This Cold Night takes you into the country to a mansion where, after the death and funeral of a loved one, horror strikes. Strange things are happening. The lights have gone out. Cell phones are without power, and even the vehicles won’t start. The frigid temperatures and falling snow indicate no one is going anywhere fast. Soon though, something is hunting the people trapped inside… one at a time. What is going on, and will anyone survive to see the morning light?
This Cold Night by Erica Schaef is dark, twisted, and oh-so-delicious. The author weaves a creepy story that will pull you to the edge of your seat and keep you there. You’re constantly going to be wondering—what is going to happen next?
Something strange has happened. A loud boom, the lights flicker, and then go out. What happened? Is this an isolated incident? Did this happen on a wider scale? Are more people impacted beyond just those at Ferguson Estate? What is it about that statue that creeps Rachelle and her friend Finn out? So many questions, but will they all be answered when you reach the final page?
When the bodies start dropping, the fear ramps up. It starts with one who dared to go outside. Why? This one character is already viewed with some skepticism. No one really knows who he is. The son of a cousin, of an aunt… someone’s grandson. No one knows, and as one character says, “funerals tend to bring out family you’ve never known of—especially when money is involved.”
Rachelle Collins leads this book. While she’s not related to the family, she’s connected. The author weaves in Rachelle’s connection throughout the story as we get excellently placed flashbacks to her childhood and her teen years. You’ll see the connections develop and why she feels so strongly about this family that has claimed a place in her heart.
One character will frequently grab your attention. Aunt Theodora. She’s eccentric; quite the odd character. She says cryptic things that don’t quite make sense, but will cause you to gravitate toward her. Strange, but true. Lol! What she says and how she behaves in light of all the horror that swirls around them will hook you.
The pacing of this story is absolutely excellent. Erica Schaef gives you reprieve from the drama for brief moments, but don’t get too comfortable. They’re waiting for just that. That moment when you let your guard down… that’s when they’ll strike. While the story’s main focus is the threatened characters, you get small breaks with what hunts them—and it will be enough to have the hair on the back of your neck standing up.
There are many interesting elements to this novel. When you are first introduced to Aunt Theodora, Rachelle is quick to indicate something is off about her. You get an immediate explanation as to what exactly that is. Then there is the revelation that there is also something wrong with Rachelle, but instead of it being a “physical” state, it’s more mental. You won’t receive an immediate clarification of what that is, but the author will be sure to inform you later.
You will be glued to this book until the final page. One particular element that really makes this book shine is seeing that the characters don’t fully devolve. You’re not going to be sitting there wanting to yell, “stop being stupid!” No, you’re going to be too engrossed in what is about to happen next. Can what is hunting them be killed? Will they be able to figure out what it wants before it takes another? Why is Aunt Theodora so calm about all of this? Why does she keep saying the strange things she keeps saying?
All will be revealed in the final chapter, and it will leave your jaw on the floor. The creep factor is excellently done from beginning to end. This book may be short, but it is concise and to the point. Nothing unnecessary is added to distract you from the path the author wants you on. When this book ends, you will be speechless.
If you enjoy twisted endings—this book is 100% for you.
Lesson of the book: Some houses, while having happy occupants, have the darkest secrets.
Pros:
- Twisted and dark.
- Page-turner.
- Good attention to detail.
- Engaging characters.
Cons:
None.
Scribble's Worth 