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The Fear Of #1
The Fear of Winter
On a frigid December night, Megan Floyd vanishes from the mountain town of Fraser, Colorado. The extensive search provides no answers and as attention of her disappearance fades, the case goes cold. Her father, Tom Floyd, is forced to confront his worst fear that his daughter will never be found, and soon his life and marriage begin to disintegrate around him.
A year after the disappearance and with no new leads, Tom hires private investigator Marshall York, a former detective, and his assistant Hannah Jacobs. They soon start to uncover the secrets of Megan’s dangerous second life, all while fighting their own demons. Tom is guilt-ridden over a missing child case from his past, and Hannah is haunted by the unsolved murder of her older sister.
The case begins to consume all three of their lives, and as they dig deeper, they start to unravel the dark truth of what happened to Megan.
*Listening Length: 7 hours and 10 minutes
A year after the disappearance and with no new leads, Tom hires private investigator Marshall York, a former detective, and his assistant Hannah Jacobs. They soon start to uncover the secrets of Megan’s dangerous second life, all while fighting their own demons. Tom is guilt-ridden over a missing child case from his past, and Hannah is haunted by the unsolved murder of her older sister.
The case begins to consume all three of their lives, and as they dig deeper, they start to unravel the dark truth of what happened to Megan.
*Listening Length: 7 hours and 10 minutes
8 pages, Audible Audio
First published January 18, 2023
346 people are currently reading
4372 people want to read
About the author
S.C. Sterling
5 books100 followersScott C. Sterling is the author of
The Fear of Series
, crime thriller trilogy. The high-stakes action began with the debut novel,
The Fear of Winter (January 2023)
, and continues with the current follow-up,
The Fear of Fire (May 2024)
. The explosive third book in the series,
The Fear of Drowning
, a dark psychological thriller will be released in January 20
Non-fiction books include Teenage Degenerate , a memoir about drug addiction and growing up, and 33 Percent Rockstar: Music, Heartbreak and the Pursuit of Rock Stardom is a music autobiography about the vast majority of musicians who never achieve rock stardom.
Ways to connect with Scott:
Email: sc@scsterling.com
Books: scsterling.com/
Site: thefearofwinter.com
Site: teenagedegenerate.com
Non-fiction books include Teenage Degenerate , a memoir about drug addiction and growing up, and 33 Percent Rockstar: Music, Heartbreak and the Pursuit of Rock Stardom is a music autobiography about the vast majority of musicians who never achieve rock stardom.
Ways to connect with Scott:
Email: sc@scsterling.com
Books: scsterling.com/
Site: thefearofwinter.com
Site: teenagedegenerate.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 230 reviews
May 8, 2023
4⭐
Book 1 in The Fear Of series
Featuring ~ multiple 3rd person POV, crime thriller debut, missing woman, abduction, serial killer, rape references, suicide, depression, self harm, drug and alcohol abuse, long chapters
There are quite a few perspectives to keep track of:
Tom & Lisa ~ parents of Megan, who is missing
Marshall ~ private investigator
Hannah ~ Marshall's assistant
Kevin ~ serial killer
A cold case of a missing woman ~ yes please! An action packed solid crime thriller debut that kept me mostly engaged throughout. The grief and broken marriage was written realistically for characters wondering what happened to their daughter. The prologue + 8 chapters were awfully long and we are abruptly thrown into another perspective without warning, which was frustrating, but didn't take away from my enjoyment.
Narrated by Jess Nahikian for 7 hours and 10 minutes. I was quite pleased with her skills ~ I even liked her male voices, but still wouldn't have minded a male narrator.
I'll for sure read the next one in the series.
Side note ~ I really like the cover.
*Thanks to S.C. Sterling, No Bueno Publishing and NetGalley for the audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
Book 1 in The Fear Of series
Featuring ~ multiple 3rd person POV, crime thriller debut, missing woman, abduction, serial killer, rape references, suicide, depression, self harm, drug and alcohol abuse, long chapters
There are quite a few perspectives to keep track of:
Tom & Lisa ~ parents of Megan, who is missing
Marshall ~ private investigator
Hannah ~ Marshall's assistant
Kevin ~ serial killer
A cold case of a missing woman ~ yes please! An action packed solid crime thriller debut that kept me mostly engaged throughout. The grief and broken marriage was written realistically for characters wondering what happened to their daughter. The prologue + 8 chapters were awfully long and we are abruptly thrown into another perspective without warning, which was frustrating, but didn't take away from my enjoyment.
Narrated by Jess Nahikian for 7 hours and 10 minutes. I was quite pleased with her skills ~ I even liked her male voices, but still wouldn't have minded a male narrator.
I'll for sure read the next one in the series.
Side note ~ I really like the cover.
*Thanks to S.C. Sterling, No Bueno Publishing and NetGalley for the audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
December 29, 2022
I managed to sneak in one more book before the new year!
The Fear of Winter by S.C. Sterling is a thriller set in the mountains of Colorado near Denver. Tom Floyd's daughter, Megan has been missing and the case has gone cold. He hires a private investigator, Marshall York and his assistant, Hannah Jacobs to see if they can dig up any new leads.
This is a very quick read. As the story progresses, the action picks up and never slows down. Each character has their own personal backstory and struggles to deal with as well. If you like strong female characters, you'll find them in this book!
