Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Dead of Winter by Rebecca Zanetti Narrator: Ava Flynn
Series: Knifes Edge Alaska #1
Published by Tantor Audio on July 8, 2025
Genres: Mystery, Thriller
Length: 10 hours, 15 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble, Apple
Welcome to Knife's Edge, Alaska, where the four Osprey brothers return from military service with shadows in their eyes and secrets in their hearts. As danger looms, new romances ignite, and these rugged men must fight for love…and survival.
Brock Osprey has spent years in the rugged Alaskan wilderness, far from civilization and even farther from his past. A former Navy Seal, Brock is now the unwilling protector of Knife's Edge, a remote town with more secrets than residents. But when FBI agent Ophelia Spilazi arrives to investigate the unsolved murder of his guardian—and recent unexplained deaths in the area—Brock's carefully guarded world is thrown into chaos.
Agent Ophelia Spilazi has one last chance to save her career, and Knife's Edge is her shot. The isolated town is full of secrets, and she's certain Brock knows more than he's letting on. The town's recent string of mysterious deaths only heightens her suspicion, but the more time she spends with the brooding Alaskan, the harder it becomes to ignore the dangerous chemistry between them.
I enjoy this author, although some of the stories don’t seem very realistic. The setup for Dead of Winter is promising. There are four brothers with military and wilderness experience. Their father died about a year ago but no one has been arrested. Since Olivia’s FBI boss was an old friend of the father, Hank, she is sent to investigate that case and some others.
She is flown into town by Brock, on the last plane before the town is snowed in for winter. Brock was elected sheriff but hasn’t accepted the job. He’s slightly worried about who did shoot his father, that it might be one of his brothers. So he doesn’t really investigate. He is very competent and knowledgeable about the community and the people.
Olivia is called Ollie by the townspeople. She sadly does not seem competent. She just questions people bluntly without much finesse and doesn’t seem to collect other evidence. She just keeps asking the same things to the same people. It’s no wonder someone is trying to kill her now, but they are a bad shot.
Brock is very attracted to Ollie and now he must protect her. They spend most of their time together. The proximity moves them into a spicy sexual relationship. This seemed wrong to me since she came here right after a breakup with a co-worker. The whole story only lasts a week. Brock was very controlling in sex and I wasn’t enjoying that either.
Anyway, the cases get solved and Ollie is going to continue working here and Brock will be the sheriff. I am interested in the stories about his three brothers and I like the Alaska setting.
Narration:
I’m not very familiar with Ava Flynn. I was comfortable with her voices for the characters. I appreciated how the performance allowed me to focus on the story. I was able to listen at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
About Rebecca Zanetti
New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti has worked as an art curator, Senate aide, lawyer, college professor, and a hearing examiner – only to culminate it all in stories about Alpha males and the women who claim them. She is a member of RWA, has won awards for her works throughout the industry, and has a journalism degree with a poly sci emphasis from Pepperdine University as well as a Juris Doctorate from the University of Idaho.
Growing up amid the glorious backdrops and winter wonderlands of the Pacific Northwest has given Rebecca fantastic scenery and adventures to weave into her stories. She resides in the wild north with her husband, children, and extended family who inspire her every day-or at the very least give her plenty of characters to write about.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 25-Audio
- 25-COYER
Sounds like it was a so-so book. But at least good enough you want to read the other characters’ stories. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I always have a view to how realistic something is. Now perhaps my view of realistic police procedures has been changed by tv shows but I expect smart and competent strategy.
I didn’t know about this new series. Thanks for featuring, Anne💜
Thank you Jonetta. It was a slowish start but I’m willing to go forward.
Only three stars? That’s a little disappointing. I’ve got this one on my TBR list, but I don’t love when characters fall into a sexual relationship too soon, especially when the guy is too controlling.
3.5 stars which means I liked it but had a few issues. I am willing to read more to see if it improves a bit.
Huh, I’d expect better interrogation technique from an FBI agent, too.
yes it was also the evidence collection than the interrogation but overall didn’t seem to be smart strategy.
I have enjoyed this author in the past but the last book I picked up by her just didn’t hold my attention so I set it aside. I think Olivia’s incompetence would annoy me. I haven’t been drawn to romances lately (like you) so it’d have to be really good for me to like it.
yes you’ve gotten genres with stronger plots or multiple plots to interest you more.
Brock sounds fun!
He can be.