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Dead of Winter: A Locked-Room Snowstorm Thriller of Survival

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At a glance

Condition
New
Dimensions
5.5 x 0.88 x 8.25 in
Weight
2.31 lb
Publisher
Poisoned Pen Press
Publication date
July 11, 2023
Language
English
Print length
352 pages

Description

USA TODAY BESTSELLER JULY 2023 LIBRARYREADS SELECTION It's not the snow you should fear―it's the person next to you.Christa hoped a retreat to the Rocky Mountains would help her escape her haunted past, but a brutal snowstorm strands her in an abandoned cabin with eight strangers―and a killer who won't stop until no one is left.From the very first page, Dead of Winter by Darcy Coates plunges you into bone-chilling isolation and a relentless fight for survival. This visceral locked-room horror blends graphic, inventive suspense with an atmosphere so intense you'll feel the icy air and hear every creak in the darkness. The claustrophobic cabin becomes a trap, where trust is a luxury no one can afford, and betrayal lurks behind every fearful glance. If you crave snowstorm survival and unrelenting dread, this is your next obsession. Read more

Specs 8

Publisher Poisoned Pen Press
Publication date July 11, 2023
Language English
Print length 352 pages
ISBN-10 1728270251
ISBN-13 58
Item Weight 2.31 pounds
Dimensions 5.5 x 0.88 x 8.25 inches

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Top Amazon Reviews


Fast Paced, gripping, thriller
Format: Paperback
Dead of Winter was an unputdownable, one-sitting read for me. Darcy Coates wastes absolutely no time-she drops you straight into the story and never lets up. The pacing is tight, the atmosphere is relentlessly cold and claustrophobic, and the sense of unease builds with every chapter. I loved how focused this book was. No filler, no unnecessary backstory-just survival, dread, and mounting tension. The isolation and paranoia were incredibly effective, and while it's not overly gory, there were moments that genuinely made my stomach turn in the best (worst?) way. Best of all, Coates knew exactly when to end the story. The conclusion felt sharp and intentional, not dragged out or overexplained, which made the whole experience even stronger. A fast, unsettling winter survival horror that delivers exactly what it promises. One of my favorite Darcy Coates reads so far. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2026 by Kristy May

Intense
Format: Kindle
A blizzard, plenty of suspense, a killer, and a tour group with strangers headed to a remote lodge in the Rocky Mountains for a two-week vacation are featured in Dead of Winter by Darcy Coates. The group is forced to take shelter in an abandoned hunting cabin when their bus can no longer proceed. Despite the close quarters, Christa believes they will be safe. Wrong. The tour guide goes missing and is discovered dead the next morning. As the storm continues and the number of survivors diminishes, she must decide who to trust. The characterization is well done. Not only are there concise and clear physical descriptions, but it is supplemented by various mannerisms and character traits, including shortcomings. Readers don’t get this information all at once. It comes through Christa’s thoughts, observations, and conversations. We also learn about an event that occurred two years ago has greatly impacted her lifestyle since then. The world-building is excellent which helped paint the story in my mind. The descriptive narrative transported me to the remote isolated cabin and the terrifying world of the victims and survivors. The storyline is gripping and grabs readers attention quickly. I was hooked on the story in the first chapter. Coates is a superb storyteller who kept me rapidly turning the pages with gripping and compelling scenes and a great plot in this disturbing story. The tension is so substantial one can almost see it. My biggest quibble is that I still had a few unanswered questions at the end of the book. While it is good and readers learn who the killer is, I wanted more resolution. Additionally, there was some slower pacing in the middle of the book. The author does a good job of balancing the shocking events against the mystery of determining who to trust and who is the killer. Exceptional characters, intense fight scenes, bitter cold, snow, ice, horrible deaths, and an absorbing plot are combined with a protagonist who is far from perfect and a killer with one or more unknown motives. The story has plenty of layers and is quite dark and horrifying at times. Overall, this riveting story immediately grabbed my attention and kept me engaged throughout the book. I loved the tension and the intensity in this novel. It is only the second one I have read by this author, but I am already looking forward to the next one. Those who like horror, thrillers, and locked room mysteries will likely enjoy this novel. I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was July 11, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2024 by lynguy1

Long-winded, grew impatient
Format: Paperback
I wanted to love it. I got to about 75% completion and had to skim the remaining pages to find out what happened. It’s very slow burning, and while it’s a quick chapter to chapter read, I didn’t love it. I know many did and do, so maybe it just isn’t for me. I’d be willing to read something else by the author, try again. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2026 by C Long

