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Cold Truth
When you can fake anything, how do you know what’s real?
Harlow Close has made a career as an influencer uncovering the secrets of Winnipeg, dubbed ‘North America's strangest city’. The region is renowned for its sub-zero temperatures, dropping to minus 40 degrees – sometimes for months at a time. Yet, it’s not just the frigid winters and geographic seclusion that render Winnipeg peculiar. When Harlow’s father mysteriously disappears amid a brutal cold snap, suspicions of foul play arise. It’s not like Scott to miss phone calls – and he’s been even more cautious since that time he was catfished by a romance scammer. Unhappy with the pace of the police investigation, Harlow launches her own search, enlisting her sister Blaise’s reluctant help.
As Harlow struggles to uncover what happened to her father, she’s forced to question everything and everyone around her – including herself.
Harlow Close has made a career as an influencer uncovering the secrets of Winnipeg, dubbed ‘North America's strangest city’. The region is renowned for its sub-zero temperatures, dropping to minus 40 degrees – sometimes for months at a time. Yet, it’s not just the frigid winters and geographic seclusion that render Winnipeg peculiar. When Harlow’s father mysteriously disappears amid a brutal cold snap, suspicions of foul play arise. It’s not like Scott to miss phone calls – and he’s been even more cautious since that time he was catfished by a romance scammer. Unhappy with the pace of the police investigation, Harlow launches her own search, enlisting her sister Blaise’s reluctant help.
As Harlow struggles to uncover what happened to her father, she’s forced to question everything and everyone around her – including herself.
Kindle Edition
Published January 29, 2025
31 people are currently reading
690 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Kalagian Blunt
10 books178 followers
Ashley Kalagian Blunt
is an author, speaker and podcaster. Her number one bestselling psychological thriller, Dark Mode, was published in Australia/NZ, the UK, South Korea and Germany. It was shortlisted for the 2024 ABIA General Fiction Book of the Year, the Ned Kelly Awards and the Danger Awards.
Her latest thrillers are Cold Truth, which was also shortlisted for the Ned Kelly Award for Best Crime Novel, and Like, Follow, Die.
She has two earlier books, How to Be Australian, a memoir, and My Name Is Revenge, a thriller novella and collected essays. Her writing appears widely across Australian and international publications.
Ashley is a frequent speaker and panel moderator, and co-hosts James and Ashley Stay at Home, a podcast about writing, creativity and health. She has taught creative writing across Australia. Originally from Canada, she has lived and worked in South Korea, Peru and Mexico.
Her latest thrillers are Cold Truth, which was also shortlisted for the Ned Kelly Award for Best Crime Novel, and Like, Follow, Die.
She has two earlier books, How to Be Australian, a memoir, and My Name Is Revenge, a thriller novella and collected essays. Her writing appears widely across Australian and international publications.
Ashley is a frequent speaker and panel moderator, and co-hosts James and Ashley Stay at Home, a podcast about writing, creativity and health. She has taught creative writing across Australia. Originally from Canada, she has lived and worked in South Korea, Peru and Mexico.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
January 26, 2025
Where do I even begin to talk about this incredible book? Dark Mode is one of my favourite books, one that I am forever recommending to people (I managed to get 3 of the girls from work to buy copies at Christmas time!) I shall be adding Cold Truth to the books that I recommend to everyone. What an amazing thriller. Ashley set such a high bar with Dark Mode, and you know what, she smashed it.
In Cold Truth, we travel to Winnipeg in Canada in the middle of winter. Each chapter has a temperature at the beginning, and just looking at them made me cold. I can’t imagine being in those kinds of conditions, with endless snow and cold 🥶 It was certainly an eye-opening read, having never experienced anything like it. I loved how Ashley made me feel as if I was there with Harlow. Along with the fabulous descriptions throughout the book, Ashley posted photos and videos of her trip home on Instagram that showed readers aspects of the story. It was like being there, only reading it in the summer temperatures from Sydney!
Harlow was a character. I just wanted to shake so many times. She made some truly terrible decisions at times, and I did find myself shaking my head at her. But family is the most important thing in your life and you would do anything for them. When her father goes missing, she will stop at nothing to find him. Her sister Blaise was a piece of work and frustrated me no end.
Once again, we delve into the dark side of technology with the dark web and more. Reading this book will scare you into being more vigilant with your phone and computer, I shall be wary of public USB ports moving forward!! what is also scary in this story are the lengths that people will go for what they want,
Another brilliant book from the always lovely Ashley Kalagian Blunt. I am so disappointed that I will be missing the book launch for this one, but hopefully, I will be enjoying some snow in Japan. Hopefully, not the extreme amounts they get in Winnipeg!! Congratulations, Ashley, you knocked it out of the park!!
Thanks so much, Ultimo Press, for my advanced copy to read. This needs to be on your immediate TBR now.
In Cold Truth, we travel to Winnipeg in Canada in the middle of winter. Each chapter has a temperature at the beginning, and just looking at them made me cold. I can’t imagine being in those kinds of conditions, with endless snow and cold 🥶 It was certainly an eye-opening read, having never experienced anything like it. I loved how Ashley made me feel as if I was there with Harlow. Along with the fabulous descriptions throughout the book, Ashley posted photos and videos of her trip home on Instagram that showed readers aspects of the story. It was like being there, only reading it in the summer temperatures from Sydney!
Harlow was a character. I just wanted to shake so many times. She made some truly terrible decisions at times, and I did find myself shaking my head at her. But family is the most important thing in your life and you would do anything for them. When her father goes missing, she will stop at nothing to find him. Her sister Blaise was a piece of work and frustrated me no end.
