What do you think?
Rate this book
Lucy Hush series #2
Cold Valley Nightmare
A troubled past resurfaces when an investigative journalist agrees to help find a missing child.
The Australian bush is unforgiving, and there is not much hope when a four-year-old boy, Clem, apparently disappears into it without a trace. When the police begin to suspect the boy’s step-father, his lawyer hires Damon, a specialist private investigator, to help defend him.
No stranger to missing person cases, Damon agrees to let his partner, Lucy, interview the family. There she finds a strong connection to the boy’s mother, and determines to find Clem no matter the cost. Having lost her own parents young, and nearly lost her brother, she hopes it will help her to exorcise her own demons.
Refusing to believe that Clem is dead, Lucy begins a search that will take her into the seedier side of a rural community with many secrets. In so doing, she will stumble across criminal activity that will put her in serious danger.
But it will also stretch her fledgling relationship to Damon, the only person she has ever really trusted. Can she find Clem? Can she find an inner peace? Can she let Damon in?
If you enjoy suspense thrillers you are in for a treat with COLD VALLEY NIGHTMARE. It is a standalone, but you can also read about Lucy’s backstory in the bestseller SMALL TOWN NIGHTMARE, which is FREE with Kindle Unlimited and available in paperback.
Anna Willett is the author of several crime thrillers set around Perth in the south west of Australia. The rugged, uncompromising landscape is a graphic backdrop for stories that explore tested relationships, cruelty and revenge, and human resolve.
The Australian bush is unforgiving, and there is not much hope when a four-year-old boy, Clem, apparently disappears into it without a trace. When the police begin to suspect the boy’s step-father, his lawyer hires Damon, a specialist private investigator, to help defend him.
No stranger to missing person cases, Damon agrees to let his partner, Lucy, interview the family. There she finds a strong connection to the boy’s mother, and determines to find Clem no matter the cost. Having lost her own parents young, and nearly lost her brother, she hopes it will help her to exorcise her own demons.
Refusing to believe that Clem is dead, Lucy begins a search that will take her into the seedier side of a rural community with many secrets. In so doing, she will stumble across criminal activity that will put her in serious danger.
But it will also stretch her fledgling relationship to Damon, the only person she has ever really trusted. Can she find Clem? Can she find an inner peace? Can she let Damon in?
If you enjoy suspense thrillers you are in for a treat with COLD VALLEY NIGHTMARE. It is a standalone, but you can also read about Lucy’s backstory in the bestseller SMALL TOWN NIGHTMARE, which is FREE with Kindle Unlimited and available in paperback.
Anna Willett is the author of several crime thrillers set around Perth in the south west of Australia. The rugged, uncompromising landscape is a graphic backdrop for stories that explore tested relationships, cruelty and revenge, and human resolve.
247 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 6, 2019
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 10, 2019
When Damon, private investigator, was tasked with a missing child case, Lucy Hush, Damon’s partner and an investigative journalist, was immediately involved. Clem was only four years old and had disappeared from his home while his stepfather was in charge of his care. The police were sure the stepfather was the culprit, but when Damon and Lucy interviewed him, Lucy knew there was more to it. Sadie, Clem’s mother, was distraught but positive her husband wouldn’t hurt Clem.
As Damon, his partner Brock and Lucy dug deeply into the people surrounding Clem, Lucy found herself venturing into a dangerous and unethical criminal culture. But she was determined to find Clem. The police were sure he would be dead by now; Lucy was positive he was alive. Could she find him? Was she putting herself in danger once again?
Wow! Cold Valley Nightmare is an intense, fast paced thriller that I couldn’t put down. Aussie author Anna Willett has all the ingredients to make this 2nd in the Lucy Hush series a gripping page-turner. Set in the rural bush of Western Australia, the author’s descriptions are authentic. The menace of the bush is easy to feel, while imagining the terror of a four-year-old boy and the monsters that would take him is heartbreaking. A brilliant follow up to Small Town Nightmare, I’m really looking forward to reading more about Lucy Hush and Damon. Highly recommended.
As Damon, his partner Brock and Lucy dug deeply into the people surrounding Clem, Lucy found herself venturing into a dangerous and unethical criminal culture. But she was determined to find Clem. The police were sure he would be dead by now; Lucy was positive he was alive. Could she find him? Was she putting herself in danger once again?