The only thing that kept me from giving five stars is how quickly the story line jumped from one character's perspective to another. I was able to adjust, but it left me confused at the beginning. I had to backtrack a few times to remind myself which character was which. But other than that, I really can't say enough great things about The Fear of Winter. It's everything I expect out of a thriller. This is the first book of a series, and I can't wait to see what follows. I gladly give The Fear of Winter four bone chilling stars out of five.
A few trigger warnings to mention: violence toward women; self harm; suicide.
I was given the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. All views expressed in this review are completely my own.
The Fear of Winter by S.C. Sterling is a thriller set in the mountains of Colorado near Denver. Tom Floyd's daughter, Megan has been missing and the case has gone cold. He hires a private investigator, Marshall York and his assistant, Hannah Jacobs to see if they can dig up any new leads.
This is a very quick read. As the story progresses, the action picks up and never slows down. Each character has their own personal backstory and struggles to deal with as well. If you like strong female characters, you'll find them in this book!
The only thing that kept me from giving five stars is how quickly the story line jumped from one character's perspective to another. I was able to adjust, but it left me confused at the beginning. I had to backtrack a few times to remind myself which character was which. But other than that, I really can't say enough great things about The Fear of Winter. It's everything I expect out of a thriller. This is the first book of a series, and I can't wait to see what follows. I gladly give The Fear of Winter four bone chilling stars out of five.
A few trigger warnings to mention: violence toward women; self harm; suicide.
I was given the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. All views expressed in this review are completely my own.
February 7, 2023
4🌟🌟🌟🌟
📖Book: 17/100
💫Genre: Murder Mystery/CrimeThriller
🎧ARC🎧
A suspenseful story full of dark secrets, twists and turns. Tom (an ex sheriff) hires a P.I. Agency (Marshall & Hannah) to help him find his missing daughter (Megan) who didn't come home one night, and her case went cold. Setting was clearly in the Clinton impeachment era (early 2000's) due to its reference and the constant use/mentions of payphones. The cold State of Colorado is perfect to hide bodies during winter, so this was also complementary to the story's setting. S.C. Sterling does an amazing job in keeping the reader hooked to the story, but it changed characters a bit too fast for me. Don't get me wrong, I love a fast paced story but the storyline jumped oftenly too abruptly. So many characters, but all written out in deep depth including their demons/struggles. I had to go back a few times to realize who the character was at the moment. I didn't realize Hannah was the MC until the last chapters. Despite it all I really loved the plot and twists and can't wait to read the rest of the series. The audio narration was good, and I enjoyed Jess Nahikian's tone, but I would have loved there to be a male narration for the 2 other characters.
⚠️Trigger Warnings⚠️
🧠Mental Health Issues: Anxiety, Depression, Schizophrenia, and Intrusive Thoughts 💭
🚨Suicide, Death, Murder
📌Rape
📌Self Mutilation
📌Double Lives
📌Violence/Guns/Knives
📌Drugs
📌Traumas
📌Conversations with Serial Killers
📌Grief
📌Abductions
💫Thank you Netgalley for this Audiobook ARC that I enjoyed very much for an honest review.
Publisher: No Bueno Publishing
Publishing Date: January 18,2023
#NetGalley #TheFearofWinter
📖Book: 17/100
💫Genre: Murder Mystery/CrimeThriller
🎧ARC🎧
A suspenseful story full of dark secrets, twists and turns. Tom (an ex sheriff) hires a P.I. Agency (Marshall & Hannah) to help him find his missing daughter (Megan) who didn't come home one night, and her case went cold. Setting was clearly in the Clinton impeachment era (early 2000's) due to its reference and the constant use/mentions of payphones. The cold State of Colorado is perfect to hide bodies during winter, so this was also complementary to the story's setting. S.C. Sterling does an amazing job in keeping the reader hooked to the story, but it changed characters a bit too fast for me. Don't get me wrong, I love a fast paced story but the storyline jumped oftenly too abruptly. So many characters, but all written out in deep depth including their demons/struggles. I had to go back a few times to realize who the character was at the moment. I didn't realize Hannah was the MC until the last chapters. Despite it all I really loved the plot and twists and can't wait to read the rest of the series. The audio narration was good, and I enjoyed Jess Nahikian's tone, but I would have loved there to be a male narration for the 2 other characters.
⚠️Trigger Warnings⚠️
🧠Mental Health Issues: Anxiety, Depression, Schizophrenia, and Intrusive Thoughts 💭
🚨Suicide, Death, Murder
📌Rape
📌Self Mutilation
📌Double Lives
📌Violence/Guns/Knives
📌Drugs
📌Traumas
📌Conversations with Serial Killers
📌Grief
📌Abductions
💫Thank you Netgalley for this Audiobook ARC that I enjoyed very much for an honest review.
Publisher: No Bueno Publishing
Publishing Date: January 18,2023
#NetGalley #TheFearofWinter
October 28, 2023
The Fear of Winter is a multiple-POV crime thriller/mystery set in Fraser, Colorado. On a cold December night in 1996, Megan Floyd went missing without a trace. A year later, Tom Floyd, her father, hires a private investigator, Marshall York, to uncover what happened to Megan. Both Marshall and Tom are ex-policemen with sad backstories. Marshall works with a 24-year-old assistant - Hannah Jacobs. They are Tom's last hope of learning what happened to his daughter. Will the two private investigators be able to solve the mystery of Megan's disappearance?
