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A Cold Hold
"Some stories...aren't meant to be endless. But they are still worth telling."
Sixteen-year-old Gwen knows better than to trust what she sees. Living with schizophrenia has taught her that shadows lie and reflections can’t always be believed. So when a boy begins appearing, Gwen assumes her mind is playing tricks on her again.
Until she learns the truth.
Ezra is a ghost, bound to a decades-old death that was never solved. And Gwen is the only one who can see him.
As Gwen is pulled into uncovering what happened to Ezra, she must navigate a fragile line between reality and delusion, fear and truth. Every clue brings her closer to answers, but also forces her to question her own mind in ways she never has before.
A Cold Hold is a gripping young adult psychological mystery with a supernatural edge, perfect for readers who enjoy emotionally intense stories about mental health, identity, and the courage it takes to confront the truth, especially when reality itself can’t be trusted.
Sixteen-year-old Gwen knows better than to trust what she sees. Living with schizophrenia has taught her that shadows lie and reflections can’t always be believed. So when a boy begins appearing, Gwen assumes her mind is playing tricks on her again.
Until she learns the truth.
Ezra is a ghost, bound to a decades-old death that was never solved. And Gwen is the only one who can see him.
As Gwen is pulled into uncovering what happened to Ezra, she must navigate a fragile line between reality and delusion, fear and truth. Every clue brings her closer to answers, but also forces her to question her own mind in ways she never has before.
A Cold Hold is a gripping young adult psychological mystery with a supernatural edge, perfect for readers who enjoy emotionally intense stories about mental health, identity, and the courage it takes to confront the truth, especially when reality itself can’t be trusted.
375 pages, Paperback
Published December 30, 2025
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8 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
February 16, 2026
Sanjana Kanamarlapudi's 'A Cold Hold' got me into a story that defies easy genre labels, blending elements of psychological suspense, coming-of-age introspection, and emotional realism.
The novel is not merely a mystery to be solved, but a layered exploration of fear, memory, identity, and resilience and it accomplishes this with surprising maturity and depth.
It almost surprised me how this novel is anchored by its evocative emotional core. The story follows Gwen Griswold, a teenage girl attending a boarding school where unsettling, inexplicable events begin to unfold. Kanamarlapudi carefully constructs an atmosphere where silence and memory are the true engines of tension.
What stayed with me most in A Cold Hold was how gently and honestly fear is handled. It isn’t presented as something meant to shock or startle, but as something quietly lived through.
The fear in this novel doesn’t come charging at you; it lingers, asks questions, and waits. And in doing so, it read something deeply human, so much so, that the things that unsettle us most are often the ones we keep buried, the parts of ourselves we’re reluctant to face. It’s this inward, emotional tension that gives the story its lasting weight.
The isolation and stillness of the school amplify every whisper, every sudden recollection, transforming the ordinary into the uncanny. The atmosphere is meticulously crafted.
Gwen’s journey is the emotional core of this story. She is complex, introspective, and palpably human. Her experiences the fear, the uncertainty, the courage it takes to face both literal and metaphorical shadows which are rendered with sincerity and subtlety. Gwen and Ezra’s relationship is defined by subtle chemistry, thoughtful banter, and quiet understanding. Their connection grows naturally through shared moments, gentle humour, and mutual respect rather than dramatic gestures. Ezra offers Gwen space and attention without trying to fix her, while Gwen feels seen and supported in his presence. Together, they bring warmth and emotional balance to the story, providing a steady, comforting contrast to its psychological tension.
Kanamarlapudi’s writing is fluid and evocative without being overwhelming, balancing atmosphere with forward momentum. She amazed me at varied levels. The tension and built-up was so precisely written. The deliberate pacing allows tension to build naturally, while moments of introspection draw the reader closer to Gwen’s inner world. This depth elevates the novel beyond a standard psychological thriller, turning it into a reflective exploration of adolescence, trauma, and resilience.
A Cold Hold as a remarkable and mature work of psychological fiction. It transcends simple genre boundaries to offer a narrative that is at once suspenseful, introspective, and emotionally profound. Sanjana Kanamarlapudi demonstrates a refined understanding of fear as an emotional experience, using setting, character, and mood to explore how we come to terms with what we’ve hidden deep within ourselves.
The novel is not merely a mystery to be solved, but a layered exploration of fear, memory, identity, and resilience and it accomplishes this with surprising maturity and depth.
It almost surprised me how this novel is anchored by its evocative emotional core. The story follows Gwen Griswold, a teenage girl attending a boarding school where unsettling, inexplicable events begin to unfold. Kanamarlapudi carefully constructs an atmosphere where silence and memory are the true engines of tension.
What stayed with me most in A Cold Hold was how gently and honestly fear is handled. It isn’t presented as something meant to shock or startle, but as something quietly lived through.
The fear in this novel doesn’t come charging at you; it lingers, asks questions, and waits. And in doing so, it read something deeply human, so much so, that the things that unsettle us most are often the ones we keep buried, the parts of ourselves we’re reluctant to face. It’s this inward, emotional tension that gives the story its lasting weight.
The isolation and stillness of the school amplify every whisper, every sudden recollection, transforming the ordinary into the uncanny. The atmosphere is meticulously crafted.
Gwen’s journey is the emotional core of this story. She is complex, introspective, and palpably human. Her experiences the fear, the uncertainty, the courage it takes to face both literal and metaphorical shadows which are rendered with sincerity and subtlety. Gwen and Ezra’s relationship is defined by subtle chemistry, thoughtful banter, and quiet understanding. Their connection grows naturally through shared moments, gentle humour, and mutual respect rather than dramatic gestures. Ezra offers Gwen space and attention without trying to fix her, while Gwen feels seen and supported in his presence. Together, they bring warmth and emotional balance to the story, providing a steady, comforting contrast to its psychological tension.
Kanamarlapudi’s writing is fluid and evocative without being overwhelming, balancing atmosphere with forward momentum. She amazed me at varied levels. The tension and built-up was so precisely written. The deliberate pacing allows tension to build naturally, while moments of introspection draw the reader closer to Gwen’s inner world. This depth elevates the novel beyond a standard psychological thriller, turning it into a reflective exploration of adolescence, trauma, and resilience.
A Cold Hold as a remarkable and mature work of psychological fiction. It transcends simple genre boundaries to offer a narrative that is at once suspenseful, introspective, and emotionally profound. Sanjana Kanamarlapudi demonstrates a refined understanding of fear as an emotional experience, using setting, character, and mood to explore how we come to terms with what we’ve hidden deep within ourselves.
February 11, 2026
“Ever felt scared of something that isn’t real… only to realize it might be your own mind playing tricks on you?” This is exactly what happend with GWEN GRISWOLD.
A COLD HOLD by Sanjana Kanamarlapudi is a psychological thriller book which revolves around the girl named GWEN who is suffering from Schizophrenia. The story sets in the eerie, quiet environment of a boarding school where GWEN begins experiencing strange and unsettling occurrences — mysterious voices in the dark and footsteps in empty hallways.
After gathering a lot of courage, Gwen finally decides it’s time to follow the voices and shadows, that’s being haunting her for days. One night, she decided to go an abandoned room where no one was allowed to go, just to get answers for all the things going around her. The moment she steps inside the abandoned room, it gives chills down her spine. Suddenly, she sense someone’s presence behind her. She could only feel it. There was a young teenage boy “EZRA NYX” whose presence could not be seen. And when he told Gwen about him, it literally didn’t seem real at first. He was murdered forty years ago. He didn’t got closure about his death and spirit can’t move on. Forty years of not finally moving on and trapped inside an abandoned bathroom, Gwen was his only hope left as she was the only one who could actually see him.