Once again, we delve into the dark side of technology with the dark web and more. Reading this book will scare you into being more vigilant with your phone and computer, I shall be wary of public USB ports moving forward!! what is also scary in this story are the lengths that people will go for what they want,
Another brilliant book from the always lovely Ashley Kalagian Blunt. I am so disappointed that I will be missing the book launch for this one, but hopefully, I will be enjoying some snow in Japan. Hopefully, not the extreme amounts they get in Winnipeg!! Congratulations, Ashley, you knocked it out of the park!!
Thanks so much, Ultimo Press, for my advanced copy to read. This needs to be on your immediate TBR now.
June 16, 2025
Lots of hype around this, rightfully so due the mad success of Dark Mode. So keen to see for myself! I have absolute faith that this book is going to smash all the goals. It was all the things I knew it would be.
❄️ Strong female protagonist – utterly fearless, did not crumble or entertain any thoughts of giving up, even when almost frozen
❄️The trouble with evil tech – the ease in which your life can be ruined by greedy malicious intent. In essence the touch of a button
❄️Extreme conditions – weather and plot
❄️Evidently researched based with much fact included – so very interesting!
I’m excited to talk about all I loved, not to summarise. The story was propulsive and nail biting. The characters a hit, I love when I enjoy characters, getting to know them. The bad guys brilliant too. What I’m now thinking about is the country that is Canada, this ‘peculiar’ & ‘strange’ city ~ the phenomenon of Winnipeg. Ashley says this straight! I have a medical condition where I struggle with change in temp, so I became absorbed into this extreme place, the clothing and footwear required to not freeze to death, how everyday folk dealt with it. I COULD NOT! The pack sent to me (so grateful Andrea and Ultimo) made me chuckle – heat packs? I use them in 🇦🇺
Ashley called my bluff consistently sending off the beaten path, second guessing and feeling all the angsty bits along the way.
Harlow and Blaise were a funny duo, sisters with a dense past. These girls were well drawn, their chemistry created excellent tension, bringing the ending to a smashing result. (I fear your guesses may get smashed too 😉).
Thank you for thanking your readers Ashley, I only saw this on a friend’s post, where I saw my name pop up. A whole new experience for me as a reader.
❄️ Strong female protagonist – utterly fearless, did not crumble or entertain any thoughts of giving up, even when almost frozen
❄️The trouble with evil tech – the ease in which your life can be ruined by greedy malicious intent. In essence the touch of a button
❄️Extreme conditions – weather and plot
❄️Evidently researched based with much fact included – so very interesting!
I’m excited to talk about all I loved, not to summarise. The story was propulsive and nail biting. The characters a hit, I love when I enjoy characters, getting to know them. The bad guys brilliant too. What I’m now thinking about is the country that is Canada, this ‘peculiar’ & ‘strange’ city ~ the phenomenon of Winnipeg. Ashley says this straight! I have a medical condition where I struggle with change in temp, so I became absorbed into this extreme place, the clothing and footwear required to not freeze to death, how everyday folk dealt with it. I COULD NOT! The pack sent to me (so grateful Andrea and Ultimo) made me chuckle – heat packs? I use them in 🇦🇺
Ashley called my bluff consistently sending off the beaten path, second guessing and feeling all the angsty bits along the way.
Harlow and Blaise were a funny duo, sisters with a dense past. These girls were well drawn, their chemistry created excellent tension, bringing the ending to a smashing result. (I fear your guesses may get smashed too 😉).
Thank you for thanking your readers Ashley, I only saw this on a friend’s post, where I saw my name pop up. A whole new experience for me as a reader.
January 12, 2026
Although several of the characters were extremely unlikeable, the plot was dark and twisty and very well crafted.
January 23, 2025
*https://www.instagram.com/mrsb_book_r...
💻👩💻The Australian queen of the tech thriller or dark web noir is back much to the content of fans of The Dark Mode author. Cold Truth is a blizzard set family mystery thriller that fuses our huge reliance on technology and the dangers of opening ourselves up to sheer terror. Following an influencer and tour guide operating in Winnipeg, Harlow is shocked when she learns that her father is missing when temperatures dip to below freezing in the Canadian province. What occurs next is a race against time as Harlow and her sister play a dangerous game of search and find to locate their father. I guarantee you will be on edge, as this nail-biting chiller takes you on a twisty ride through themes of online crime, dark web deals, hitmen, trafficking, catfishing and bitcoin currency bargaining chips. It is a cautionary warning to all about how open we are as users of the web to become an easy target to predators. I loved the link to family history, trauma and trust issues in this novel which was balanced with the determined female main character’s tenacity and loyalty. Make sure you wrap yourself up tight in your warmest blanket, oodie or dressing gown, this Cold Truth will have you shivering in fear!
👩💻💻I can't wait for your next tech mastermind noir Ashley!
🌟🌟🌟🌟💫4 solid stars. 🙏A very big thank you to @betterreadingau @ultimopress & @akalagianblunt for this review opportunity.
💻👩💻The Australian queen of the tech thriller or dark web noir is back much to the content of fans of The Dark Mode author. Cold Truth is a blizzard set family mystery thriller that fuses our huge reliance on technology and the dangers of opening ourselves up to sheer terror. Following an influencer and tour guide operating in Winnipeg, Harlow is shocked when she learns that her father is missing when temperatures dip to below freezing in the Canadian province. What occurs next is a race against time as Harlow and her sister play a dangerous game of search and find to locate their father. I guarantee you will be on edge, as this nail-biting chiller takes you on a twisty ride through themes of online crime, dark web deals, hitmen, trafficking, catfishing and bitcoin currency bargaining chips. It is a cautionary warning to all about how open we are as users of the web to become an easy target to predators. I loved the link to family history, trauma and trust issues in this novel which was balanced with the determined female main character’s tenacity and loyalty. Make sure you wrap yourself up tight in your warmest blanket, oodie or dressing gown, this Cold Truth will have you shivering in fear!