The Fear of Winter is a classic thriller mystery with no plot twists, no red herrings, a surprising lack of suspense, and a dark atmosphere. It offers nothing new or original to the genre. The characters are painfully one-dimensional, and their personalities are formulaic. As a character steps on the scene, you know to what archetype they belong: alcoholic ex-cop turned PI, a drug addict young woman forced into prostitution with a heart of gold...
The plot is interesting enough to keep you mildly entertained and turning the pages, but you have to suspend your disbelief.
The Fear of Winter is a plot-oriented novel, but when the plot hangs on by a thread, you do not feel satisfaction when you reach the end. One of the plot inconsistencies is the lack of follow-up after Tom's car accident. The book starts with Tom hitting a deer on the highway. He might have a concussion, his car is damaged, and he killed a deer. Nowhere in the book is the incident mentioned or alluded to. Did he see a doctor? Did he fix his car? Why did he not tell his wife he was in an accident? He immediately forgets about it when he arrives home.
While reading, I could not help but notice the infamous 'men writing women' phenomenon. Hannah is described as a 'petite female' because she is 5'5" and weighs under 100 pounds (165cm and 45kg). She survives by eating cereal. She constantly gets hit on by men wherever she goes, which could be a small-town thing. All of that shows how this author does not know how to write a proper woman without turning her into an object of desire.
Another problem I had with Hannah's character is her alleged OCD. The author aimed to paint her as obsessive by having her constantly avoid cracks in the pavement, checking if she locked her door once, and claiming she becomes obsessive about other people's issues if she pays attention to what they are saying. That is only an appalling but horrid OCD representation.
Tom's wife, Lisa, is grief-stricken to the point of becoming an alcoholic and mixing alcohol with Xanax. Her and Tom's inability to cope with Megan's disappearance wrecks their marriage. Lisa admits she hates Tom. Although their struggle is realistic, both characters remain bland and invoke no sympathy.
Katie is Megan's friend and a drug addict. Katie's character is a plot device that compensates for the lack of communication between Marshall and Tom. Tom and Marshall share two conversations throughout the novel. The first conversation is their first meeting, which is crucial to the plot, but the second one has little relevance. It is a poor attempt at them bonding over their similar histories.
Furthermore, Marshall and Hannah are disorganized in how they run this investigation. They share maybe 3 or 4 conversations in total. Their communication is sparse and short. Hannah attempts to call Marshall twice, and both times goes to voicemail. How do they even cooperate during this investigation if they do not have proper communication? Also, they never remember to share any findings with Tom. Instead of teaming up with them, Tom is on his own. Not to mention that Marshall's lack of reliance on other people puts him in danger.
This book lacked emotion. I did not care about any of the characters. I had no idea who they were or what they looked like. Megan is the only character with an actual, albeit vague, description, even if it's on a missing persons poster.
The writing style is detailed and creates a strong sense of place. The author lives in Colorado, and he perfectly transferred that experience to his story and characters. I could easily imagine every scene. A good sense of place and orientation is important to me.
In conclusion, if you want to read The Fear of Winter, suspend your disbelief to the maximum. That's why I think it's a perfect airport/flight read. Content warning for heavy alcohol use, graphic depictions of self-harm, suicidal thoughts, suicide, domestic violence, mentions of drug abuse.
I received the e-book for free on the Storygraph giveaway. Thank you to the author for the free e-book.
The Fear of Winter is a classic thriller mystery with no plot twists, no red herrings, a surprising lack of suspense, and a dark atmosphere. It offers nothing new or original to the genre. The characters are painfully one-dimensional, and their personalities are formulaic. As a character steps on the scene, you know to what archetype they belong: alcoholic ex-cop turned PI, a drug addict young woman forced into prostitution with a heart of gold...
The plot is interesting enough to keep you mildly entertained and turning the pages, but you have to suspend your disbelief.
The Fear of Winter is a plot-oriented novel, but when the plot hangs on by a thread, you do not feel satisfaction when you reach the end. One of the plot inconsistencies is the lack of follow-up after Tom's car accident. The book starts with Tom hitting a deer on the highway. He might have a concussion, his car is damaged, and he killed a deer. Nowhere in the book is the incident mentioned or alluded to. Did he see a doctor? Did he fix his car? Why did he not tell his wife he was in an accident? He immediately forgets about it when he arrives home.
While reading, I could not help but notice the infamous 'men writing women' phenomenon. Hannah is described as a 'petite female' because she is 5'5" and weighs under 100 pounds (165cm and 45kg). She survives by eating cereal. She constantly gets hit on by men wherever she goes, which could be a small-town thing. All of that shows how this author does not know how to write a proper woman without turning her into an object of desire.
Another problem I had with Hannah's character is her alleged OCD. The author aimed to paint her as obsessive by having her constantly avoid cracks in the pavement, checking if she locked her door once, and claiming she becomes obsessive about other people's issues if she pays attention to what they are saying. That is only an appalling but horrid OCD representation.
Tom's wife, Lisa, is grief-stricken to the point of becoming an alcoholic and mixing alcohol with Xanax. Her and Tom's inability to cope with Megan's disappearance wrecks their marriage. Lisa admits she hates Tom. Although their struggle is realistic, both characters remain bland and invoke no sympathy.
Katie is Megan's friend and a drug addict. Katie's character is a plot device that compensates for the lack of communication between Marshall and Tom. Tom and Marshall share two conversations throughout the novel. The first conversation is their first meeting, which is crucial to the plot, but the second one has little relevance. It is a poor attempt at them bonding over their similar histories.