She made a promise to him, to find out about his death but it wasn’t going to be that simple. There were challenges and someone was constantly lingering on them. Someone who was afraid to get caught after 40 years. But the story didn’t stop here.
Gwen always wanted someone to understand her. In a way, no one has ever understand her but Ezra did. He didn’t only understand her but actually gave her a reason to live her life happily. To actually tell her she matters. Even though, he is not real, but he did everything he can to make her feel real in this world where she got ignored by almost everyone. But all of it has to come to an end when the case is finally closed. When his spirit can finally come to peace. But will it?? Can Gwen solve this forty year old case or will her affection come in between??
A COLD HOLD by Sanjana Kanamarlapudi is a psychological thriller book which revolves around the girl named GWEN who is suffering from Schizophrenia. The story sets in the eerie, quiet environment of a boarding school where GWEN begins experiencing strange and unsettling occurrences — mysterious voices in the dark and footsteps in empty hallways.
After gathering a lot of courage, Gwen finally decides it’s time to follow the voices and shadows, that’s being haunting her for days. One night, she decided to go an abandoned room where no one was allowed to go, just to get answers for all the things going around her. The moment she steps inside the abandoned room, it gives chills down her spine. Suddenly, she sense someone’s presence behind her. She could only feel it. There was a young teenage boy “EZRA NYX” whose presence could not be seen. And when he told Gwen about him, it literally didn’t seem real at first. He was murdered forty years ago. He didn’t got closure about his death and spirit can’t move on. Forty years of not finally moving on and trapped inside an abandoned bathroom, Gwen was his only hope left as she was the only one who could actually see him.
She made a promise to him, to find out about his death but it wasn’t going to be that simple. There were challenges and someone was constantly lingering on them. Someone who was afraid to get caught after 40 years. But the story didn’t stop here.
Gwen always wanted someone to understand her. In a way, no one has ever understand her but Ezra did. He didn’t only understand her but actually gave her a reason to live her life happily. To actually tell her she matters. Even though, he is not real, but he did everything he can to make her feel real in this world where she got ignored by almost everyone. But all of it has to come to an end when the case is finally closed. When his spirit can finally come to peace. But will it?? Can Gwen solve this forty year old case or will her affection come in between??
February 10, 2026
The most terrifying thing is trusting your own mind then ghosts?
You are the only one who can see Ghost?
A Cold hold is the gate to answer...
The story centers on Gwen a 16yr girl living with an issue of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a state of brain disorder including delusions, false beliefs and doubts. She has a smart service dog called "Buddy". When Gwen wanders through a silent hallway in her boarding school and notices a locked bathroom sealed off, avoided, heavy with a silent “DO NOT ENTER” warning she expects nothing good to come from looking inside. But she looks anyway and that’s where she sees him.
So, enters A Boy figure who is seen but is sitting quietly. Actually he is not standing before her but is visible through reflections like the mirror, tiles where his image is fractured and repeating. That moment I was a bit moved. Gwen does what she’s been trained to do her entire life she assumes her mind is lying to her again. But when she looks at signals and moments by a buddy that he is looking at the same corner where she is looking SHE.....
The boy figure is Ezra who is a ghost to a decades old death that was never truly known. As some days go by their connection grows. When Gwen goes to her home Ezra follows her and is at home by shadow. Now, Gwen becomes more interested in uncovering what really happened on the day Ezra died especially when the official story never felt right.
One of the most intense moments while reading is when Gwen and Ezra sneak into a building late at night searching for old papers, records and the screams. The discovery in that building changed everything but is paused.. They found the hidden truth of what was the reason for the death & lab tragedy that were said to be an "accident" by authorities. This adds a whole new layer of truth, heartbreak and anger to the mystery.
Gwen's only friend Amara is on vacation. What sets A Cold Hold apart is it handles mental health softly. By the end i was not scared but more absorbed.
You are the only one who can see Ghost?
A Cold hold is the gate to answer...
The story centers on Gwen a 16yr girl living with an issue of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a state of brain disorder including delusions, false beliefs and doubts. She has a smart service dog called "Buddy". When Gwen wanders through a silent hallway in her boarding school and notices a locked bathroom sealed off, avoided, heavy with a silent “DO NOT ENTER” warning she expects nothing good to come from looking inside. But she looks anyway and that’s where she sees him.
So, enters A Boy figure who is seen but is sitting quietly. Actually he is not standing before her but is visible through reflections like the mirror, tiles where his image is fractured and repeating. That moment I was a bit moved. Gwen does what she’s been trained to do her entire life she assumes her mind is lying to her again. But when she looks at signals and moments by a buddy that he is looking at the same corner where she is looking SHE.....
The boy figure is Ezra who is a ghost to a decades old death that was never truly known. As some days go by their connection grows. When Gwen goes to her home Ezra follows her and is at home by shadow. Now, Gwen becomes more interested in uncovering what really happened on the day Ezra died especially when the official story never felt right.
One of the most intense moments while reading is when Gwen and Ezra sneak into a building late at night searching for old papers, records and the screams. The discovery in that building changed everything but is paused.. They found the hidden truth of what was the reason for the death & lab tragedy that were said to be an "accident" by authorities. This adds a whole new layer of truth, heartbreak and anger to the mystery.
Gwen's only friend Amara is on vacation. What sets A Cold Hold apart is it handles mental health softly. By the end i was not scared but more absorbed.
February 10, 2026
❄️Gwen Griswold has been balancing her life at a boarding school while coping with schizophrenia and maintaining her routine. During an unavoidable circumstance, she explores an abandoned bathroom. Although she experiences something haunting there, she dismisses it as a hallucination, something she has faced before. However, when reality finally hits, she is deeply shaken.
❄️The encounter with the ghost and its appearance trigger Gwen’s mind to approach the shadow. Eventually, she uncovers the mystery behind the ghost, and solving the case becomes a turning point in her difficult life.
❄️The characters and plot development are well written, and the psychological aspects of Gwen’s condition are portrayed very smoothly. The author has done an excellent job of bringing mental health into the limelight through the story.
❄️First of all, I absolutely loved Buddy, the dog who stays with Gwen all the time, guarding her.
The interaction between Gwen and Ezra feels very deep, and their bond is calm and quiet—a kind of stillness that lingers even after finishing the book. The approach to uncovering the mystery is interesting, as it blends investigative elements with bonding moments between the main characters and their family backgrounds.
❄️The suspense surrounding the mystery unfolds smoothly, though the reason behind Ezra’s murder could have been stronger. That said, the author beautifully depicts the life of a person living with such a condition and the support they need to carry on. The bond between Gwen and her grandmother, as well as her best friend Amara, makes the story feel warm and cozy.
❄️I thoroughly loved this book. It left me with a sense of stillness and sadness, but the ending was completely satisfying.
❄️The author has truly penned this story well—thank you for writing this gem.
❄️The encounter with the ghost and its appearance trigger Gwen’s mind to approach the shadow. Eventually, she uncovers the mystery behind the ghost, and solving the case becomes a turning point in her difficult life.
❄️The characters and plot development are well written, and the psychological aspects of Gwen’s condition are portrayed very smoothly. The author has done an excellent job of bringing mental health into the limelight through the story.
❄️First of all, I absolutely loved Buddy, the dog who stays with Gwen all the time, guarding her.