👩💻💻I can't wait for your next tech mastermind noir Ashley!
🌟🌟🌟🌟💫4 solid stars. 🙏A very big thank you to @betterreadingau @ultimopress & @akalagianblunt for this review opportunity.
February 16, 2025
I sat down to read a few chapters of Cold Truth before bed, and ended up finishing the whole thing in one sitting 😳 It’s an intriguing mystery, with incredibly evocative place writing, a combination that’s hard to beat. My favourite character was, of course, Caesar the Pomeranian, and I can happily confirm that he comes to no harm.
My full review is up now on Keeping Up With The Penguins.
My full review is up now on Keeping Up With The Penguins.
February 3, 2025
⭐️5 Stars⭐️
Ashley Kalagian Blunt is Queen of the psychological thriller! After loving Dark Mode Dark Mode by this author I was so excited to read her new release Cold Truth, presenting another exciting, cleverly written and suspenseful plot! I was blown away!
Set in Winnipeg, Canada, Cold Truth evokes an atmospheric and chilling read. The climate conditions were deadly and certainly brutal to human life at sub-zero temperatures, I felt like I was actually there.
Once again the story themes the dark side of technology. Harlow is an influencer and runs a Winnipeg tour business. When Harlow’s father goes missing and his house is broken into, she fears for his life yet the local police don’t appear to be doing much investigating into his disappearance.
After reading this you’ll want to elevate the security on your smart phone, question your perceptions of reality and curb your online presence. Go grab yourself a copy!
💖I am so honoured to be included by Ashleigh in the acknowledgement pages of this book, it certainly was the highlight of my day!
Publication Date 29 January 2025
Publisher Ultimo Press
A massive thank you to Ashley and Ultimo Press for a copy of the book.
Ashley Kalagian Blunt is Queen of the psychological thriller! After loving Dark Mode Dark Mode by this author I was so excited to read her new release Cold Truth, presenting another exciting, cleverly written and suspenseful plot! I was blown away!
Set in Winnipeg, Canada, Cold Truth evokes an atmospheric and chilling read. The climate conditions were deadly and certainly brutal to human life at sub-zero temperatures, I felt like I was actually there.
Once again the story themes the dark side of technology. Harlow is an influencer and runs a Winnipeg tour business. When Harlow’s father goes missing and his house is broken into, she fears for his life yet the local police don’t appear to be doing much investigating into his disappearance.
After reading this you’ll want to elevate the security on your smart phone, question your perceptions of reality and curb your online presence. Go grab yourself a copy!
💖I am so honoured to be included by Ashleigh in the acknowledgement pages of this book, it certainly was the highlight of my day!
Publication Date 29 January 2025
Publisher Ultimo Press
A massive thank you to Ashley and Ultimo Press for a copy of the book.
February 1, 2025
Not sure if the other 88 people were paid for their positive reviews or if they are friends with the author but this is poorly written and ridiculous. Don’t waste your time
January 28, 2025
WOW THAT WAS EPIC!
What a page turner! Ashley is back with a fabulous follow up to the dark and down right scary online/tech thriller ‘Dark Mode’
Cold Truth is set in Winnipeg, where temperatures are recorded at minus 40 degrees, sometimes for the whole of winter!
Harlow Close has built an online following and tour business by showcasing what has been labelled ‘North America’s strangest city’
While living life online, she is still very much a homebody and never leaves town
When Harlow’s Dad Scott goes missing suddenly, nothing adds up. He wouldn’t just leave without a trace. Harlow is convinced it’s fowl play. Her sister Blaise isn’t quite convinced but agrees to help her
But as Harlow begins to ask questions and start her own investigation, information isn’t adding up. Is she being led on a wild goose chase?
I was hooked from the first chapter. Ashley builds the suspense so quickly, and while it might be the middle of summer here, I felt I was in negative 30 degrees temperatures thanks to the fabulous writing and eery settings.
But I think the scariest part is how real so much of this story could actually be, we live so freely on the internet that this horrible situation could happen to anyone. Our lives are really out in the open.. It sends chills down my spine. Check your internet security, change those passwords, and think twice about what you post online
I highly recommend this excellent thriller!
Thank you so much @ultimopress for my early copy of this epic book to review 🫶
What a page turner! Ashley is back with a fabulous follow up to the dark and down right scary online/tech thriller ‘Dark Mode’
Cold Truth is set in Winnipeg, where temperatures are recorded at minus 40 degrees, sometimes for the whole of winter!
Harlow Close has built an online following and tour business by showcasing what has been labelled ‘North America’s strangest city’
While living life online, she is still very much a homebody and never leaves town
When Harlow’s Dad Scott goes missing suddenly, nothing adds up. He wouldn’t just leave without a trace. Harlow is convinced it’s fowl play. Her sister Blaise isn’t quite convinced but agrees to help her
But as Harlow begins to ask questions and start her own investigation, information isn’t adding up. Is she being led on a wild goose chase?
I was hooked from the first chapter. Ashley builds the suspense so quickly, and while it might be the middle of summer here, I felt I was in negative 30 degrees temperatures thanks to the fabulous writing and eery settings.
