Series
Genres
Publication
Transworld Publ. Ltd UK (2010), Edition: Airport/Ireland/Export and Waterstones ed
Description
Boston homicide detective Jane Rizzoli receives the grim news that Maura's charred body has been found in a mountain ravine. Shocked and grieving, Jane is determined to learn what happened to her friend. The investigation plunges Jane into the twisted history of Kingdom Come, Wyoming, where a gruesome discovery lies buried beneath the snow.
User reviews
LibraryThing member anna_in_pdx
I'm a regular reader of mystery series. I'm quite a fan of the sub-genre of special interest mysteries, going back about 15 years or so, in such fields as forensics, medicine in general, science, etc.
The sub-genre of forensics mysteries has a lot of choice in it now. Of course, it started with
This book did not disappoint, except perhaps that being an ARC, it had typos and punctuation errors that will probably not be there in the eventual final version. I like Gerritsen's characters and I found the plot, about a weird semi-Mormon breakaway cult in Wyoming / Idaho, to be fascinating. The character of the boy who was expelled from the compound was particularly well-done, I thought.
Why doesn't she get more stars then? Well, it's formula and it didn't deviate from that. Also, the rich admirer swooping in and saving people was annoying to me. I don't generally like these tropes in any kind of fiction. I also have not really been following this series so I was not very invested in the relationships that were rather perfunctorily sketched out (because of the fact that it is one of a long line of books in which the relationship was already well developed). And I saw a weakness in how she avoided describing one of the characters so that she could do one of those typical mystery plot twists. So as a mystery, it's readable and entertaining but not one that makes you say "Wow! I remember why this is a great genre!"
This is the first ER book I've received by an already well-established bestselling author. I don't think I will ask for those in the future, as it seems to me this is not what the ER program should be concentrating on - I like participating in the ER program mostly because I get to know of new authors. I already know what I am getting with a Gerritsen novel, and while this one didn't disappoint, it didn't go any farther than my expectation, either.
The sub-genre of forensics mysteries has a lot of choice in it now. Of course, it started with
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Patricia Cornwell's Kay Scarpetta. I used to read those mysteries until her politics got too much into the novels. Then I enjoyed Kathy Reichs' series about the "forensic anthropologist" Temperance Brennan, which is now a TV series called "Bones". There is also Robin Cook with his medical examiner tag team of Laurie and Jack (or is it Jake? Anyhow they are a very likeable couple of ME's from Boston). Several years ago Tess Gerritson appeared on the scene with her lady coroner Maura. I read a couple of them and they appealed to me as well. It should be said that I realize this is a totally formula kind of writing. I call them "airplane reading" in that they are a good way to spend an airplane ride.This book did not disappoint, except perhaps that being an ARC, it had typos and punctuation errors that will probably not be there in the eventual final version. I like Gerritsen's characters and I found the plot, about a weird semi-Mormon breakaway cult in Wyoming / Idaho, to be fascinating. The character of the boy who was expelled from the compound was particularly well-done, I thought.
Why doesn't she get more stars then? Well, it's formula and it didn't deviate from that. Also, the rich admirer swooping in and saving people was annoying to me. I don't generally like these tropes in any kind of fiction. I also have not really been following this series so I was not very invested in the relationships that were rather perfunctorily sketched out (because of the fact that it is one of a long line of books in which the relationship was already well developed). And I saw a weakness in how she avoided describing one of the characters so that she could do one of those typical mystery plot twists. So as a mystery, it's readable and entertaining but not one that makes you say "Wow! I remember why this is a great genre!"
This is the first ER book I've received by an already well-established bestselling author. I don't think I will ask for those in the future, as it seems to me this is not what the ER program should be concentrating on - I like participating in the ER program mostly because I get to know of new authors. I already know what I am getting with a Gerritsen novel, and while this one didn't disappoint, it didn't go any farther than my expectation, either.
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LibraryThing member fredbacon
If you're not already a fan of Tess Gerritsen's Jane Rizzoli and Maura Isles mysteries, then here is the book that will make you one. Jane Rizzoli is an Italian-American police detective in Boston. Maura Isles is a Boston medical examiner. Jane is a tough cop from a dysfunctional family with a lot
One late November, Maura, feeling trapped and unhappy in her affair goes to Wyoming to attend a medical examiner's conference where she meets up with a charismatic, spontaneous man from her past. Together with his daughter and friends, Maura sets out for a ski resort when an accident on a lonely mountain road, in a snow storm, strands them in a mysterious village. The small community of Kingdom Come, the enclave of a religious cult, is strangely deserted in a manner reminiscent of the Mary Celeste. Doors and windows are left open; uneaten meals are sitting on the kitchen tables. Everyone seems to have vanished into thin air, but it soon becomes clear that they are not truly alone. Soon a desperate fight for escape and survival in the frozen wilderness begins.
