The Dead of WinterAuthor: Lee Collins
Series: Cora Oglesby #1
Publication Date: October 30, 2012
Format: eARC
Pages: 384
Source: Publisher
Cora and her husband hunt things – things that shouldn’t exist.
When the marshal of Leadville, Colorado, comes across a pair of mysterious deaths, he turns to Cora to find the creature responsible. But if Cora is to overcome the unnatural tide threatening to consume the small town, she must first confront her own tragic past as well as her present.
I knew I needed to read The Dead of Winter as soon as I saw it. A supernatural western? I am all over that! Especially when it is described as “True Grit meets True Blood,” because True Grit (with John Wayne) is one of my all time favorites. Would I say that’s an accurate description of this book? Hmm…. not exactly, but I still enjoyed it.
Unexplainable deaths are occurring in a small but rowdy Colorado town, and Marshal Mart Duggan doesn’t know what to make of it. When Cora Oglesby and her husband Ben come to town and claim that there is a vampire on the loose, he thinks she’s crazy and wants her gone as soon as possible. However, he reluctantly agrees to let her handle the situation. Turns out it’s a whole lot more than just a single vampire terrorizing the people.
I always love reading about supernatural creatures set in different time periods, especially the 1800’s. The author does a good job at capturing the time period and the speech that goes along with it. That being said, if heavy use of “western talk” isn’t your kind of thing, then you might want to skip this one. I do have to say, though, the onetime use of the N-word made me cringe. I understand that it was common back then, but I could think of several ways of saying it, without actually saying it.
Cora Oglesby is by no means what would be considered a “lady.” She’s tough, loud, drinks, rides, shots, and doesn’t take crap from anyone. Yup, I loved her. Ben, Cora’s husband, is the opposite; he’s more of the quiet book nerd type. However, he loyally has Cora’s back and is as brave as they come. They made a great team.
Do you like twists? Well The Dead of Winter has a doozy; it was very well done. I even had to look back at certain parts just to make sure the author wasn’t screwing with me. I had to give major props for that. I also loved the use of Native American lore as the source of the creatures.
Overall, The Dead of Winter was a pretty good read, and I look forward to seeing what happens next.
I love the sound of this, and like you love supernatural reads and westerns. Thanks for sharing this one.
Oh that looks awesome! thanks for the review 😀 so adding to the list
I agree supernatural westerns are lots of fun. I really liked Portlandtown. Yeah the author probably was screwing with you.. so are you making sweets or not this weekend after the 800 lb. lady show? I haven’t been motivated enough. I really need to at least bake some Christmas cookies with my kids.
That seriously turned my appetite off. But yeah, I’ll probably try to make those with dried cranberries this week sometime.
Cora sounds like a tough cookie. I’m looking forward to meeting these characters! 🙂 Great review, Christy.
I love twists, especially when I don’t see them coming. I am so excited to give this one a try. Love the simple and straightforward synopsis and your review has me hooked on giving the series. The book comparison in the blurb will not be a distraction for me since I have not read True Grit or True Blood.
I’m not much for westerns, but I’m all about the supernatural! You have me convinced that I need to give this one a shot! Plus, Cora sounds AWESOME. Thanks for putting this one on my list 😀
Great review, Christy. I started a book called, Dead Reckoning a while back, which features zombies in the 1800s. I wasn’t able to continue reading it though because the language was a stumbling block for me. I might pick it up in the near future again.
But True Grit and True Blood hybrid sounds good. 🙂
I read Dead Reckoning too. The language didn’t bother me, but other things did… I just don’t remember what.
I love the cover on this one, she looks fierce and like she would totally kick my butt if I looked at her wrong lol!
This sounds like one I might like. I love the wild west stuff and I love paranormal but is it kinda scary? I know – not for you, but do you think it might be too much for me, this wee little chicken? 😉
Hmmm… I want to say it’s not scary. No, not too bad. It’s more action against the creatures than intense build-up.
Okay, I’m gonna add to my list to watch for at the library. 🙂 Thanks!
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