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One Hundred Below
It goes without saying that anyone looking for work at the South Pole is trying to escape something. Haunted by a traumatic past, Dylan Alvarez seeks a fresh start at Sputnik Station, only to find himself targeted in the mysterious death of a station researcher. Professor Ariel Zwicky was found dead after her unauthorized digs in the ice came to light. What was she digging for that led to her murder? As suspicion falls on Dylan, he soon finds himself plunged into a web of conspiracies and power struggles at the isolated station with the darkness of night closing in.
- GenresMystery
260 pages, Paperback
First published February 14, 2019
112 people are currently reading
387 people want to read
About the author
Adam Hoss
3 books32 followersAdam Hoss is an author, educator and linguist from Cleveland, Ohio. His second novel, ONE HUNDRED BELOW, is now available through Black Rose Writing. He also writes short stories and non-fiction humor writing. His short fiction has appeared in the Noctua Review, Workers Write!, Crack the Spine, and others. His humor writing has appeared on Cracked.com. He currently resides in Sandusky, Ohio, with his goldfish, his plants and his regrets.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 10, 2019
My Rating: 3.5 Stars
Bundle up and prepare to see Antarctica as you have never imagined as members of a scientific research station are stranded by the weather and an unusable runway. Adam Hoss takes us into the frigid cold in ONE HUNDRED BELOW where people go a little crazy, a murder has occurred and the prime suspect just couldn’t be guilty….or could they?
Step off the beaten path of a murder mystery, enter the chaotic zone of quirky characters, characters on the run from life and characters willing to try anything to alter the existence they must endure as the darkness of winter is setting in and the Sputnik inhabitants are about to be trapped like frozen sardines.
Who can be trusted? Who is of sound mind? Adam Hoss has created a satire of survival and kind of runs amok himself and it makes the chaos soar to epic proportions.
A fabulous beginning pulls readers in, and BAM, we are cut loose into a kaleidoscopic maze of crazy. Definitely not your run-of-the-mill mystery, but I have to say, I could see myself going a little sideways trapped with this motley crew and their paranoia.
Publisher: Black Rose Writing; 1 edition (February 19, 2019)
Publication Date: February 19, 2019
Genre: Mystery
Print Length: 259 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Bundle up and prepare to see Antarctica as you have never imagined as members of a scientific research station are stranded by the weather and an unusable runway. Adam Hoss takes us into the frigid cold in ONE HUNDRED BELOW where people go a little crazy, a murder has occurred and the prime suspect just couldn’t be guilty….or could they?
Step off the beaten path of a murder mystery, enter the chaotic zone of quirky characters, characters on the run from life and characters willing to try anything to alter the existence they must endure as the darkness of winter is setting in and the Sputnik inhabitants are about to be trapped like frozen sardines.
Who can be trusted? Who is of sound mind? Adam Hoss has created a satire of survival and kind of runs amok himself and it makes the chaos soar to epic proportions.
A fabulous beginning pulls readers in, and BAM, we are cut loose into a kaleidoscopic maze of crazy. Definitely not your run-of-the-mill mystery, but I have to say, I could see myself going a little sideways trapped with this motley crew and their paranoia.
Publisher: Black Rose Writing; 1 edition (February 19, 2019)
Publication Date: February 19, 2019
Genre: Mystery
Print Length: 259 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
March 7, 2019
"Astronauts on the Moon could come home more easily than an Antarctic station’s winter crew."
I like fictional books about Antarctica which is why I bought this tale as soon as I found out about it.
Boy, do I feel like I'm emerging at the end of a prolonged acid trip. Yes, this book is based on a very fictional Antarctica. But it is a ride on a wonky roller coaster getting to the end of the story. My mistake was figuring this book was a tale of a serious nature. Wrong! This is a LSD-laced walk through the frozen plains of satire and chaos.
In so many ways it reminded me of Joe Lansdale's trilogy THE DRIVE-IN 1, 2 and 3. Crazy but enticing.
The book is set in an alternate present where Trump is still President. Sputnik Station, a two million square foot scientific research station, has been built taking seventeen years and several billion dollars. A larger than normal group has been stranded at the station for the winter because of a problem with the runway.
There has been a murder and that's all I'm going to write other than the story starts out fairly normally and goes downhill fast.