When Maura fails to return from her trip as expected Jane Rizzoli, Agent Dean and Maura's lover, Father Brophy, fly to Wyoming in search of the missing woman. The search ends in tragedy when the burned and broken bodies of Maura and her companions are found in the wreckage of their SUV at the bottom of a ravine.
Shocked by the loss of her friend, Jane is unable to rest until she can understand what happened to Maura on that isolated mountain road. But her efforts to discover the truth are frustrated by a resentful sheriff and the uncooperative locals. Soon she discovers that nothing and no one is quite what they seem in Sublette County.
If you've never read Tess Gerritsen, then this is the place to start. With Ice Cold, Tess Gerritsen is at the top of her game. The story is a gripping adventure and mystery that's skilfully plotted and atmospheric. From the unnerving quiet of Kingdom Come to the bone chilling cold of the Wyoming winter, you won't be able to stop reading until you learn the secret hidden in those lonely mountains.
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to prove to herself and her coworkers. Maura is a cool, professional pathologist with a personal life that borders on the disastrous. Jane is a new mother married to Gabriel Dean, an ex-marine and FBI agent. Maura is divorced and having an affair with a Catholic priest.One late November, Maura, feeling trapped and unhappy in her affair goes to Wyoming to attend a medical examiner's conference where she meets up with a charismatic, spontaneous man from her past. Together with his daughter and friends, Maura sets out for a ski resort when an accident on a lonely mountain road, in a snow storm, strands them in a mysterious village. The small community of Kingdom Come, the enclave of a religious cult, is strangely deserted in a manner reminiscent of the Mary Celeste. Doors and windows are left open; uneaten meals are sitting on the kitchen tables. Everyone seems to have vanished into thin air, but it soon becomes clear that they are not truly alone. Soon a desperate fight for escape and survival in the frozen wilderness begins.
When Maura fails to return from her trip as expected Jane Rizzoli, Agent Dean and Maura's lover, Father Brophy, fly to Wyoming in search of the missing woman. The search ends in tragedy when the burned and broken bodies of Maura and her companions are found in the wreckage of their SUV at the bottom of a ravine.
Shocked by the loss of her friend, Jane is unable to rest until she can understand what happened to Maura on that isolated mountain road. But her efforts to discover the truth are frustrated by a resentful sheriff and the uncooperative locals. Soon she discovers that nothing and no one is quite what they seem in Sublette County.
If you've never read Tess Gerritsen, then this is the place to start. With Ice Cold, Tess Gerritsen is at the top of her game. The story is a gripping adventure and mystery that's skilfully plotted and atmospheric. From the unnerving quiet of Kingdom Come to the bone chilling cold of the Wyoming winter, you won't be able to stop reading until you learn the secret hidden in those lonely mountains.
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LibraryThing member PolarBear
I couldn't believe my good fortune when I was notified I'd won a review copy of this book from LibraryThing Early Reviewers. Generally speaking, I consider Tess Gerritsen an automatic good read. I do have one of her books that I'm just not making good progress getting through it, but ICE COLD was
Frequently, I can anticipate what the end result will be, but I confess I was surprised at nearly every turn with this book. Well, I knew Doug wouldn't be successful at bringing help -- and you will, too, when you read the book. I couldn't believe Maura (a major character in her books) was going to be killed off, but I had to admit it was possible. The story was masterfully told. While the ending was satisfying, it almost raised more questions than it answered. Because of that, I'm certain we'll be hearing more in a later book about at least one of the characters introduced in this story.
You really can't go wrong by selecting this book to read.
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not that book. I read before going to bed, and I found myself not wanting to stop at chapter breaks.Frequently, I can anticipate what the end result will be, but I confess I was surprised at nearly every turn with this book. Well, I knew Doug wouldn't be successful at bringing help -- and you will, too, when you read the book. I couldn't believe Maura (a major character in her books) was going to be killed off, but I had to admit it was possible. The story was masterfully told. While the ending was satisfying, it almost raised more questions than it answered. Because of that, I'm certain we'll be hearing more in a later book about at least one of the characters introduced in this story.
You really can't go wrong by selecting this book to read.
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LibraryThing member lovelyliquid
I really enjoyed this book! I couldn't put it down till I made it through. It's writing style was easily understood, and flowed from one situation to the next. Absolutely Riveting!!
LibraryThing member MmeRose
Ice Cold made me lose track of time; I was lost in the snowy depths with Maura.
This is an excellent addition to the Maura Isles/Jane Rizzoli series and Tess Gerritsen has not lost her edge. The subject matter has been covered by other authors, but Ms. Gerritsen approaches it from a new angle and
This is one of my favorite series and I was thrilled to receive an Early Review copy. Ice Cold only reinforces my choice of Ms. Gerritsen as a favorite author. I do hope the audio version of this book is as good as were the earlier audiobooks, as I plan to listen when it is available.
Whether you read or listen, give this series a try!