The interaction between Gwen and Ezra feels very deep, and their bond is calm and quiet—a kind of stillness that lingers even after finishing the book. The approach to uncovering the mystery is interesting, as it blends investigative elements with bonding moments between the main characters and their family backgrounds.
❄️The suspense surrounding the mystery unfolds smoothly, though the reason behind Ezra’s murder could have been stronger. That said, the author beautifully depicts the life of a person living with such a condition and the support they need to carry on. The bond between Gwen and her grandmother, as well as her best friend Amara, makes the story feel warm and cozy.
❄️I thoroughly loved this book. It left me with a sense of stillness and sadness, but the ending was completely satisfying.
❄️The author has truly penned this story well—thank you for writing this gem.
February 17, 2026
“Some stories... aren't meant to be endless. But they're still worth telling."
Some books don't just tell a story , they unfold something that's been sitting to be seen. That's how mystery and love overlaps seamlessly in the book " A Cold hold " .
The story follows a teenager, Gwen Griswold , navigating her world while diagnosed with schizophrenia. Her only trusted companion to guide her through her sanity is her cute pet buddy. While living in a boarding school, Gwen has been holding on well by herself .Till one day she starts feeling a cold sensation..strange Shapes start evaporating in her vision, confusing her with reality and hallucination...then she meets him. A boy in the mirror in the banned part of the dormitory. Ezra Nyx. She tries to unsee it . Ignore it. Till she starts seeing him everywhere. Ezra has a story to tell. And Gwen is the only one who can see and hear him. A mystery unfolds with love and longing as Ezra and Gwen team up to open the cold case of Ezra's murder that happened years back.
Will Gwen be able to help Ezra.... When all she wants him is to stay with her?
The book has wonderfully blended the elements of love, friendship , mystery and Sadness that comes with loving someone meant to leave. Gwen's character comes out stronger as the story progresses, the romance here is painful at the same time beautiful. The ending made me stare at the wall for an hour while silently crying. But eventually, it is about letting go and doing what is right.
Overall, A suspenseful romance that will haunt you after you close the book , it will stay with you just like a wilted rose in a notebook. Bittersweet, nostalgic yet close to heart . If you love supernatural romances with mystery, then this is a great pick.
Some books don't just tell a story , they unfold something that's been sitting to be seen. That's how mystery and love overlaps seamlessly in the book " A Cold hold " .
The story follows a teenager, Gwen Griswold , navigating her world while diagnosed with schizophrenia. Her only trusted companion to guide her through her sanity is her cute pet buddy. While living in a boarding school, Gwen has been holding on well by herself .Till one day she starts feeling a cold sensation..strange Shapes start evaporating in her vision, confusing her with reality and hallucination...then she meets him. A boy in the mirror in the banned part of the dormitory. Ezra Nyx. She tries to unsee it . Ignore it. Till she starts seeing him everywhere. Ezra has a story to tell. And Gwen is the only one who can see and hear him. A mystery unfolds with love and longing as Ezra and Gwen team up to open the cold case of Ezra's murder that happened years back.
Will Gwen be able to help Ezra.... When all she wants him is to stay with her?
The book has wonderfully blended the elements of love, friendship , mystery and Sadness that comes with loving someone meant to leave. Gwen's character comes out stronger as the story progresses, the romance here is painful at the same time beautiful. The ending made me stare at the wall for an hour while silently crying. But eventually, it is about letting go and doing what is right.
Overall, A suspenseful romance that will haunt you after you close the book , it will stay with you just like a wilted rose in a notebook. Bittersweet, nostalgic yet close to heart . If you love supernatural romances with mystery, then this is a great pick.
February 20, 2026
I picked up A Cold Hold thinking it would be a haunted boarding school story.
It really isn't.
There is a locked door. There is a ghost in mirror. There is a mystery that needs to be solved.
But above all, what really stayed with me was Gwen. A girl who is constantly dismissed because of her Schizophrenia, who is made to feel like her reality is always questionable, who is tired of feeling like her own home doesn't feel like home. The loneliness she carries felt more heavier than any of the paranormal moment in the book.
When Ezra appears, it confuses her. Ypu can feel the hesitation - is this real or not? But as the story goes on, their connection slowly becomes one of the most meaningful parts of the book...
Their bond isn’t dramatic or exaggerated.It grows through shared purpose, quiet understanding & the feeling of finally being believed.
And I have to talk about Buddy!! In a story that feels tense & emotionally heavy, Buddy brings that small sense of comfort. He isn’t just a pet. His presence makes Gwen feel less alone
This book talks about schizophrenia & mental health without making Gwen feel like a "case". She feels like a person. And that matters.
The suspense will keep you turning pages, but the emotions stay.
If you’re looking for jump scares, this isn’t that book. But, I want to recommend this if you like
●soft, slow-burn emotional connections
●psychological thrillers with heart
●boarding school settings with eerie vibes
●stories that talk about mental health in a sensitive way
I enjoyed reading this book. And honestly, knowing that the author, Sanjana, wrote something this layered & thoughtful at such a young age is very impressive 👏
It really isn't.
There is a locked door. There is a ghost in mirror. There is a mystery that needs to be solved.
But above all, what really stayed with me was Gwen. A girl who is constantly dismissed because of her Schizophrenia, who is made to feel like her reality is always questionable, who is tired of feeling like her own home doesn't feel like home. The loneliness she carries felt more heavier than any of the paranormal moment in the book.
When Ezra appears, it confuses her. Ypu can feel the hesitation - is this real or not? But as the story goes on, their connection slowly becomes one of the most meaningful parts of the book...
Their bond isn’t dramatic or exaggerated.It grows through shared purpose, quiet understanding & the feeling of finally being believed.
And I have to talk about Buddy!! In a story that feels tense & emotionally heavy, Buddy brings that small sense of comfort. He isn’t just a pet. His presence makes Gwen feel less alone
This book talks about schizophrenia & mental health without making Gwen feel like a "case". She feels like a person. And that matters.
The suspense will keep you turning pages, but the emotions stay.
If you’re looking for jump scares, this isn’t that book. But, I want to recommend this if you like
●soft, slow-burn emotional connections
●psychological thrillers with heart
●boarding school settings with eerie vibes
●stories that talk about mental health in a sensitive way
I enjoyed reading this book. And honestly, knowing that the author, Sanjana, wrote something this layered & thoughtful at such a young age is very impressive 👏
February 13, 2026
Cold Hold is a simple mystery read and more like a love story I must say.
Gwen's parents sent her to a boarding school although she had schizophrenia. Buddy is her service dog who accompanies her everywhere. During spring break, everyone went home, and Gwen was left alone at school as Amara, her best friend, left her for the holidays too. It was during one of those days that she sneaked into the forbidden room when she was chased by her warden Mr.Thorn, for wandering late at night outside the dormitory.
That night something happened that she least expected. Resting in the forbidden room was Ezra Nyx, a 17-year-old boy who was declared dead 40 years ago. It was a ghost boy whom she met. She isn’t seeing things now. He was real. A real ghost boy who wanted her to solve his murder mystery as he couldn’t quite remember things. How will Gwen help Ezra when there is no possibility of anyone believing in her with an ailing condition?
Our young author, ensured that readers were drawn into the story. Although I felt it was a bit dragged out, I couldn’t ignore the love that blossomed within the mystery. With an immaculate attention to detail, she caught me awestruck. The elucidation of characters and their emotions is the best thing I liked about this book. I couldn't help but marvel at her diligent narration. It was not all about the mystery. It was also about the sense of belonging, the sense of being loved and acknowledged. It can quite make a 90min Netflix anime film according to me.