I like fictional books about Antarctica which is why I bought this tale as soon as I found out about it.
Boy, do I feel like I'm emerging at the end of a prolonged acid trip. Yes, this book is based on a very fictional Antarctica. But it is a ride on a wonky roller coaster getting to the end of the story. My mistake was figuring this book was a tale of a serious nature. Wrong! This is a LSD-laced walk through the frozen plains of satire and chaos.
In so many ways it reminded me of Joe Lansdale's trilogy THE DRIVE-IN 1, 2 and 3. Crazy but enticing.
The book is set in an alternate present where Trump is still President. Sputnik Station, a two million square foot scientific research station, has been built taking seventeen years and several billion dollars. A larger than normal group has been stranded at the station for the winter because of a problem with the runway.
There has been a murder and that's all I'm going to write other than the story starts out fairly normally and goes downhill fast.
June 25, 2021
Very compelling and unique read. Antarctica is the perfect backdrop for this unforgettable, action-packed book. The plot will keep you on your toes and lead you to places you’d never expect. Exciting, unpredictable, imaginative and insightful this book is sure to keep you interested and entertained throughout. The characters are offbeat and inventive which helps to drive and invigorate the plot. Highly recommend!
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March 30, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/30/2019)! 🎁
Blurb:
It goes without saying that anyone looking for work at the South Pole is trying to escape something. Haunted by a traumatic past, Dylan Alvarez seeks a fresh start at Sputnik Station, only to find himself targeted in the mysterious death of a station researcher. Professor Ariel Zwicky was found dead after her unauthorized digs in the ice came to light. What was she digging for that led to her murder? As suspicion falls on Dylan, he soon finds himself plunged into a web of conspiracies and power struggles at the isolated station with the darkness of night closing in.
Blurb:
It goes without saying that anyone looking for work at the South Pole is trying to escape something. Haunted by a traumatic past, Dylan Alvarez seeks a fresh start at Sputnik Station, only to find himself targeted in the mysterious death of a station researcher. Professor Ariel Zwicky was found dead after her unauthorized digs in the ice came to light. What was she digging for that led to her murder? As suspicion falls on Dylan, he soon finds himself plunged into a web of conspiracies and power struggles at the isolated station with the darkness of night closing in.
April 27, 2019
Wow, I did not think I would like this book, but it was so good!
Not something I would normally read.
So happy I won it in a Good Reads contest.
It is a good book, highly recommend!
Not something I would normally read.
So happy I won it in a Good Reads contest.
It is a good book, highly recommend!
April 18, 2019
I won this on Goodreads. Thank you very much.
This book has a bit of just about everything.
Antarctica, Explorers, Mad Scientists, and on and on. For me it was just a little too much of a good thing. I enjoyed some of the stories going on. There is an area of Antarctica that is off limits. Someone who does go there is murdered. Quite a few characters so you need to pay attention. I confused Melanie and Maya at first a couple times. Author continued to add new fire to the plot. Think tunnels, Nazi, the Military, an election, schizophrenia the list goes on. Not many dull moments.
This book has a bit of just about everything.
Antarctica, Explorers, Mad Scientists, and on and on. For me it was just a little too much of a good thing. I enjoyed some of the stories going on. There is an area of Antarctica that is off limits. Someone who does go there is murdered. Quite a few characters so you need to pay attention. I confused Melanie and Maya at first a couple times. Author continued to add new fire to the plot. Think tunnels, Nazi, the Military, an election, schizophrenia the list goes on. Not many dull moments.
June 16, 2022
I was really looking forward to this one. It wasn’t terrible; it just wasn’t what I was expecting. I expected a spooky, claustrophobic, Antarctic research station and more of a horror thriller. Even the cover suggested a darker tone to me. To be blunt and to the point, it was too edgy for me. It was a quirky murder mystery and a lot of it made me cringe.
The station was not the cold, cramped, claustrophobic place I expected; it was only 2 million square feet. It was only a massive, 13 billion dollar station. There’s even an artists’ program and a bowling alley.
The population consists of the scientific staff or “beakers”, and the maintenance staff or “super edgy refugees with a chip on their shoulder, tattoos and probably dreadlocks or some other super kewl haircut and a super rad outfit.”
