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Rooker Lindström #1
The Man Burned by Winter
An investigative journalist on the edge. A serial killer testing his limits. What they have in common can freeze the blood.
Still reeling from a personal tragedy, investigative journalist Rooker Lindström finds a grim hideaway from the world. It’s the dilapidated cabin on Minnesota’s Deer Lake bequeathed to him by his late father—one of the most notorious serial killers in the state. If the walls of this murder house could talk, they’d scream.
Detective Tess Harlow needs something from Rooker only he can provide: a window into the mind of a murderer. A copycat is on the prowl, following in the footsteps of Rooker’s father. After reluctantly agreeing to take on the role of consultant, Rooker makes a chilling discovery. Every victim—five and counting—is a depraved taunt meant only for him. Rooker is not just tracking a killer playing sick games. In this brutal Minnesota winter, Rooker is confronting his past.
Maybe working with Tess is Rooker’s last chance at redemption. But to outrun his father’s legacy, he must follow a darker path still to come.
Still reeling from a personal tragedy, investigative journalist Rooker Lindström finds a grim hideaway from the world. It’s the dilapidated cabin on Minnesota’s Deer Lake bequeathed to him by his late father—one of the most notorious serial killers in the state. If the walls of this murder house could talk, they’d scream.
Detective Tess Harlow needs something from Rooker only he can provide: a window into the mind of a murderer. A copycat is on the prowl, following in the footsteps of Rooker’s father. After reluctantly agreeing to take on the role of consultant, Rooker makes a chilling discovery. Every victim—five and counting—is a depraved taunt meant only for him. Rooker is not just tracking a killer playing sick games. In this brutal Minnesota winter, Rooker is confronting his past.
Maybe working with Tess is Rooker’s last chance at redemption. But to outrun his father’s legacy, he must follow a darker path still to come.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2022
About the author
Pete Zacharias
3 books135 followersPete Zacharias received a BA in English with a concentration in creative writing. He is a lover of Nordic noir, dark thrillers, and anything spy, and credits Michael Connelly’s The Poet as the novel that inspired him to become a writer. The Man Burned by Winter is Pete’s first novel.
Pete grew up in Milford, Connecticut, received a BA in English with a concentration in Creative Writing, and now bounces around between Connecticut and Rhode Island.
Pete grew up in Milford, Connecticut, received a BA in English with a concentration in Creative Writing, and now bounces around between Connecticut and Rhode Island.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 692 reviews
May 4, 2022
It was THIS close to being a decent book. Characters need work and some of the descriptions were waaay out there. I think the last 40% of the book was written in a 3 hour deadline. What were the snowflake scar and 2 drunk guys in the parking lot all about? Some day I’ll give up on First Reads.
May 8, 2022
Page Turner
I felt like I was part of this story as the author's descriptive writing caused me to envision each character and their surroundings. The twists and turns kept me on my toes attempting to discover who the serial killer truly is.
I highly recommend this book to thriller-serial killer readers.
I received this book through pre release from Goodreads and Amazon Prime and have given my honest opinion.
I felt like I was part of this story as the author's descriptive writing caused me to envision each character and their surroundings. The twists and turns kept me on my toes attempting to discover who the serial killer truly is.
I highly recommend this book to thriller-serial killer readers.
I received this book through pre release from Goodreads and Amazon Prime and have given my honest opinion.
July 1, 2022
This is a strange book but a compelling read ... the lead character is full of flaws and uncertainties, presented in a way that makes you root for him
June 1, 2022
An engaging and entertaining -- yet confusing -- book.
I have questions.
I had a hard time getting over the profuse use of "ahold" and the jarring description of a forest that was "over 298 miles" (long? away? square miles?).
Would a roof really leak water into a bucket in the middle of a northern Minnesota winter in a house with no heat?
Who was the delivery boy?
The intrepid serial killer hunters took a private plane from their city to Minneapolis, rather than a 3-hour trip by car, and yet Rooker was able to get back somehow in what surely must have been less than 10 minutes -- and was quickly followed by the rest of the team "just in time" (okay -- a little spoiler).
What happened in the darkened house? Why was it all so confusing? Why were there barely any answers?
