Lottie is forced to stay at her new stepdad’s ski cabin in Tahoe with her stepsister Jade, while their parents celebrate their honeymoon in Reno. When a solar flare erupts, it leaves the entire cabin without power. As Lottie and Jade look for extra jackets to keep warm and wood to burn, two strangers in a red pickup truck show up looking for a friend. They apologize and leave soon after they realized they’ve got the wrong cabin.
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Not long after, another stranger named Alex appears and claims to be lost and looking for shelter during the storm. Lottie and Jade hesitate but allow Alex to stay the night. When night falls, Lottie wakes to see Alex chatting with the two guys in the red pickup truck from earlier. It almost seems as if they know each other. Before Lottie can piece together what’s going on, a fire erupts in the cabin leaving them, along with the two strangers in the red pickup truck in the blizzard. Now the game of survival begins.
Don’t Let in the Cold was an enjoyable read, but it did have its flaws. While it was nice getting to know the characters, I felt a lot of chapters were drawn out with dialogue that didn’t add to the plot. When it came to the “twist” I was expecting something bigger or at least a deeper explanation for a motive, but what you see is what you get. There was also a romantic element in the story that felt out of place.
Nonetheless, I did enjoy the growing friendship between Lottie and Jade. Parrack’s style of writing is easy to follow and she’s very descriptive, which was perfect for this chilling story. I’d recommend this book to Young Adult and Mystery/Thriller fans looking for a quick and easy read. Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Fire for this advanced reading copy (eARC) in exchange for my honest review. Don’t Let in the Cold will be released next week on September 6, 2022 and is available for pre-order now on Amazon.
Don’t Let in the Cold by Keely Parrack
Genre: Young Adult, Mystery/Thriller
Pages: 320
Rating: 3/5
The Yorkshire Dreamer says
This story sounds intriguing and chilling; it is a shame that some chapters were drawn out with dialogue, as I can find that tedious and different to get through. However, I do like a story that focuses on developing a friendship.
Thank you for sharing your honest review. 😊
Her Digital Coffee says
Same, I’m not a fan of overdrawn dialogue unless it’s necessary to the plot. Thank you for reading!
I'm All Booked Up says
The plot sounds so intense and we’re curious about what happens to to Lottie and Jade in the blizzard.
Her Digital Coffee says
The plot definitely keeps you on your toes! Thank you for reading!
ellegracedeveson says
Thank you so much for sharing such a honest and in-depth review with us, I always appreciate honesty when it comes to books. I do love myself a mystery/thriller, this does sound like a very interesting read. I’ll have to check it out! Xo
Elle – ellegracedeveson.com
Her Digital Coffee says
Thank you Elle! I hope you enjoy it!
Heidi says
I appreciate your honest review. It sounds intriguing and I enjoy mysteries so I may give this one a try. 🙂
Her Digital Coffee says
Thank you Heidi! I still recommend it to mystery fans, I hope you enjoy it!
Wendy says
Nice honest review. I like the setting very much and being snowed in is such a great plot device.
Her Digital Coffee says
Same! The author was great at describing the conditions, it truly felt as if you were there. Thank you for reading Wendy!
Lucy says
The plot seems great despite its flaws, this is a great review! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Her Digital Coffee says
Thank you for reading Lucy!
Jodie says
The synopsis sounded great. Thanks for sharing your honest review for this one.
Her Digital Coffee says
I agree, the synopsis really pulls you in! Thank you for reading Jodie!
According to Chren says
The plot sounds really interesting, even if there were some flaws. The cover is really cool too.
Her Digital Coffee says
The cover is great isn’t it! Thank you for reading!
Fadima Mooneira says
Sounds like this book has an intriguing storyline. Mystery thrillers are always exciting to read. Thank you for sharing.
Her Digital Coffee says
I agree, thrillers are great at keeping you on the edge of your seat. Thank you for reading Fadima!
Julian says
This sounds pretty good! Thrillers are my favorite so I’ll have to check this out 💕
Her Digital Coffee says
I hope you enjoy it! Thank you for reading Julian!
Fransic Verso says
This is an interesting read, I will add it to the list and read more of this book. Thank you for sharing!
Her Digital Coffee says
It was definitely interesting! Thank you for reading Fransic!
Matt Two Tickets To says
Sounds like a really intriguing set up, but always a shame when a potential twist never quite emerges or pays off as hoped. Great honest review!
Her Digital Coffee says
Thank you so much for reading Matt!