I very much commend the author for meticulously penning the story!
Gwen's parents sent her to a boarding school although she had schizophrenia. Buddy is her service dog who accompanies her everywhere. During spring break, everyone went home, and Gwen was left alone at school as Amara, her best friend, left her for the holidays too. It was during one of those days that she sneaked into the forbidden room when she was chased by her warden Mr.Thorn, for wandering late at night outside the dormitory.
That night something happened that she least expected. Resting in the forbidden room was Ezra Nyx, a 17-year-old boy who was declared dead 40 years ago. It was a ghost boy whom she met. She isn’t seeing things now. He was real. A real ghost boy who wanted her to solve his murder mystery as he couldn’t quite remember things. How will Gwen help Ezra when there is no possibility of anyone believing in her with an ailing condition?
Our young author, ensured that readers were drawn into the story. Although I felt it was a bit dragged out, I couldn’t ignore the love that blossomed within the mystery. With an immaculate attention to detail, she caught me awestruck. The elucidation of characters and their emotions is the best thing I liked about this book. I couldn't help but marvel at her diligent narration. It was not all about the mystery. It was also about the sense of belonging, the sense of being loved and acknowledged. It can quite make a 90min Netflix anime film according to me.
I very much commend the author for meticulously penning the story!
February 11, 2026
You know a book was perfect when you feel like missing it even when you are reading it or when you need some time to accept the fact that it was a fictional work. And this book made me feel exactly that. Although the book is set in a fictional world, the characters felt close to my heart. The book explores murder, mystery, grief, friendships and emotional support. The tension can be felt in almost every chapters of the book and that has made the book more intriguing.
The story follows Gwen Griswold, in a boarding school with a condition called schizophrenia which is a severe mental disorder characterised by loss of contact with reality. And for that reason we can see Buddy, her pet dog being a constant companion for her. She hates chemistry and her best friend Amara is a best friend that is always there for her. And what awaits for her is really mesmerizing.
The entire story is told in first person narrative of Gwen.
This wasn't a normal murder mystery book, or something that keeps you on the edge. But this book contains something special. Rather than making me anxious and tensed, it held me in a comforting way. It just shows how grief becomes a part of you. The writing style was also very comforting and simple. The story lingers in our heart long after we finish the book. If you are into emotional depth, mystery and more character paced stories, then this book works perfect for you.
The story follows Gwen Griswold, in a boarding school with a condition called schizophrenia which is a severe mental disorder characterised by loss of contact with reality. And for that reason we can see Buddy, her pet dog being a constant companion for her. She hates chemistry and her best friend Amara is a best friend that is always there for her. And what awaits for her is really mesmerizing.
The entire story is told in first person narrative of Gwen.
This wasn't a normal murder mystery book, or something that keeps you on the edge. But this book contains something special. Rather than making me anxious and tensed, it held me in a comforting way. It just shows how grief becomes a part of you. The writing style was also very comforting and simple. The story lingers in our heart long after we finish the book. If you are into emotional depth, mystery and more character paced stories, then this book works perfect for you.
February 18, 2026
I went into Cold Hold with simple curiosity, not really knowing what to expect, and it turned out to be a story that reveals itself slowly and thoughtfully. It isn’t driven by loud drama or fast-paced events, but by a quiet emotional depth that steadily draws you in. There’s a subtle, persistent uneasiness woven into the narrative that gives the book a haunting and reflective tone.
The story follows Gwen Griswold, and what stood out most was the way her inner thoughts and emotions were explored with such care. The boarding school setting feels deeply atmospheric almost like a silent witness to everything unfolding. It carries a sense of memory and stillness, adding weight to the emotional experience of the story.
I also appreciated how the novel blends elements of romance, mystery, and psychological exploration in a balanced way. None of these themes overpower the others; instead, they complement each other, creating a layered and emotionally rich narrative. The relationships feel nuanced, holding both warmth and an underlying sense of discomfort that keeps you engaged.
What makes this book especially impactful is its restraint. It doesn’t rush to explain everything, but instead allows emotions and meanings to surface naturally over time. It asks for patience from the reader and rewards it with a deeply immersive and lingering experience. Cold Hold is quiet yet powerful,a story that leaves behind a lasting emotional impression.
The story follows Gwen Griswold, and what stood out most was the way her inner thoughts and emotions were explored with such care. The boarding school setting feels deeply atmospheric almost like a silent witness to everything unfolding. It carries a sense of memory and stillness, adding weight to the emotional experience of the story.
I also appreciated how the novel blends elements of romance, mystery, and psychological exploration in a balanced way. None of these themes overpower the others; instead, they complement each other, creating a layered and emotionally rich narrative. The relationships feel nuanced, holding both warmth and an underlying sense of discomfort that keeps you engaged.
What makes this book especially impactful is its restraint. It doesn’t rush to explain everything, but instead allows emotions and meanings to surface naturally over time. It asks for patience from the reader and rewards it with a deeply immersive and lingering experience. Cold Hold is quiet yet powerful,a story that leaves behind a lasting emotional impression.
February 22, 2026
A GIRL WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA WHO CAN SEE GHOSTS OR IS IT ANOTHER OF HALLUCINATION?
A COLD CASE, A GHOST FROM YEARS BACK NEEDING CLOSURE. FALLING IN LOVE
Imagine you have a condition where you hallucinate people and are being treated for it but one fine day, you find a guy who says he died some 40 yrs ago! Would you trust yourself? This could be another hallucination right! Gwen felt the same too until her therapy dog cleared all her doubts and all three of them set on mission to find who killed the ghost boy aka EZRA NYX
It was written very well, detailed , atmospheric expressive, so much that every dialogue has preface that actually became an inconvenience for me after a few pages because it somehow made me get detached from the characters. It was as if I’m being forced to understand those dialogues in only one way, but we do find more about Gwen during this whole book, about her mental condition and her family and how she has been treated as a child. it is very well researched and written in a very beautiful and subtle way without alarming or hurting any of the readers who is reading the book and that is really appreciable. certain scenes felt repetitive, but it is indeed a reading experience for the first time. The eerie background of the boarding School the closed corridors, the snowy/fall climate that is set in the background. Everything is perfectly placed. A murder mystery yes, but it is definitely more than what you think it would be.
A COLD CASE, A GHOST FROM YEARS BACK NEEDING CLOSURE. FALLING IN LOVE
Imagine you have a condition where you hallucinate people and are being treated for it but one fine day, you find a guy who says he died some 40 yrs ago! Would you trust yourself? This could be another hallucination right! Gwen felt the same too until her therapy dog cleared all her doubts and all three of them set on mission to find who killed the ghost boy aka EZRA NYX
It was written very well, detailed , atmospheric expressive, so much that every dialogue has preface that actually became an inconvenience for me after a few pages because it somehow made me get detached from the characters. It was as if I’m being forced to understand those dialogues in only one way, but we do find more about Gwen during this whole book, about her mental condition and her family and how she has been treated as a child. it is very well researched and written in a very beautiful and subtle way without alarming or hurting any of the readers who is reading the book and that is really appreciable. certain scenes felt repetitive, but it is indeed a reading experience for the first time. The eerie background of the boarding School the closed corridors, the snowy/fall climate that is set in the background. Everything is perfectly placed. A murder mystery yes, but it is definitely more than what you think it would be.
February 11, 2026
There are psychological thrillers that rely on shocking twists, and then there are those that unsettle you quietly, working beneath the surface. A Cold Hold firmly belongs to the latter category.