But I think the scariest part is how real so much of this story could actually be, we live so freely on the internet that this horrible situation could happen to anyone. Our lives are really out in the open.. It sends chills down my spine. Check your internet security, change those passwords, and think twice about what you post online
I highly recommend this excellent thriller!
Thank you so much @ultimopress for my early copy of this epic book to review 🫶
January 23, 2025
Big thanks to Ultimo Press for sending us a copy to read and review.
Are you ready to brave the Cold……….Truth?
Set among below zero conditions, this chilling tech noir thriller has all the cargo for a sharp, dark and mysterious read.
Harlow Close lives and breathes the city of Winnipeg, a sub zero town.
Being a social media wiz, a tour guide and experienced in the crime of the town keeps her busy.
Then her father, Scott disappears.
The police are being rather uncooperative and with the help of her sister Blaise, she starts her own investigation, questioning everything….
The inviting blurb is just the beginning of what’s to come in the latest fiction book from the popular author.
A twisty, pressure cooker with a tension filled plot, a cool atmosphere, a sharp mystery, well defined characters and that unforeseen ending.
The grim reality of the dark web exists and this tale proves it’s a scary place.
So delve into the icy weather and be your best armchair detective and solve the puzzle.
The Canadian air never felt so frosty and brisk as Ashley gives you her latest spine chiller.
Are you ready to brave the Cold……….Truth?
Set among below zero conditions, this chilling tech noir thriller has all the cargo for a sharp, dark and mysterious read.
Harlow Close lives and breathes the city of Winnipeg, a sub zero town.
Being a social media wiz, a tour guide and experienced in the crime of the town keeps her busy.
Then her father, Scott disappears.
The police are being rather uncooperative and with the help of her sister Blaise, she starts her own investigation, questioning everything….
The inviting blurb is just the beginning of what’s to come in the latest fiction book from the popular author.
A twisty, pressure cooker with a tension filled plot, a cool atmosphere, a sharp mystery, well defined characters and that unforeseen ending.
The grim reality of the dark web exists and this tale proves it’s a scary place.
So delve into the icy weather and be your best armchair detective and solve the puzzle.
The Canadian air never felt so frosty and brisk as Ashley gives you her latest spine chiller.
January 28, 2025
Dark Mode by Ashley Kalagian Blunt
, released in 2023 was one of my favourite books of the year. It was dark (derr) and quite shocking - seemingly creating a new genre her website describes as 'tech noir'. Cold Truth is the latest offering from the Canadian-born, Australian-dwelling author and she sets it in her country of origin and I must confess I found elements fascinating, the setting becoming a character in itself. I cannot imagine how cold minus 20-40C gets for example and I loved all of the references to things I assume to be quintessentially Canadian.
Kalagian Blunt again manages to scare the pants off readers with online evils and horror stories, which also featured heavily in Dark Mode. Interestingly here, our lead character is a tour guide and relies heavily on social media.
Again I loved Kalagian Blunt's writing - mixing longer sentences with short ones and her use of clever and well-crafted phrasing. I probably didn't love this quite as much as I loved Dark Mode, more because the twist in that book was quite horrific, reflecting depersonalised evil, whereas here I didn't feel as invested in the baddies' actions or fate and I think our criminals felt somewhat inept (though I also liked that element).
This is a great thriller however and ultimately becomes a whodunnit (and why) and I raced through it - suspicious of so many of the players and certainly surprised at the duplicitous long game being played.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
Kalagian Blunt again manages to scare the pants off readers with online evils and horror stories, which also featured heavily in Dark Mode. Interestingly here, our lead character is a tour guide and relies heavily on social media.
Again I loved Kalagian Blunt's writing - mixing longer sentences with short ones and her use of clever and well-crafted phrasing. I probably didn't love this quite as much as I loved Dark Mode, more because the twist in that book was quite horrific, reflecting depersonalised evil, whereas here I didn't feel as invested in the baddies' actions or fate and I think our criminals felt somewhat inept (though I also liked that element).
This is a great thriller however and ultimately becomes a whodunnit (and why) and I raced through it - suspicious of so many of the players and certainly surprised at the duplicitous long game being played.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
January 4, 2025
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I wasn’t entirely sold in the beginning, but the book got better as I went along. The plotline and the mystery itself were not as rushed near the end as other books that I’ve read. I didn’t expect the ending, but it wasn’t so surprising that it seemed unreasonable. I think that the setting for this novel was a great choice as it really added to the story. All in all, a pretty good read!
A big thank you to Better Reading for sending me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
A big thank you to Better Reading for sending me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
January 19, 2025
After loving Dark Mode by Ashley Kalagian Blunt, I was very excited to read her next book! And even more so when I was approached by Andrea from Ultimo Press asking if I would like an ARC of her latest book, Cold Truth. Ummm, yes please! 😁
Ashley's latest offering grabbed me from the very first sentence and had it not been for life getting in the way, it would not have let me go until the very last sentence. Yes I could have read it in one sitting.
Cold Truth is so cleverly written, with such a brilliant plot that I found it difficult to tear myself away. It is fast paced and engaging, with some fabulous characters - both likeable and quite unsavoury (or just plain nasty), and I love the dark humour throughout.
The next Kalagian Blunt book I read will be done when I have no work or other responsibilities.
What is real and what is fake? Read it and find out! In the meantime, I'm off to burn my phone and book a flight to Winnipeg! ✈️
A massive thank you to Ashley, and Andrea from Ultimo Press for an ARC of Cold Truth to read and review. Expected publication date is 29/1/25
Ashley's latest offering grabbed me from the very first sentence and had it not been for life getting in the way, it would not have let me go until the very last sentence. Yes I could have read it in one sitting.