This is an excellent addition to the Maura Isles/Jane Rizzoli series and Tess Gerritsen has not lost her edge. The subject matter has been covered by other authors, but Ms. Gerritsen approaches it from a new angle and
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adds twists to the plot that will keep the reader guessing all the way to the last few pages.This is one of my favorite series and I was thrilled to receive an Early Review copy. Ice Cold only reinforces my choice of Ms. Gerritsen as a favorite author. I do hope the audio version of this book is as good as were the earlier audiobooks, as I plan to listen when it is available.
Whether you read or listen, give this series a try!
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LibraryThing member 2wildravens
ICE COLD by Tess Gerritsen is classic Tess! Regulars will be pleased with her newest work. The story is full of strong imagery and well researched details. Set primarily in Wyoming, where the bitter cold is almost another character in and of itself, Maura Isles must survive after having a brief
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excursion turn into deadly disaster. Religious cults - crooked cops - bitter ranchers will all be set straight by the good guys - Dr. Isles & her friend, Boston homicide detective Jane Rizzoli among others. This book is a fun, quick adventure! Show Less
LibraryThing member tabitha6
This is my favorite Tess Gerritsen novel. I loved everything about this book!
LibraryThing member mandolin
I've never read this author or series before, but diving into this thriller was no problem. So many elements in this books were truly and realistically terrifying, like being stranded in the freezing cold with no way to contact anyone. The mystery and drama that unfolded after that kept me turning
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the pages long after I had decided to put the book down and move on to other things. Don't be surprised if you have nightmares after you read it. Show Less
LibraryThing member SugarCreekRanch
Ice Cold is a very fast-paced thriller, combining two ripped-from-the-headlines plot points: a group of people become stranded in a snowstorm after a GPS directs them up a seasonal road, and a religious compound is mysteriously deserted. This book features detective Jane Rizzoli and medical
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examiner Maura Isles, and is apparently the eighth is a series. This was my first Rizzoli/Isles story, and I think I would've enjoyed it even more had I read some of the earlier novels. There were some secondary characters that I could've used a little more background informaiton about. But it was still a great read. The jacket copy says that the Rizzoli/Isles team will soon be made in a television series. This kind of fast-paced, twisty plot should do well on the small screen. Show Less
LibraryThing member KerriL
This book, about a medical examiner, Maura Isles, from Boston, who follows all the rules (well, except for her secret love affair...) who goes to a conference in Wyoming, runs into an old clsssmate and makes a spontaneous decision to accompany him and some friends on a adventure. Of course, the
The story grabbed me right away and I was hooked. It was definitely one of those 'I can't put it down' books for me. I thought the characters were interesting, although perhaps we could have gotten to know some of them a little better (but then again, she has several books based on these main female characters, so it could be that I'm missing out because this is the first book I've read by this author), and the plot kept moving along and kept me turning the pages.
I really enjoyed the book and would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants a relatively quick, but completely captivating, read. My one complaint is the end. It almost seemed like she was trying to tie up loose ends too quickly. I was definitely left with some questions and a few "...but what about...?" moments. Again, though, this may be the way this author ends these books to leave you wanting the next book Maura Isles book. All in all, i thoroughly enjoyed the book, and will definitely look for other books by this author, especially those involving Maura Isles.
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adventure takes a turn for the worse...and keeps getting worse. The story grabbed me right away and I was hooked. It was definitely one of those 'I can't put it down' books for me. I thought the characters were interesting, although perhaps we could have gotten to know some of them a little better (but then again, she has several books based on these main female characters, so it could be that I'm missing out because this is the first book I've read by this author), and the plot kept moving along and kept me turning the pages.
I really enjoyed the book and would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants a relatively quick, but completely captivating, read. My one complaint is the end. It almost seemed like she was trying to tie up loose ends too quickly. I was definitely left with some questions and a few "...but what about...?" moments. Again, though, this may be the way this author ends these books to leave you wanting the next book Maura Isles book. All in all, i thoroughly enjoyed the book, and will definitely look for other books by this author, especially those involving Maura Isles.
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LibraryThing member ijustgetbored
Ice Cold brings back Tess Gerritsen's crime solvers Maura Isles and Jane Rizzoli, though the focus here is on Maura, with Jane playing a supporting-- and late-in-the-game-- role.
The novel begins with Maura leaving her lover, the priest Daniel Brophy, for a pathology conference in chilly Wyoming.
The first part of the novel, as I said, is almost Dean Koontz in character, almost as if a supernatural event has occured to sweep Kingdom Come of its residents. The second half is jarringly back to cold hard reality: a brainwashing cult that preys on the vunerable, forensics, and the interplay of everyday (if complex) emotions (I don't want to talk further about the plot because of spoilers). It's a little bit like two narratives sutured together. I felt like there was a bit of a disconnect between the two halves of the novel; we have the cult theme joining them, but we don't really know much about that in the first half (unless, of course, you've read the jacket blurb).