Set within the isolated walls of a boarding school, the novel follows Gwen Griswold, a teenager living with schizophrenia who begins experiencing unsettling events voices echoing in empty corridors, unexplained footsteps, and ultimately the presence of Ezra Nyx, a boy who claims he was murdered forty years ago. From that point forward, the story carefully blurs the line between psychological fragility and supernatural possibility.
What makes this novel compelling is not just the mystery surrounding Ezra’s death, but the emotional and mental tension that drives Gwen’s perspective. The narrative places readers directly inside her uncertainty. At every turn, we are forced to question what is real and what might be a projection of her mind. That ambiguity becomes the novel’s greatest strength.
The boarding school setting enhances this tension beautifully. The long hallways, abandoned rooms, and heavy silence create an atmosphere that feels claustrophobic without being exaggerated. The author doesn’t rush the story. Instead, she allows discomfort to linger. Scenes unfold slowly, almost deliberately, reinforcing the theme that time in this story does not pass easily - it presses.
Set within the isolated walls of a boarding school, the novel follows Gwen Griswold, a teenager living with schizophrenia who begins experiencing unsettling events voices echoing in empty corridors, unexplained footsteps, and ultimately the presence of Ezra Nyx, a boy who claims he was murdered forty years ago. From that point forward, the story carefully blurs the line between psychological fragility and supernatural possibility.
What makes this novel compelling is not just the mystery surrounding Ezra’s death, but the emotional and mental tension that drives Gwen’s perspective. The narrative places readers directly inside her uncertainty. At every turn, we are forced to question what is real and what might be a projection of her mind. That ambiguity becomes the novel’s greatest strength.
The boarding school setting enhances this tension beautifully. The long hallways, abandoned rooms, and heavy silence create an atmosphere that feels claustrophobic without being exaggerated. The author doesn’t rush the story. Instead, she allows discomfort to linger. Scenes unfold slowly, almost deliberately, reinforcing the theme that time in this story does not pass easily - it presses.
February 13, 2026
"A Cold Hold" by Sanjana kanamarlapudi is a psychological thriller like no other, a concept so unique that you remain in awe of it. I love how brilliantly the author has wooven around this story and I love how she builds up the protagonist's character, showcasing that despite being mentally challenged she has what it takes to get through life. Unlike any other typical thriller books where the mentally challenged one is always the predator, the author portrayed the protagonist in a new light which for a change is very interesting to read. When the lines between her hallucinations and reality blurred, her support dog was there to clarify it for her but who was it she thought she was hallucinating?
An unsolved murder, a cold case closed and abandoned, that same building, the same boarding school, the same people who worked there, who was the killer and why was the ghost that appeared killed? Why did he choose her to solve his murder and what happens when they fall for each other? What happens when the murder is solved? Would the ghost be able to stay on or will the ghost of him be imprinted on her forever as only a vague memory?
Kuddos to the author for this concept, it was quite a refreshing read for sure. For those who love thrillers, horror and a bit of romance, this book is the perfect blend of it all.
An unsolved murder, a cold case closed and abandoned, that same building, the same boarding school, the same people who worked there, who was the killer and why was the ghost that appeared killed? Why did he choose her to solve his murder and what happens when they fall for each other? What happens when the murder is solved? Would the ghost be able to stay on or will the ghost of him be imprinted on her forever as only a vague memory?
Kuddos to the author for this concept, it was quite a refreshing read for sure. For those who love thrillers, horror and a bit of romance, this book is the perfect blend of it all.
February 13, 2026
A Cold Hold is not the kind of thriller that shocks you with loud twists. It unfolds slowly, focusing more on emotional tension than dramatic scares.
The story follows Gwen, a teenage girl living with schizophrenia at a boarding school where an old murder still lingers in whispers. When she begins seeing and hearing things again, she isn’t sure whether it’s her illness — or something real this time. That uncertainty creates the true suspense of the novel.
What I appreciated most was the portrayal of Gwen. She isn’t shown as dangerous or unstable in a dramatic way. She’s vulnerable, thoughtful, and trying her best. Her internal struggles feel human. The author handles her condition with care rather than turning it into a stereotype.
The mystery element is steady and atmospheric rather than intense. If you’re expecting heavy horror or complex investigative twists, this might feel lighter. But if you enjoy emotional storytelling with psychological layers and a soft romantic undertone, this book delivers that beautifully.
The connection between Gwen and Ezra adds an unusual but tender dimension to the story. Their relationship feels quiet and restrained rather than exaggerated.
Overall, A Cold Hold is a reflective psychological mystery that focuses more on healing and memory than fear. It’s best suited for readers who enjoy slow-burn emotional tension.
The story follows Gwen, a teenage girl living with schizophrenia at a boarding school where an old murder still lingers in whispers. When she begins seeing and hearing things again, she isn’t sure whether it’s her illness — or something real this time. That uncertainty creates the true suspense of the novel.
What I appreciated most was the portrayal of Gwen. She isn’t shown as dangerous or unstable in a dramatic way. She’s vulnerable, thoughtful, and trying her best. Her internal struggles feel human. The author handles her condition with care rather than turning it into a stereotype.
The mystery element is steady and atmospheric rather than intense. If you’re expecting heavy horror or complex investigative twists, this might feel lighter. But if you enjoy emotional storytelling with psychological layers and a soft romantic undertone, this book delivers that beautifully.
The connection between Gwen and Ezra adds an unusual but tender dimension to the story. Their relationship feels quiet and restrained rather than exaggerated.
Overall, A Cold Hold is a reflective psychological mystery that focuses more on healing and memory than fear. It’s best suited for readers who enjoy slow-burn emotional tension.
February 21, 2026
A Cold Hold by Sanjana Kanamarlapudi is an emotional yet haunting psychological thriller.
This story revolves around Gwen a 16 year old girl who is diagnosed with Schizophrenia. It's a disorder where one has delusions and doubts. She has a strong character who is handling everything together with her boarding school life. But in all the chaos her service dog Buddy is her companion.
One day when Gwen was exploring around the campus she discovered an abandoned bathroom. That's when everything changed. She senses something different, some hallucinations but she ignored it because it was something she had encountered before. That's when Gwen sees Ezra in the reflections. Ezra told her about his story. How he was murdered forty years ago. But all that seemed unreal.
I loved how both of their relationship escalated so naturally and how they went with the flow. Loved how the author has portrayed their chemistry. Their banter was so adorable. The way Ezra became her safe space. He understood her in ways no one ever could. That was the one thing Gwen needed the most.
Now the question is can Gwen really solve this murder mystery of 40 years ago. You have to give this amazing story a chance to know how it unfolds. It will keep you hooked to the last page. This suspenseful thriller can be your next obsession!!!
This story revolves around Gwen a 16 year old girl who is diagnosed with Schizophrenia. It's a disorder where one has delusions and doubts. She has a strong character who is handling everything together with her boarding school life. But in all the chaos her service dog Buddy is her companion.
One day when Gwen was exploring around the campus she discovered an abandoned bathroom. That's when everything changed. She senses something different, some hallucinations but she ignored it because it was something she had encountered before. That's when Gwen sees Ezra in the reflections. Ezra told her about his story. How he was murdered forty years ago. But all that seemed unreal.
I loved how both of their relationship escalated so naturally and how they went with the flow. Loved how the author has portrayed their chemistry. Their banter was so adorable. The way Ezra became her safe space. He understood her in ways no one ever could. That was the one thing Gwen needed the most.
Now the question is can Gwen really solve this murder mystery of 40 years ago. You have to give this amazing story a chance to know how it unfolds. It will keep you hooked to the last page. This suspenseful thriller can be your next obsession!!!