Too Similar to the Shining
Format: Kindle
The similarities between this and the Shining are only the location and a winter lodge. The story is compelling the twist hits you in the stomach a knife twisting deeper and deeper. The winter layers pulling back the truth, hidden away but connected through each person. Death will follow with those who pursue revenge. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on September 18, 2026 by Alexia KAplan

WOW emoji times 10!!
Format: Kindle
I’ve been a fan of Darcy Coates for a few years now, and was very excited to see another of her books on Kindle. I still have some of her books saved (bought?) I can’t remember which, but they so intrigued me, scared me, and genuinely freaked me out that I couldn’t let them go! I’m constantly on the prowl for good mysteries, paranormal or otherwise, and when I find one that truly causes a reaction, a gasp, a shudder, a tear, a bad night staring at shadows, I keep it! Darcy Coates books do that for me, not all, but many, and this one did not disappoint, eventually. I gave the book 4 stars instead of 5 because it took me a long time to engage with this one. It’s an extremely atmospheric story, full of the kinds of situations that touch the primal fears as well as the fears closer to the surface. The characters are well fleshed out for the most part, each having their own idiosyncrasies and flaws, a couple downright obnoxious. The atmosphere created is very claustrophobic, a personal issue of mine, so it caused a reaction in me before the murdering even started! But the same theme that gave me chills also served to slow the story down for me, and eventually to put it aside. Instead of breathlessly running through the pages, I found myself slogged down and to the point of giving up. That reaction is very fitting to the story, but made for some frustrating reading. However, I stuck it out, and I’m SO glad I did! What an amazing climax! I still have that goose bump feeling, and I know I’ll go back and read the last few pages over again just for the thrill! Darcy Coates excels at writing emotion into her characters. It’s the visceral actions and reactions of those characters that makes the climax so breathtaking. The last few chapters had me on hooks wondering where it would all lead, and when we got there, BAM! The interplay between characters was stunning, the writing creating such perfect deviance in one character in particular that it was both sickening and thrilling at the same time. I recommend this book highly, but you may have to push yourself a bit to get to where you’re going. But trust Darcy Coates to take you on a wild ride! If you like mystery and horror, you won’t be disappointed! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2023 by MaryEllen S

WOW!!! AMAZING BOOK!!!
Format: Paperback
ABSOLUTE MASTERPIECE !!! Ok, so to add context as a reader I am.....one who has little patience for meaningless back story, cheap predictable fluff and fillers. I am in essence a James Patterson reader....fast paced, 3-4 page chapters that always leave me wanting more and the story moves along at a pace that keeps me wanting more every step of the way. That said...this is one of the best books I have ever read. I brought it along on my wedding/honeymoon to Grand Tetons, Las Vegas, Zion and Bryce. There was PLENTY to see and do in those amazing places but...this book kept me longing for moments to sneak away and read. The characters are well thought out but not overly so. The twists and turns and a plenty. My new wife would even ask me for updates on the story as ever my vague retelling of it kept her interested. As someone who is well equipped for danger, survived a terrorist attack, fought Muay Thai in the ring, worked at the jail and taught martial arts...I don't scare easily. However, this book had me confirming my flashlight and weapons were near by each night as I turned out the lights. I m sure there are a few haters who didn't love this book....but dont miss out because of them. BUY IT, READ IT and decide for yourself. If you like horror movies like Scream, Friday the 13th, Halloween etc (this is far less predictable than the last 2) then you will love this. There are twists and turns and a satisfying ending. Just ordered "Hunted" by Darcy Coates and can't wait to read it!! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2024 by Amazon Customer

Creepy suspense thriller that keeps you guessing!
Format: Kindle
Dead of Winter was an excellent suspense thriller, and I’m so happy I picked it up! The storyline kept me guessing, and while I had changing suspicions about the killer throughout the book, my initial suspicion proved correct in the end. I love listening to atmospheric thriller audiobooks set in remote locations where nature and the environment enhance the fear and suspense. The snowstorm and remote mountain setting for this story were perfect! The author provided gruesome details that increased the reader’s connection to the main character’s terrified point of view as she struggled to survive while others were picked off one by one. One thing I noticed was that the story slowed down a bit around the midway mark but picked up again a few chapters later. The audiobook narrator did a fantastic job voicing each character! Overall, if you’re looking for a great thriller book, definitely check out Darcy Coates. You won’t be disappointed. This is my second book by this author, and I’m already planning to read another one right after this one. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2025 by Shannon S.

good book terrible ending
Format: Kindle
The book kept me on my toes the plot twist was a bit predictable and the ending fell short. Overall a good book if you want a quick read.
Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2026 by jimmy a.
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