By Larissa Page
Simone St. James has made a name for herself in the supernatural thriller genre. After reading The Sun Down Motel a few years ago and feeling the literal heebie-jeebies, I’ve been quick to pick up her other books. I was so excited to get my hands on The Book of Cold Cases earlier this year.
The Book of Cold Cases follows Shea, a medical receptionist by day with an event from her past that she just can’t leave behind, propelling her need to become a true crime blogger by night. When she meets Beth, the infamously acquitted suspect of the 1977 Lady Killer murders that rocked the small town of Claire Lake, Shea asks for an interview and is pulled into Beth’s life. Beth has been living an isolated life in her parents’ house since her acquittal in 1977. This leads Shea to question whether Beth ready to move on? What is with her in the house? And can Shea get to the bottom of the crimes committed back in 1977?
This book had all the hallmarks of St. James’ supernatural thrillers. It has hair-raising scenes, possible ghosts, and brutal crimes. It also has mystery with twists and turns. It is written in dual timelines, which can at times get a little confusing. It even has a little potential side romance for the present-day characters. I don’t want to say St. James has gotten cookie-cutter with her thrillers but all of the expected elements are there.
I didn’t find The Book of Cold Cases quite as creepy or eerie as I found The Sun Down Motel, which I was a little disappointed by. I still really liked the supernatural aspects, the story, and the mystery, but it didn’t make me feel the need to curl under a blanket and hide like some of the scenes in Sun Down did. It was still an easy, engaging, and entertaining read—I just wished I’d been more creeped out and perhaps not gotten confused the few times I did.
While The Book of Cold Cases didn’t dethrone The Sun Down Motel for the top spot on my Simone St. James podium, I am still glad I read it. I did enjoy it and will absolutely, without question, continue to read future books by St. James. They make for the perfect lighter thriller to read when I’m in a reading slump or need a break from the heavier reads.
Thank you, Penguin Random House Canada, for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.