Furthermore, Marshall and Hannah are disorganized in how they run this investigation. They share maybe 3 or 4 conversations in total. Their communication is sparse and short. Hannah attempts to call Marshall twice, and both times goes to voicemail. How do they even cooperate during this investigation if they do not have proper communication? Also, they never remember to share any findings with Tom. Instead of teaming up with them, Tom is on his own. Not to mention that Marshall's lack of reliance on other people puts him in danger.
This book lacked emotion. I did not care about any of the characters. I had no idea who they were or what they looked like. Megan is the only character with an actual, albeit vague, description, even if it's on a missing persons poster.
The writing style is detailed and creates a strong sense of place. The author lives in Colorado, and he perfectly transferred that experience to his story and characters. I could easily imagine every scene. A good sense of place and orientation is important to me.
In conclusion, if you want to read The Fear of Winter, suspend your disbelief to the maximum. That's why I think it's a perfect airport/flight read. Content warning for heavy alcohol use, graphic depictions of self-harm, suicidal thoughts, suicide, domestic violence, mentions of drug abuse.
I received the e-book for free on the Storygraph giveaway. Thank you to the author for the free e-book.
April 10, 2023
Thank you to the author S. C. Sterling, publishers No Bueno Publishing and as always NetGalley, for an advance audio copy of THE FEAR OF WINTER.
This book is a basic murder mystery, with all the players you expect, and a pretty predictable ending. Still thrilling and it's an enjoyable audiobook, in part thanks to excellent narration. One thing I do like about this book is the large cast of interesting characters (usually not my cup of tea) with a couple of bad to the boots women mixed in. I love fiction stories set in factual places. This one is set in Colorado, where I used to live, and loved living there. Sterling used this element in a detailed way, almost as a character. I really connected to the story at this fictional element, which feels very real thanks to the detail work. Heads up: The chapters are loooooong!
Rating: 🏔🏔🏔.5 / cold mountains
Recommend? Yes
Finished: March 18 2023
Read this if you like:
🔍 Murder mysteries
🔪 Thrillers
🏋♀️ Badass women
☃️ Snow settings
🗻 Mountains
This book is a basic murder mystery, with all the players you expect, and a pretty predictable ending. Still thrilling and it's an enjoyable audiobook, in part thanks to excellent narration. One thing I do like about this book is the large cast of interesting characters (usually not my cup of tea) with a couple of bad to the boots women mixed in. I love fiction stories set in factual places. This one is set in Colorado, where I used to live, and loved living there. Sterling used this element in a detailed way, almost as a character. I really connected to the story at this fictional element, which feels very real thanks to the detail work. Heads up: The chapters are loooooong!
Rating: 🏔🏔🏔.5 / cold mountains
Recommend? Yes
Finished: March 18 2023
Read this if you like:
🔍 Murder mysteries
🔪 Thrillers
🏋♀️ Badass women
☃️ Snow settings
🗻 Mountains
March 11, 2023
Format: audiobook ~ Narrator: Jess Nahikian
Content: 4 stars ~ Narration: 4.5 stars
Complete audiobook review
Megan Floyd disappeared one cold evening in December. The investigation leads nowhere. There are no traces of Megan.
One year later, after the case went cold, her father, Tom Floyd, still didn’t give up. He wants to know what happened to his daughter and wants closure. Even though this would mean his daughter is dead. He hires a private investigator, Marshall York, and his assistant Hannah, to find some new leads.
We learn the story from more perspectives: mostly from Tom, Marshall, and Hannah. Some characters are partially likable, some a bit less, but all are somehow damaged. Maybe it would be better if at least one character wes average in this sense. A few details in the story bothered me, but other than that, The Fear of Winter is a surprisingly good crime thriller.
I love the cover of this audiobook.
Thanks to No Bueno Publishing for the ALC and this opportunity! This is a voluntary review and all opinions are my own.
Content: 4 stars ~ Narration: 4.5 stars
Complete audiobook review
Megan Floyd disappeared one cold evening in December. The investigation leads nowhere. There are no traces of Megan.
One year later, after the case went cold, her father, Tom Floyd, still didn’t give up. He wants to know what happened to his daughter and wants closure. Even though this would mean his daughter is dead. He hires a private investigator, Marshall York, and his assistant Hannah, to find some new leads.
We learn the story from more perspectives: mostly from Tom, Marshall, and Hannah. Some characters are partially likable, some a bit less, but all are somehow damaged. Maybe it would be better if at least one character wes average in this sense. A few details in the story bothered me, but other than that, The Fear of Winter is a surprisingly good crime thriller.
I love the cover of this audiobook.
Thanks to No Bueno Publishing for the ALC and this opportunity! This is a voluntary review and all opinions are my own.
February 15, 2023
I thought this was really good! It’s a 5⭐️for me and the audiobook/narrator Jess Nahikian was excellent. She did such a good job.
This was book one in The Fear of series and I’m definitely on board for book 2. This was intense and heartbreaking but done in such a way that I couldn’t stop listening. It was dark at times with many realistic broken people that weren’t going to change. To much had happen. I wanted to know everything about how they got there. This crime mystery was different than I’m used to seeing but I’m hooked!
Definitely recommend this one.
Thanks IBPA via Netgalley.
This was book one in The Fear of series and I’m definitely on board for book 2. This was intense and heartbreaking but done in such a way that I couldn’t stop listening. It was dark at times with many realistic broken people that weren’t going to change. To much had happen. I wanted to know everything about how they got there. This crime mystery was different than I’m used to seeing but I’m hooked!