February 9, 2026
A Cold Hold is a story where time does not merely pass it presses down. The cover says it first a watch cracked open a moment frozen between two people and the book lives up to that promise.
This is not a loud thriller or a dramatic romance. It is quieter colder and far more unsettling.
The narrative moves through emotional pauses silences that say more than dialogue ever could.
Love here is not comforting it is restrained controlled and shaped by fear memory and unfinished choices.
The characters feel held inside moments they cannot escape as if every decision has a consequence that echoes backward and forward in time.
What stands out is the emotional tension. The author does not rush explanations. She allows discomfort to stay. Relationships are layered with hesitation longing and a sense of inevitability.
You keep turning pages not for answers but to understand what broke and whether it can ever be repaired.
The writing is crisp and atmospheric. There is a steady chill running beneath the prose making the reader feel the weight of waiting of holding on too long.
A Cold Hold is best read slowly. It is not about speed but about pressure and what happens when time finally forces a release..
.
This is not a loud thriller or a dramatic romance. It is quieter colder and far more unsettling.
The narrative moves through emotional pauses silences that say more than dialogue ever could.
Love here is not comforting it is restrained controlled and shaped by fear memory and unfinished choices.
The characters feel held inside moments they cannot escape as if every decision has a consequence that echoes backward and forward in time.
What stands out is the emotional tension. The author does not rush explanations. She allows discomfort to stay. Relationships are layered with hesitation longing and a sense of inevitability.
You keep turning pages not for answers but to understand what broke and whether it can ever be repaired.
The writing is crisp and atmospheric. There is a steady chill running beneath the prose making the reader feel the weight of waiting of holding on too long.
A Cold Hold is best read slowly. It is not about speed but about pressure and what happens when time finally forces a release..
.
February 9, 2026
A Cold Hold by Sanjana Kanamarlapudi is a gripping psychological thriller set in a boarding school. It follows Gwen Griswold, a teenager facing eerie events linked to an unsolved murder, such as voices in the dark and footsteps in empty halls, which make her question reality and her own hidden pains.
The story unfolds in the quiet, eerie atmosphere of a boarding school, where Gwen experiences unsettling moments that blur the lines between memory and imagination.
This is not a story about hauntings. It is a story about holding on, focusing on internal fears from trauma rather than ghosts. Gwen must face both school secrets and her personal struggles, building tension slowly to a hopeful yet haunting end.
Pain, memory, and resilience drive the book, showing how fear comes from inside us, shaped by silence and past hurts. It explores teen identity and self-understanding without cheap scares, making it feel human and real. You will connect with its emotional depth, especially in today's love for thrillers about grief and inner conflict.
Pick this up if you enjoy young adult thrillers like those with slow-burning tension and emotional growth, similar to stories of trauma and strength.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5/5
The story unfolds in the quiet, eerie atmosphere of a boarding school, where Gwen experiences unsettling moments that blur the lines between memory and imagination.
This is not a story about hauntings. It is a story about holding on, focusing on internal fears from trauma rather than ghosts. Gwen must face both school secrets and her personal struggles, building tension slowly to a hopeful yet haunting end.
Pain, memory, and resilience drive the book, showing how fear comes from inside us, shaped by silence and past hurts. It explores teen identity and self-understanding without cheap scares, making it feel human and real. You will connect with its emotional depth, especially in today's love for thrillers about grief and inner conflict.
Pick this up if you enjoy young adult thrillers like those with slow-burning tension and emotional growth, similar to stories of trauma and strength.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5/5
February 19, 2026
I didn’t expect a ghost story to feel this gentle & intriguing…
👻 Set in a boarding school, the story follows Gwen Griswold, a girl living with schizophrenia whose life changes when she encounters Ezra, a ghost connected to an old mystery. Along with her loyal service dog Buddy and the memories she carries, Gwen slowly uncovers truths about the past while learning what it really means to hold on and let go.
👻 Following Gwen through her journey felt very personal. It's like walking beside someone trying to understand what is real while dealing with loneliness, healing, and her own thoughts.
🖤 What I loved most was the quiet bond between Gwen and Ezra. Their connection grows slowly through trust, understanding, and shared vulnerability. It felt soft, bittersweet, and honestly one of the most memorable parts of the story for me. And yessss Ezra being a chemistry nerd made me like him even more 🥹
⭐ What truly stayed with me was how gently the story handles mental illness. Gwen's struggles felt real and respectful, with Buddy bringing constant comfort. Eliot's role in uncovering the truth added a quiet investigative layer, while Gwen's complicated family dynamics especially her grandmother's support, made the journey even more emotional.
👻 Set in a boarding school, the story follows Gwen Griswold, a girl living with schizophrenia whose life changes when she encounters Ezra, a ghost connected to an old mystery. Along with her loyal service dog Buddy and the memories she carries, Gwen slowly uncovers truths about the past while learning what it really means to hold on and let go.
👻 Following Gwen through her journey felt very personal. It's like walking beside someone trying to understand what is real while dealing with loneliness, healing, and her own thoughts.
🖤 What I loved most was the quiet bond between Gwen and Ezra. Their connection grows slowly through trust, understanding, and shared vulnerability. It felt soft, bittersweet, and honestly one of the most memorable parts of the story for me. And yessss Ezra being a chemistry nerd made me like him even more 🥹
⭐ What truly stayed with me was how gently the story handles mental illness. Gwen's struggles felt real and respectful, with Buddy bringing constant comfort. Eliot's role in uncovering the truth added a quiet investigative layer, while Gwen's complicated family dynamics especially her grandmother's support, made the journey even more emotional.
February 11, 2026
A Cold Hold is a haunting and deeply emotional story that lingers long after the final page. This young adult psychological mystery centers on sixteen-year-old Gwen, a girl who has learned the hard way that her own senses cannot always be trusted. Living with schizophrenia means that what she sees and hears may not be real—shadows distort, reflections mislead, and certainty is fragile.
So when a strange boy begins appearing to her, Gwen believes it is simply another illusion created by her mind. But she soon discovers a chilling truth: Ezra is not a hallucination. He is a ghost, bound to a decades-old, unsolved death—and Gwen is the only one who can see him.
Determined to uncover what happened, Gwen begins investigating Ezra’s past. As the mystery deepens, the story skillfully balances suspense with emotional intensity. Each clue brings her closer to answers while forcing her to question her own reality. The boundary between delusion and truth grows thinner, exploring themes of identity, trust, and bravery.
More than just a supernatural mystery, A Cold Hold offers a thoughtful and sensitive portrayal of mental health, making it both gripping and meaningful.
So when a strange boy begins appearing to her, Gwen believes it is simply another illusion created by her mind. But she soon discovers a chilling truth: Ezra is not a hallucination. He is a ghost, bound to a decades-old, unsolved death—and Gwen is the only one who can see him.
Determined to uncover what happened, Gwen begins investigating Ezra’s past. As the mystery deepens, the story skillfully balances suspense with emotional intensity. Each clue brings her closer to answers while forcing her to question her own reality. The boundary between delusion and truth grows thinner, exploring themes of identity, trust, and bravery.
More than just a supernatural mystery, A Cold Hold offers a thoughtful and sensitive portrayal of mental health, making it both gripping and meaningful.
February 13, 2026
What happens when hallucination and reality start feeling exactly the same?