I also felt like, as in previous novels, Jane gets a little shortchanged. She was once such a powerful, assertive character; she seems so much more tamed now, seeming to be sitting on the sidelines while her hotshot FBI husband takes the lead. I miss the old Jane. Maura does, at least, get to show a little of her human side in this novel.
Overall, this novel does have sufficient suspense driving it to keep it interesting, but it's not particularly a standout in its genre. Things happen fast and furiously, which keeps the reader turning the pages, so it's a quick read. There's not a ton of character development in this novel, so, if you're just tuning into the series because you've gotten interested in the TV show, you probably won't find yourself hopelessly lost by starting here, even though it's the eighth novel in the series. Still, if you're new to Gerritsen, I'd recommend beginning at the beginning, just so you get to know the characters in their original element.
The novel begins with Maura leaving her lover, the priest Daniel Brophy, for a pathology conference in chilly Wyoming.
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While there, she encounters a college acquaintance, a live-life-on-the-edge type named Doug Comley. Still burning from a less than cordial parting from Brophy, she spontaneously accepts an invitation to go skiing with Comley and his friends and daughter, informing no one of her plans. Weather derails their trip, and they find themselves straneded in the settlement of Kingdom Come, where things take a turn to a Dean Koontz-type plot: the entire village is abandoned without a trace of human existence remaining, meals still sitting on tables, cars still in garages, everything seemingly just dropped, as if everyone just vanished. Their circumstances go from bad to worse, and, in short order, Maura finds herself out in the wilderness, depending for survival on a 16-year-old boy.The first part of the novel, as I said, is almost Dean Koontz in character, almost as if a supernatural event has occured to sweep Kingdom Come of its residents. The second half is jarringly back to cold hard reality: a brainwashing cult that preys on the vunerable, forensics, and the interplay of everyday (if complex) emotions (I don't want to talk further about the plot because of spoilers). It's a little bit like two narratives sutured together. I felt like there was a bit of a disconnect between the two halves of the novel; we have the cult theme joining them, but we don't really know much about that in the first half (unless, of course, you've read the jacket blurb).
I also felt like, as in previous novels, Jane gets a little shortchanged. She was once such a powerful, assertive character; she seems so much more tamed now, seeming to be sitting on the sidelines while her hotshot FBI husband takes the lead. I miss the old Jane. Maura does, at least, get to show a little of her human side in this novel.
Overall, this novel does have sufficient suspense driving it to keep it interesting, but it's not particularly a standout in its genre. Things happen fast and furiously, which keeps the reader turning the pages, so it's a quick read. There's not a ton of character development in this novel, so, if you're just tuning into the series because you've gotten interested in the TV show, you probably won't find yourself hopelessly lost by starting here, even though it's the eighth novel in the series. Still, if you're new to Gerritsen, I'd recommend beginning at the beginning, just so you get to know the characters in their original element.
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LibraryThing member piper0110
I read the first book in this series a few years ago, and I remembered enjoying it, but hadn't picked up anything else in the series until now. And after reading Ice Cold, I absolutely must go back and read the rest. Tess Gerritsen's latest work is one of those stories you can't put down. I picked
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it up one evening, hoping to finish it over the course of the week and plowed through it without stopping. This is a great story with compelling characters, and the fact that I didn't remember the details of the main characters didn't seem to matter with this story, though I'm sure knowing Rizzoli and Isles' histories would only add to the tale. I can't wait to pas this book on to a friend and highly recommend that everyone who likes well written suspense and drama check this out. Show Less
LibraryThing member silenceiseverything
You'd think that once the 8th book in a series rolls around, the author would lose steam with the characters and they would transform into caricatures of what they once were. This is not at all the case with Ice Cold. In fact, I am positive that Ice Cold has to be the best one yet, even beating The
Ice Cold was definitely the Rizzoli and Isles book with the most suspense. The whole survival story line had me flipping the pages at an alarming rate while simulatenously frustrating me because I really wasn't making the book last. The tension, of course, won out and I ended finishing Ice Cold in about three hours. Usually when I'm this far into a series, it becomes less about the cases and more about the characters. However, if you take Rizzoli and Isles out of this book, I still think I'd love it to bits and pieces.
Ice Cold was just so creepy, sure the tension was there, but I was a bit scared throughout the whole novel. I was so relieved that I started and finished this while it was still light outside, otherwise I would've been a mess (more of a mess). The plot was also infuriating. Not in the "the author has no idea what she's talking about" kind of way, but in the "this subject just really pisses me off" way. That's basically the way I feel when it comes to polygamist sects, but this was done in a way that I didn't finish the book completely upset (or more upset than I usually am when it comes to this subject).
Now the characters: I'm still in love with them, hence why tears came to my eyes when I read the synopsis for this book. Jane Rizzoli is all types of badass regularly, but she was just plain awesome in this book. Maura Isles' broke my heart with her whole situation with Daniel and I felt so bad for her. I think this is the one book where she shows the most vulnerability. This is also the book that sheds light to how close Jane and Maura really are. I found myself "aww"-ing when everything came to light and how Jane was there for Maura. I kept thinking "Aww! They're such good friends, even though they insist on calling each other colleagues!" I've also been missing Gabriel these past couple of books and he's here in all his shiny and awesome glory. Not enough Barry Frost (I enjoyed him in the last book), but I guess I can excuse that since he did have a significant part in The Keepsake.
