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Erica Robyn Reads

a horror book review blog

Recent Posts

Interview with Stephen Kozeniewski

This Year, a Witch! by Zoey Abbott | Childrens Book Review

Book photo of A Graveside Gallery: Tales of Ghosts and Dark Matters by Eric J. Guignard

A Graveside Gallery: Tales of Ghosts and Dark Matters by Eric J. Guignard | Book Review

[Book Review] Stone Cold Heart by Caz Frear

January 7, 2020      Erica Robyn      14 Comments

Stone Cold Heart by Caz Frear book photo

Stone Cold Heart by Caz Frear is the second fast-paced whodunit novel in the Cat Kinsella series. 

I could not stop reading this!

I had originally purchased this one as soon as it came out, but with how crazy 2019 got, it fell down my TBR list. I’m so thankful that I was finally able to get to it! 

Let’s dive in! 

My Thoughts on Stone Cold Heart by Caz Frear

The very first page of this story really starts things with a bang!! I love when authors do this to help set the tone. Not that Caz Frear really needs any extra help, because what came next kept things rolling right along! 

When the first chapter begins, we meet back up with Cat and Parnell, two investigators, as they have arrived at a crime scene. The body of a young girl is sprawled on a kitchen floor and due to her injuries, foul play is suspected. 

We learn that the victim hasn’t been in town long, but that she did have a job. That’s where our investigators go to chat first. 

Throughout the investigation, we are introduced to a number of characters, each of them interesting and infuriating in their own ways. We learn very quickly that a number of them are lying… but why?

I love the characters in this book so much. The main character, Cat, has her secrets, and while I don’t love all of her decisions, I do love her as a strong female lead! She’s so smart and I love her dedication to her work. I also love Parnell and his father-like relationship with Cat and how protective of her he is. 

The plot was super engaging and I was so interested to see how things were going to unfold. With how many people were involved and because many of them had been lying, I didn’t know what to believe! I was fully on board with each path they took as each sounded totally plausible!

One of my favorite things about this series so far is just how easy they are to read. The characters seem so real and their banter with one another is perfect and so funny. The authors way of setting a scene really makes the tale come off the pages. 

My Favorite Passages from Stone Cold Heart

Dr. Allen’s face says she’d expect nothing different. “Narcissists have no concept of other people’s needs.”
“Here, that’s not narcissists, that’s toddlers.” Cooke gets the laugh. 

“I don’t suppose there’s any point in ordering you to go home?” she says, turning back to me. “I’ll only find you in the loos with a stack of witness statements.” 
Once. I did that once. 

My Final Thoughts on Stone Cold Heart

I had so much fun reading this and spending more time with these characters! I cannot wait to see what comes next!

This is definitely one that I would recommend to fans of fast paced mysteries with wonderful characters that really drove the story! 


Snag a copy through Bookshop to help support local indie bookshops:

Thanks for reading!

Here are a few more recent posts you might like:

  • Interview with Stephen Kozeniewski
  • This Year, a Witch! by Zoey Abbott | Childrens Book Review
  • A Graveside Gallery: Tales of Ghosts and Dark Matters by Eric J. Guignard | Book Review

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Candyce @ the book Dutchesses says

    January 7, 2020 at 9:38 am

    This book sounds really good. I haven’t read anything by this author, but that may have to change.

    Reply
    • Erica Robyn says

      January 8, 2020 at 3:25 pm

      I definitely recommend her work! She’s on my auto-buy list! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Barb @ Booker T's Farm says

    January 7, 2020 at 10:17 am

    Oh this sounds good. I guess I need to check out the first one!

    Reply
    • Erica Robyn says

      January 8, 2020 at 3:26 pm

      😀 I hope you enjoy it!! It’s such a fun series so far!

      Reply
  3. Lindsi says

    January 8, 2020 at 1:07 am

    I’m not a huge fan of mysteries, but I do love books with wonderful characters! When everything feels authentic and real, it really improves the overall reading experience. I’m on the fence!

    Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? 💬

    Reply
    • Erica Robyn says

      January 8, 2020 at 3:26 pm

      For sure! Wonderful characters really captivate me and make me love the story more! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Jackie says

    January 13, 2020 at 3:00 pm

    I normally wouldn’t pick up a whodunnit unless it’s a cozy mystery, but I’m intrigued by the dynamics between Cat and Parnell. Am I correct in assuming Cat and Parnell are investigative partners?

    Reply
    • Erica Robyn says

      January 13, 2020 at 4:15 pm

      Yes they are, Detective Constables with the Metropolitan Police Force to be super specific! I love them so much.

      Reply
  5. Olivia Roach says

    January 14, 2020 at 5:14 am

    It sounds like this book throws you in from the first page and doesn’t let you go until the very end! I am glad the plot and characters could keep you so engaged all the way through ^.^

    Reply
    • Erica Robyn says

      January 16, 2020 at 1:00 pm

      100%!! I can’t wait to read the third book when it comes out!

      Reply
  6. Katiria Rodriguez says

    January 18, 2020 at 1:18 pm

    Great review my friend, this is the first time I have heard or seen this book series and it really looks and sounds absolutely fantastic and right up my alley as well. I am really glad you fully enjoyed reading this book series so far in, thank you so much for sharing your awesome post and for putting this book on my radar.

    Reply
    • Erica Robyn says

      January 18, 2020 at 4:02 pm

      I definitely recommend it!! 🙂

      Reply

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Erica Robyn of Erica Robyn Reads
Hello! I’m Erica, a Mainer living in New Hampshire who runs on hot tea, good books, and loud music. Join me as I seek out amazing horror tales and help support the indie horror community!
 

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