This book A Cold Hold by Sanjana Kanamarlapudi is a psychological thriller for sure quietly gets under your skin. The story takes place in a boarding school with dark past, but the real suspense is happening inside our protagonist Gwen’s head. As she tries to figure out what’s real and what’s just in her head, you start doubting everything right along with her which is what makes the story feel so intense.
I really liked how her mental health of Gwen was handled. It felt so sincere, not exaggerated for effect. Her confusion and fear were written so well that almost feels real. The presence of Buddy, her support dog adds sense of stability to the story especially when everything else felt uncertain.
This one definitely a slow burn mystery, focusing more on psychological intensity than sudden scares. At the same time, there’s a quiet emotional connection as well along with the thriller edge intact.
Altogether this book is atmospheric and quietly powerful a psychological thriller that does not leave you easily.
This book A Cold Hold by Sanjana Kanamarlapudi is a psychological thriller for sure quietly gets under your skin. The story takes place in a boarding school with dark past, but the real suspense is happening inside our protagonist Gwen’s head. As she tries to figure out what’s real and what’s just in her head, you start doubting everything right along with her which is what makes the story feel so intense.
I really liked how her mental health of Gwen was handled. It felt so sincere, not exaggerated for effect. Her confusion and fear were written so well that almost feels real. The presence of Buddy, her support dog adds sense of stability to the story especially when everything else felt uncertain.
This one definitely a slow burn mystery, focusing more on psychological intensity than sudden scares. At the same time, there’s a quiet emotional connection as well along with the thriller edge intact.
Altogether this book is atmospheric and quietly powerful a psychological thriller that does not leave you easily.
February 11, 2026
What would happen if you always felt like someone was following you?
If you constantly sensed a shadow around you, even when no one was there?
This is exactly the feeling shown in A Cold Hold. Honestly I have never read a book with a theme like this before. The spooky and thriller elements are very interesting and keep you hooked till the end of the story. I also loved the book cover it is very unique, showing a broken watch with Gwen and a mysterious boy on the dial. The world building is done beautifully, and it keeps readers interested throughout the story. The bond between Gwen and Ezra felt very unique and beautiful to me. The story offers something new and different, and the ending was very emotional. Through this book, the author also tries to spread awareness about mental health issues, which is truly appreciable. The love and support Gwen receives from her grandmother and her best friend makes the story even more touching. Gwen and Ezra solving the mystery together, collecting clues, and uncovering the truth adds more excitement to the book.
If you constantly sensed a shadow around you, even when no one was there?
This is exactly the feeling shown in A Cold Hold. Honestly I have never read a book with a theme like this before. The spooky and thriller elements are very interesting and keep you hooked till the end of the story. I also loved the book cover it is very unique, showing a broken watch with Gwen and a mysterious boy on the dial. The world building is done beautifully, and it keeps readers interested throughout the story. The bond between Gwen and Ezra felt very unique and beautiful to me. The story offers something new and different, and the ending was very emotional. Through this book, the author also tries to spread awareness about mental health issues, which is truly appreciable. The love and support Gwen receives from her grandmother and her best friend makes the story even more touching. Gwen and Ezra solving the mystery together, collecting clues, and uncovering the truth adds more excitement to the book.
February 18, 2026
A Cold Hold by Sanjana Kanamarlapudi is a beautifully threaded bittersweet tale of a love, not fulfilled yet satisfied. It’s a story that would leave the readers awestruck!
Gwen Griswold, a Schizophrenic who hallucinates things, people and scenarios meets Ezra Nyx, a ghost trying to find peace since forty years. Is he really a ghost or is it another fragment of her hallucinations? The entire plot works around a touching story rendering love, mystery and fantasy blooming affection between a human and a ghost.
Gwen’s Nana reminded me of my own grandma. The way she actually sees every piece of her and cares for her was so nostalgic for me, it brought back my own memories because that’s what I have now of hers – memories to cherish. Her moments spent with her Nana were the most special for me to read.
By the time I finished the book, I was bawling my eyes out. The fact that a sixteen-year old wrote this book is still unbelievable, she definitely knows the power of holding a pen. I am mesmerised. I am stunned. I am still trying to soak it all in.
Gwen Griswold, a Schizophrenic who hallucinates things, people and scenarios meets Ezra Nyx, a ghost trying to find peace since forty years. Is he really a ghost or is it another fragment of her hallucinations? The entire plot works around a touching story rendering love, mystery and fantasy blooming affection between a human and a ghost.
Gwen’s Nana reminded me of my own grandma. The way she actually sees every piece of her and cares for her was so nostalgic for me, it brought back my own memories because that’s what I have now of hers – memories to cherish. Her moments spent with her Nana were the most special for me to read.
By the time I finished the book, I was bawling my eyes out. The fact that a sixteen-year old wrote this book is still unbelievable, she definitely knows the power of holding a pen. I am mesmerised. I am stunned. I am still trying to soak it all in.
February 11, 2026
I went into Cold Hold with curiosity rather than expectations, and very quickly, I realized this was the kind of book that asks you to slow down and feel your way through it. It isn’t loud or dramatic in the way some stories are instead, it unfolds quietly, drawing you in with mood, emotion, and an undercurrent of unease that never quite leaves.
The story centers around Gwen Griswold, and what I appreciated most was how her inner world was written. The setting of a boarding school steeped in silence and memory feels less like a backdrop and more like a presence. There’s a constant sense that something unresolved lingers, shaping the atmosphere and the emotional tone of the novel.
The thing I liked the most as a reader was the way the book blends romance, mystery, and psychology without leaning too heavily on any one element. The connection at the heart of the story is unusual and gently unsettling, yet handled with surprising tenderness. Rather than explaining everything outright, the author allows emotions to surface gradually, trusting the reader to sit with the discomfort and curiosity.
The story centers around Gwen Griswold, and what I appreciated most was how her inner world was written. The setting of a boarding school steeped in silence and memory feels less like a backdrop and more like a presence. There’s a constant sense that something unresolved lingers, shaping the atmosphere and the emotional tone of the novel.
The thing I liked the most as a reader was the way the book blends romance, mystery, and psychology without leaning too heavily on any one element. The connection at the heart of the story is unusual and gently unsettling, yet handled with surprising tenderness. Rather than explaining everything outright, the author allows emotions to surface gradually, trusting the reader to sit with the discomfort and curiosity.
February 9, 2026
A Cold Hold is a soft, aching exploration of the "middle ground", that strange space where grief hasn't quite left and healing hasn't quite begun. Sanjana Kanamarlapudi captures the specific, shivering isolation of being young and misunderstood.
While the setting is a boarding school, the real story happens in the hallways of Gwen’s mind. Kanamarlapudi’s writing feels like a cold windowpane: sharp and clear, yet revealing a blurred world outside. She avoids the typical jump-scares of the genre, choosing instead to focus on the sensory details of sorrow, the way a voice lingers in an empty room or how a secret can feel like a physical weight.
It is a remarkably mature look at how we survive our own history. Beautiful, skeletal, and deeply moving, this book is a quiet reminder that letting go is the bravest thing a person can do.
While the setting is a boarding school, the real story happens in the hallways of Gwen’s mind. Kanamarlapudi’s writing feels like a cold windowpane: sharp and clear, yet revealing a blurred world outside. She avoids the typical jump-scares of the genre, choosing instead to focus on the sensory details of sorrow, the way a voice lingers in an empty room or how a secret can feel like a physical weight.
It is a remarkably mature look at how we survive our own history. Beautiful, skeletal, and deeply moving, this book is a quiet reminder that letting go is the bravest thing a person can do.
February 11, 2026
Okay, let me just put my phone down and try to explain why this book hasn’t left me alone since I finished it .