This book contains fun words and phrases such as:
Mansplained
Trump country
Marijuana joints
“we are fucking until the end”
And (spoiler) f#ck it, let’s throw a school shooter into the mix.
There were certain parts that I thought were pretty entertaining, but overall it just wasn't for me.
The station was not the cold, cramped, claustrophobic place I expected; it was only 2 million square feet. It was only a massive, 13 billion dollar station. There’s even an artists’ program and a bowling alley.
The population consists of the scientific staff or “beakers”, and the maintenance staff or “super edgy refugees with a chip on their shoulder, tattoos and probably dreadlocks or some other super kewl haircut and a super rad outfit.”
This book contains fun words and phrases such as:
Mansplained
Trump country
Marijuana joints
“we are fucking until the end”
And (spoiler) f#ck it, let’s throw a school shooter into the mix.
There were certain parts that I thought were pretty entertaining, but overall it just wasn't for me.
March 6, 2019
“Antarctica. A daredevil’s vacation of last resort.”
One Hundred Below is a murder mystery set at a fictional South Pole research station. Hoss tells the story of a scientist who ends up on the business end of an ice axe (mistakenly called an “ice pick” by the author) and your standard trail of clues, innocent suspects and a final reveal. The premise is intriguing enough, but where the story really shines is in the psychological examination of people living in extreme isolation. The claustrophobia of the station workers is palpable. The story takes place during winter in Antarctica. The sun never rises. No flights can enter or leave the continent. They are trapped in a closed setting, together, a murderer hiding among their ranks.
The temperature, strangely enough, never actually hits 100 below in the story.
The plot goes a teensy bit over the top towards the end, but what I love about this book has less to do with whodunit and everything to do with the world Hoss has constructed. Sputnik Station is an example of how a writer can do a lot with a little. The lore built into this small setting is as impressive as it is immersive. “You meet all kinds of interesting people at the South Pole, don’t you?” one character asks. The characters are a band of eclectic misfits, the kind one might imagine spending a winter in Antarctica together. The station doctor has previously been to outer space. (Who knew the ISS had a station physician?) Many of the characters seem caught between worlds, with nowhere else to belong. Refugees without a homeland, controversial scientists in exile. When a former bodyguard to Muammar Gaddafi makes her appearance, the narrator tells us “Such credentials weren’t unusual. Absurdly overqualified staff perform all manner of menial tasks at Sputnik. Lawyers wash dishes. Professors mop floors. Retired generals trim shrubs in the greenhouse. The intrigue of spending a summer at the South Pole attracted an eclectic bunch, the lost ones, desert wanderers, Nobel laureates and security contingencies.”
One Hundred Below is a murder mystery set at a fictional South Pole research station. Hoss tells the story of a scientist who ends up on the business end of an ice axe (mistakenly called an “ice pick” by the author) and your standard trail of clues, innocent suspects and a final reveal. The premise is intriguing enough, but where the story really shines is in the psychological examination of people living in extreme isolation. The claustrophobia of the station workers is palpable. The story takes place during winter in Antarctica. The sun never rises. No flights can enter or leave the continent. They are trapped in a closed setting, together, a murderer hiding among their ranks.
The temperature, strangely enough, never actually hits 100 below in the story.
The plot goes a teensy bit over the top towards the end, but what I love about this book has less to do with whodunit and everything to do with the world Hoss has constructed. Sputnik Station is an example of how a writer can do a lot with a little. The lore built into this small setting is as impressive as it is immersive. “You meet all kinds of interesting people at the South Pole, don’t you?” one character asks. The characters are a band of eclectic misfits, the kind one might imagine spending a winter in Antarctica together. The station doctor has previously been to outer space. (Who knew the ISS had a station physician?) Many of the characters seem caught between worlds, with nowhere else to belong. Refugees without a homeland, controversial scientists in exile. When a former bodyguard to Muammar Gaddafi makes her appearance, the narrator tells us “Such credentials weren’t unusual. Absurdly overqualified staff perform all manner of menial tasks at Sputnik. Lawyers wash dishes. Professors mop floors. Retired generals trim shrubs in the greenhouse. The intrigue of spending a summer at the South Pole attracted an eclectic bunch, the lost ones, desert wanderers, Nobel laureates and security contingencies.”