Wow! Cold Valley Nightmare is an intense, fast paced thriller that I couldn’t put down. Aussie author Anna Willett has all the ingredients to make this 2nd in the Lucy Hush series a gripping page-turner. Set in the rural bush of Western Australia, the author’s descriptions are authentic. The menace of the bush is easy to feel, while imagining the terror of a four-year-old boy and the monsters that would take him is heartbreaking. A brilliant follow up to Small Town Nightmare, I’m really looking forward to reading more about Lucy Hush and Damon. Highly recommended.
April 19, 2020
"Gripping thriller"
Couldn't put it down. One of those books I'll remember for a long time. Well-written. Terrific story line.
Couldn't put it down. One of those books I'll remember for a long time. Well-written. Terrific story line.
February 7, 2021
I couldn't put this down! It took me a few pages to recall the salient points of the previous book, but once that happened, I was already hooked. The plot twists came thick and fast, and while I questioned introducing the antagonist so early, it was a brilliant device for ratcheting up the tension. The climax was delicious and came earlier than expected and as a consequence was drawn out too, which didn't help with the aforementioned tension. The resolution was a lovely touch.
March 27, 2021
A very good read. I liked all the characters. I know that social services are controlled much better now and trust that no child has to suffer under such circumstances.
March 25, 2021
Four year old boy gone without a trace. We meet Damon and Lucy who works with him. Interviewing brings her close to the emotion of what is going on, and to find him brings out secrets that also lead her to a shady area of town. Well done
April 21, 2019
AWESOME
Anna Willet you are my favourite author
I love all of your books and the newest one set in Cold Valley did not disappoint.
The book is racey and thrilling as the characters search for a 4 yr old little boy.
I loved the ending, every time I thought it was over the action kept coming harder and faster.. I love the book
Anna Willet you are my favourite author
I love all of your books and the newest one set in Cold Valley did not disappoint.
The book is racey and thrilling as the characters search for a 4 yr old little boy.
I loved the ending, every time I thought it was over the action kept coming harder and faster.. I love the book
March 7, 2020
Another great read
Another great read from a great series. Book 2 of the Lucy hush series has just as many twists and turns as the first. Keeping you on the edge of your seat. The private investigator storyline will keep the series going as well as introducing new characters. Can't wait to get reading book 3
Another great read from a great series. Book 2 of the Lucy hush series has just as many twists and turns as the first. Keeping you on the edge of your seat. The private investigator storyline will keep the series going as well as introducing new characters. Can't wait to get reading book 3
June 2, 2020
Wow! Awesome read!
This story set in Australia is captivating and deep in intricacies of plot building that makes it almost impossible to put down. It is an easy read with characters that become fully rounded out as the plot develops and intensifies. If you enjoy a suspense filled, heart pounding, kidnapped child story, you should enjoy this one!
This story set in Australia is captivating and deep in intricacies of plot building that makes it almost impossible to put down. It is an easy read with characters that become fully rounded out as the plot develops and intensifies. If you enjoy a suspense filled, heart pounding, kidnapped child story, you should enjoy this one!
March 13, 2019
Insanely gripping!
Loved this story about a little boy that disappears. This is one of those thrillers that moves quickly and keeps getting better. There are a few really scary characters but not everything is as it seems. A must read
Loved this story about a little boy that disappears. This is one of those thrillers that moves quickly and keeps getting better. There are a few really scary characters but not everything is as it seems. A must read
July 3, 2020
Solid
In spite of some Aussie terms I have to look up, and a few grammatical errors, I always thoroughly enjoy Anna Willett’s novels. The settings are “different,” the plots engaging, and the main characters are very likable.
In spite of some Aussie terms I have to look up, and a few grammatical errors, I always thoroughly enjoy Anna Willett’s novels. The settings are “different,” the plots engaging, and the main characters are very likable.
May 4, 2019
Very good
Thought this book was well written. I could not put it down. Will look forward to reading more with this author. Had to give it five stars.
Thought this book was well written. I could not put it down. Will look forward to reading more with this author. Had to give it five stars.