So, I have to say that Ice Cold was the best Rizzoli and Isles yet. It just started out great and kept on going strong. Plus, Tess Gerritsen seems to be great at not making it absolutely necessary to pick up the previous books in the series (although you absolutely should), yet doesn't make all the readers who already have feel like she was repeating the same old information that we already knew. It was just some sprinkled here and there. Anyway, I highly recommend Ice Cold. It was creepy, suspenseful, and just an amazing mystery read all around. Can't wait for her next book in this series and am so excited that the show premieres in 3 days. YAY!
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Mephisto Club when it comes to my favorite Rizzoli and Isles book.Ice Cold was definitely the Rizzoli and Isles book with the most suspense. The whole survival story line had me flipping the pages at an alarming rate while simulatenously frustrating me because I really wasn't making the book last. The tension, of course, won out and I ended finishing Ice Cold in about three hours. Usually when I'm this far into a series, it becomes less about the cases and more about the characters. However, if you take Rizzoli and Isles out of this book, I still think I'd love it to bits and pieces.
Ice Cold was just so creepy, sure the tension was there, but I was a bit scared throughout the whole novel. I was so relieved that I started and finished this while it was still light outside, otherwise I would've been a mess (more of a mess). The plot was also infuriating. Not in the "the author has no idea what she's talking about" kind of way, but in the "this subject just really pisses me off" way. That's basically the way I feel when it comes to polygamist sects, but this was done in a way that I didn't finish the book completely upset (or more upset than I usually am when it comes to this subject).
Now the characters: I'm still in love with them, hence why tears came to my eyes when I read the synopsis for this book. Jane Rizzoli is all types of badass regularly, but she was just plain awesome in this book. Maura Isles' broke my heart with her whole situation with Daniel and I felt so bad for her. I think this is the one book where she shows the most vulnerability. This is also the book that sheds light to how close Jane and Maura really are. I found myself "aww"-ing when everything came to light and how Jane was there for Maura. I kept thinking "Aww! They're such good friends, even though they insist on calling each other colleagues!" I've also been missing Gabriel these past couple of books and he's here in all his shiny and awesome glory. Not enough Barry Frost (I enjoyed him in the last book), but I guess I can excuse that since he did have a significant part in The Keepsake.
So, I have to say that Ice Cold was the best Rizzoli and Isles yet. It just started out great and kept on going strong. Plus, Tess Gerritsen seems to be great at not making it absolutely necessary to pick up the previous books in the series (although you absolutely should), yet doesn't make all the readers who already have feel like she was repeating the same old information that we already knew. It was just some sprinkled here and there. Anyway, I highly recommend Ice Cold. It was creepy, suspenseful, and just an amazing mystery read all around. Can't wait for her next book in this series and am so excited that the show premieres in 3 days. YAY!
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LibraryThing member NovelBookworm
Ice Cold is Tess Gerritsen’s eighth book in the Rizzoli and Isles series. And after looking it up, I've found out I had missed five of the series. Oh great, even more books to add to the ever expanding teetering tower of books to be read. (Alliteration can be fun.) It sort of defeats the purpose
But, I digress. (Shocker, huh?)
With a new tv show based on the Rizzoli/Isles books, coming on the heels of Ice Cold’s publication, I was skeptical about this book. It seems to me that some authors frequently stop writing novels when they find a bit of success on screen. (i.e. John Grisham, whose books The Firm and A Time to Kill were terrific, and then he cranks out screenplays pretending to be novels in The Pelican Brief and The Client.)
Oops, I digress again.
Focusing here, as I said before I rudely interrupted myself, I was skeptical. Luckily for us readers, Gerritsen hasn’t decided it would be easier to adapt her book to the screen if she simple wrote it that way from the beginning. Ice Cold is a good read, timely and with enough attention to detail to give the reader the certainty that the author has researched her subject. The author succeeded in surprising me in the “whodunit” portion of the book, which is something I always appreciate. This book will work fine as a stand-alone novel and new readers won’t have any problem getting up to speed with the characters. The author manages to let us know the back-stories in a few succinct lines, and doesn’t waste our time with long drawn out histories.
I really liked how the author isn’t the least bit squeamish about offing characters. I find it a bit annoying when, at the end of the book, people who really shouldn’t have survived are still alive and kicking, sometimes with the most fantastical explanation as to how they survived. Realism sometimes demands that the author know when the cute puppy, or the kid, or the hero/heroine really can’t survive this one. (Going for obscure references here, because I don’t want to write a spoiler.) I’m sure it gives the writer a twinge to see to someone’s demise, especially when convention would require said person/critters survival, but it’s good to see an author with enough intestinal fortitude to croak when necessary.