Definitely recommend this one.
Thanks IBPA via Netgalley.
October 2, 2023
I listened to the audiobook back in February. The book chapters, although only eight in number, were long in length but the decent pacing and the narration by Jess Nahikian led me to finish listening to it in less than a day.
However, all the characters, with the exception of Hannah, were not completely likeable. As the story progressed we got to know that Megan whose disappearance was being investigated, wasn't a good person at all and somewhat deserved what happened to her. Even Hannah, with her inherent goodness, had her own personal demons to deal with.
Plus, there was a lot of bad language. Conversations were sprinkled heavily with the "F" word and after a short while it was very off putting to keep hearing the word being said again and again. So, although the narration was good, it was marred by the heavy use of cuss words.
I received an ALC of the book from the publishers No Buenos Publishing/IBPA Member's Audiobooks and the author via NetGalley.
However, all the characters, with the exception of Hannah, were not completely likeable. As the story progressed we got to know that Megan whose disappearance was being investigated, wasn't a good person at all and somewhat deserved what happened to her. Even Hannah, with her inherent goodness, had her own personal demons to deal with.
Plus, there was a lot of bad language. Conversations were sprinkled heavily with the "F" word and after a short while it was very off putting to keep hearing the word being said again and again. So, although the narration was good, it was marred by the heavy use of cuss words.
I received an ALC of the book from the publishers No Buenos Publishing/IBPA Member's Audiobooks and the author via NetGalley.
February 2, 2023
Story kept me interested, despite some irregularities. Fact that everyone was constantly smoking, drinking or doing drugs was a bit annoying. Great soundtrack.
January 22, 2023
I really liked this thriller dealing with a missing person’s case. This novel was thrilling, exciting and dark. The plot was suspenseful and tense. This novel gripped my attention right from the start and held it to the end.
I really liked the author’s writing style and the character development and this novel’s who done it aspect kept me guessing all the way to the end.
I’m giving this novel 4 stars as I’m sure that other readers will like it too, especially if they are fans of thrillers and crime novels like me.
I really liked the author’s writing style and the character development and this novel’s who done it aspect kept me guessing all the way to the end.
I’m giving this novel 4 stars as I’m sure that other readers will like it too, especially if they are fans of thrillers and crime novels like me.
December 5, 2024
At the onset, I found myself uncertain about diving into this story. While I typically enjoy narratives that shift between different points of view, the number of perspectives introduced early on felt overwhelming, almost bordering on chaotic. However, before I knew it, I was more than 30% into the book, completely captivated by the unfolding drama. In less than 24 hours, I had consumed the entire tale, and I must say, it was an exhilarating experience.
The characters, while some very stereotypical and obvious, were vividly portrayed. The parents of the missing girl were particularly compelling, caught in a web of despair as their relationship disintegrated under the weight of their grief. The father, a former police officer turned alcoholic, carried the burden of his past decisions like a shadow, while the mother grappled with her own struggles and sorrow.
The narrative also introduced a private investigator whose life mirrored the darkness surrounding him—alienated from his wife and child, he too was ensnared by addiction, relying on alcohol and Oxy to escape his reality. Yet, amidst this bleak backdrop emerged Hannah, the assistant investigator. She was a breath of fresh air; troubled yet resilient, her quiet determination shone through and provided a glimmer of hope within the chaos.
While the storyline does have its share of flaws, the pacing was relentless and the twists cleverly crafted, keeping me on the edge of my seat. Overall, I found myself thoroughly engrossed in this fast-paced thriller, and I am eager to continue exploring the series.
The characters, while some very stereotypical and obvious, were vividly portrayed. The parents of the missing girl were particularly compelling, caught in a web of despair as their relationship disintegrated under the weight of their grief. The father, a former police officer turned alcoholic, carried the burden of his past decisions like a shadow, while the mother grappled with her own struggles and sorrow.
The narrative also introduced a private investigator whose life mirrored the darkness surrounding him—alienated from his wife and child, he too was ensnared by addiction, relying on alcohol and Oxy to escape his reality. Yet, amidst this bleak backdrop emerged Hannah, the assistant investigator. She was a breath of fresh air; troubled yet resilient, her quiet determination shone through and provided a glimmer of hope within the chaos.
While the storyline does have its share of flaws, the pacing was relentless and the twists cleverly crafted, keeping me on the edge of my seat. Overall, I found myself thoroughly engrossed in this fast-paced thriller, and I am eager to continue exploring the series.
June 24, 2024
[IN PROGRESS]
Tom
wife Lisa
Marshall York
Hannah Jacobs
Fraser and Granby, Colorado
Serial killer Kevin
90s music, current events, grocery items, use becomes a little heavy-handed
Tom
wife Lisa
Marshall York
Hannah Jacobs
Fraser and Granby, Colorado
Serial killer Kevin
90s music, current events, grocery items, use becomes a little heavy-handed
January 25, 2023
What a sneaky story this is!
A father/Sherriff hires a detective agency to investigate his daughter's disappearance from 2 years prior. Really well written mystery about a missing girl which turns into a story about so much more! Cold, desolate setting is perfect for this story with an unexpected ending.
Being book 1 of the series, I was shocked at the end to see how the series will go forward. I was not expecting it but am actually really excited about it. I can't wait for this series to continue!