Cold Truth is so cleverly written, with such a brilliant plot that I found it difficult to tear myself away. It is fast paced and engaging, with some fabulous characters - both likeable and quite unsavoury (or just plain nasty), and I love the dark humour throughout.
The next Kalagian Blunt book I read will be done when I have no work or other responsibilities.
What is real and what is fake? Read it and find out! In the meantime, I'm off to burn my phone and book a flight to Winnipeg! ✈️
A massive thank you to Ashley, and Andrea from Ultimo Press for an ARC of Cold Truth to read and review. Expected publication date is 29/1/25
February 10, 2025
Set in the frigid Canadian town of Winnipeg, we follow Harlow Close who has made a career as a local influencer. When her father mysteriously disappears amid a brutal cold snap, suspicions of foul play arise. Unsatisfied with the police investigation, Harlow enlists help from her sister Blaise to conduct her own search. As Harlow struggles to uncover what happened to her father, she’s forced to question everything and everyone around her - including herself.
I do not read thrillers, particularly psychological thrillers, nearly often enough but when I do, I’m reminded of how much I enjoy coming up with my own theories as the story unfolds. This novel was chilling to the bone (despite my reading it during a heatwave) and has officially left me terrified of the digital world 🫣
The pacing was phenomenal and gelled perfectly with the eerie setting and dual POV, creating so much suspenseful tension. All the twists and turns left me gasping, and even though I thought I had come up with solid theories, nothing prepared me for how everything unravelled. The scariest part is, none of this was outlandish; I could easily see this being a true story 🥶
However, what stood out for me was the raw exploration of complex sibling dynamics through Harlow and Blaise. The precariousness of their relationship became more apparent as we took a deep dive into their lives, which in of itself was fascinating to say the least.
If you’re looking for a sinister psychological thriller to keep you enthralled, I’d recommend this 4⭐️ read! Do be warned though, it will leave you questioning everything about your digital footprint because “when you can fake anything, how do you know what’s real?”
Thank you Ultimo Press for gifting me my copy 💌
I do not read thrillers, particularly psychological thrillers, nearly often enough but when I do, I’m reminded of how much I enjoy coming up with my own theories as the story unfolds. This novel was chilling to the bone (despite my reading it during a heatwave) and has officially left me terrified of the digital world 🫣
The pacing was phenomenal and gelled perfectly with the eerie setting and dual POV, creating so much suspenseful tension. All the twists and turns left me gasping, and even though I thought I had come up with solid theories, nothing prepared me for how everything unravelled. The scariest part is, none of this was outlandish; I could easily see this being a true story 🥶
However, what stood out for me was the raw exploration of complex sibling dynamics through Harlow and Blaise. The precariousness of their relationship became more apparent as we took a deep dive into their lives, which in of itself was fascinating to say the least.
If you’re looking for a sinister psychological thriller to keep you enthralled, I’d recommend this 4⭐️ read! Do be warned though, it will leave you questioning everything about your digital footprint because “when you can fake anything, how do you know what’s real?”
Thank you Ultimo Press for gifting me my copy 💌
October 30, 2024
Thank you so much Ultimo Press, I’m so chuffed I got to read the Cold Truth arc..this is unbelievably a chiller!!!!!!!!! So so so atmospheric..I was SO cold reading it!!!
It’s an absolute page turner, I had no idea what was going to happen next, so many plot twists and omg there are so many real world implications….and I shocked and amazed that I can’t wait to go to Winnipeg!!!!!
It’s an absolute page turner, I had no idea what was going to happen next, so many plot twists and omg there are so many real world implications….and I shocked and amazed that I can’t wait to go to Winnipeg!!!!!
August 30, 2025
4/5
When I tell you I was adamant I had this figured out!! 🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃NOPE.
Great read. Great thriller.
When I tell you I was adamant I had this figured out!! 🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃NOPE.
Great read. Great thriller.
May 12, 2025
Did not enjoy this book at all.
The main character was beyond naive.
The plot was chaotic.
There were back stories that kept dropping in without good context.
Disappointing.
The main character was beyond naive.
The plot was chaotic.
There were back stories that kept dropping in without good context.
Disappointing.
April 25, 2025
Dark Mode was great. Cold Truth was EPIC.
Again, Ashley has reminded us that the internet can be one dangerous place....
Social media extraordinaire Harlow Close adores her beloved city of Winnipeg, Canada, despite its infamous subzero temperatures and geographic seclusion. In fact, she hasn't spent a night away from home since she was eight years old.
Her younger sister, Blaise, however - as soon as she could, she couldn't leave Winnipeg fast enough.
The two sisters may be different as chalk and cheese and are likely to clash at any moment, but they are in agreement with one thing- their dad, Scott, is the World's Best Father. Widowed after the loss of their mum, Bronwyn, he dedicated his life to his girls, willing to do anything for them.
Now, he has disappeared from his home in the worst cold snap to hit the city.
Detectives Flynn and Hawkins are first on the scene. Immediately, Harlow is relieved that someone else is taking charge of the situation. Except each time she calls in for an update, she's immediately fobbed off.
Then there's the odd calls and messages flooding her Instagram, leading her on a wild goose chase stateside.
There's no doubt in Harlow's mind that she'll have to regain control over things. It's all becoming too much. There's paranoia setting in, and Blaise's attitude isn't helping matters. So Harlow decides to conduct her own search... unaware that she's been the real target all along....
