Heart of Ice

A group of strangers becomes stranded during a blizzard at a remote rest stop in Oregon's Cascade Mountains. Among them is an FBI agent tracking a kidnapper, a former army nurse, a writer, and several others seeking shelter from the storm. The group must contend with dwindling supplies and mounting tensions as the blizzard intensifies. Communication with the outside world is cut off, and evidence suggests one of them may be harboring dangerous secrets. The plot alternates between past and present timelines, revealing connections between the characters while building suspense about their true identities and motives. Multiple viewpoints provide glimpses into each character's background and perspective. This thriller examines themes of trust, survival, and human nature when ordinary people face extraordinary circumstances. The harsh winter setting serves as both a physical threat and a mirror for the characters' internal struggles.

Readers call this an engaging and fast-paced addition to Henry's Point Last Seen series, with many noting they finished it in one sitting. The reviews indicate a solid YA mystery that continues the series' focus on search and rescue operations. Readers appreciated: - Realistic search and rescue procedures and technical details - Multiple viewpoint chapters that build suspense - Strong female protagonist who relies on skills rather than luck - Educational aspects about wilderness survival Common criticisms: - Plot felt predictable to some experienced mystery readers - Some found the romantic subplot unnecessary - A few readers wanted more character development Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (90+ reviews) Notable reader comments: "The survival skills woven throughout make this more than just another teen mystery" - Goodreads reviewer "Characters could have been deeper but the SAR details kept me hooked" - Amazon reviewer

The Woods by Harlan Coben A prosecutor reopens a twenty-year-old murder case at a summer camp when new evidence suggests his sister, presumed dead, might still be alive.

Don't Look Back by Jennifer L. Armentrout A teen pieces together the events of a night she cannot remember after waking up in the woods with no recollection of how her best friend died.

The Girl Who Was Supposed to Die by April Henry A girl awakens in an abandoned cabin with no memory of her identity and must uncover who wants her dead while evading ruthless pursuers.

Missing by Kelley Armstrong A wilderness program for troubled teens becomes a fight for survival when participants realize someone is hunting them through the forest.

Found by Margaret Peterson Haddix A mysterious plane appears at an airport carrying thirty-six babies, launching a series of events that uncover a conspiracy spanning decades.

🗡️ The novel draws inspiration from real-life serial killers who operated in the Pacific Northwest, an area that has historically had a high concentration of serial murder cases. ❄️ Author April Henry worked as a pizza delivery driver in her youth - similar to the protagonist Cheyenne's job - giving her firsthand experience with the vulnerability of delivery workers. 🏔️ The book's setting in Portland and the surrounding wilderness reflects Henry's deep connection to Oregon, where she was born, raised, and still lives today. 🔍 Henry conducts extensive research for her thrillers, including consulting with law enforcement professionals and forensic experts to ensure accuracy in her crime scenes and investigative procedures. 📚 The author wrote her first novel at age 12, and though it wasn't published, she kept that manuscript as inspiration during the 20 years it took her to get her first book published professionally.