Cold by Drew Hayden Taylor: Book Review

Cold is Drew Hayden Taylor’s most recent release. Released on January 2, 2024, by McClelland & Steward, it is a mix of mystery, horror, and thriller. As the only survivors of a plane crash in a remote part of Canada, two women have different experiences. Several months later, Fabiola Halan, a plane crash survivor, is on tour promoting her book and feels as though she’s being hunted. But who is hunting her and why?

Synopsis from Goodreads

Elmore Trent is a professor of Indigenous studies who finds himself entangled in an affair that’s ruining his marriage; Paul North plays in the IHL (Indigenous Hockey League), struggling to keep up with the game that’s passing him by; Detective Ruby Birch is chasing a string of gruesome murders, with clues that conspicuously lead her to both Elmore and Paul. And then there’s Fabiola Halan, former journalist-turned-author and famed survivor of a plane crash that sparked a nationwide tour promoting her book.

What starts off as a series of subtle connections between isolated characters quickly takes a menacing turn, as it becomes increasingly clear that someone—or something—is hunting them all.

My Opinions

Cold by Drew Hayden Taylor was a book I included on my most anticipated reads list earlier this year. While it’s not my usual genre, the horror elements in the books did not bother me. Though I will admit, listening to the audiobook before heading out to work at 4:30 am may not have been the best idea. The wind blowing down the street and the tree branches rustling were a bit spookier than usual. What can I say? I’m easy to spook.

The audiobook is around 10.5 hours long and has a cast of narrators. I’m unsure how it works with a physical book, as there is no clear delineation between the different POVs. However, with the assorted narrators, it was easier to tell when there was a change in POVs.

The premise of Cold is a modern twist on Indigenous folklore. I would love to tell you more about the folklore, but that may be a bit of a spoiler. Sorry! Wow, that’s such a Canadian thing to say.

Set in Toronto, Cold takes place between winter and spring. The city is experiencing its coldest weather in ages, and no one understands why, as it’s blamed on climate change. Could it be something else?

Do you enjoy reading books with a full cast of characters? Or books about various folklore with a modern update? Then you should give Cold by Drew Hayden Taylor a read.

Are you looking for some more books to read? Check out my bookish lists, book reviews, and monthly reading wrap-ups.