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Black Winter #3
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The mist is full of evil things―dark, twisted beings that think only of their own hunger―but Clare has clawed her way through. She and Dorran are alive against all odds, though relief is only temporary. Dorran is sick, and declining fast. The only way to save him lies in the mysterious Evandale Research Station, supposedly one of the few remaining places safe from the predators that lurk in the shadows. But the station is a three days' journey away, and it's unlikely their small group can endure that long out in the dark.
Because the danger they're facing comes not only from the ravenous hollow ones... but from each other.
This terrible new world has left scars, and the people left behind in it are nearly unrecognizable. As Clare fights to protect her ragtag family, she begins to realize a horrible truth: not everyone can be saved. And sometimes the worst monsters wear a human smile.
Because the danger they're facing comes not only from the ravenous hollow ones... but from each other.
This terrible new world has left scars, and the people left behind in it are nearly unrecognizable. As Clare fights to protect her ragtag family, she begins to realize a horrible truth: not everyone can be saved. And sometimes the worst monsters wear a human smile.
408 pages, Hardcover
First published July 7, 2020
578 people are currently reading
4753 people want to read
About the author
Darcy Coates
70 books14.4k followersDarcy Coates is the USA Today bestselling author of more than a dozen horror and suspense novels.
She lives in the Central Coast of Australia with her family, cat, and a collection of chickens. Her home is surrounded by rolling wilderness on all sides, and she wouldn't have it any other way.
You can hear about her next book by joining her newsletter: www.darcycoates.com/updates
She lives in the Central Coast of Australia with her family, cat, and a collection of chickens. Her home is surrounded by rolling wilderness on all sides, and she wouldn't have it any other way.
You can hear about her next book by joining her newsletter: www.darcycoates.com/updates
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 389 reviews
May 20, 2021
Oh this was such a great book! I love this series so much. It is so full of horror, suspence and sadness. I really liked the new characters we met. Clare is brilliant in this book, you can really see how she has developed over the series. Beth was a great addition to the story, and my heart really broke for her. I was so worried about Dorin, it made the whole story more desperate. I honestly have no criticism for this book, I loved it.
February 1, 2024
Loved loved this third book in the series!
Another five stars for Darcy Coates! In this third book in the Black Winter series, the suspense and intensity is nonstop. As soon as you think you have a reprieve from the terror, all hell breaks loose! There were jump scares throughout the novel— it was as if I was watching a horror movie.
Dorran and Clare continue on their journey through unprecedented times, never knowing what tomorrow may bring— or if tomorrow will even come. I loved the new characters introduced in WHISPERS IN THE MIST. Each added so much to the storyline. And it was incredibly amazing and uplifting to see how so many of the characters worked together when it truly mattered, despite having known each other only a short while. While reading, you begin to understand that friendship in this new world is a priceless commodity—as rare and precious as food, medicines, and fuel.
I loved the ending and cannot wait to start Book 4, but I am reluctant to do so because I’m not ready to say goodbye to Clare and Dorran. So I might wait to read the fourth book and give myself something to look forward to! If you have yet to pick up this series, you need to put it on your TBR list! These books are filled with not only horror and suspense, but love and hope, as well as endearing characters you grow to love!
Another five stars for Darcy Coates! In this third book in the Black Winter series, the suspense and intensity is nonstop. As soon as you think you have a reprieve from the terror, all hell breaks loose! There were jump scares throughout the novel— it was as if I was watching a horror movie.
Dorran and Clare continue on their journey through unprecedented times, never knowing what tomorrow may bring— or if tomorrow will even come. I loved the new characters introduced in WHISPERS IN THE MIST. Each added so much to the storyline. And it was incredibly amazing and uplifting to see how so many of the characters worked together when it truly mattered, despite having known each other only a short while. While reading, you begin to understand that friendship in this new world is a priceless commodity—as rare and precious as food, medicines, and fuel.