I reached near the end and was unsure what exactly was happening and why. I thought I must have been distracted and re-read several passages, but remained confused -- and yet, kept going.
I found myself wondering to whom it was now referring as the "real" serial killer (no spoilers here, but the person was barely mentioned in the 300+ pages prior).
During the denouement, there was some explanation as to why certain names had been changed in the characters' pasts, but I found that all a stretch, as if the author had been told to, "Go back and make this make sense".
There were many parts about which I never really did figure out what had happened -- and wasn't about to go back and do so once I had finished the book.
Did I miss something here? Why yes. Yes, I did.
Did I enjoy the book? Strangely, yes.
I have questions.
I had a hard time getting over the profuse use of "ahold" and the jarring description of a forest that was "over 298 miles" (long? away? square miles?).
Would a roof really leak water into a bucket in the middle of a northern Minnesota winter in a house with no heat?
Who was the delivery boy?
The intrepid serial killer hunters took a private plane from their city to Minneapolis, rather than a 3-hour trip by car, and yet Rooker was able to get back somehow in what surely must have been less than 10 minutes -- and was quickly followed by the rest of the team "just in time" (okay -- a little spoiler).
What happened in the darkened house? Why was it all so confusing? Why were there barely any answers?
I reached near the end and was unsure what exactly was happening and why. I thought I must have been distracted and re-read several passages, but remained confused -- and yet, kept going.
I found myself wondering to whom it was now referring as the "real" serial killer (no spoilers here, but the person was barely mentioned in the 300+ pages prior).
During the denouement, there was some explanation as to why certain names had been changed in the characters' pasts, but I found that all a stretch, as if the author had been told to, "Go back and make this make sense".
There were many parts about which I never really did figure out what had happened -- and wasn't about to go back and do so once I had finished the book.
Did I miss something here? Why yes. Yes, I did.
Did I enjoy the book? Strangely, yes.
June 30, 2022
2.5 This book had so much potential but ultimately it had so many issues. Pacing, writing style, and overall plot construction was clunky and not well built.
May 11, 2022
i didn’t get it
Just not a tight enough story imo. Why was it written like it was set in Sweden, with Swedish names, food, references but actually set in America? It was like the location name changed at the last minute.
There were 11 references to the murderer throughout the whole book including after we found out it was him, I had to go back and see who they were because I genuinely didn’t know so it wasn’t a shock.
The back story wasn’t explained, I felt like I was reading a sequel.
The reasoning behind the murders wasn’t properly explained.
We’re there two family houses or just one? Why did he get on a plane and then be able to drive back to the place in 10 minutes?
Why did he go back to a house when he knew he was just going to be shot at again?
Who was the delivery boy?
How did he get these women to sleep with him? He sounded gross.
Just not a tight enough story imo. Why was it written like it was set in Sweden, with Swedish names, food, references but actually set in America? It was like the location name changed at the last minute.
There were 11 references to the murderer throughout the whole book including after we found out it was him, I had to go back and see who they were because I genuinely didn’t know so it wasn’t a shock.
The back story wasn’t explained, I felt like I was reading a sequel.
The reasoning behind the murders wasn’t properly explained.
We’re there two family houses or just one? Why did he get on a plane and then be able to drive back to the place in 10 minutes?
Why did he go back to a house when he knew he was just going to be shot at again?
Who was the delivery boy?
How did he get these women to sleep with him? He sounded gross.
February 15, 2023
This is a decent story, but the end left too many questions. 5 of 10 stars
May 18, 2022
It’s clear the author has never been to Itasca county or the surrounding areas. I was very much pulled out of the story by the stark inaccuracies.
I was unimpressed with the writing and believe it could have used better editing.
I was unimpressed with the writing and believe it could have used better editing.
May 16, 2022
Interesting read, but the writing style lacks finesse.
I enjoyed this book, it was hard to put down, but the writing style leaves a bit to be desired, kind of like the jagged edge of a serrated knife versus the smooth side,the writing style was up and down, with lots of unfinished moments and mistakes. Still recommend, and will go on to the second in this series.
I enjoyed this book, it was hard to put down, but the writing style leaves a bit to be desired, kind of like the jagged edge of a serrated knife versus the smooth side,the writing style was up and down, with lots of unfinished moments and mistakes. Still recommend, and will go on to the second in this series.