April 30, 2020
A good quick read from down under. A violent turn of events of rural small town life in the bush.
June 1, 2022
I was given this book by a coworker who also deals with the difficult parts of our job by immersing herself in crime-related material. For her, stories involving children are her entertainment of choice.
I have very different tastes - stories about children in trauma or in danger are not what I want to immerse myself in after a long day of hearing true accounts of children living in trauma. However, this was the good kind of story, as far as that goes. The ending is relatively positive, and while many people die on the book, the child isn’t one of them. And I did like the message of understanding how trauma and abuse can have lasting effects.
All in all, it was an okay book. Not the best writing, and a lot of allusions to the previous book in the series (which I didn’t read). It was relatively easy to read and there weren’t any glaring plot holes. 3.5 stars.
I have very different tastes - stories about children in trauma or in danger are not what I want to immerse myself in after a long day of hearing true accounts of children living in trauma. However, this was the good kind of story, as far as that goes. The ending is relatively positive, and while many people die on the book, the child isn’t one of them. And I did like the message of understanding how trauma and abuse can have lasting effects.
All in all, it was an okay book. Not the best writing, and a lot of allusions to the previous book in the series (which I didn’t read). It was relatively easy to read and there weren’t any glaring plot holes. 3.5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2021
This story is told in a way that makes it feel totally real.
I loved this book because it is so real and relevant in the often frightful world we live in. It is set in Australia which was a nice surprise. The wickedness that exists every day is brought to real and tragic life. Read this and let it affect your life i.e. and attitudes.
I loved this book because it is so real and relevant in the often frightful world we live in. It is set in Australia which was a nice surprise. The wickedness that exists every day is brought to real and tragic life. Read this and let it affect your life i.e. and attitudes.
April 14, 2022
A second outing for the journalist and her private detective boyfriend who specialise in finding lost people, in this instance a child. Well-rounded and likeable characters, and even shades of grey when it comes to the baddies, make this story a thought-provoking read. I will read more from this author.
April 2, 2019
Good premise
The kidnapping part of this story kept me hooked but there seemed to be a lot of sequences that lacked an understanding or an explanation of reason. Most times it had the feel of a continuation of another book of a second in a series.
The kidnapping part of this story kept me hooked but there seemed to be a lot of sequences that lacked an understanding or an explanation of reason. Most times it had the feel of a continuation of another book of a second in a series.
April 19, 2021
A child is missing...........
A child has gone missing, can he be found before it’s too late? One clue leads to another and a string of bodies pop up. What does all this have to do with a missing child? Will he be the next body that’s found?
A child has gone missing, can he be found before it’s too late? One clue leads to another and a string of bodies pop up. What does all this have to do with a missing child? Will he be the next body that’s found?
October 14, 2021
Page turning and easy reading
Enjoy an Australian novel. Not gruesome but keeps you on your need to keep reading.
Lucy has the knack and tenacity to achieve success.
Enjoy an Australian novel. Not gruesome but keeps you on your need to keep reading.
Lucy has the knack and tenacity to achieve success.
May 21, 2019
Cold Valley Nightmare is another well-written, fast-paced thriller. But because it starts from a different point of view, you’ll need a little patience in the beginning as Lucy and Damon come into the story and decide if they want to work together again to try to solve an emotionally challenging crime.
I read Small Town Nightmare so it felt like I was right alongside old friends as they struggle with many issues. Willett does an excellent job of bringing us into Lucy and Damon’s lives after 14 months have past, where many people still have questions about the nature of their relationship. She draws the reader in with vivid, detailed imagery as she ramps up another page turner that you won’t want to put down.
One of the things I liked about Cold Valley Nightmare is the fact that Willett weaves in content that has been important to me throughout my life. I read to gain understanding about human nature, and I enjoyed seeing the way she incorporated concepts that have always intrigued me. At one point, a random glance from another person provides helpful information. In another situation, one of the characters talks about fate, karma, and unexpected gifts. When an author incorporates these kinds of concepts, it allows me to connect the story to the times in my life when I’ve experienced similar kinds of things and wondered about them. As my beliefs have evolved over time, I feel a deeper connection to writers whose stories incorporate thoughts about these kinds of mysteries.