I loved the ending and cannot wait to start Book 4, but I am reluctant to do so because I’m not ready to say goodbye to Clare and Dorran. So I might wait to read the fourth book and give myself something to look forward to! If you have yet to pick up this series, you need to put it on your TBR list! These books are filled with not only horror and suspense, but love and hope, as well as endearing characters you grow to love!
September 8, 2020
BY FAR the greatest apocalyptic series I have EVER read!
First off when I started this series I thought it was going to be a haunted ghost book but turns out completely different... and honestly I am okay with that!
This book is edgy, thrilling, heart warming, and quick paced that it's so hard to put this book down! #3 is probably one of my favorites because Clare and Dorrans journey has many more people in it, and the whole situation with Beth was beautiful but heart breaking. It was JUST what we needed. I have never liked characters so much in a book and I am so glad Darcy Coates gave us this power team/couple.
I am EXTREMELY sad for the next book (which is the last) but so excited to see how their story ends!
First off when I started this series I thought it was going to be a haunted ghost book but turns out completely different... and honestly I am okay with that!
This book is edgy, thrilling, heart warming, and quick paced that it's so hard to put this book down! #3 is probably one of my favorites because Clare and Dorrans journey has many more people in it, and the whole situation with Beth was beautiful but heart breaking. It was JUST what we needed. I have never liked characters so much in a book and I am so glad Darcy Coates gave us this power team/couple.
I am EXTREMELY sad for the next book (which is the last) but so excited to see how their story ends!
March 9, 2024
LET 👏🏽 CLARE 👏🏽 AND 👏🏽 DORRAN 👏🏽 FUCK 👏🏽 ALREADY 👏🏽
May 22, 2022
You know what's sexy? An absolute power couple who communicate, respect, and look after each other unconditionally. I love that despite the ENDLESS STRESS and problems of this journey, not once was it caused by some stupid argument/lack of communication between Dorren and Clare. Couple. Goals.
January 11, 2026
I have a feeling that this series is going down on the list of my very favorites.
February 20, 2024
Dorran!! The man you are, I ADORE you. How can somebody be so loving, gentle, kind, calm and understanding and yet be so fiercly protective without being aggressive. Welcome to the book boyfriends. You deserve a spot in the Top 10!
Also I love how this book gives me nostalgic 2010s dystopian apocalyptic novel vibes.
Also I love how this book gives me nostalgic 2010s dystopian apocalyptic novel vibes.
May 23, 2025
4.5 stars
😅Suspense
🧌Horror
👻Creepy
❄️Apocalypse/ extreme winter weather
♥️Sweet Romance
Still good! I’m loving the way the HOLLOWS are done. Definitely different from other zombie books and I’m interested in how this could end.
My thoughts about the characters are about the same….
♥️Dorran - has my whole heart I love this man omg he is perfection.
I’m so Protective of him! I love him! No one better say shit to me about him. 😍He is so swoon. He will do anything to protect Clare.
♥️He saves her ♥️ protects her and takes cares for her. Like literally washes her hair and cooks her food.
His vulnerability for her is heartbreaking and so endearing at the same time.
I also like his background and history it’s different and makes me love him more.
😍My darling Clare😍 yes please I’ll take it all Dorran he’s so amazing
‼️Clare- lots of angst and danger in this and Clare finally steps up and saves Dorran and others. About time I hope she keeps it up
No sex.
Definitely romantically safe
Not sure if they are having sex or if it’s closed door.
No history given for either
😅Suspense
🧌Horror
👻Creepy
❄️Apocalypse/ extreme winter weather
♥️Sweet Romance
Still good! I’m loving the way the HOLLOWS are done. Definitely different from other zombie books and I’m interested in how this could end.
My thoughts about the characters are about the same….
♥️Dorran - has my whole heart I love this man omg he is perfection.
I’m so Protective of him! I love him! No one better say shit to me about him. 😍He is so swoon. He will do anything to protect Clare.
♥️He saves her ♥️ protects her and takes cares for her. Like literally washes her hair and cooks her food.
His vulnerability for her is heartbreaking and so endearing at the same time.
I also like his background and history it’s different and makes me love him more.