Would I recommend? Absolutely. If you like the genre, and I do, Ice Cold is a good read. Now..on to the rest of the pile……
(Review copy provided by Early Reviewers Program)
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of reading a book from the stack if I end up adding five more when I finish it. I figure the last two books I’ve read have actually added nineteen more books to the pile. Sigh..I’m going to have to live to be 150 and keep my eyesight to get all these books read that I want to read.But, I digress. (Shocker, huh?)
With a new tv show based on the Rizzoli/Isles books, coming on the heels of Ice Cold’s publication, I was skeptical about this book. It seems to me that some authors frequently stop writing novels when they find a bit of success on screen. (i.e. John Grisham, whose books The Firm and A Time to Kill were terrific, and then he cranks out screenplays pretending to be novels in The Pelican Brief and The Client.)
Oops, I digress again.
Focusing here, as I said before I rudely interrupted myself, I was skeptical. Luckily for us readers, Gerritsen hasn’t decided it would be easier to adapt her book to the screen if she simple wrote it that way from the beginning. Ice Cold is a good read, timely and with enough attention to detail to give the reader the certainty that the author has researched her subject. The author succeeded in surprising me in the “whodunit” portion of the book, which is something I always appreciate. This book will work fine as a stand-alone novel and new readers won’t have any problem getting up to speed with the characters. The author manages to let us know the back-stories in a few succinct lines, and doesn’t waste our time with long drawn out histories.
I really liked how the author isn’t the least bit squeamish about offing characters. I find it a bit annoying when, at the end of the book, people who really shouldn’t have survived are still alive and kicking, sometimes with the most fantastical explanation as to how they survived. Realism sometimes demands that the author know when the cute puppy, or the kid, or the hero/heroine really can’t survive this one. (Going for obscure references here, because I don’t want to write a spoiler.) I’m sure it gives the writer a twinge to see to someone’s demise, especially when convention would require said person/critters survival, but it’s good to see an author with enough intestinal fortitude to croak when necessary.
Would I recommend? Absolutely. If you like the genre, and I do, Ice Cold is a good read. Now..on to the rest of the pile……
(Review copy provided by Early Reviewers Program)
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LibraryThing member DanieXJ
Honestly, I think I read "Ice Cold" on a day that was just a bit too cold. Brrrr... It's abundantly clear that Gerritsen has been through real winters here in New England. Her descriptions make the cold just slide off the page and into your bones as you read the novel.
Maura Isles, Boston ME, is at
It's an intricately weaved mystery, but also, quite a bit of a thriller. And Gerritsen manages to balance the two aspects of the story pretty well, not interrupting the action with monologues, but not running around without explanation either.
It was also nice to see the character of Jane Rizzoli closer to her 'old self'. Her character was the reason that I started reading the books in this series, and I was distressed that the Rizzoli characterization seemed to change in the past few books. In the first books she was such a force to be reckoned with, and in the last couple it just seemed to me like she'd been unnaturally tamed.
It is an intense book, if you're a reader looking for a nice knitting or cat cozy mystery this isn't for you, but I also think that this is one of the best Gerritsen mystery/thrillers I've read yet (and, I'm just a little excited to see what the Rizzoli & Isles TV show will be like, if it'll be good or suck).
Maura Isles, Boston ME, is at
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a pathologists conference in Wyoming, and she gets herself into a bit of a situation with , Doug, a friend from her undergrad days at Stanford. And, when Isles gets into a pickle, she doesn't do it halfway.It's an intricately weaved mystery, but also, quite a bit of a thriller. And Gerritsen manages to balance the two aspects of the story pretty well, not interrupting the action with monologues, but not running around without explanation either.
It was also nice to see the character of Jane Rizzoli closer to her 'old self'. Her character was the reason that I started reading the books in this series, and I was distressed that the Rizzoli characterization seemed to change in the past few books. In the first books she was such a force to be reckoned with, and in the last couple it just seemed to me like she'd been unnaturally tamed.
It is an intense book, if you're a reader looking for a nice knitting or cat cozy mystery this isn't for you, but I also think that this is one of the best Gerritsen mystery/thrillers I've read yet (and, I'm just a little excited to see what the Rizzoli & Isles TV show will be like, if it'll be good or suck).
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LibraryThing member cal8769
Dr. Maura Isles goes to medical conference in Wyoming and during an impromptu ski trip with an old friend ends up stranded in the mountains. Days later her remains are found at the bottom of a ravine. Can her friend, Boston homicide detective Jane Rizzoli find out the truth behind what happened?
I
*****SPOILER ALERT******
How can you write a book about the disappearence and death of a character and advertise the mini series coming out in July starring that character? It didn't ruin the book or anthing like that but you have assume that she is alive if there is a TV show coming out with her as the star. While I was reading the book, that information kept leaping into my mind whenever Maura was having a crisis. It kind of dulled the excitement a bit.