May 19, 2022
This book definitely kept me engaged but I was honestly disappointed about who the murderer was. I would have been more shocked if it was any other character. Aside from this, the story telling and descriptive writing made it easy to imagine the setting and characters.
***Spoilers***
Itasca County seemed like a "small town" place, so how did Gregory Sadler go missing and stay hidden from the friends and family he grew up with, especially being in the police force. Yes, he changed his name but he would still look the same or at least similar as an adult.
***Spoilers***
Itasca County seemed like a "small town" place, so how did Gregory Sadler go missing and stay hidden from the friends and family he grew up with, especially being in the police force. Yes, he changed his name but he would still look the same or at least similar as an adult.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2022
With such a high rating, I kept waiting for this book to get good.
Yet, that never happened.
I had a lot of issues with this book, primarily the writing. It was absolutely all over the place. Jarring structure changes, weird descriptions, and a serious lack compelling prose. Rooker never sat well with me, I find his character off putting and his constant mindset of being above everyone’s petty rules, the romance was awkward then forgotten about completely; not to mention huge plot holes with character development.
Overall disappointing. The son of an infamous serial killer was a great premise, the execution of ideas needs work.
Yet, that never happened.
I had a lot of issues with this book, primarily the writing. It was absolutely all over the place. Jarring structure changes, weird descriptions, and a serious lack compelling prose. Rooker never sat well with me, I find his character off putting and his constant mindset of being above everyone’s petty rules, the romance was awkward then forgotten about completely; not to mention huge plot holes with character development.
Overall disappointing. The son of an infamous serial killer was a great premise, the execution of ideas needs work.
May 31, 2022
Great read from a debut author. Couldn’t put the book down and finished it within a few days. If you like Michael Connelly, Dennis Lehane and Stieg Larsson then this book should be right up your alley. Can’t wait for the sequel.
May 4, 2022
Kept you guessing
Interesting read. Kept you wondering what was going to happen next. I'm going to have to read again to get the connection between all the characters again. Sorry the second book in the series is over a year away.
Interesting read. Kept you wondering what was going to happen next. I'm going to have to read again to get the connection between all the characters again. Sorry the second book in the series is over a year away.
August 25, 2022
”The Man Burned by Winter” is the first book in the Rooker Lindstöm thriller series. The scene is set in Minnesota during the middle of winter with lots of snow and bitter cold.
The book focuses on a serial killer who is evading law enforcement.
Rooker Lindstrom is a former journalist from California who just happens to be the son of the known serial killer, Gunner Lindstrom, who prowled Minnesota in the 1990’s. Rooker was also credited with catching another serial killer in California which ultimately cost him his marriage and his young son’s life.
Rooker is back and now living in his psychotic and very abusive father’s cabin on a Minnesota lake. He is ruthlessly trying to avoid his all consuming emotional pain by regularly drinking himself into oblivion.
Detective Tess Harlow is the lead in the frustrating investigation into the gruesome murders of women by an elusive killer. Tess and her team have run out of leads and her job is on the line if they fail to stop the killer before another female victim is found. In desperation, she makes a controversial decision by persuading Rooker Lindstrom to join her team as a consultant.
As a member of the team, Rooker soon realizes that the killer is taunting him as he gruesomely displays the women he murders just like Rooker’s father did years ago.
The suspense was heightened by the eerie description of snow laden forests and frozen lakes. I did find that there were loose ends especially between the under developed characters and the ending. When the killer was revealed, I had to go back to review the connections between many of the characters in order to make sense of the ending. I mainly questioned how the killer stayed hidden from friends and family while growing up in a small town.
I found this to be a captivating, psychological thriller that kept me wondering what was going to happen next. The author created an interesting albeit troubled and imperfect protagonist in Rooker, the son of a serial killer, who grew up to catch serial killers. Also, without spoiling the plot, the author subtly included intriguing perspectives from Tess and the murderer which added insight to the story.
The book focuses on a serial killer who is evading law enforcement.