You're immediately drawn into this mystery and suspense from the first sentence. Where is Scott? Who has taken him and why? Thankfully, we are given an insight to 'Elsewhere' as two men, known only as 'Tall Guy' and 'Grizzly', call the shots... or so they think.
I really thought that I had this one all figured out, but I was WRONG. Don't tell me that you didn't fall for the ploy. That was very clever, indeed.
It's two for two in my Ashley Kalagian Blunt foray, so I have high expectations for a third!
An absolute addictive 5 🌟
Again, Ashley has reminded us that the internet can be one dangerous place....
Social media extraordinaire Harlow Close adores her beloved city of Winnipeg, Canada, despite its infamous subzero temperatures and geographic seclusion. In fact, she hasn't spent a night away from home since she was eight years old.
Her younger sister, Blaise, however - as soon as she could, she couldn't leave Winnipeg fast enough.
The two sisters may be different as chalk and cheese and are likely to clash at any moment, but they are in agreement with one thing- their dad, Scott, is the World's Best Father. Widowed after the loss of their mum, Bronwyn, he dedicated his life to his girls, willing to do anything for them.
Now, he has disappeared from his home in the worst cold snap to hit the city.
Detectives Flynn and Hawkins are first on the scene. Immediately, Harlow is relieved that someone else is taking charge of the situation. Except each time she calls in for an update, she's immediately fobbed off.
Then there's the odd calls and messages flooding her Instagram, leading her on a wild goose chase stateside.
There's no doubt in Harlow's mind that she'll have to regain control over things. It's all becoming too much. There's paranoia setting in, and Blaise's attitude isn't helping matters. So Harlow decides to conduct her own search... unaware that she's been the real target all along....
You're immediately drawn into this mystery and suspense from the first sentence. Where is Scott? Who has taken him and why? Thankfully, we are given an insight to 'Elsewhere' as two men, known only as 'Tall Guy' and 'Grizzly', call the shots... or so they think.
I really thought that I had this one all figured out, but I was WRONG. Don't tell me that you didn't fall for the ploy. That was very clever, indeed.
It's two for two in my Ashley Kalagian Blunt foray, so I have high expectations for a third!
An absolute addictive 5 🌟
January 29, 2025
"When you could fake everything, how could you prove anything?"
Winnipeg sounds like a somewhat miserable yet interesting place. Below zero temperatures for months on end must negatively impact the communities mental health. However, Harlow absolutely loves where she lives. So much so that she has forged a career out of it as a tour guide of the city and with a weekly segment on the news. In fact, Harlow has never spent a night away from Winnipeg. When her father disappears in suspicious circumstances, Harlow goes above and beyond to find him. But the closer she gets, the more she realises that people aren't always as transparent as they appear. With her online presence, the whole world has access to almost everything about her.
Cold Truth sucked me in from the very first page. While Harlow was a frustrating character at times, I couldn't tell you that I would be any different in those circumstances. The twists of this book kept me enthralled, and just when I thought I figured it out... I was wrong. While I didn't think I could love a book more than Dark Mode, Ashley has just floored me with her writing. Facts about Winnipeg intricately and effortlessy woven throughout the storyline show just how clever a writer Ashley truly is. I want to read it again, and I rarely reread books.
Thank you to Ultimo Press and Ashley for gifting me this copy in lieu of my honest opinion.
Winnipeg sounds like a somewhat miserable yet interesting place. Below zero temperatures for months on end must negatively impact the communities mental health. However, Harlow absolutely loves where she lives. So much so that she has forged a career out of it as a tour guide of the city and with a weekly segment on the news. In fact, Harlow has never spent a night away from Winnipeg. When her father disappears in suspicious circumstances, Harlow goes above and beyond to find him. But the closer she gets, the more she realises that people aren't always as transparent as they appear. With her online presence, the whole world has access to almost everything about her.
Cold Truth sucked me in from the very first page. While Harlow was a frustrating character at times, I couldn't tell you that I would be any different in those circumstances. The twists of this book kept me enthralled, and just when I thought I figured it out... I was wrong. While I didn't think I could love a book more than Dark Mode, Ashley has just floored me with her writing. Facts about Winnipeg intricately and effortlessy woven throughout the storyline show just how clever a writer Ashley truly is. I want to read it again, and I rarely reread books.
Thank you to Ultimo Press and Ashley for gifting me this copy in lieu of my honest opinion.
February 17, 2025
WOW!
This is an absolute 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯read
Ashley Kalagian Blunt has done it again with her latest thriller.
Her previous thriller, Dark Mode, set the standard for tech noir, and now Cold Truth will have you putting all your tech away once again.
I absolutely loved the setting of Winnipeg - a city I had previously knew existed but knew nothing about. You can just tell Ashley's love for the city on every page of this book.
Living in Australia it is hard to fathom the types of temperatures that are experienced in Winnipeg, which added a whole new dimension to the story.
The cold is almost a character in itself.
If you love thrillers, if you love thrillers with a strong sense of place, if you love your tech just a little too much - then this is the book for you.
This is an absolute 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯read
Ashley Kalagian Blunt has done it again with her latest thriller.
Her previous thriller, Dark Mode, set the standard for tech noir, and now Cold Truth will have you putting all your tech away once again.
I absolutely loved the setting of Winnipeg - a city I had previously knew existed but knew nothing about. You can just tell Ashley's love for the city on every page of this book.
Living in Australia it is hard to fathom the types of temperatures that are experienced in Winnipeg, which added a whole new dimension to the story.
