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A review by laurenjodi
An Ice Cold Grave by Charlaine Harris
4.0
Ice Cold Grave
4 Stars
Harper and Tolliver travel to Doraville, North Caroline when they are hired to find a missing teenager. Harper soon realizes that she has bitten off more than she can chew when she discovers the horrific burial ground of a deranged killer who has been committing unspeakable crimes for quite a while and has no intention of allowing Harper to get in his way …
This installment in the Harper Connolly series takes a darker turn toward the serial killer thriller genre rather than cozy mystery. Nevertheless, the plot is gripping with several heart-stopping descriptions and nail-biting scenes to keep the reader on the edge of their seat.
Harris captures the nuances of small town life so well. Doraville epitomizes the idea of still waters running deep and people remaining unaware of the terrible atrocities that occur right under their noses committed by neighbors they have known all their lives. The villains in this book are true abominations not only due to their despicable actions, but because they conceal their true natures so easily - actual devils in disguise.
***Warning: Mild spoiler ahead***
The romance between Harper and Tolliver seems to be the main bone of contention for many reviewers who view their relationship as creepy and incestuous. For me, it contributes to rather than detracts from the appeal of the story. The subtle chemistry and attraction between the two is apparent from book one and the progression to a sexual relationship is not only natural, but inevitable given that they are not biological siblings and care so deeply for one another.
All in all, Ice Cold Grave is a fantastic addition to the series although readers who prefer less gruesome cozies may be disappointed.
4 Stars
Harper and Tolliver travel to Doraville, North Caroline when they are hired to find a missing teenager. Harper soon realizes that she has bitten off more than she can chew when she discovers the horrific burial ground of a deranged killer who has been committing unspeakable crimes for quite a while and has no intention of allowing Harper to get in his way …
This installment in the Harper Connolly series takes a darker turn toward the serial killer thriller genre rather than cozy mystery. Nevertheless, the plot is gripping with several heart-stopping descriptions and nail-biting scenes to keep the reader on the edge of their seat.
Harris captures the nuances of small town life so well. Doraville epitomizes the idea of still waters running deep and people remaining unaware of the terrible atrocities that occur right under their noses committed by neighbors they have known all their lives. The villains in this book are true abominations not only due to their despicable actions, but because they conceal their true natures so easily - actual devils in disguise.
***Warning: Mild spoiler ahead***
The romance between Harper and Tolliver seems to be the main bone of contention for many reviewers who view their relationship as creepy and incestuous. For me, it contributes to rather than detracts from the appeal of the story. The subtle chemistry and attraction between the two is apparent from book one and the progression to a sexual relationship is not only natural, but inevitable given that they are not biological siblings and care so deeply for one another.
All in all, Ice Cold Grave is a fantastic addition to the series although readers who prefer less gruesome cozies may be disappointed.