********SPOILER DONE********
I will definitly read more Gerritsen. She writes a good mystery!
I
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enjoyed this book. It was gripping and hooked you from page 1. There were believable characters, intrique and plot turns, everything I love in a good mystery. The only thing that I found lacking was the spoiler on the back cover. *****SPOILER ALERT******
How can you write a book about the disappearence and death of a character and advertise the mini series coming out in July starring that character? It didn't ruin the book or anthing like that but you have assume that she is alive if there is a TV show coming out with her as the star. While I was reading the book, that information kept leaping into my mind whenever Maura was having a crisis. It kind of dulled the excitement a bit.
********SPOILER DONE********
I will definitly read more Gerritsen. She writes a good mystery!
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LibraryThing member jynxpierce
I loved this book. The twists and turns in the journey that Maura had to undertake was masterfully directed. I loved the "cult" mentality and the references to some infamous people. I have many other Tess Gerritsen books and have enjoyed every one.
LibraryThing member buzzkiss
I'm not a fan of the topic, however this book was great. I really like a book where I can't guess what's about to happen next. The author had me not wanting to put the book down, I wanted to find out what was going to happen.
I really liked how the author explained the medical stuff. Very easy to
At the end I was happy how things ended up. I do wish I knew what will happen to Julian, Anthony, and Maura. I guess I'll have to wait for the next book.
I really liked how the author explained the medical stuff. Very easy to
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follow. At the end I was happy how things ended up. I do wish I knew what will happen to Julian, Anthony, and Maura. I guess I'll have to wait for the next book.
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LibraryThing member Pickle115
Its been a long time since I read a book that I just could not put down...this was definitely one of them. This was my first novel by Ms. Gerritsen and it will definitely not be the last. I mooched and bought several other of her books (in the Rizzoli and Isles series) before I was even halfway
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through Ice Cold. It wasn't heart-pounding or terrifying but it kept me guessing until the very end. That doesn't happen very often. I think we are going to hear more of Rat's story in future novels, at least I hope so anyway! Show Less
LibraryThing member Kace
I absolutely love Tess Gerritsen. Her suspense is unmatched, in my opinion. My favorite books were the ones that involved "the surgeon", and Jane. Maura has been the mystery for me. I've never really identified with her. Not the case in this story.
The challenges Maura faces in Ice Cold are
I will say that the cult aspect and the resolution in the book had me a bit confused...it seemed, unfinished I guess is the best way I can say it without revealing too much. For me it was unnerving, to have such an underlying evil cult...and then..I can't even finish the sentence without giving away something. I guess the discombobulated feeling could be intentional though?
The challenges Maura faces in Ice Cold are
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chilling. Being trapped in the middle of nowhere, and fighting for survival for herself and her group kept me very engaged. I'm curious to see where the Daniel/Maura relationship will lead next. I will say that the cult aspect and the resolution in the book had me a bit confused...it seemed, unfinished I guess is the best way I can say it without revealing too much. For me it was unnerving, to have such an underlying evil cult...and then..I can't even finish the sentence without giving away something. I guess the discombobulated feeling could be intentional though?
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LibraryThing member msbaba
Tess Gerritsen's latest novel, "Ice Cold," is a fun, fast read. If you like medical mystery thrillers, don't hesitate to pick this one up and save it for a time when you need a good book to grab and hold your attention for a long time...like when you have to make an extended overseas flight. I
Yes, much of it is formalistic, but this book is more than just a guilty pleasure--it contains a great deal that is intellectually stimulating and emotionally satisfying.
The author is a master at her genre. She writes strong, fresh, transparent prose that never gets in the way of the story. Her characters are complex, authentic, and fascinating. She researches her topic well and brings you a believable, complex, multifaceted story that is as appropriate as tomorrow's headline news. In this case, the book deals with a polygamist cult.
This is the type of book you won't want to keep, but will be excited to pass on to your best friend.
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guarantee, you won't be disappointed--this is the perfect companion for that type of situation! Tess Gerritsen knows exactly how to keep her readers so immersed in the story that the rest of your real world simply disappears. Yes, much of it is formalistic, but this book is more than just a guilty pleasure--it contains a great deal that is intellectually stimulating and emotionally satisfying.
The author is a master at her genre. She writes strong, fresh, transparent prose that never gets in the way of the story. Her characters are complex, authentic, and fascinating. She researches her topic well and brings you a believable, complex, multifaceted story that is as appropriate as tomorrow's headline news. In this case, the book deals with a polygamist cult.
This is the type of book you won't want to keep, but will be excited to pass on to your best friend.
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LibraryThing member ATechwreck
Boston Medical Examiner Maura Isles returns in a snowbound thriller set in the mountains of Idaho.
A medical conference gives Maura a much-needed break from her rocky relationship with Fr. Brophy, until she and new friends are caught on a snowy mountain road. Their car stuck, they seek shelter in a
This book will grab you from the start and expose you to survivalist adventure and the horrors of a polygamous cult. The ending is a bit disappointing but you’ll enjoy the ride!