March 31, 2019
This is the story of an Antarctic research station called Sputnik that is 2 million square feet, far from the claustrophobic station you might expect. It includes a bowling alley which figures prominently in the story. There is no air traffic into or out of the station in the setting of the story, so all that remains is for the author to introduce and develop the principal characters and engage the reader in determining who and why a research scientist was murdered.
This sounds very formulaic so far, and my expectation of the book was more of a classical mystery/thriller (based on the book description), but for me, the book turned out to be something else. I could have read the first 10 - 15% and the last 10 - 15% of the book and been fine. I felt the author went off on tangents that did not help develop the story, but it is his book after all, not mine. The appearance of a rock star was just too much for me and I felt the plot did not develop in a logical, coherent manner. The book description alludes to "conspiracies" and "power struggles" that I think were not well developed.
I am still left wondering if there is any significance to the name "Sputnik" used for the research station. I would think that one would not just appropriate a name of historical significance like that without some meaning, but I could not figure it out from the story.
If you are looking for a mystery/thriller that is off the beaten path, then this may be for you, but it wasn't for me. Thank you to Black Rose Writing and LibraryThing for the copy of One Hundred Below. I volunteered to review the book.
This sounds very formulaic so far, and my expectation of the book was more of a classical mystery/thriller (based on the book description), but for me, the book turned out to be something else. I could have read the first 10 - 15% and the last 10 - 15% of the book and been fine. I felt the author went off on tangents that did not help develop the story, but it is his book after all, not mine. The appearance of a rock star was just too much for me and I felt the plot did not develop in a logical, coherent manner. The book description alludes to "conspiracies" and "power struggles" that I think were not well developed.
I am still left wondering if there is any significance to the name "Sputnik" used for the research station. I would think that one would not just appropriate a name of historical significance like that without some meaning, but I could not figure it out from the story.
If you are looking for a mystery/thriller that is off the beaten path, then this may be for you, but it wasn't for me. Thank you to Black Rose Writing and LibraryThing for the copy of One Hundred Below. I volunteered to review the book.
April 6, 2019
This read was like sliding down a huge spiral, enclosed, dark slide the suddenly has a switchback halfway down and it is unclear which way it will go next. Dylan is a station manager at the Antarctic station. The station has an eclectic cast of characters all stuck living through the Antarctic winter and the stress is showing. Then, one of the scientists is murdered and, without a proper police force, accusations fly. If Dylan doesn't investigate an innocent woman may go down for the crime, but his interference only has them looking at him.
As the stress levels rise, Dylan begins to question his own senses but it is clear there is more than a few secrets hidden at the south pole. Can Dylan find the answers before an all out war begins inside the station?
I had to deduct one star because of a reoccurring situation. At 100 below, no one could survive outside of the station without proper clothing and provisions, but would be frost bit in seconds. Once I suspended my belief in this, I thoroughly enjoyed this book
As the stress levels rise, Dylan begins to question his own senses but it is clear there is more than a few secrets hidden at the south pole. Can Dylan find the answers before an all out war begins inside the station?
I had to deduct one star because of a reoccurring situation. At 100 below, no one could survive outside of the station without proper clothing and provisions, but would be frost bit in seconds. Once I suspended my belief in this, I thoroughly enjoyed this book
June 10, 2019
I received this book as part of LibraryThing's Early Reviewer's giveaway.
I was looking forward to reading this book, expecting a thriller, may be something like an Ice Station Zebra. But, alas! that is not what I found at all......
Unfortunately I did not enjoy the book - Yes it was a murder mystery, but the murder mystery got lost in all the conspiracy theories, voices in the head and general chaos. I finished reading it just because i dont like to abandon books.
I dont think the writing was bad, and even the proof reading/editing was good when compared to some of the other early review books i've read - just that I was not able to enjoy it.....
I was looking forward to reading this book, expecting a thriller, may be something like an Ice Station Zebra. But, alas! that is not what I found at all......
Unfortunately I did not enjoy the book - Yes it was a murder mystery, but the murder mystery got lost in all the conspiracy theories, voices in the head and general chaos. I finished reading it just because i dont like to abandon books.
