This is a great quick read, I did enjoy the book and I found the authors writing to be concise and to the point. Being in the perspective of someone with dementia was a great choice and it really did make you think...what is real? What is the dementia talking? I liked that Arthur was an unreliable character and you couldn’t be sure.

For me though I guess I like my thrillers/suspense/horrors with a bit more element of surprise in them. It was obvious from very early on where the book was headed. That being said it was still an intriguing book that kept me reading until the end.

This was a perfect novella. Straightforward and interesting plot. Read it in one sitting. Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for a chance to read this book.

Katie Marie’s A Man in Winter is a haunting and deeply moving novel that masterfully blends elements of psychological drama, mystery, and the supernatural. Tackling themes of loss, memory, and the enduring bonds of love, the book offers an emotionally charged exploration of one man’s struggle to reconcile his fractured past with a rapidly deteriorating present.

Arthur, the protagonist, is a character whose pain and vulnerability leap off the page. The brutal murder of his wife left him shattered, and now, with a dementia diagnosis threatening his autonomy, he faces a new kind of loss: the erasure of his identity and independence. Katie Marie portrays his internal battle with incredible sensitivity, making his journey both heartbreaking and profoundly relatable.

The novel takes an intriguing turn when Arthur begins to see the ghost of his wife. Her spirit, unable to rest, implores him to uncover the truth behind her murder. Is this a genuine supernatural event, or is it a manifestation of Arthur’s illness and unresolved grief? This ambiguity adds layers of tension and mystery to the story, keeping readers guessing.

The investigation into his wife’s death provides the narrative’s driving force, but the heart of the book lies in Arthur’s emotional journey. His determination to find her killer is both an act of love and a desperate attempt to prove to himself—and others—that he still has agency in his life. Katie Marie captures his moments of clarity and confusion with poignancy, painting a vivid picture of the challenges faced by those living with dementia.

The supporting characters, including Arthur’s concerned family and his doctor, add depth to the story. Their perspectives provide a counterpoint to Arthur’s quest, emphasizing the tension between his need for independence and their desire to protect him. This dynamic creates a rich emotional tapestry, highlighting the complexity of caregiving and the fear of losing a loved one to illness.

Katie Marie’s prose is evocative and atmospheric, perfectly capturing the isolating chill of winter—a metaphor for Arthur’s solitude and the encroaching fog of dementia. The setting of the retirement community, initially stark and unfamiliar, gradually becomes a stage for Arthur’s quest, underscoring the contrast between his internal battles and the seemingly mundane world around him.

A Man in Winter is more than just a mystery; it’s a meditation on love, memory, and the resilience of the human spirit. The story’s twists and revelations are satisfying, but its greatest achievement lies in its ability to humanize the struggle with dementia while offering a gripping, ghostly tale. Katie Marie has crafted a powerful and thought-provoking novel that lingers in the mind long after the final page.

This book is a must-read for fans of character-driven mysteries and anyone seeking a poignant exploration of life’s fragility and the enduring power of love.

For me horror excels when it’s focus is on people, more so when you become sympathetic or like a character and want to see them succeed. This is the case of A Man in Winter with Arthur. Seemingly reeling from the brutal murder of his wife he is then faced with a shocking diagnosis of dementia. Arthur is not just sympathetic because of these factors but rather how he is written and how realistic he is. Marie gives Arthur life in such a beautiful way that allows her to explore the horrors that may be more related to our mind or condition rather than things that lurk in the darkness. Namly loss, isolation, dementia and ghosts of the past.

Written in a beautiful if not haunting way I quickly became captivated by the narrative and of course Arthur. I don’t want to spoil anything but A Man in Winter is a wonderful window into the human condition, how we can be affected by loss and so much more than that. A must read if you like the human side of horror.

As always thank you to Brigid’s Gate Press for the advanced copy to review, my reviews are always honest and freely given.

This showed the horrors of this type of book, it had that element that I was expecting in this type of book. The characters were everything that I was looking for and enjoyed the element of this book. Katie Marie has a strong writing style and thought everything worked overall. It had that horror element that I was looking for and enjoyed that this dealt with real topics that are horrific.

This is the first book I have read from this author, and I don't regret it. The writing was well done, and I love the style of writing. It was unique and I will definitely be recommending this book for others.

Thank you Net Galley ARC

I loved the point of view of this book. What a hardworking yet heart wrenching story! Authors writing style is very straightforward, which I enjoyed. Perfect length of book for this story.