The cold is almost a character in itself.
If you love thrillers, if you love thrillers with a strong sense of place, if you love your tech just a little too much - then this is the book for you.
January 23, 2025
4.5⭐️ WOW WOW WOW! What a ride I have been on with this story. I really enjoyed the author's previous book Dark Mode. That book left me feeling unsettled and confronted about my online presence but Cold Truth took it to another level.
Maybe it was the cold atmospheric environment that Ashley Kalagian Blunt set her story in but this book literally sent shivers down my spine and I will forever be looking at public USB ports with suspicion.
I find Ashley’s books conversation starters and they would be amazing book club picks. I think we all wonder at some time just how much of ourselves and our information is available to anyone on the internet and what that information could be used for. It’s definitely a conversation I had with my kids as they got older. If it’s out there, it’s out there forever!
Thank you to @ultimopress and @akalagianblunt for the advanced copy.
Maybe it was the cold atmospheric environment that Ashley Kalagian Blunt set her story in but this book literally sent shivers down my spine and I will forever be looking at public USB ports with suspicion.
I find Ashley’s books conversation starters and they would be amazing book club picks. I think we all wonder at some time just how much of ourselves and our information is available to anyone on the internet and what that information could be used for. It’s definitely a conversation I had with my kids as they got older. If it’s out there, it’s out there forever!
Thank you to @ultimopress and @akalagianblunt for the advanced copy.
May 12, 2025
౨ৎ | ‘she knew every square foot of this house by heart. now she was breathing its ashes.’
— ★ 4.5/5
ashley kalagian blunt eats every. damn. time. i adore their writing and i become so immersed in it. wish we got epilogues though because i always want more. and the plot twists always get me!!
— ★ 4.5/5
ashley kalagian blunt eats every. damn. time. i adore their writing and i become so immersed in it. wish we got epilogues though because i always want more. and the plot twists always get me!!
February 1, 2025
Ashley has truly outdone herself with "Cold Truth," my most anticipated thriller of the year, and let me tell you, it absolutely slayed!
From the very first page, this novel is a masterclass in suspense, igniting an urgency in me that was palpable. Ashley delivers a high level of detail and research with the meticulous care she takes to weave in intricate details about online behaviour and privacy, which will undoubtedly make readers reconsider just how much they share about themselves in the digital world. You'll find yourself questioning your own online habits long after turning the last page.
Readers are vividly transported to the chilling landscape of Winnipeg, Canada. The -20° temperatures practically leap off the page, and I felt as if I was walking the snow-covered streets alongside the characters. The incorporation of fascinating local trivia and true crime snippets throughout the narrative kept me engrossed, even leading me down some thrilling rabbit holes of my own! ( the U-Haul baby case is not for the faint-hearted
One of the standout elements of this novel is how Ashley navigates the complex dynamics of family relationships. The lengths one would go to protect their loved ones resonate throughout the story. I found myself wanting to reach through the pages and give Blaise a good kick in the shins! Harlow's struggles in dealing with her at times were so relatable; it's that kind of writing that truly makes the characters feel real and their experiences painfully authentic.
From the very first page, this novel is a masterclass in suspense, igniting an urgency in me that was palpable. Ashley delivers a high level of detail and research with the meticulous care she takes to weave in intricate details about online behaviour and privacy, which will undoubtedly make readers reconsider just how much they share about themselves in the digital world. You'll find yourself questioning your own online habits long after turning the last page.
Readers are vividly transported to the chilling landscape of Winnipeg, Canada. The -20° temperatures practically leap off the page, and I felt as if I was walking the snow-covered streets alongside the characters. The incorporation of fascinating local trivia and true crime snippets throughout the narrative kept me engrossed, even leading me down some thrilling rabbit holes of my own! ( the U-Haul baby case is not for the faint-hearted
One of the standout elements of this novel is how Ashley navigates the complex dynamics of family relationships. The lengths one would go to protect their loved ones resonate throughout the story. I found myself wanting to reach through the pages and give Blaise a good kick in the shins! Harlow's struggles in dealing with her at times were so relatable; it's that kind of writing that truly makes the characters feel real and their experiences painfully authentic.
January 13, 2025
I devoured Ashley's previous book, Dark Mode, and found this one equally hard to put down!
Set in Winnipeg, Canada, the depiction of the icy winter is so real you can just about feel the cold in your fingers and toes!
The chill factor adds to the atmosphere and pressure that builds as Harlows father remains missing. Believing the police aren't helping, she is determined to investigate herself before it's too late. The complicated relationship she has with her sister, the break up with her ex boyfriend, along with other secrets waiting to be unearthed, all have you unsure of who to trust - who is telling the truth? Is her father even who she thought he was? I kept changing my mind as the twists and turns unfolded. It is fast-paced and tense, snowballing to an end I didn't see coming.
Another excellent tech thriller, it again makes you question who could be accessing and/or manipulating the information you willingly put online.
4.8⭐️'s
Set in Winnipeg, Canada, the depiction of the icy winter is so real you can just about feel the cold in your fingers and toes!
The chill factor adds to the atmosphere and pressure that builds as Harlows father remains missing. Believing the police aren't helping, she is determined to investigate herself before it's too late. The complicated relationship she has with her sister, the break up with her ex boyfriend, along with other secrets waiting to be unearthed, all have you unsure of who to trust - who is telling the truth? Is her father even who she thought he was? I kept changing my mind as the twists and turns unfolded. It is fast-paced and tense, snowballing to an end I didn't see coming.
Another excellent tech thriller, it again makes you question who could be accessing and/or manipulating the information you willingly put online.
