A fast food page-turner, A Killing Cold is the definition of a popcorn thriller—an overused premise that still has appeal (a woman with 'suspicious' past visiting her fiance's rich family for the first time at their remote mountain lodge), with cookie-cutter characters, and a convoluted web of twists and reveals, throwing every character's morality for a loop once or twice. There's an instinctual desire to keep on reading because it is SO easy to digest, but if one were to pause and think realistically—this pivotal mystery could've been a written email, and then none of the subsequent chaos would ever happen—but what's the fun in that?

This reminds me a lot of Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six by Lisa Unger, another sensationalized 'family with secrets at a winter gathering' story where characters performing unrealistically elaborate action for the sake of being inside a thriller (leaving unsigned, threatening note wrapped within a gift box—why doesn't anyone just tell people in their face when they want something done!?). While I quite enjoyed What Lies in the Woods from Kate Alice Marshall, I might have to re-calibrate my expectation, as A Killing Cold turns out to be a lot more silly and nonsensical than I anticipated.

There's always a time when I want a story that I can shut my brain off, be entertained for its duration, and forget it once it's over. A Killing Cold is exactly such title (the audiobook is perfectly produced for an even easier consumption), BUT typically I do prefer stories that provide a lasting impact, either emotionally or stylistically. This is ideal as a library loan, or when one's in a bit of a reading slump.

**This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!**