A medical conference gives Maura a much-needed break from her rocky relationship with Fr. Brophy, until she and new friends are caught on a snowy mountain road. Their car stuck, they seek shelter in a
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small enclave of abandoned homes off the road. Maura is drawn into the mystery of the residents departure as she and her friends try to find a way out of the mountains.This book will grab you from the start and expose you to survivalist adventure and the horrors of a polygamous cult. The ending is a bit disappointing but you’ll enjoy the ride!
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LibraryThing member Kaysee
I really enjoyed this book. It is a fast read, but it will keep you entertained and interested until the final page. Tess Gerritsen is a wonderful
mystery writer. I have enjoyed her books in the past and this one does not disappoint.
When I first started reading this book I was slightly disappointed
Excellent read!
mystery writer. I have enjoyed her books in the past and this one does not disappoint.
When I first started reading this book I was slightly disappointed
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since it started like so many other mystery books, but it wasn't long before I was hooked. And every time I thought I had the story figured out - it changed. Made this a very fun read, and something that I did not want to put down.Excellent read!
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LibraryThing member skstiles612
Maura Isles is a pathologist away at a convention when she meets an old college mate, Doug. She has dinner with him decides to take him up on an offer to go to a ski lodge with him, his thirteen year old daughter and two other friends. This is unlike Maura. She is the sensible type always planning
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things out. Due to her current relationship with Daniel she has decided to join them and live vicariouly for a few days. When they take a wrong turn and end up hiking to a place called "Kingdom Come" all of their lives are in danger. An accident to one of the members of the party changes eveything. When help doesn't come fast enough and Doug hasn't returned, Maura sets out to find help. She is hit over the head and wakes up to find herself in the clutches of a sixteen year old boy who claims he has saved her life and that people think she is dead. Maura's nightmare has just begun. Her friends try to find her not believing she is actually dead. The events constantly changed making the suspense rise to the highest levels. When I thought things had finally been figured out Gerritsen had another twist to add. Shed did the same thing with the ending leaving it open enough you had to wonder if another book would take it to the next step. This was truly an awesome book. I know several people who would really enjoy this and I can't wait to recommend it. Show Less
LibraryThing member jaharnick
I've read Tess Gerritsen before, but this is the first time I've read anything from her Rizzoli & Isles series. Now I have to go back and read the rest! I usually don't like to start in the middle of a series, but I had no trouble jumping right in and becoming thoroughly immersed in the lives of
Maura is clinical about everything in her life, except perhaps love. But it seems that every time she does go out on a limb and take a gamble, it's the wrong gamble ~ and worse still, it's for the wrong reasons. This is how Maura ends up stranded in a snowed in valley with four people she barely knows. To make matters worse, it is obvious that something went terribly wrong at the cult housing... and there is evidence to suggest that they aren't alone out there.
Gerritsen is a masterful story teller and her plot has lots of twists and turns, one of which, in particular, I should have seen coming, and yet another of which took me completely by surprise. Like Dan Brown, she's not afraid to kill off characters, and she dose so without trepidation, giving her stories a realistic, albeit chilling, ring of truth. When the case is wrapped, it is done without bending the plot to a preconceived notion of how the story should end... it is satisfying yet open ended enough to leave room for new characters to return and old ones to reemerge. (I actually had to google one of the characters from the previous book after reading the last page because the last few paragraphs seemed ominous without context.)
I am thrilled at finding another series to delve into, even though my TBR pile is towering precariously on my desk as I type. Gerritsen is fast becoming one of my favorite authors and I hope the TV series based on these books does her justice.
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the characters.Maura is clinical about everything in her life, except perhaps love. But it seems that every time she does go out on a limb and take a gamble, it's the wrong gamble ~ and worse still, it's for the wrong reasons. This is how Maura ends up stranded in a snowed in valley with four people she barely knows. To make matters worse, it is obvious that something went terribly wrong at the cult housing... and there is evidence to suggest that they aren't alone out there.
Gerritsen is a masterful story teller and her plot has lots of twists and turns, one of which, in particular, I should have seen coming, and yet another of which took me completely by surprise. Like Dan Brown, she's not afraid to kill off characters, and she dose so without trepidation, giving her stories a realistic, albeit chilling, ring of truth. When the case is wrapped, it is done without bending the plot to a preconceived notion of how the story should end... it is satisfying yet open ended enough to leave room for new characters to return and old ones to reemerge. (I actually had to google one of the characters from the previous book after reading the last page because the last few paragraphs seemed ominous without context.)
I am thrilled at finding another series to delve into, even though my TBR pile is towering precariously on my desk as I type. Gerritsen is fast becoming one of my favorite authors and I hope the TV series based on these books does her justice.
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Awards
Nero Award (Finalist — 2011)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2010
ISBN
0593063236 / 9780593063231
Other editions
The Killing Place by Tess Gerritsen (Paperback)
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