😍My darling Clare😍 yes please I’ll take it all Dorran he’s so amazing
‼️Clare- lots of angst and danger in this and Clare finally steps up and saves Dorran and others. About time I hope she keeps it up
No sex.
Definitely romantically safe
Not sure if they are having sex or if it’s closed door.
No history given for either
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2026
Content warning:
Book 3 resumes immediately following the events of Book 2. The sweet romance goes on as the MCs continue their fight to survive in a post-apocalyptic world riddled with dangerous monsters.
Book 3 resumes immediately following the events of Book 2. The sweet romance goes on as the MCs continue their fight to survive in a post-apocalyptic world riddled with dangerous monsters.
July 11, 2024
This was my favorite of the series so far! So much action and twists
May 4, 2025
“Your time to shine, map reader,” Dorran said, smiling at her. “Where to?”
I have such a soft spot for these characters😭they just love to make me cry
I have such a soft spot for these characters😭they just love to make me cry
April 28, 2025
The worst part of reading the Black Winter series is waiting for the next one!
I love the uniqueness of Whispers in the Mist, definitely not what I expected. It held the perfect mix of excitement, thrills and just a drop of drama. I can't wait to continue the journey with Dorran and Clare in book 4!
I love the uniqueness of Whispers in the Mist, definitely not what I expected. It held the perfect mix of excitement, thrills and just a drop of drama. I can't wait to continue the journey with Dorran and Clare in book 4!
December 4, 2024
This was good! I’m really enjoying the development of the plot! Very interested to see what happens in the final book.
January 2, 2025
I loved loved loved this book!!
thank god the ending was relatively calm and good because my heart couldn’t take another cliffhanger after everything my babies have been through in this book. this one is definitely less cozy than the previous two (I have a weird sense of cozy), mostly because of all the shit that happened to them and definitely because of Beth. I can’t really hate her but it’s sad that we didn’t get to see her as she used to be because she was pretty annoying most of the time. still I am sorry for her, and I don’t know if we see her again, but I hope she doesn’t bring more pain.
and I’m so freaking happy my baby Dorran can finally catch a break. my heart was aching for him all the time, but all these hardships also gave Clare a chance to be strong and grow, and I really loved here in this book.
don’t know what I’m going to do when the series finishes.
thank god the ending was relatively calm and good because my heart couldn’t take another cliffhanger after everything my babies have been through in this book. this one is definitely less cozy than the previous two (I have a weird sense of cozy), mostly because of all the shit that happened to them and definitely because of Beth. I can’t really hate her but it’s sad that we didn’t get to see her as she used to be because she was pretty annoying most of the time. still I am sorry for her, and I don’t know if we see her again, but I hope she doesn’t bring more pain.
and I’m so freaking happy my baby Dorran can finally catch a break. my heart was aching for him all the time, but all these hardships also gave Clare a chance to be strong and grow, and I really loved here in this book.
don’t know what I’m going to do when the series finishes.
August 16, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up!
I feel like the half star is probably my fault, so not faulting the book for it. It's been over a year since I read the last book in this series, so it took me a bit of time to get back into the book. But Darcy will always get me with her tension building and characters that you want to know will be okay by the end.
This book expands the world, brings in more characters that are dealing with the blight and once again, the ending was so dramatic and keeps you on the edge of your seat.
I feel like the half star is probably my fault, so not faulting the book for it. It's been over a year since I read the last book in this series, so it took me a bit of time to get back into the book. But Darcy will always get me with her tension building and characters that you want to know will be okay by the end.
This book expands the world, brings in more characters that are dealing with the blight and once again, the ending was so dramatic and keeps you on the edge of your seat.
January 7, 2022
4.5 rounding down to 4. While I didn't like this 3rd installment quite as much as the 2nd, it still did an amazing job at building out the post apocalyptic world that Coates is creating in this series. I think the back half of the book was MUCH stronger than the 1st half, adding in a few unexpected twists as well as throwing in a few more characters that quickly grow on the reader.
