Cold Betrayal

Cold Betrayal, a fast paced crime novel, follows an inexperienced woman from Florida in her unlikely dalliance with crime in Quebec city and her reluctant conflict with the police who protect that city and its surrounding countryside. Victoria (Tori) Anderson is a naive homebody from Florida who is looking for Danny Wilcox, a vicious criminal, to whom she is extremely loyal and will protect at any cost. Cold Betrayal is A. J. McCarthy’s follow-up novel from Sins of the Father.

Tori runs off the road in the harsh winter of rural Quebec and she knows she has to get away from her car quickly. In spite of her light clothing she decides to walk in search of shelter. She runs into an isolated cabin and is helped back into the city where she resumes her search for Danny. Thus continues Tories narrow escape from death and several unpleasant encounters with the police. Why is Tori so bent on talking to Danny and at the same time refusing to help the police to find him?

I am disappointed in McCarthy’s lack of descriptions throughout the novel. For the most part it is reported rather than described. She does not provide you with detailed descriptions that might add to the richness of the narrative.

For example:

“When they approached the famous Chateau Frontenac, majestically overlooking the St. Lawrence, Tory audibly gasped. It was picture postcard perfect.” The Chateau Frontenac and the district it sits in is one of the most beautiful and historical locations in the world. What about it was picture card perfect.

And

When she describes the Ice Palace (one of the wonders of the Quebec winter carnival) as an “open air structure made entirely of ice…. It was a novel experience for Tori to eat breakfast while standing ankle deep in snow inside a frozen castle.” Is that all one can say is that a novel experience?

On the other hand the story is fast paced and interesting. It is full of unanswered questions that make the reader want to continue reading. There is a twist at the end that perhaps does not surprise me but it explains a lot.

Character development is complete for the most part through conversation and interaction. However, again I think there is a lack of description of the person, which helps the reader truly get to know the characters. Describing a person as blond-haired and blue-eyed helps you identify them, but it doesn’t help know what they are like. McCarthy does a better job of describing people’s emotions.

Overall I like the book. The story is fast paced and interesting. It is full of unanswered questions that make the reader want to continue reading. There is a twist at the end that perhaps does not surprise me but it explains a lot.

I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in a fast paced, good crime story. I give it a 3 on 5 because the descriptions don’t make me feel like I am there. I want to thank NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.

I enjoyed reading this book. I loved the characters, and I cared about what happened to them. I have never read any books by this author, but I will certainly be looking for more books by A.J. McCarthy.

A edge of your seat thriller ! A great storyline, and chemistry between protagonist .
4 Stars !
I received this ARC through Netgalley for a honest review.

Cold Betray is an edge of your seat thriller and a great crime novel. I enjoyed this fast paced story with its intrigue and suspense I was engaged throughout and will be seeking to read more by this author

Cold Betrayal is a fun quick read, like a beach read but for winter. I can imagine reading this in a ski lodge next to the fire. Tori and Jeff are cute even if I did find Tori a little annoying or maybe just really young. (showing my age maybe)

Hold on to the edge of your seats when you start reading this book. It is so fast paced, and full of one surprise after the next. What happens when a woman finds herself hunted while looking for someone that does not want to be found? Surprise, intrigue, death, and mystery. Netgalley thank you for allowing the author the chance to put their book on here so others can enjoy it.