A father/Sherriff hires a detective agency to investigate his daughter's disappearance from 2 years prior. Really well written mystery about a missing girl which turns into a story about so much more! Cold, desolate setting is perfect for this story with an unexpected ending.
Being book 1 of the series, I was shocked at the end to see how the series will go forward. I was not expecting it but am actually really excited about it. I can't wait for this series to continue!
March 15, 2024
3.5 stars This was just okay. I didn't have to push myself to get through it but there is nothing spectacular about it. Lots of swearing, some credibility issues at times and a predictable ending.
February 22, 2023
3 / 5 ⭐️‘s
"The Fear of Winter" by S.C. Sterling
A thrilling and suspenseful novel set in a small town in the midst of a harsh winter, the story follows the disappearance of a young women, and the efforts of a father and private investigator to unravel the mystery and catch the perpetrator.
The writing is crisp and concise, with well-developed characters that sets the stage for the unfolding events. The tension builds steadily as the story progresses, with unexpected twists and turns that keeps you guessing until the very end.
An overall good read for anyone who enjoys a good mystery or thriller.
This ARC was provided by the publisher via @Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
"The Fear of Winter" by S.C. Sterling
A thrilling and suspenseful novel set in a small town in the midst of a harsh winter, the story follows the disappearance of a young women, and the efforts of a father and private investigator to unravel the mystery and catch the perpetrator.
The writing is crisp and concise, with well-developed characters that sets the stage for the unfolding events. The tension builds steadily as the story progresses, with unexpected twists and turns that keeps you guessing until the very end.
An overall good read for anyone who enjoys a good mystery or thriller.
This ARC was provided by the publisher via @Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 15, 2023
This was a fun suspense book especially because I live in Colorado and am very familiar with the places mentioned. That makes a thriller much more interesting for me to read. I liked the way everything tied up at the end- and I could definitely see this book turning into a series. There were a few subplots that I didn’t necessarily think worked for me but that could also be because some nuances are harder to catch when listening to the audio. I would recommend this to my Colorado thriller readers.
February 18, 2023
Wow, for a shorter book, a lot happens between page 1 to page 220. Sometimes I think I prefer my books to be 200 pages or less - it forces authors to get their ideas across using a shorter amount of words. Less fluff more straight action.
Megan Floyd disappeared after her shift at work 2 years ago. Her parents struggle with her disappearance - Tom, her father, spends his days searching endlessly for her. Looking anywhere he can. Marking off a map as he searches a new area. Her mother, Lisa, has fallen apart completely and ceases to really be living anymore.
The investigation into Megan’s disappearance has gone cold, forcing Tom to seek outside help in finding his daughter. He contacts a PI named Marshall, and his partner Hannah, they’re his last hope in finding out what happened to his daughter.
This is a fast-paced mystery/thriller. Each character has their own internal battles going on. Each their own trauma, so it was interesting to see how they all came together and interacted with each other. And there is no shortage of characters. I had to keep a list of them to keep them straight in my mind.
I do think, and this has no bearings on my rating, that the chapters could have been split up. There are little page breaks breaking up a scene change but I think it could have been a new chapter instead of a continuation. But that’s just preference.
This was a fun read because while you’re reading you have no idea what is happening at the moment. It isn’t until a few paragraphs or pages later that what you’re reading starts to make sense. Jumping straight into the plot the full details come later.
I see this is labeled as book #1 - so I’m looking forward to book #2!
Megan Floyd disappeared after her shift at work 2 years ago. Her parents struggle with her disappearance - Tom, her father, spends his days searching endlessly for her. Looking anywhere he can. Marking off a map as he searches a new area. Her mother, Lisa, has fallen apart completely and ceases to really be living anymore.
The investigation into Megan’s disappearance has gone cold, forcing Tom to seek outside help in finding his daughter. He contacts a PI named Marshall, and his partner Hannah, they’re his last hope in finding out what happened to his daughter.
This is a fast-paced mystery/thriller. Each character has their own internal battles going on. Each their own trauma, so it was interesting to see how they all came together and interacted with each other. And there is no shortage of characters. I had to keep a list of them to keep them straight in my mind.
I do think, and this has no bearings on my rating, that the chapters could have been split up. There are little page breaks breaking up a scene change but I think it could have been a new chapter instead of a continuation. But that’s just preference.
This was a fun read because while you’re reading you have no idea what is happening at the moment. It isn’t until a few paragraphs or pages later that what you’re reading starts to make sense. Jumping straight into the plot the full details come later.
I see this is labeled as book #1 - so I’m looking forward to book #2!
February 11, 2023
This story felt completely implausible, melodramatic, and with unlikable characters who constantly made bad decisions. I found myself cringing and rolling my eyes frequently with the dialog, and just wanted it over. The rarity of an evil genius serial killer, plus a psychotic drug-dealing murderer, and everyone seemingly abusing some substance or another, on a dark road to self-destruction, all circling the drain in the same small mountain area was just too much. Not for the discerning reader.
March 7, 2023
This crime/thriller was pretty good. I did rather enjoy it. I was able to stay interested in the book. It was a pretty fast read. Was done reading it in just 6 hours
February 18, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and No Bueno Publishing, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles for accepting my request to read and review The Fear of Winter.
Published: 01/18/23
I liked this story. It is the first book of a new series, and I do want to read book two.
The book was around 225 pages. The characters were okay. I really only liked Tom, a dad. I can see him going on in the series minimally. The rest I will barely remember. All the characters had problems, and if you read the synopsis, they were fitting and not over the top which I liked. They had personalities.
