THE ICE COVEN - Max Seeck

 

4 Stars

ABOUT THE BOOK -

Investigator Jessica Niemi is in a race against time to find the link between a body with strange markings that has washed up on a frigid shore in Finland and two baffling disappearances in this terrifying new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Witch Hunter.

 

Six months have passed since Jessica’s encounter with the mysterious serial-killing coven of witches and the death of her mentor. Her nightmares about her mother and the witchcraft that undid her have only gotten worse, but she’s doing what she can to stay focused. Her homicide squad, now under new leadership, has been given a murder case and a new series of disappearances to investigate. A young woman’s corpse has washed up on an icy beach, and two famous Instagram influencers have gone missing at the same time.

 

The missing influencers and the murdered woman all have ties to a sinister cult. Jessica finds an eerie painting—of a lighthouse on a remote island—as she investigates, and under the picture is a gruesome poem detailing a murder. The nightmares about her mother suddenly seem all too real, making Jessica wonder if the dead woman might be trying to tell her something about the killings. And as Jessica works frantically to solve her latest case, her horrific past comes roaring back and threatens to destroy her.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR -

Max Seeck devotes his time to writing professionally. An avid reader of Nordic noir for personal pleasure, he listens to film scores as he writes. His accolades include the Finnish Whodunit Society's Debut Thriller of the Year Award 2016. Max Seeck has a background in sales and marketing and loves to promote his works, and is fluent in English and German.

MY THOUGHTS -

This is a creepy, intense, and fun read! I actually happen to love creepy and intense! I have not read the first book - The Witch Hunter, and I kinda wish I had so it's going on my wish list. This author's writing is definitely edgy and gripping. It will keep you tipping on the edge of your seat all throughout the book from one twist to another, are there are quite a few.

The character development was good.  Even though we do get to see her on an emotional level (some back story) that showed her flaws. I just didn't feel emotionally connected to Jessica. She was a great kick a$$ character though! She didn't take crap and could hold her own. I love that in a female main character. I guess I just couldn't see myself being "friends" with her, but... I would want her standing up for me when things got bad.

I loved that this story takes place in Finland. I don't think I have ever read a story that takes place there before. I was getting some great mental pictures from the author's scene painting. Especially when talking about the lighthouse and shore. 

I also loved that the story revolves around a couple of missing social media influencers/"Bloggers". This made it fun and current.

This is not an easy-going, fluffy read - it is dark, creepy, scary at times, and somewhat graphic. So, if you can handle it I would definitely take a gamble on this one! A good read for sure.

 I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Berkley, Penguin Random House

 -  Thank You!!

Get your copy from Amazon - HERE