I also liked the way that Willett leaves Lucy in a place at the end that suggests there will be another book in the series or a different series that addresses Lucy’s concerns.
I read Small Town Nightmare so it felt like I was right alongside old friends as they struggle with many issues. Willett does an excellent job of bringing us into Lucy and Damon’s lives after 14 months have past, where many people still have questions about the nature of their relationship. She draws the reader in with vivid, detailed imagery as she ramps up another page turner that you won’t want to put down.
One of the things I liked about Cold Valley Nightmare is the fact that Willett weaves in content that has been important to me throughout my life. I read to gain understanding about human nature, and I enjoyed seeing the way she incorporated concepts that have always intrigued me. At one point, a random glance from another person provides helpful information. In another situation, one of the characters talks about fate, karma, and unexpected gifts. When an author incorporates these kinds of concepts, it allows me to connect the story to the times in my life when I’ve experienced similar kinds of things and wondered about them. As my beliefs have evolved over time, I feel a deeper connection to writers whose stories incorporate thoughts about these kinds of mysteries.
I also liked the way that Willett leaves Lucy in a place at the end that suggests there will be another book in the series or a different series that addresses Lucy’s concerns.
January 27, 2020
When 4-year-old Clem disappears, police immediately look to the stepfather who was responsible. What seems like an open and closed case has secrets lurking just beneath the surface. There are plenty of dangerous people involved with Clem’s mother and stepfather. With the clock ticking on Clem’s life, both Lucy (a journalist) and Damon (a PI hired by Clem’s stepfather) are desperate to get to the truth before it’s too late.
I love the vivid descriptions of western Australia. Even though I’m not familiar with the imagery myself, the author made it easy to imagine just how bad it could be to lose such a young child in this environment. Miss Willett is also skilled at weaving real human lessons into her stories, things that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading the book.
Intense and engaging, this is one thriller that’ll stick with you.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
I love the vivid descriptions of western Australia. Even though I’m not familiar with the imagery myself, the author made it easy to imagine just how bad it could be to lose such a young child in this environment. Miss Willett is also skilled at weaving real human lessons into her stories, things that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading the book.
Intense and engaging, this is one thriller that’ll stick with you.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
March 10, 2019
Lucy is drawn into the case of a missing boy. She is initially reluctant as it threatens to bring up bad memories but the mother's despair compels her to get involved. However, the more she looks into it, the less it all adds up. Is the boy's step-father responsible for his disappearance, or is something altogether more sinister afoot?
Another strong performance from an accomplished writer of suspenseful thrillers.
Another strong performance from an accomplished writer of suspenseful thrillers.
April 2, 2019
"An Excellent Story"
In the Australian bush country, a four-year old boy, Clem Scott, is missing. The police think the stepfather, Robert Wheeler, has something to do with it. Wheeler's wife has hired a private investigator, Damon and his partner Lucy, to help defend Wheeler and find the boy. This is an intoxicating crime thriller which will keep you guessing. This story really captivated me.
In the Australian bush country, a four-year old boy, Clem Scott, is missing. The police think the stepfather, Robert Wheeler, has something to do with it. Wheeler's wife has hired a private investigator, Damon and his partner Lucy, to help defend Wheeler and find the boy. This is an intoxicating crime thriller which will keep you guessing. This story really captivated me.
June 18, 2019
I was so happy to see Anna Willett start a series, this is the second book in the Lucy Hush series. This story was gripping from start to finish, I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend Cold Valley Nightmare, you will not be disappointed!
March 19, 2019
Gripping
I couldn't put this.book.down while waiting to find out the result of getting involved in trying to.help a family .totally absorbing
I couldn't put this.book.down while waiting to find out the result of getting involved in trying to.help a family .totally absorbing
April 19, 2019
Truthful Reading
Was a story about things that can really happen even iñ today's time. Would recommend to mature age group readers.
Was a story about things that can really happen even iñ today's time. Would recommend to mature age group readers.
July 18, 2019
Love her books.
May 18, 2019
An Aussie Gem
S great read with an awesomeness
A really good book with an awesome twist but do not read it in the dark
S great read with an awesomeness
A really good book with an awesome twist but do not read it in the dark
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews