure etc. that were stretched. These areas added to the story's intensity, the personality of the characters and the world build.
I am so glad I didn't give up on this series. I almost did after book #3. This one has completely redeemed my faith in the author and I plan on continuing this series for a long time to come.