Poisoned Pen Press Dead of Winter

Another tense and chilling read from the amazing Darcy coates. Trapped in the Rocky mountains, with a small wooden cabin as your only shelter from the ravages of winter. A trip away goes terribly wrong. Surrounded by strangers as the body count rises, the paranoia settles in. This is a great suspenseful bloody read and perfect for long wintery evenings by the fire.

Kept you guessing the whole time

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.

Dead of Winter is a tense, atmospheric thriller that traps you in a snowbound nightmare alongside a group of strangers—and a killer. Darcy Coates masterfully builds claustrophobic suspense, with twists that keep you guessing until the end. A gripping winter read!

Reading a good thriller novel is like entering a different world and escaping your own reality for a little while. Dead of Winter by Darcy Coates is one such book that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Dead of WinterThe story kicks off with a group of strangers joining a tour group to explore the remote areas of the Rocky Mountains during winter. Among them is Christa, who hopes this trip will help her forget her past. However, things take a dark turn when a snowstorm traps them at an abandoned hunting cabin, and their tour guide is found dead outside, with his head impaled on a tree. It’s soon clear that there’s a killer among them, and the group begins to dwindle one by one. The characters are all unique and well-defined, allowing the reader to invest in each one’s journey. Christa, the protagonist, is a strong and capable woman who takes charge in the tough situation they find themselves in. The other characters have secrets of their own, and as the story unfolds, we see their true colors. The atmosphere surrounding the cabin is claustrophobic and creepy, adding to the tension. The snowstorm and isolation keep the group trapped, making it impossible for them to escape the killer. What makes Dead of Winter stand out is the lack of supernatural elements. The author has created a thrilling story that relies purely on the psychology of the characters and their motivations. The twists and turns take you by surprise, and you’ll never know who to trust. The pacing is impeccable, with the tension building up constantly. Darcy Coates has done a fantastic job of setting up a murder mystery that keeps you guessing. The suspenseful climax and the unexpected twist at the end will leave you satisfied and wanting more. Dead of Winter is a perfect blend of horror and thriller, which will make you want to look for more books from Coates. Dead of Winter‘s compelling storyline, well-defined characters, and chilling atmosphere make it a page-turner that will keep you up all night. The book is a celebration of the human spirit’s resilience amidst the harshest environments, where survival hinges on wit and stamina. Once you’ve immersed yourself in the story, we bet you’ll have a hard time putting it down!