Something I have realized in post apocalyptic books is how important it is to add in characters at the correct pace, especially when dealing with a catastrophe that wipes out so much of the population. Coates does an absolutely amazing job at this in all the books thus far, with impeccable timing and just enough backstory and reasoning to be able to buy into their introductions and absorption in the story.
The negative I had with this book, compared to the second, is just how much I ended up hating one of the characters introduced. She was super abrasive and I just never bought into her personality. The way the character of Clare changed around her too made me dislike her even more and, while she helped to progress the story further, I found myself glad when she exited from the plot. Her extreme and unlikable personality traits overshadowed the events that were occurring in my opinion.
Again, the back half of this book was executed tremendously well. I loved the bunker storyline and everything that occurred there, as well as where it left the story overall in preparation for the 4th and final installment. I find myself somewhat sad that I will be coming to the end of the series sooner rather than later because it really has been a great experience to start the year off with and reassures me that Darcy Coates is everything I previously cracked her up to be as an author.
Something I have realized in post apocalyptic books is how important it is to add in characters at the correct pace, especially when dealing with a catastrophe that wipes out so much of the population. Coates does an absolutely amazing job at this in all the books thus far, with impeccable timing and just enough backstory and reasoning to be able to buy into their introductions and absorption in the story.
The negative I had with this book, compared to the second, is just how much I ended up hating one of the characters introduced. She was super abrasive and I just never bought into her personality. The way the character of Clare changed around her too made me dislike her even more and, while she helped to progress the story further, I found myself glad when she exited from the plot. Her extreme and unlikable personality traits overshadowed the events that were occurring in my opinion.
Again, the back half of this book was executed tremendously well. I loved the bunker storyline and everything that occurred there, as well as where it left the story overall in preparation for the 4th and final installment. I find myself somewhat sad that I will be coming to the end of the series sooner rather than later because it really has been a great experience to start the year off with and reassures me that Darcy Coates is everything I previously cracked her up to be as an author.
August 3, 2023
Why did it take me so long to get back to this series? It literally picked up right where book two ended and God damn was it ever good. Dorran is sick, and getting worse with every passing day. The only thing Claire can think of to save him is to go on a 3 day journey to the research lab in Evandale. Their group is small but the have the means to get there, the only thing stopping them is the Hollows. They've survived this long, so it shouldn't be too hard to avoid them, especially once they discover one of them has been hiding a secret.
The characters in this story are just getting better and better with each book, and that's what makes me so sad about having to read the next and final one. I am not ready for this adventure to end, but at the same time I am so excited to see how it ends.
The characters in this story are just getting better and better with each book, and that's what makes me so sad about having to read the next and final one. I am not ready for this adventure to end, but at the same time I am so excited to see how it ends.
April 9, 2023
My favorite of the series! I really liked the addition of more characters and the science turn that this one took. The horror scenes are getting a little repetitive by now, but still solid fun!
See the full spoiler free review here: https://youtu.be/jAj5UIL9P4I
See the full spoiler free review here: https://youtu.be/jAj5UIL9P4I
July 7, 2020
This series is starting to feel really tired now, I hope something, anything happens to tell it apart from the rest of the zombie-ajacent genre.
January 11, 2022
Book 3 in this series was AMAZING!!! 🤩 I am really enjoying the Black Winter novels. 🥰 I can’t wait to finish these books! Darcy Coates is my new go-to author!! 🤓
January 11, 2024
3.5 probably?
They still haven't fucked yet and I'm losing my patience.
Feral Beth is amazing.
They still haven't fucked yet and I'm losing my patience.
Feral Beth is amazing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2025
This series is absolutely amazing. It encompasses horror, suspense, and heartbreak—Darcy truly excels in every aspect. Normally, I take a pause between series, but I can't resist diving into the final book to wrap up this incredible tale.
March 31, 2024
Pulse pounding, fear inducing survival horror akin to Dawn of the Dead and I Am Legend. A well written cast of characters and some hefty loads of emotional baggage add extra depth.
