Cold Fear

Cold Fear by Rick Mofina
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Plot. A couple and their young daughter go on a Glacier National Park hiking/camping trip. Mom needs to escape/face demons that have haunted her ever since a childhood tragedy. The daughter disappears during a spousal argument, and the investigation turns terrified parents into suspects.

Not so hot. A thread through the story, the original “demon” that shatters mom’s childhood, seems a bit over the top, IMO. Not so sure that is realistic – but it’s a fundamental plot device. Narration is a bit lacking in creating female voices, but not so much that you’ll find it bothersome – the story will hold your attention. The lead investigator’s blind obsession with the parents being guilty seemed off – I don’t believe a professional FBI agent would behave with a crazed passion that borders on abuse. But that’s just me; maybe they do.

Liked. The descriptions of Glacier, it is magnificent. Go – if you haven’t already. The fact that the parents are soon suspects is par for the course; that would happen. The search and rescue collaboration of agencies didn’t seem territorial – just a single objective by everyone: find the girl alive. Suspense … lots and lots of gripping suspense. It is a page-turner that will keep you interested.

No sex, no objectionable language. Some frightening scenes so, not recommended for the young reader. Spoiler: The little girl has a beagle; it survives.

Written by Rick Mofina, narrated by Christian Rummel, 11.5 hours of listening, released in December 2015 by Audible Studios.