This book had me on the edge of my seat from the very first chapter! The atmosphere is perfect, the characters are well-rounded, and the pacing is quick, providing a truly heart-pounding reading experience.

The story follows Christa, and her fiancee as they set out for a two-week trip in the Colorado Rockies. They are part of a tour group full of people needing to get away, and the lodge sounds like the perfect escape. Hoping for a chance to relax and spend some quality time with her boyfriend Kiernan, Christa soon finds herself in a dangerous situation when their bus gets trapped, and a fierce snowstorm forces the group to seek refuge in a small, abandoned hunting cabin.

The snowstorm is only the beginning of their issues. The next morning, someone is missing, and their tour guide’s severed head is found stuck on the branch of a pine tree outside the cabin. As hours and then days go by, the group finds themselves hunted. The body and severed head count continues to rise. Who is hunting them? Is it someone in the group or a psycho living in the woods? And the most important question is – why?

Coates masterfully creates an atmosphere of unease and suspense throughout the book. The desolate and isolated setting, coupled with the relentless snowstorms, adds to the sense of foreboding. We are firmly placed in the snowy expanse of the Rocky Mountains, and we can feel the bone-chilling cold. The detailed descriptions not only enhance the suspense but also immerse you in the story.

I grew up in Idaho, and we would go snowmobiling in the winter. I remember traveling into the mountains and looking out at nothing but blinding white snow. I can’t imagine being trapped in the mountains and not knowing where you are. Coates ups the tension by placing all of these people – strangers, mind you – in a small cabin. No one knows who they can trust, and they’re desperate to get out of there, but they have no idea where to turn.

As far as characters go, Christa is relatable and well-developed. She is a tough cookie and goes on quite an emotional journey throughout the book. We witness her transformation from a vulnerable woman to a strong and resourceful survivor.

The supporting cast is equally well-crafted, each with their own secrets and motives. Some you will love, some you will hate. Some you will want to like, and some will break your heart. As one can imagine, as the storm rages on and the body count rises, suspicion and mistrust quickly escalate within the group. The author is so good, she made me feel like I was there in the cabin, questioning the intentions of every character.

The pacing of the book is relentless. The short and punchy chapters keep the pace moving and make it nearly impossible to put the book down. The tension is palpable, and you’ll find yourself holding your breath as the characters inch closer to the truth and their potential demise.

What I loved about the book was the underlying theme of survival. The characters are forced to confront their darkest fears and make unimaginable choices to stay alive. As the storm intensifies and the body count rises, the stakes become higher, making for a truly heart-pounding read.

I will admit I figured out who the killer was very early on because that’s just how my mind works, but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment at all. This is exactly the type of story I love – it made my slasher-loving heart very happy. I’d love to see this developed into a movie!

It should come as no surprise that I loved this book. If you’re a fan of suspenseful and atmospheric thrillers, this is a must-read. This was my first book by this author, and it certainly won’t be my last.