You know that feeling when you read something and the atmosphere just… sticks to you? Like a chill in a room after a window’s been left open? That’s A Cold Hold. It’s not a flashy thriller. It’s not a swoony romance. It’s quieter than that, and somehow so much heavier.
It’s about Gwen, at this old boarding school that feels less like a building and more like a held breath.
The genius here is that the setting isn't just a backdrop; it’s a manifestation of the characters' inner worlds. The real mystery isn't a hidden event, but the hidden self. Sanjana Kanamarlapudi writes with a psychologist's precision and a poet's grace, blending a restrained, almost painful romance with a deeply psychological unraveling.
You know that feeling when you read something and the atmosphere just… sticks to you? Like a chill in a room after a window’s been left open? That’s A Cold Hold. It’s not a flashy thriller. It’s not a swoony romance. It’s quieter than that, and somehow so much heavier.
It’s about Gwen, at this old boarding school that feels less like a building and more like a held breath.
The genius here is that the setting isn't just a backdrop; it’s a manifestation of the characters' inner worlds. The real mystery isn't a hidden event, but the hidden self. Sanjana Kanamarlapudi writes with a psychologist's precision and a poet's grace, blending a restrained, almost painful romance with a deeply psychological unraveling.
February 13, 2026
There are three kinds of books one you like, one you really like, and one you simply have the best time reading. And this book definitely falls into the third category for me.
There are ghosts we carry long before we ever see them. This story beautifully captures that feeling. It’s not just about haunted corridors or whispered voices in the dark it’s about the invisible ghosts we hold inside us. Pain, memories, loss, and the things we never fully move on from.
Gwen Griswold’s character feels layered and real. The boarding school setting adds that eerie, unsettling atmosphere echoing footsteps, lingering silence, and shadows that feel alive. But what makes this book special is that beneath the supernatural tone, it is deeply emotional.
This story about holding on to memories we wish we could erase to people we couldn’t keep and to pieces of ourselves we are still trying to understand.
There are ghosts we carry long before we ever see them. This story beautifully captures that feeling. It’s not just about haunted corridors or whispered voices in the dark it’s about the invisible ghosts we hold inside us. Pain, memories, loss, and the things we never fully move on from.
Gwen Griswold’s character feels layered and real. The boarding school setting adds that eerie, unsettling atmosphere echoing footsteps, lingering silence, and shadows that feel alive. But what makes this book special is that beneath the supernatural tone, it is deeply emotional.
This story about holding on to memories we wish we could erase to people we couldn’t keep and to pieces of ourselves we are still trying to understand.
February 14, 2026
A Cold Hold is a soft, aching exploration of the "middle ground", that strange space where grief hasn't quite left and healing hasn't quite begun. Sanjana Kanamarlapudi captures the specific, shivering isolation of being young and misunderstood.
While the setting is a boarding school, the real story happens in the hallways of Gwen’s mind. Kanamarlapudi’s writing feels like a cold windowpane: sharp and clear, yet revealing a blurred world outside. She avoids the typical jump-scares of the genre, choosing instead to focus on the sensory details of sorrow, the way a voice lingers in an empty room or how a secret can feel like a physical weight.
It is a remarkably mature look at how we survive our own history. Beautiful, skeletal, and deeply moving, this book is a quiet reminder that letting go is the bravest thing a person can do.
While the setting is a boarding school, the real story happens in the hallways of Gwen’s mind. Kanamarlapudi’s writing feels like a cold windowpane: sharp and clear, yet revealing a blurred world outside. She avoids the typical jump-scares of the genre, choosing instead to focus on the sensory details of sorrow, the way a voice lingers in an empty room or how a secret can feel like a physical weight.
It is a remarkably mature look at how we survive our own history. Beautiful, skeletal, and deeply moving, this book is a quiet reminder that letting go is the bravest thing a person can do.
February 9, 2026
A Cold Hold is one of those books that makes you question everything alongside the main character and that’s what makes it so powerful.
Gwen’s experience with schizophrenia isn’t treated as a plot device or a dramatic twist. It’s central to who she is. Every time something strange happens, you don’t just wonder what’s real, you feel the exhaustion of not being able to trust your own mind. That internal conflict is what stayed with me the most.
And then there’s Ezra. The ghost element could have easily felt gimmicky, but it doesn’t. Their connection is quiet, almost fragile.
It’s not about jump scares or dramatic hauntings, it’s about unfinished stories and the ache of being unseen.
Gwen’s experience with schizophrenia isn’t treated as a plot device or a dramatic twist. It’s central to who she is. Every time something strange happens, you don’t just wonder what’s real, you feel the exhaustion of not being able to trust your own mind. That internal conflict is what stayed with me the most.
And then there’s Ezra. The ghost element could have easily felt gimmicky, but it doesn’t. Their connection is quiet, almost fragile.
It’s not about jump scares or dramatic hauntings, it’s about unfinished stories and the ache of being unseen.
February 13, 2026
This is my first book by Sanjana, and I am genuinely impressed by the way the story unfolds. Though this is a thriller, the book goes beyond that single genre. It weaves together mystery, emotions, and subtle supernatural elements in a balanced way, without letting any one aspect overpower the others. Everything feels controlled and thoughtfully placed.
What stood out to me the most was the writing style. It is smooth and immersive, making it easy to slip into the world of the story. Once I started reading, I found myself emotionally invested, almost living alongside the characters. The atmosphere is quiet yet intense, creating a sense of unease that slowly builds rather than exploding all at once.
What stood out to me the most was the writing style. It is smooth and immersive, making it easy to slip into the world of the story. Once I started reading, I found myself emotionally invested, almost living alongside the characters. The atmosphere is quiet yet intense, creating a sense of unease that slowly builds rather than exploding all at once.
February 20, 2026
A Cold Hold is a gentle, slow-burn romance that leans more towards emotional exploration than plot-driven moments. The relationship between the emotionally reserved male lead and the understanding female lead unfolds gradually through quiet interactions and subtle character growth.
While the writing captures themes of vulnerability, healing, and silent care quite well, the overall pace and understated progression didn’t fully resonate with me on a personal level.
However, readers who enjoy introspective romances that focus on emotional healing and soft relationship development may find this story more engaging.
Tropes
• Slow Burn Romance
• Grumpy × Soft FMC
• Emotional Healing
• Character-Driven Romance
While the writing captures themes of vulnerability, healing, and silent care quite well, the overall pace and understated progression didn’t fully resonate with me on a personal level.
However, readers who enjoy introspective romances that focus on emotional healing and soft relationship development may find this story more engaging.
Tropes
• Slow Burn Romance
• Grumpy × Soft FMC
• Emotional Healing
• Character-Driven Romance
January 18, 2026
A Cold Hold immediately stands out with its atmospheric cover, which reflects the tone of the story well. The book blends romance, mystery, and a light supernatural element, focusing on Gwen Griswold as she navigates unresolved emotions and an old tragedy tied to her boarding school.
The developing connection between Gwen and the boy linked to the past is written with sensitivity and carries unexpected emotional weight. The writing is smooth and immersive. While the mystery and horror elements could have been stronger, the overall story remains engaging.
A solid choice for readers who enjoy romantic fiction with gentle suspense and a touch of the paranormal.
The developing connection between Gwen and the boy linked to the past is written with sensitivity and carries unexpected emotional weight. The writing is smooth and immersive. While the mystery and horror elements could have been stronger, the overall story remains engaging.
A solid choice for readers who enjoy romantic fiction with gentle suspense and a touch of the paranormal.
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