The book is okay. It's not bad, but it's not good either. I found it current and clever enough to continue with book 2.
Published: 01/18/23
I liked this story. It is the first book of a new series, and I do want to read book two.
The book was around 225 pages. The characters were okay. I really only liked Tom, a dad. I can see him going on in the series minimally. The rest I will barely remember. All the characters had problems, and if you read the synopsis, they were fitting and not over the top which I liked. They had personalities.
The book is okay. It's not bad, but it's not good either. I found it current and clever enough to continue with book 2.
February 8, 2023
First off I want to thank @netgalley & @scottcsterling for my free audiobook copy in exchange for an honest review.
What an amazing quick read this was. I listened to this one in less than a day, it was that good. So fast paced right from the beginning up until the last sentence. The setting was perfect to make an atmospheric bone chilling thriller.
There were a lot of characters but each were well developed with their own backstory and struggles. I really enjoyed the writing style of the author which kept me hooked.
The only thing was that sometimes it was hard to follow the switch between the characters, it happened fast and without telling you. The chapters were extremely lengthy.
The plot was well done and the pieces fit together nicely. The twists and secrets are all over this story. This is the first in a series and definitely looking forward to continuing it. There are some trigger warnings regarding suicide, self harm and violence to women.
If you want a fast paced, bone chilling, wintery, twisty thriller pick this one up!
What an amazing quick read this was. I listened to this one in less than a day, it was that good. So fast paced right from the beginning up until the last sentence. The setting was perfect to make an atmospheric bone chilling thriller.
There were a lot of characters but each were well developed with their own backstory and struggles. I really enjoyed the writing style of the author which kept me hooked.
The only thing was that sometimes it was hard to follow the switch between the characters, it happened fast and without telling you. The chapters were extremely lengthy.
The plot was well done and the pieces fit together nicely. The twists and secrets are all over this story. This is the first in a series and definitely looking forward to continuing it. There are some trigger warnings regarding suicide, self harm and violence to women.
If you want a fast paced, bone chilling, wintery, twisty thriller pick this one up!
May 5, 2023
A cold case, multiple POVs… I had a great time reading this story! It was gripping (literally every page of this book), I really liked that we were shown the impact of this missing person case on the family - it was heartbreaking but it also felt realistic.
This book was a good start to a series, I cannot wait to read the sequel(s).
(This book was sent to me in exchange for my review.)
This book was a good start to a series, I cannot wait to read the sequel(s).
(This book was sent to me in exchange for my review.)
January 24, 2023
First book in a series by S.T. Sterling.
Book was well written, flowed well and maintained my intrest. Characters were wonderfully flawed, making story more believable.
Only negative, and not sure if just me or the way written, I got confused with the characters and who was talking to whom. Was a quick and thrilling read, and am looking forward to book 2! The Fear of Winter due to be published January 18 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the author and publisher for a copy of this ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
Book was well written, flowed well and maintained my intrest. Characters were wonderfully flawed, making story more believable.
Only negative, and not sure if just me or the way written, I got confused with the characters and who was talking to whom. Was a quick and thrilling read, and am looking forward to book 2! The Fear of Winter due to be published January 18 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the author and publisher for a copy of this ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
January 16, 2023
What better setting for a thriller-crime novel than in the winter in the mountains of Colorado? A young woman, Megan Floyd disappears, and after extensive searching, no clues or leads turn the case cold. Her father will not stop until he finds answers, no matter what that means for his life around him.
I really enjoyed this novel! It kept me hooked from the very beginning. There were a lot of characters to pay attention to in the beginning of the book (I take notes when there are a lot of characters - it helps me piece together the plot as I read). Very quickly, I understood the dynamic and relationship between all characters and it all made so much sense. This thriller based around a deep crime committed held my attention until the very end. Definitely check this book out for a quick, heart pounding read when it gets released on January 18, 2023 (one week+1 day from publishing day!!).
Thank you BookSirens for the free advanced reader copy of this novel (all opinions are my own).
I really enjoyed this novel! It kept me hooked from the very beginning. There were a lot of characters to pay attention to in the beginning of the book (I take notes when there are a lot of characters - it helps me piece together the plot as I read). Very quickly, I understood the dynamic and relationship between all characters and it all made so much sense. This thriller based around a deep crime committed held my attention until the very end. Definitely check this book out for a quick, heart pounding read when it gets released on January 18, 2023 (one week+1 day from publishing day!!).
Thank you BookSirens for the free advanced reader copy of this novel (all opinions are my own).
June 6, 2023
Thank you Netgalley for the audio copy in exchange for a honest review. A year ago Megan Floyd vanished. The search for her found no clues and has now become a cold case. Her father Tom hires private investigator Marshall Yorke. Marshall together with his assistant Hannah start to dig into the disappearance putting themselves into danger.
December 21, 2022
I'll give kudos to the author for managing to create a solid crime story told from different perspectives. It was pretty interesting seeing how three different characters tackled the investigation.
However, my main issue with the book was that I didn't really get attached to any of the characters. The picture being painted was pretty bleak and felt realistic but there was not much incentive to keep me hooked on this story. This is just my opinion though, and others might find this desolate and grim tale more interesting than I did.
Note: A big thank you to NetGalley for giving me a digital copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review.
