This is one of the few police procedurals that I’ve read that is so much better than the publisher’s description. Kerri Hakoda’s Cold to the Touch is an outstanding procedural in which all the departments work well together, and the supervisor is not a jerk. Set in Anchorage, Alaska, it’s a descriptive, fast-paced story with a likable protagonist. Fans of police procedurals will want to pick up this one.
The first body was discovered twelve days before Christmas. Anchorage homicide detective DeHavilland Beans was on call. He recognized the victim, Jolene Nilsson, a barista at Snow Bunny Baristas coffee stand. He had even stopped there that morning for coffee, only to find it closed. He and Jolese had often talked about their home villages because they both grew up in small bush Alaska villages. Jolene’s body had been dumped, and was ravaged by scavengers before being found. Beans vowed to himself that he would find her killer.
The one thing the Anchorage police department didn’t have was time. When another barista disappeared, murdered by a similar weapon, the department knew they didn’t have much time before the media hit them with questions about a serial killer. Because this body was found on federal land, the FBI was called in. The third victim had a connection to the department itself.
While Beans deals with a coworker who doesn’t like him, he also juggles other issues. Dr. Raisa Ingalls consults on the first case, a Fish and Game expert who had a brief, intense relationship with Beans. Even as he copes with the murder investigation, and Raisa, a friend becomes a suspect in a bookie’s disappearance. Each murder victim haunts Beams’ dreams. And, he fears the worst because his younger sister is also a barista. He warns her, but an older brother can only do so much.
The Anchorage area and the protagonist are brought vividly to life in Hakoda’s fascinating police procedural. It’s a fast-paced, riveting story with a lead character who has problems with family and friends. In addition, there’s a wide variety of characters in the book, reflective of society. Looking for an excellent police procedural? Try Hakoda’s Cold to the Touch.
Cold to the Touch by Kerri Hakoda. Crooked Lane Books, 2024. ISBN 9781639107759 (hardcover), 336p.
FTC Full Disclosure – I received a galley through NetGalley in order to review the book for a journal.
Police procedurals are one of my favorite subgenres of mystery, and this one sounds very good. I hope the book does well.
Me, too, Tracy. One of my favorite subgenres, and I hope it does well.
Very much enjoyed this one.
Me, too, Kevin.
I hadn’t heard of this one but I placed a hold on it at the library
I’m glad it’s available through your library, Sandy.
Me too! Such an enticing review.
I placed my hold this morning.
Hi Lesa. I love police procedurals, which is why I write them, as you know. I’m so glad you recommended this, and I’ll get it!
I hope you enjoy it, Kim!
OK. You sold me. I’m #1 on the hold list.
And Kim, thanks for reminding me. I just bought your first book and I’m looking forward to reading it. (My library has the second and third ones.)
I hope you enjoy it, and Kim’s book, Jeff!
It sounds great, Lesa! Thanks for the recommendation. It’s already past being available at NetGalley (too bad, Crooked Lane usually likes me), but it looks like the library will have it at another location. I’ll keep trying to put it on hold.
Yes, I read it a few months ago, Margie. I hope your library gets it soon. This must be release week, or I wouldn’t have posted my review.