January 26, 2024
Schwächer als die ersten beiden, aber immer noch gut und spannend.
August 7, 2025
Book Review: Whispers in the Mist by Darcy Coates
Rating: 🧟♀️🧟♀️🧟♀️🧟♀️🧟♀️
Genre: Horror
Published: 7/7/20
Review: I’m really loving the reread of this series!! There are a few things that happened that I forgot about that rereading has helped me remember! I can definitely believe that I read this book in 2 days the first time I read it! It’s non-stop action from page one! I’m a SUPER Darcy Coates fan, and this is by far my favorite series of all time! If you have not had the pleasure of reading this series, you have to start now! Even if you are not a horror fan, I feel that fans of science fiction would enjoy it too!
Summary: Clare and Dorran may still be alive against all odds, but relief is only temporary. Dorran is sick, and rapidly worsening. Clare fears the only way to save him lies in the mysterious Evandale Research Station, supposedly one of the few remaining human refuges. But the station is three days' journey away, and Clare isn't certain their small group can endure that long. Because the danger they’re facing comes not only from the ravenous hollow ones... but from each other. This terrible new world has left scars, and only some of them are physical. As Clare fights to protect the most precious people in her life, she begins to realize a horrible truth: Not everyone can be saved. And sometimes the worst monsters wear a human smile.
#mybookfeatures #bookstagrammer #bookstagramit #bookstagram #bibliophile #booksaremylife #bookasthetic #booktalk #readingtime #booklove #bookphotography #bookrecs #bookish #readingcommunity #readaholic #bookcollector #bookcollection #bookcommunity #bookstack #bookaholic #booklover #bookaddict #readinglife #bookshelf #bookrecommendations #bookreview #whispersinthemist #darcycoates #poisonedpenpress
Rating: 🧟♀️🧟♀️🧟♀️🧟♀️🧟♀️
Genre: Horror
Published: 7/7/20
Review: I’m really loving the reread of this series!! There are a few things that happened that I forgot about that rereading has helped me remember! I can definitely believe that I read this book in 2 days the first time I read it! It’s non-stop action from page one! I’m a SUPER Darcy Coates fan, and this is by far my favorite series of all time! If you have not had the pleasure of reading this series, you have to start now! Even if you are not a horror fan, I feel that fans of science fiction would enjoy it too!
Summary: Clare and Dorran may still be alive against all odds, but relief is only temporary. Dorran is sick, and rapidly worsening. Clare fears the only way to save him lies in the mysterious Evandale Research Station, supposedly one of the few remaining human refuges. But the station is three days' journey away, and Clare isn't certain their small group can endure that long. Because the danger they’re facing comes not only from the ravenous hollow ones... but from each other. This terrible new world has left scars, and only some of them are physical. As Clare fights to protect the most precious people in her life, she begins to realize a horrible truth: Not everyone can be saved. And sometimes the worst monsters wear a human smile.
#mybookfeatures #bookstagrammer #bookstagramit #bookstagram #bibliophile #booksaremylife #bookasthetic #booktalk #readingtime #booklove #bookphotography #bookrecs #bookish #readingcommunity #readaholic #bookcollector #bookcollection #bookcommunity #bookstack #bookaholic #booklover #bookaddict #readinglife #bookshelf #bookrecommendations #bookreview #whispersinthemist #darcycoates #poisonedpenpress
April 4, 2021
Whispers in the Mist by Darcy Coates is a chilling post-apocalyptic tale. It is Book 3 in the Black Winter series.
I loved Book 3. I think what I like about this series is that it has all the horror I could want, but with moments of levity, love, and hope. This one is probably the most emotionally difficult of the first three books, for reasons I can't get into without revealing spoilers, but Coates handles it wonderfully. And the story is horrifying. Like, don't let the fact that there are some happy moments deceive you. It is a horror story, and lots of terrifying and disturbing events occur. But the happy moments are part of what makes it so terrifying, seeing how much Clare and Dorran to lose.