However, my main issue with the book was that I didn't really get attached to any of the characters. The picture being painted was pretty bleak and felt realistic but there was not much incentive to keep me hooked on this story. This is just my opinion though, and others might find this desolate and grim tale more interesting than I did.
Note: A big thank you to NetGalley for giving me a digital copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review.
January 5, 2023
Megan Floyd is still missing! Megan was 19 when she went missing. Now her 21st birthday is almost here, but Megan isn’t. How is that possible?
Megan’s mother, Lisa, numbs her pain with alcohol, pills, and one-night stands. A cold case to everyone but Megan’s father, a former cop. Tom decided he had to try one more avenue for help. He knows he may never find Megan but cannot rest until he solves the mystery of what happened to his daughter the night she didn’t come home. Tom has hired Marshall York, a private investigator and former detective, and his assistant Hannah Jacobs. Marshall and Hannah each have pain of their own. Marshall numbs his pain with drugs and Hannah self-mutilates. Can any of them find out the secrets of that night? Is it possible Megan is still alive?
Pain. Unbearable, devastating pain. Secrets. So many secrets from the past cast shadows forming a web that becomes darker with every strand followed. Gritty. Raw. Riveting.
This is a story. But a story that sadly happens on winter nights across America. This story captures the desolation of parents left with unanswered questions. Their loved one torn from their midst—the shattering of their hearts.
Thank you to S.C. Sterling, No Bueno Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an eARC of this book.
#TheFearofWinter #NetGalley
Megan’s mother, Lisa, numbs her pain with alcohol, pills, and one-night stands. A cold case to everyone but Megan’s father, a former cop. Tom decided he had to try one more avenue for help. He knows he may never find Megan but cannot rest until he solves the mystery of what happened to his daughter the night she didn’t come home. Tom has hired Marshall York, a private investigator and former detective, and his assistant Hannah Jacobs. Marshall and Hannah each have pain of their own. Marshall numbs his pain with drugs and Hannah self-mutilates. Can any of them find out the secrets of that night? Is it possible Megan is still alive?
Pain. Unbearable, devastating pain. Secrets. So many secrets from the past cast shadows forming a web that becomes darker with every strand followed. Gritty. Raw. Riveting.
This is a story. But a story that sadly happens on winter nights across America. This story captures the desolation of parents left with unanswered questions. Their loved one torn from their midst—the shattering of their hearts.
Thank you to S.C. Sterling, No Bueno Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an eARC of this book.
#TheFearofWinter #NetGalley
November 7, 2022
Once I got about 1/3 into this book I was hooked. The first part wasn’t grabbing me but I was glad I continued. This is a gritty detective story with a missing girl and a very violent psychopath.
Trigger warning on violence, self harm and animal abuse. I hate books with animal abuse, fortunately it was short and I could skip over it. I think it was there to give history of the start of psychosis. The self harm is very detailed and shows the background of Hannah
This is the start of a series and I will look for further books. The pluses of the book was that the action really moved fast I had to keep reading to finish this in the middle of the night
The character descriptions were very detailed. I got to understand Hannah and why her actions made sense and Tom, the father who is seeking answers . The book takes us through his life events of a missing adult daughter and a marriage that is coming apart apart. Tom hires Marshall, a PI, and his assistant, Hannah, to try to solve the case. It’s a cat and mouse game til the end.
Thank you Book Sirens and the author for the opportunity to read and give my honest opinion
Trigger warning on violence, self harm and animal abuse. I hate books with animal abuse, fortunately it was short and I could skip over it. I think it was there to give history of the start of psychosis. The self harm is very detailed and shows the background of Hannah
This is the start of a series and I will look for further books. The pluses of the book was that the action really moved fast I had to keep reading to finish this in the middle of the night
The character descriptions were very detailed. I got to understand Hannah and why her actions made sense and Tom, the father who is seeking answers . The book takes us through his life events of a missing adult daughter and a marriage that is coming apart apart. Tom hires Marshall, a PI, and his assistant, Hannah, to try to solve the case. It’s a cat and mouse game til the end.
Thank you Book Sirens and the author for the opportunity to read and give my honest opinion
February 15, 2023
This book feels like the winner of a contest to see how many cliches could be crammed into 1 book! Damaged young woman looking to avenge something dark from her past (when she's not drinking or cutting herself, that is)? Check. Sad parents of the victim, struggling to keep their relationship together while also investigating what really happened to their daughter? Check. Washed up former police officer turned PI also hired to find out what really happened to the missing woman? Check!
Clearly I didn't like anything about this book. It was cliched, predictable, and boring. The narrator also does a TERRIBLE job at speaking as the male voices! It was very irritating.
Clearly I didn't like anything about this book. It was cliched, predictable, and boring. The narrator also does a TERRIBLE job at speaking as the male voices! It was very irritating.
January 31, 2023
I’d like to thank Scott for a chance to listen to his book. Overall, the mystery of what happened to Megan kept my interest. I found it very realistic in regards to grief, depression, drug use and other triggers. I also appreciated the time/setting details. The 90’s playlist was a perfect example.
As an audiobook listener, I did find the POV changes a little jarring. It may have helped to have multiple narrators.
I gave the book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. I kept my interest. I also felt for Tom once he finally found out what happened to his daughter and why.
Thank you for the listen Scott!
As an audiobook listener, I did find the POV changes a little jarring. It may have helped to have multiple narrators.
I gave the book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. I kept my interest. I also felt for Tom once he finally found out what happened to his daughter and why.
Thank you for the listen Scott!
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