Rooker Lindstrom is a former journalist from California who just happens to be the son of the known serial killer, Gunner Lindstrom, who prowled Minnesota in the 1990’s. Rooker was also credited with catching another serial killer in California which ultimately cost him his marriage and his young son’s life.
Rooker is back and now living in his psychotic and very abusive father’s cabin on a Minnesota lake. He is ruthlessly trying to avoid his all consuming emotional pain by regularly drinking himself into oblivion.
Detective Tess Harlow is the lead in the frustrating investigation into the gruesome murders of women by an elusive killer. Tess and her team have run out of leads and her job is on the line if they fail to stop the killer before another female victim is found. In desperation, she makes a controversial decision by persuading Rooker Lindstrom to join her team as a consultant.
As a member of the team, Rooker soon realizes that the killer is taunting him as he gruesomely displays the women he murders just like Rooker’s father did years ago.
The suspense was heightened by the eerie description of snow laden forests and frozen lakes. I did find that there were loose ends especially between the under developed characters and the ending. When the killer was revealed, I had to go back to review the connections between many of the characters in order to make sense of the ending. I mainly questioned how the killer stayed hidden from friends and family while growing up in a small town.
I found this to be a captivating, psychological thriller that kept me wondering what was going to happen next. The author created an interesting albeit troubled and imperfect protagonist in Rooker, the son of a serial killer, who grew up to catch serial killers. Also, without spoiling the plot, the author subtly included intriguing perspectives from Tess and the murderer which added insight to the story.
August 8, 2022
Has anyone who worked on this book ever experienced a cold winter? I'm doubtful...
I wanted to like this, but the details were so wrong that I couldn't get into it. The main character lives in a ramshackle, falling-down cabin during the winter with no heat.
In Minnesota.
And he goes around in just his boxers. And has running water. And a leak that drips through his ceiling.
First, he'd freeze to death with no heat source. And his pipes would have frozen and burst with the first deep cold. Even in normal houses with heat in that area, pipes can freeze if you don't take extra steps to protect them.
And the leak...don't get me started on the leak. There's no heat. In Minnesota. In the winter. The water would freeze. There's no source of heat to warm it up and cause a drip.
These might not seem like a big deal, but it's hard to take the story seriously when basic common sense should tell you this is off.
Aside from that, the main female character and her family seem like they'll be important, but they're really not. A bunch of facts are introduced about her that have no bearing whatsoever on the case and that are pretty much just forgotten. None of the characters seem like actual people. They're cardboard cutouts going through their paces.
The main male character has a little more depth, but most of it is from his connection to other people -- his son, his father, etc. A romance came out of nowhere and, well, went nowhere too. It felt rote, perfunctory, as if it's what the author thought readers would expect so he stuck it in.
I don't blame the author for this. His editor should have pushed for changes instead of publishing the story in this shape.
The actual resolution to the mystery was unsatisfying, and it left a lot of dangling threads. They didn't seem like the kind of threads left open for the next book, either.
I wanted to like this, but the details were so wrong that I couldn't get into it. The main character lives in a ramshackle, falling-down cabin during the winter with no heat.
In Minnesota.
And he goes around in just his boxers. And has running water. And a leak that drips through his ceiling.
First, he'd freeze to death with no heat source. And his pipes would have frozen and burst with the first deep cold. Even in normal houses with heat in that area, pipes can freeze if you don't take extra steps to protect them.
And the leak...don't get me started on the leak. There's no heat. In Minnesota. In the winter. The water would freeze. There's no source of heat to warm it up and cause a drip.
These might not seem like a big deal, but it's hard to take the story seriously when basic common sense should tell you this is off.
Aside from that, the main female character and her family seem like they'll be important, but they're really not. A bunch of facts are introduced about her that have no bearing whatsoever on the case and that are pretty much just forgotten. None of the characters seem like actual people. They're cardboard cutouts going through their paces.
The main male character has a little more depth, but most of it is from his connection to other people -- his son, his father, etc. A romance came out of nowhere and, well, went nowhere too. It felt rote, perfunctory, as if it's what the author thought readers would expect so he stuck it in.
I don't blame the author for this. His editor should have pushed for changes instead of publishing the story in this shape.
The actual resolution to the mystery was unsatisfying, and it left a lot of dangling threads. They didn't seem like the kind of threads left open for the next book, either.