The things I didn't like I disliked because they were hard, not because they were bad or detracted from the story. Well, okay, the science got a bit wonky, and usually that bothers me to no end, but the story was so good I didn’t care. I wasn't jazzed about the interpersonal conflicts between characters at the beginning, but those ended up being essential to the plot, so I can't even be mad about that. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is definitely my favorite read of the year so far.
I'm kind of upset that there's only one book left in the series, but I'm curious to see what kind of resolution there is.
If you like post-apocalyptic tales with zombie-like creatures, I'd recommend checking out the Black Winter series.
cw: physical violence, blood, mention of child abuse, body horror, death, killing "zombies"
I loved Book 3. I think what I like about this series is that it has all the horror I could want, but with moments of levity, love, and hope. This one is probably the most emotionally difficult of the first three books, for reasons I can't get into without revealing spoilers, but Coates handles it wonderfully. And the story is horrifying. Like, don't let the fact that there are some happy moments deceive you. It is a horror story, and lots of terrifying and disturbing events occur. But the happy moments are part of what makes it so terrifying, seeing how much Clare and Dorran to lose.
The things I didn't like I disliked because they were hard, not because they were bad or detracted from the story. Well, okay, the science got a bit wonky, and usually that bothers me to no end, but the story was so good I didn’t care. I wasn't jazzed about the interpersonal conflicts between characters at the beginning, but those ended up being essential to the plot, so I can't even be mad about that. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is definitely my favorite read of the year so far.
I'm kind of upset that there's only one book left in the series, but I'm curious to see what kind of resolution there is.
If you like post-apocalyptic tales with zombie-like creatures, I'd recommend checking out the Black Winter series.
cw: physical violence, blood, mention of child abuse, body horror, death, killing "zombies"
May 3, 2021
What a satisfying book...well was it actually? I absolutely love the ending. I am trying to avoid spoilers, but I just have to admit that Claire is by far one of the most annoying main characters I have read about. She makes some of the dumbest choices (in an apocalyptic setting). To the point where I question her ability to still be alive. But at the end of the day I think her character, despite her consistent trauma is incredibly resilient. However, despite all these instances she experiences, where humans are turning on each other, for some reason she still thinks the best of people. I am not sure if that is just hopeful or unrealistic. I like the idea of still retaining decent humanity and empathy during an apocalypse, still gives me a shred of hope for the crap the past few months and 2020 has brought the world as a whole. I will admit, end of the world road trips seem to be my new favorite trope. I cannot wait to start Silence in the Shadows.
June 3, 2023
This one at least had something interesting in it. They met up with the group they were looking for. Still slow with not much to it. It took me almost 2 months to listen to this on audio because it was so hard to get through. Clare is such a whiny bitch, I just can't stand her. I started to listed to the last book and got maybe 5-10 minutes into it when she started with her whining and 'oh poor me' shit, and I decided the book isn't really good anyway and its worth me getting irritated and made the decision to not finish the series. I actually would've stopped in the middle of the second book but thought I could just listen to it when I'm cleaning just so I could I could get through it. I just couldn't finish and since I didn't find the series that good, I'm ok with leaving it hanging. If you're ok with a story being dragged out so drastically, you might be ok with the series.
May 21, 2023
Another excellent installment in this series! Clare and Dorran made it out of Helexis tower and have finally found Beth, but Dorran is sick, Beth is no longer herself, and they have to make it to Evandale research foundation to get Dorran help and if there's to be any possibility of destroying the Hollow Ones.
This one started out hot and didn't stop - any time I thought we were going to get a little reprieve, something terrible immediately happened. The unease I've felt throughout this whole series did not let up. The storyline with Beth was one of my favorites and I'll keep it at that without giving too much away.
Really excited to read the final installment in this in series and rooting for Clare and Dorran all the way!
This one started out hot and didn't stop - any time I thought we were going to get a little reprieve, something terrible immediately happened. The unease I've felt throughout this whole series did not let up. The storyline with Beth was one of my favorites and I'll keep it at that without giving too much away.
Really excited to read the final installment in this in series and rooting for Clare and Dorran all the way!
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