Undecided

Would you try another book from Emilie J. Howard and/or J. Scott Bennett?

I'm not sure how to react to this second book in the series. On the one hand, I knew what to expect with the writing style, and the storyline. On the other hand I knew what to expect with the writing style.

The story itself was interesting enough; kept me guessing until almost the end. The actual ending was a nice twist.

What I am ambivalent about is definitely the writing style. So much of the story seems perfect, like Cold Hollow was the set of the Stepford Wives. The new characters come in to set up their lives in town and everything goes perfectly, no problems, everyone is happy and settles in nicely. There are no resentful teenager conflicts about why did we have to move away from all our friends, no difficulties fitting in, etc. Even the bad guy doesn't encounter any problems except for his attitude towards others.

I also found the repetition of words and phrases irritating after awhile. This was most notable when they catch the criminal and the author continually talks about taking him to the next town over for the trial. I understand the thought of not mentioning a recognizable city or town name but how about the neighbouring town, or the adjoining jurisdiction, whatever? Some scenes I did find a bit unrealistic, making me wonder how much research the author did, but it was mainly small things.

Despite this, and this is where the on the one hand and on the other hand comes in, overall I enjoyed the story. The author crafts Interesting characters, and the plot is good. The premise of the series is unique, and the surprise twist at the end helps to pique readers interest in the next book.

The narration, once again was clean, although I seem to recall once or twice wondering at a word that I couldn't quite make out due to the dialect.

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The ghastly inhabitants of Cold Hollow

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I was so stinking excited when I saw there was a sequel to Cold Hollow. I absolutely loved the first book and this one did not disappoint. This book wasn’t nearly as gruesome for me as the first but it still had me squirming a bit at times. The descriptions of all of the characters made it easy to be able to tell them all apart and the way the author explained the lay out of the town made me feel like I was there. I highly suggest this book but I would recommend reading the first book Cold Hollow first so you get a little more back story on some of the characters.
"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobookboom dot com."

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Weaving the Best Yarn!!

This is another fantastic installment by Emilie J. Howard. She’s honed her craft to a level that still reminds me of Stephen King (this is meant as a huge compliment) while strongly maintaining her own style and individual creativeness. In this second book in this Cold Hollow Mystery, the story picks up, rather independently, right in our favorite town of Cold Hollow where new probationers are introduced as well as new comers who have never had anything to do with the penal system. Howard is a master at presenting a beguiling cover that her story is pacified (which is not) and predictable (which it absolutely is not). There were shocks so strong, they felt electric, and no matter how sure I thought outcomes would be, I was wrong each and every time. No character is indispensable, no situation straightforward. Howard’s writing is not only clever, it is tight and exceptionally fitting for this genre. What a great addition to the fold of this genre. Finally—another awesome writer!!

The narrator is also good at his craft. The most unfortunate gripe is that his voice sounds aged and so much older than the cast of teens, twenty-somethings, and thirty-somethings characters portrayed in the story. It is very distracting to have a mayor who is childbearing age sound like a sixty-year-old.

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review. Thank you Audiobook Boom.

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Good Ending

I would definitely recommend reading the first book of the series before this one. Though you probably could read it as a stand alone, I think some of the people and plots would be missed.

I didn't have any strong feelings about this book until the end. There is a reveal at the end that so really enjoyed and though really tied everything together nicely, but also set up a next book well.

The narrator is perfect for this book. The accents and pacing seemed in keeping with the text, which always makes audiobooks more enjoyable.

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom.

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Creepy!

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A creepy tale, I liked the idea of a town populated by ex-cons as an experiment...definitely different. The murders were gruesome, and creative….killing like a spider…gross! If I lived there I'd be sleeping with both eyes open!

**I received this book for free, in exchange for an honest review through audiobook boom**

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Surprising twists that keep you guessing

This second in the Cold Hollow Mystery series continues the story of an experimental town where most of the residents are paroles. It can be read as a stand alone story but you will get more from this multilayered tale if you read Cold Hollow first. In this story, the arrival of new parolees coincides with the disappearance of local women, who are then found dead and wrapped in silk like a spider's cocooned prey. The story moves along at a good pace and the narration in the audiobook fits the characters well, giving each individual an easily recognizable voice and distinct personality. The plot is excellent and has some great unexpected twists thrown in. I love the characters in this series, they are well developed, interesting, quirky and full of surprises, even the "good" people can be unpredictable and creepy. This is a captivating "who done it" that will keep you guessing right up to the very end. I received the audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion.

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They did it again

As I said they both did a great job. I love this series. The narrator does a great job. It's just as shocking as the first one. I received this for free for my honest and unbiased opinion.

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P.S. Forgotten note to review

First, this is my 3rd attempt to add this note to my review: In my eagerness to give an unbiased review I neglected to include that I received this book at no charge from audiobookboom.com in exchange for an unbiased review, which I gladly submitted.

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Wow!! 5☆ all the way!

Wow!! I did NOT expect that ending!! (〇_ｏ)-! First of all:
"This audio book was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast".

Holy guacamole!! Σ(°△°|||) Highly recommend this book! I was blindsided and punched in the end! The idea of the town, seems like a progressive civilized concept. It's a place for criminals to start anew. I like the descriptions, and felt I was there. Could even picture the bakery, the pharmacy... even going across the street. The characters are so well developed, so unique, so different; it brought the story to life.

Narrator J. Scott Bennett - overjoyed when read his name. The man is exceptional! Each character was a different voice, different personalities, different emotions all brought to life! It was exciting seeing his name. When the plot is deep, and you have a rollercoaster of feelings, you know you've deep into the story all thanks to an exceptional narrator.

I had started listening while walking to work. All this time my mind had not shut up trying to figure out who the killer was.

Totally, totally awesome creepy and unique story!

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totally great

I received this audible edition for free for a honest review I want to read it again With the audible edition as well. I highly recommend this for true hard boiled noir fans. great intrigue.

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