Cold as Snow

The Alchemical Tales #2

by Elle Hartford

In this magical twist on a familiar tale, alchemist Red sets out to answer the riddle behind a cursed mirror and deadly apples . . .

. . . Who decides who’s fairest of all? And who would be willing to kill over it?

Life in Belville has just settled down, and Red’s ready to wait out her first mountain winter–preferably while under a cozy blanket, sipping some homemade tea. But when a mysterious ore turns up in the snow, Red is called in to investigate. And when she finds a body before even setting foot in the mine, all bets are off. It turns out that the mining team responsible for discovering the new ore consists of a fairy named Snow and–you guessed it–seven dwarves. Life is no song for the teammates, however, especially when one dwarf after another becomes the victim of vicious attacks.

In an effort to keep her town safe as the mystery grows, Red accepts a job tracking down the source of the ore. But at the same time, rumors of dragons and constant snow storms are raising the stakes. And as she and her friends take Snow under their wing, Red begins to wonder if all isn’t fair in Snow’s icy world–or even in her own.

Genres: Fantasy, Mystery

282 pages, Paperback

Published September 9, 2022

About the author

Elle has written in several genres but is currently working on a cozy mystery series with an alchemical twist. As a historian and museum educator, she firmly believes in the value of stories -- and fantasy in particular -- as a mirror for complicated realities. Though she grew up on the beaches of the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in New Jersey with a grumpy tortoise, a three-legged cat, and a very supportive partner. Find her blog and other stories at ellehartford.com.

Reviews

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellie Hartford has written another delightful cozey mystery murder with Red and her gang of friends a delightful array of vibrant, colorful, quirky and magical characters involved in another adventurous mystery of mayhem and murder being brought to the attention of more than just the towns people but the mine above in the surrounding mountains. The characters will draw you in with their unique natures and dramatic interactions with one another, while the mystery will entice you further with its intrigue and bothersome historical antiquities and the plot carries you throughout with its twists and unexpected side tales. It's a a full packed mystery with more than one question needed answering and it does answer each inquisitive question I couldn't put it down until I read its very last word. Acquire " Cold as Snow " for hours of magical intriguing and enjoyable entertainment. Kat

[Elle Wren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Elle Hartford! This cozy mystery set in the adorable town of Belville includes a new take on the Snow White tale. Dwarves are dying and Red and her friends need to get to the bottom of it. There are lots of suspects and lots of adventures along the way. I enjoyed the characters the most, including Red’s interactions with all her townsfolk. I wish I could visit Belville! My favorite, of course, is her relationship with William, who is a former familiar who looks like a fuzzy dog. I also enjoyed the growing relationship between Luca and Red. I hope it doesn’t take too long for them to express their feelings for each other! I can’t wait to read the next one.

[Elke · Rating 3 out of 5]

As one of the dwarves working in the mine is found dead, Red gets involved in the investigation. When Sir Rowan, a huntsman of a fairy clan, shows up, he claims that Snow, who also works in the mines, is the fairy daughter he was ordered to bring back to her family. Things get messed up when some kind of magic ore is found in the mine and tales of a nearby dragon make the round.
Honestly, more than once I was lost in the tangle of the story and its subplots, but still I enjoyed the original twists the author wove into this cozy mystery kind of fairy tale. I especially liked Red's dog companion William with his know-it-all comments. However, a couple of questions where left open to me, but I count on them being answered in the next part of this entertaining series.

[Anne Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Red is needed to help Thorne decide if an apparent accident is in fact a murder. Dwarves and a little lady who lives with them, Snow, are central in this story. A knight, Sir Rowan, has come to try to get Snow to go back to her grandparents’ home. William and Luca also help out. There are a few mysterious things going on. How did a hole appear in Red’s kitchen widow? There’s also a mysterious ore at the mine. Naturally all gets sorted out by the end and William’s magic is spectacular! A very good relaxing read.

[P Diotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great addition to the series! I love how this author balances humour and complex emotions. Some of the new characters are quite intriguing, and although I do hope to learn more about them in the next book, what I'm especially hoping for is to see more interactions between Red and Luca. I am rather partial to them!

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi ho, it's off to murder we go

This series is alternative tellings of fairy tales with a couple of murders thrown in. Twisted and highly entertaining. Start with Beauty and the Alchemist.