A review by rgoth
The Fear of Winter by S.C. Sterling

challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

At the onset, I found myself uncertain about diving into this story. While I typically enjoy narratives that shift between different points of view, the number of perspectives introduced early on felt overwhelming, almost bordering on chaotic. However, before I knew it, I was more than 30% into the book, completely captivated by the unfolding drama. In less than 24 hours, I had consumed the entire tale, and I must say, it was an exhilarating experience.

The characters, while some very stereotypical and obvious, were vividly portrayed. The parents of the missing girl were particularly compelling, caught in a web of despair as their relationship disintegrated under the weight of their grief. The father, a former police officer turned alcoholic, carried the burden of his past decisions like a shadow, while the mother grappled with her own struggles and sorrow.

The narrative also introduced a private investigator whose life mirrored the darkness surrounding him—alienated from his wife and child, he too was ensnared by addiction, relying on alcohol and Oxy to escape his reality. Yet, amidst this bleak backdrop emerged Hannah, the assistant investigator. She was a breath of fresh air; troubled yet resilient, her quiet determination shone through and provided a glimmer of hope within the chaos.

While the storyline does have its share of flaws, the pacing was relentless and the twists cleverly crafted, keeping me on the edge of my seat. Overall, I found myself thoroughly engrossed in this fast-paced thriller, and I am eager to continue exploring the series.

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