The First of Many... A Fear so Cold

A Faint Cold Fear – Karin Slaughter

"Slaughter’s plotting is relentless, piling on surprises and twists” – Guardian  

Story

A Faint Cold Fear is the third in Slaughters Grant County Series. The story is more close to home when a member of Sara’s family is attacked. Suicides beginning piling up and it seems that these are no longer coincidences making Jeffery and Sara’s job a lot harder. A recurring character plays an interesting role this time and gets into trouble… which is definitely her own fault!

Characters

Sara Linton, Sara’s job as coroner becomes harder in this book she has suicides and someone close to her that she needs to look out for. Her attention is strained between immediate problems and possible problems. She is clearly struggling but remains strong for her family despite everything that is happening.  

Jeffrey Tolliver, his relationship with Sara is getting stronger until this major hiccup. Because of Jeffrey knows this case is more important than any, when one of his own becomes a problem and is possibly in trouble all he can do is try. His character shines brighter in this book than he has previously. 

Lena Adams, despite being kicked off the force (yes we all thought she was gone but no!) Lena becomes a pain for Jeffrey and his investigation; this is then made worse by the appearance of a new character, Ethan. Throughout the book it is unclear what role she has to play in the plot which is good it keeps some mystery meaning her chapters are probably more interesting in this book than they have been in the entire previous two books.

Ethan White/Green, Ethan is the new boy on the block. He becomes a hindrance for Jeffrey and his investigation and he seems to be attached to Lena. As we all know Lena is not a lovable character and Ethan is not a man that is to be messed with. Lena learns new things about herself and Ethan adds intrigue and some danger into the story.

Writing Style

This time Slaughter adds in a few new characters and focuses on a story line that is a bit more close to home. With suicides and an attack on the story she manages to pull together the lose strings at the end of the book.

Series Progression

A Faint Cold Fear is the third in Slaughters Grant County series and leads on extremely well from the second book. As the personal relationships begin developing further the story gets more intricate and interesting.

Readability

Again Slaughter brings out an interesting read, her story remains a mystery and this time someone we know gets hurt (and you feel it this time). It is readable and once you get into the story it is difficult to put the sucker down!

Verdict

My verdict for this book is better. Her last two books had some major faults and to be honest bits were boring however, this time she uses the story to keep nearly all chapters interesting.  A new character is bought in which brings in some danger to the read. Her character lists still lets her down slightly but the series is progressing and the story is much more heart felt than previous reads of hers. Despite these strong points the score remains the same as the second book, she has progressed from the first in her series but this book does not justify a higher score.  

5/10