May 11, 2022
The Man Burned by Winter by Pete Zacharias was an interesting story, but I did not "really like it."
This was a Prime Reading free first reads Kindle edition. I would have preferred a hard cover book. It is easier to go back with a paper copy than with a Kindle. One thing I needed to go back to check was when it said "Keene is talking to the boy". A few pages later the missing boy turns up. If I had known that I could have continued reading rather than back tracking to learn when the missing boy turned up. Rather hard to talk to a missing boy, you see.
How did the detective know he did not have caller ID? I hate when I am engrossed in a story & have to back up to see what I missed. This is going to be the first book in a series, thus one knows that Rooker is not going to die. Knowing that takes away from the "thriller" aspect of the novel.
Why I did not "really like it" is my personal reading likes/dislikes. The descriptions of places were too wordy. I imagine, while I read, that the author is picturing his book becoming a movie, thus the need for such minute details. I did, however, enjoy the detailed description of the paintings.
Knowing the ending of the story, I might need to back track to the start, skim read to find the parts that will help make sense of the ending.
This was a Prime Reading free first reads Kindle edition. I would have preferred a hard cover book. It is easier to go back with a paper copy than with a Kindle. One thing I needed to go back to check was when it said "Keene is talking to the boy". A few pages later the missing boy turns up. If I had known that I could have continued reading rather than back tracking to learn when the missing boy turned up. Rather hard to talk to a missing boy, you see.
How did the detective know he did not have caller ID? I hate when I am engrossed in a story & have to back up to see what I missed. This is going to be the first book in a series, thus one knows that Rooker is not going to die. Knowing that takes away from the "thriller" aspect of the novel.
Why I did not "really like it" is my personal reading likes/dislikes. The descriptions of places were too wordy. I imagine, while I read, that the author is picturing his book becoming a movie, thus the need for such minute details. I did, however, enjoy the detailed description of the paintings.
Knowing the ending of the story, I might need to back track to the start, skim read to find the parts that will help make sense of the ending.
June 4, 2022
Terrible, awful writing style. I have never seen such odd comparisons and unnecessary information that made me roll my eyes every time in a book before. I “hate finished” this book just because I started it and committed to it. Writer presented so many different characters that when the big reveal comes up, I had no “blown away” moment, because I lost track of all the people mentioned in the book and had to flip through pages all over the book to make some sense of the final chapters. None of the characters are relatable and I could not connect with them. It was definitely a waste of time. I kept telling myself that the end would make up for all the cringy moments in the story, but sadly, it did not.
May 5, 2022
Great read
One of the best psychological thrillers I've read. Captivating, suspenseful, unexpected. It's a book you won't want to stop reading until the end.
One of the best psychological thrillers I've read. Captivating, suspenseful, unexpected. It's a book you won't want to stop reading until the end.
Shelved as 'dnf'
July 15, 2024Dnf
August 6, 2022
An odd mix of lots of threads dropped, questions unanswered, and convoluted scenarios yet enjoying listening and the story.
Rooker being a troubled, imperfect protagonist worked well. I also liked that Zacharais included perspectives from Tess and the murderer without spoiling who it was.
Honestly, I became more interested in Rooker and Tess than in who was committing the murders. I wanted to know why, but because it would give me insight into the other characters.
Narration:
A.T. Chandler was wonderful. He does an amazing job of giving all the characters unique and consistent voices. I don’t know if I would have finished this if I were just reading it to myself.
Rooker being a troubled, imperfect protagonist worked well. I also liked that Zacharais included perspectives from Tess and the murderer without spoiling who it was.
Honestly, I became more interested in Rooker and Tess than in who was committing the murders. I wanted to know why, but because it would give me insight into the other characters.
Narration:
A.T. Chandler was wonderful. He does an amazing job of giving all the characters unique and consistent voices. I don’t know if I would have finished this if I were just reading it to myself.