I dont think the writing was bad, and even the proof reading/editing was good when compared to some of the other early review books i've read - just that I was not able to enjoy it.....
December 23, 2019
There are two critical issues with this novel:
1) Despite a murder taking place within the first few pages, the plot and pacing doesn't pick up until the last quarter of the book
2) The writing is much less clever than the writer assumes
There are several eye-rolling moments (the meta winking at the audience for the "unreliable author" was particularly groan-worthy) and there are so many hospitalizations, arrests, riots, and spontaneous political acts that nothing has any weight or bearing.
Note: I received this as part of a Goodreads giveaway
1) Despite a murder taking place within the first few pages, the plot and pacing doesn't pick up until the last quarter of the book
2) The writing is much less clever than the writer assumes
There are several eye-rolling moments (the meta winking at the audience for the "unreliable author" was particularly groan-worthy) and there are so many hospitalizations, arrests, riots, and spontaneous political acts that nothing has any weight or bearing.
Note: I received this as part of a Goodreads giveaway
April 8, 2019
Very Good
I will say that about midway the author lost sight of the story. Like the main character whom became confused in his own sanity he lost his way and indulged himself in his talent of the written world. He like the main character was able to come to his senses and finish this enjoyable mystery novel. Because of his immense talent and knowledge of the written word Mr Boss only need focus and practice in order to become a great writer.
I will say that about midway the author lost sight of the story. Like the main character whom became confused in his own sanity he lost his way and indulged himself in his talent of the written world. He like the main character was able to come to his senses and finish this enjoyable mystery novel. Because of his immense talent and knowledge of the written word Mr Boss only need focus and practice in order to become a great writer.
January 18, 2020
A fun, psychological, murder-mystery thriller.
I love that every character had so much depth that not only were they believable, but I found myself living on Sputnik Station along with them. Which about halfway through the book was a little creepy to think about.
I really liked the twist at the end and how intricately woven the storyline was.
Overall, I would highly recommend this to anyone that loves the mystery of whodunit.
I love that every character had so much depth that not only were they believable, but I found myself living on Sputnik Station along with them. Which about halfway through the book was a little creepy to think about.
I really liked the twist at the end and how intricately woven the storyline was.
Overall, I would highly recommend this to anyone that loves the mystery of whodunit.
February 6, 2020
Whoa, this book was wild! Everything about this story was fascinating! The story of an international science facility is interesting in itself. But then throw in a murder, human chaos, confusing mental illness, a crazy historical conspiracy... the story was constantly exciting, new twists and turns, I was surprised by new developments, reading became so exciting, not knowing what would happen next.
#goodreadsgiveaway
#goodreadsgiveaway
March 5, 2019
An intriguing read. Hoss incorporated imagery so exceedingly well I could feel the frigid airs of Antarctica. His characters are refreshing in their diversity and the mystery of not only who murdered Ariel, but of Dylan’s condition keeps the reader wanting more. I highly recommend to lovers of Mystery and Crime Fiction.
April 10, 2019
Wicked Weird
Amazing adventures and very interesting storyline. Great story about a South Pole outpost and all the interesting people sharing the space. Mystery, murder and mayhem throughout. Loved it!
Amazing adventures and very interesting storyline. Great story about a South Pole outpost and all the interesting people sharing the space. Mystery, murder and mayhem throughout. Loved it!
May 30, 2022
While this is a good book, I found it way too long. There were too many scenes that added nothing to the plot. I know that some character building, story background, and setting explanation are all required. This book went overboard with that in my opinion. By all means read this book if it piques your interest.
April 9, 2019
A good book, but not a great one. The ending was well developed, well written, exciting and the best part of the book. It took a while to get there.
April 11, 2019
It was chaotic.
I suppose it resembles life at Antarctica. A mystery for sure. A wild assortment of characters. I struggled with the chaos, but couldn't stop reading it either.
I suppose it resembles life at Antarctica. A mystery for sure. A wild assortment of characters. I struggled with the chaos, but couldn't stop reading it either.
December 31, 2019
3.5 stars!! Interesting murder mystery. It had an X-Files vibe, which I really appreciated. Looking forward to more from this author!
July 31, 2021
Good story but seemed to move slowly. Lots of suspense and twists that kept it interesting.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews