Cold as Hell by Kelley Armstrong: A Chilling Thriller That Froze Me in Place

Published: 2025 | Genre: Psychological Thriller | Pages: ~352 (estimated) | Rating: ★★★★☆

A Book That Gave Me Goosebumps

You know those books that make you pull the blanket tighter and check the locks on your doors? That’s Cold as Hell by Kelley Armstrong for me. This 2025 psychological thriller had me hooked from the first page, and I’m still shaking my head at how wild it was. I’ve loved Armstrong’s creepy stories forever—The Summoning was my teen obsession—so I knew this one would be good, but holy cow, it blew me away. If you’re into Beautiful Ugly or love a thriller that messes with your mind, this is your next read. Here’s why Cold as Hell is so gripping and who’s gonna flip for it—no spoilers, I swear!

What’s the Deal?

The story follows Sarah, a single mom who moves to a remote Canadian town with her teenage daughter, hoping for a fresh start after a rough divorce. But their new home, a creaky old house on the edge of a snowy forest, feels off right away. Strange noises, weird neighbors, and a chilling local legend about missing hikers start creeping Sarah out. When her daughter starts acting strange, Sarah wonders if she’s imagining things or if something sinister is closing in. The plot twists through paranoia, secrets, and a frozen landscape that’s as deadly as the truth.

Armstrong’s setting is straight-up haunting. That icy, isolated town gave me shivers—I grew up in a small place, so I know how everyone’s in your business, but this felt next-level creepy. It’s like the snow itself is hiding something.

Why I Loved It

Armstrong writes like she’s telling you a ghost story by a campfire—every word pulls you deeper. Sarah’s so real, like that mom friend who’s trying to hold it all together but is one bad day from losing it. Her fear feels so raw, and I was right there with her, second-guessing every shadow. The suspense builds like a snowball rolling downhill, with short chapters that make you go, “Okay, just one more!” The twists? I legit gasped and had to text my book club, “Y’all, what is HAPPENING?”

The story’s themes of fear and survival hit me hard. In 2025, when life feels so unpredictable, Sarah’s fight to protect her kid felt like something I could relate to, even without the spooky stuff. The way Armstrong weaves in local folklore adds a layer of dread that’s so cool. The cast—gruff townsfolk, a shady cop—keeps you wondering who’s hiding what. It’s a heart-pounding mix of “Is this real?” and “Run, girl, run!”

Any Downsides?

Cold as Hell is awesome, but it’s not 100% perfect. The first couple of chapters lean heavy on setting the scene, which might drag if you want instant action. I got a bit impatient waiting for the creepy stuff to kick in. Some side characters, like Sarah’s neighbor, felt like they could’ve had more to do. One twist was so wild it almost felt too much, but it didn’t ruin the vibe. These are little things, though, in a book that’s otherwise a total thrill.

Who’s It For?

If you love psychological thrillers with small-town chills, unreliable narrators, and spooky vibes, this is your jam. Fans of The Fury by Alex Michaelides or The Echo of Lies will be all over it. It’s great for readers who want a fast, creepy read, perfect for ages 16+ due to intense suspense and some dark themes. If you’re more into epic fantasies like Onyx Storm, the quieter, real-world setting might not grab you as much.

Why It’s Buzzing

Cold as Hell is making waves on BookTok in 2025, with fans raving about its wintery dread and Sarah’s grit. Armstrong’s knack for blending everyday life with supernatural chills is on point, and this book feels fresh in a genre full of same-old plots. Goodreads calls it “a frosty, addictive thriller,” and I’m nodding along. As a standalone, it wraps up nicely but leaves you craving more of Armstrong’s magic.

My Final Word

Cold as Hell is a spine-chilling thriller that’ll make you sleep with the lights on. Kelley Armstrong spins a tale of snow, secrets, and survival, with a mom you’ll cheer for through every scare. I’m giving it four out of five stars for its creepy plot and killer suspense, with a small dip for the slow start. If you’re ready to freeze with Sarah, grab this book and dive in.

Want to feel the chill? Snag Cold as Hell at your local bookstore or check Bookshop.org to support indie sellers. Read it yet? Tell me what you think in the comments!

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