May 17, 2022
Probably a 3.5
Creepy but good
Creepy but good
May 6, 2022
Had Potential
But way too gruesome for me and characters I couldn’t connect with. Not for me. Another Kindle First fail, unfortunately
But way too gruesome for me and characters I couldn’t connect with. Not for me. Another Kindle First fail, unfortunately
May 10, 2022
Insanity
First off, what is the infatuation with the word "gray" that was used so many times it became aggravating? Secondly, why were Tess's parents even mentioned? Lastly, when did you get tired of writing, and decide to do a quick wrap up ending? I wanted to love this book. I almost did.
First off, what is the infatuation with the word "gray" that was used so many times it became aggravating? Secondly, why were Tess's parents even mentioned? Lastly, when did you get tired of writing, and decide to do a quick wrap up ending? I wanted to love this book. I almost did.
March 26, 2022
What a phenomenal book. From the start, I was immediately hooked. This author is so descriptive in both his characters and the ambiance throughout. I couldn’t put it down, and what waited on each page was a surprise. Chilling and invigorating! Will most definitely read any future publications!
May 12, 2022
Welcome back for another book review! Today I’m reviewing The Man Burned by Winter by Pete Zacharias, which is labelled as the first book in the Rooker Lindstöm Thriller series. I got my hands on this one a month earlier than it’s release on June 1st through Amazon First Reads. So look out for it then if it sounds like something you’d enjoy. So, let’s get on with the review…Allons-y!
The book is primarily about a serial murder case in Minnesota, in the middle of winter, so…snow. Lots of snow and cold. The murderer has evaded law enforcement and they’ve run out of ideas, until Detective Tess Harlow goes a little rogue and decides to bring in a consultant. It’s a controversial decision however, as the man she chooses to ask is Rooker Lindström, a former journalist from California and suspect in the very crime he’d be consulting upon, who just happens to be the son of a serial killer who prowled Minnesota in the 90’s, Gunner Lindström. Rooker is also credited with catching a serial killer in California, but at great personal cost. Now he’s living in his psychotic and abusive father’s cabin on the lake trying to drink himself to death to avoid his pain. Tess manages to persuade Rooker to help out, and together, with Tess’ team of detectives, they work hard to investigate the ongoing crimes, and try to stop more women becoming victims.
Now, I’ll say that I enjoyed the book overall, but it didn’t grab me and make me NEED to read it. I kept finding other things to do when I’d settled in to read, which is always a sign that a book isn’t hitting the mark with me. It’s simply personal preference, and the book has a lot of extremely good reviews on Goodreads, so I’d recommend picking it up and reading it. I liked a lot of the story and the ideas that were included, such as the son of a serial killer growing up to catch a serial killer but losing something else in the process. Or the eternal debate of nature versus nurture, is evil born or is it bred? Always interesting, but there’s no depth to these concepts. That’s my main issue with this book I think, everything felt quite thin and superficial. There wasn’t any depth to any characters other than Tess and Rooker, and even they weren’t really deep enough to make you root for them or even like or dislike them. When the killer was revealed I genuinely couldn’t even remember who they were, the character was skated over so much. The fun for me in crime and thrillers is working out who the killer is, in this book I guessed some of it but most I had no chance with. Some people may like that in their crime novels, unfortunately not me.
I also felt that the writing swung from overly flowery descriptions and analogies, to a simple list of who was where, doing what, with who. It struck me as a very odd mix. The ending of the chapters threw me too, they’d just end abruptly, it almost felt like in the middle of a scene. It was almost like there were either two writers or some parts were sketched in and never polished. I read some aloud to my husband to see if it was just me and he felt the same, so again, it will be personal preference. Having said that, the story elements were all there and had the rest have been more fleshed out it would have been a suspenseful read, but I kept being pulled out of the book by the writing which is never what you want.
The chosen setting was suitably eerie and beautiful, the sort of place that myths and legends are born, and I would love to see the forests and lakes, as frozen over as in the book, in person. That’s sort of the problem in a nutshell though, the whole book felt superficial. On the surface everything seems great but it never goes far enough to really grab me and make me love it.
It’s probably a 3 star review from me I’m afraid.
