The Coldest Case by Tessa Wegert

Release: November 5, 2024
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Severn House
Source: Suzyapproved Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle

News of a missing Instagram celebrity brings Senior Investigator Shana Merchant to a frozen island community of just eight people. When the visit turns deadly, her hunt for a killer collides with a cold case she’ll never forget . . .

Cary Caufield isn’t the first man to go missing on an island, but when he doesn’t return from ice fishing, his neighbors still fear the worst. Though Cary and his girlfriend run a profitable Instagram account about their year of living on a remote island, they don’t understand the dangers of the ice. The tight-knit community of long-time islanders will tell you Running Pine can be perilous – especially for city slickers who’ll do anything to get the perfect shot.

Newlywed Senior Investigator Shana Merchant takes her own safety into her hands to help. But it soon becomes clear that Cary’s disappearance is more complicated than she first thought. In a place where collaboration can save your life, the islanders are secretive, the newcomers aloof. Also, there’s evidence of an outsider hiding somewhere in the snow. At the same time, aspects of the case remind Shana of a homicide she worked back in Manhattan, a murder that haunts her still. As she enters a new phase of her life, she’s compelled to revisit the cold case. This plunges her headlong into the darkest part of her own past. And when a wind storm traps her on the island with a killer, she’ll need to solve both crimes before she becomes the next victim.

About the Author:

Tessa Wegert is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in Forbes, The Huffington Post, Adweek, and The Economist. She grew up in Quebec near the border of Vermont and now lives with her family in Connecticut. Tessa writes mysteries set in Upstate New York while studying martial arts and dance.

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The Coldest Case Review:

I have been following the series since the first book, and “The Coldest Case” is perhaps one of my favorites. The author masterfully immerses readers in Running Pine’s chilling and claustrophobic atmosphere, making this setting a character in its own right. The author’s vivid descriptions capture the cold and isolation of the island, effectively conveying a sense of unease that lingers throughout the narrative.

As the latest installment in the series, the book continues to delve into the complex relationship between Shana and Blake Bram. Shana remains a compelling character, grappling with her past trauma while navigating the current investigation. Wegert skillfully toggles between the past and present, presenting two cases—one in Running Pine and another involving Dave Johansson and Adam Starkweather. This dual narrative structure enriches the plot, allowing readers to decipher the intricate connections between the characters and their histories. Certain scenes, like the eerie symbolism of the coywolf and the haunting appearance of a homeless man watching Shana, add to the book’s unsettling ambiance, making for a gripping read.

The supporting characters are equally intriguing, each with their motives, creating a web of suspense that culminates in a surprising twist. While some, like Imogen, instill a sense of creepiness, others, such as Tim, Val, Dori, and Emmeline, add a comforting warmth and depth to the story, engaging the readers and making them feel a part of the narrative. Moreover, Wegert’s exploration of social media’s influence on the case provides an engaging contemporary angle, reflecting how modern technology intersects with traditional island life.

Overall, Wegert’s writing invites readers to become close to the islanders and their protective nature. I eagerly anticipate more books in the series, as I would love to revisit Shana and Tim’s journey.