Reviewed on Merlin’s Cove
https://bit.ly/3PiLLnW
The book is primarily about a serial murder case in Minnesota, in the middle of winter, so…snow. Lots of snow and cold. The murderer has evaded law enforcement and they’ve run out of ideas, until Detective Tess Harlow goes a little rogue and decides to bring in a consultant. It’s a controversial decision however, as the man she chooses to ask is Rooker Lindström, a former journalist from California and suspect in the very crime he’d be consulting upon, who just happens to be the son of a serial killer who prowled Minnesota in the 90’s, Gunner Lindström. Rooker is also credited with catching a serial killer in California, but at great personal cost. Now he’s living in his psychotic and abusive father’s cabin on the lake trying to drink himself to death to avoid his pain. Tess manages to persuade Rooker to help out, and together, with Tess’ team of detectives, they work hard to investigate the ongoing crimes, and try to stop more women becoming victims.
Now, I’ll say that I enjoyed the book overall, but it didn’t grab me and make me NEED to read it. I kept finding other things to do when I’d settled in to read, which is always a sign that a book isn’t hitting the mark with me. It’s simply personal preference, and the book has a lot of extremely good reviews on Goodreads, so I’d recommend picking it up and reading it. I liked a lot of the story and the ideas that were included, such as the son of a serial killer growing up to catch a serial killer but losing something else in the process. Or the eternal debate of nature versus nurture, is evil born or is it bred? Always interesting, but there’s no depth to these concepts. That’s my main issue with this book I think, everything felt quite thin and superficial. There wasn’t any depth to any characters other than Tess and Rooker, and even they weren’t really deep enough to make you root for them or even like or dislike them. When the killer was revealed I genuinely couldn’t even remember who they were, the character was skated over so much. The fun for me in crime and thrillers is working out who the killer is, in this book I guessed some of it but most I had no chance with. Some people may like that in their crime novels, unfortunately not me.
I also felt that the writing swung from overly flowery descriptions and analogies, to a simple list of who was where, doing what, with who. It struck me as a very odd mix. The ending of the chapters threw me too, they’d just end abruptly, it almost felt like in the middle of a scene. It was almost like there were either two writers or some parts were sketched in and never polished. I read some aloud to my husband to see if it was just me and he felt the same, so again, it will be personal preference. Having said that, the story elements were all there and had the rest have been more fleshed out it would have been a suspenseful read, but I kept being pulled out of the book by the writing which is never what you want.
The chosen setting was suitably eerie and beautiful, the sort of place that myths and legends are born, and I would love to see the forests and lakes, as frozen over as in the book, in person. That’s sort of the problem in a nutshell though, the whole book felt superficial. On the surface everything seems great but it never goes far enough to really grab me and make me love it.
It’s probably a 3 star review from me I’m afraid.
Reviewed on Merlin’s Cove
https://bit.ly/3PiLLnW
July 6, 2022
The Man Burned by Winter ( Rooker Lindstrom Thriller Book 1 by Peter Zachariah
I tried to hate this book but it wouldn’t let me forget it. Rooker Lindstrom was one complicated character who endured a lot of tragedy not of his on making. Tess Harlow added more misery to Roofers life when she asked him to join her miser investigation. There is so much going on in this book that I recommend that you read it. This book could be read by matured 16 year old and above. Good job Pete Zachariah.
I tried to hate this book but it wouldn’t let me forget it. Rooker Lindstrom was one complicated character who endured a lot of tragedy not of his on making. Tess Harlow added more misery to Roofers life when she asked him to join her miser investigation. There is so much going on in this book that I recommend that you read it. This book could be read by matured 16 year old and above. Good job Pete Zachariah.
February 6, 2024
The son of a serial killer is pulled into the investigation of a “new” serial killer. Rooker Lindstrom has many demons and new ones are added when he realizes that the new serial killer has ties to Rooker, and his serial killer father. The story was excellent, the characters interesting. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
November 4, 2024
First time I'm reading this author. Well written -- enjoyed the characters -- story line was great. Look forward to reading more of her books -- i highly recommend this book.
June 7, 2022
Finished reading: June 6th 2022
"That was the problem with being sent on a wild fucking goose chase. You never know what's truly important and what's insignificant."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
May 12, 2022
2.5. Gorry but had me mesmerized right off the bat. But I got confused at the end and had to re read the last quarter. I was able to answer most of my questions, but why did Erik seem suspicious and have torn up knuckles?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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