4.8⭐️'s
April 14, 2025
Cold Truth is a fast-paced thriller set against the chilling backdrop of a Canadian winter. While the narrative is engaging, the characters felt underdeveloped, making it challenging to connect with them. The plot, though filled with twists, often seemed contrived. Although the novel attempts to explore family relationships, particularly between the protagonist Harlow and her sister Blaise, the treatment felt superficial. The vivid depiction of the bleak, cold Canadian environment stands out, immersing the reader in the harsh Winnipeg winter. The writing style leans towards a more 'girly' tone, with lines like, “he’d touched her, sending tingles through her nerves, straight to her stupid, gullible heart,” which grated on me. Overall, while Cold Truth has its merits, it didn't fully resonate with me.
February 26, 2025
A great thriller that left you questioning your own social media presence. I loved the Duel POV and felt it added to the suspense. The cold setting really intensified the action packed scenes and the twists and turns were executed perfectly
April 30, 2025
My head's spinning 🌀🤣
February 18, 2025
This is hands down a contender for the best 2025 read. Ashley is the queen of facts, research and millennial nostalgia. Naturally I devoured this page turner in a sitting. The characters, the plot and the setting were utter perfection.
Naturally I’m also petrified about my online presence and security settings. You really cannot trust anyone but our four legged friends. Bring on Ashley’s next novel which has already been dubbed “her best novel yet”
Harlow Close has built a career as an influencer exposing the secrets of Winnipeg, “North America’s strangest city”. Known for its brutal winters, where temperatures can plunge to minus 40 for months, the city’s oddities go far beyond the cold.
When Harlow’s father vanishes during a deadly cold snap, she’s convinced there’s more to his disappearance than a simple accident. Scott never ignores calls, especially after being duped by a romance scammer. With the police investigation moving too slowly, Harlow takes matters into her own hands, reluctantly pulling her sister Blaise into the search.
As Harlow digs deeper, reality starts to blur. The closer she gets to the truth, the more she’s forced to question everything and everyone including herself!
Naturally I’m also petrified about my online presence and security settings. You really cannot trust anyone but our four legged friends. Bring on Ashley’s next novel which has already been dubbed “her best novel yet”
Harlow Close has built a career as an influencer exposing the secrets of Winnipeg, “North America’s strangest city”. Known for its brutal winters, where temperatures can plunge to minus 40 for months, the city’s oddities go far beyond the cold.
When Harlow’s father vanishes during a deadly cold snap, she’s convinced there’s more to his disappearance than a simple accident. Scott never ignores calls, especially after being duped by a romance scammer. With the police investigation moving too slowly, Harlow takes matters into her own hands, reluctantly pulling her sister Blaise into the search.
As Harlow digs deeper, reality starts to blur. The closer she gets to the truth, the more she’s forced to question everything and everyone including herself!
February 7, 2025
Cold Truth is a fast-paced crime thriller set in the icy cold atmosphere of a harsh Canadian winter.
The main protagonist is Harlow Close, a tour guide and blogger in her native city of Winnepeg,still reeling from a recent relationship breakdown. On the mysterious disappearance of her father Scott, Harlow investigates, and is helped by her sister Blaise, with whom she has a difficult relationship, Family secrets are unearthed as the search continues, and the danger snowballs for Harlow and her family.
The strong technological focus adds an interesting dimension, with warnings about modern devices of tracking and deception blurring what is real and what isn't.
While I guessed some elements of the mystery, this did not diminish my reading enjoyment and I would definitely recommend this book to readers who like plenty of action and a few twists along the way.
Thank you to Better Reading and Ultimo Press for my ARC.
The main protagonist is Harlow Close, a tour guide and blogger in her native city of Winnepeg,still reeling from a recent relationship breakdown. On the mysterious disappearance of her father Scott, Harlow investigates, and is helped by her sister Blaise, with whom she has a difficult relationship, Family secrets are unearthed as the search continues, and the danger snowballs for Harlow and her family.
The strong technological focus adds an interesting dimension, with warnings about modern devices of tracking and deception blurring what is real and what isn't.
While I guessed some elements of the mystery, this did not diminish my reading enjoyment and I would definitely recommend this book to readers who like plenty of action and a few twists along the way.
Thank you to Better Reading and Ultimo Press for my ARC.
February 6, 2025
This online world in which we interact is a scary place. Add to this a very cold winter in Winnipeg, Canada and you have Cold Truth. Harlow discovered her father was missing which sent her into a panic and meltdown combined, especially without the support of her own family to find him. Yet when the police seem to be less than helpful through all of their activities, and they lose the original emergency call she made, thongs start to become rather interesting and sinister. How can a call go missing? How can she believe anything she had seen, knew or done? Is she second guessing herself or is someone playing a game with her mind and soul? Does she really know her father as well as she thought she did?
I think this book was more an adventure into whether Harlow and Blaise, two sisters, really knew themselves or each other at all. Hollow seem to be constantly on edge and jump to conclusions all the time. She was actually quite an exhausting character. While Blaise seemed aloof and apathetic, I actually quite liked her affronting nature. You could say that she was tired and she was frustrated and she had had enough of being judged for so many years and she was putting up with more of her sister’s chaos, even though she was worried about her father. She just didn't have to act like a fool to show it.
The focus on online crime, using the dark web, and the ability of people to be able to use malware to track find and change the course of history was unsettling. I like the fact that this dark side of online crime was car located in this very cold and desolate part of Canada, where it was all my suggesting that not even physical boundaries and distance could keep you safe from cybercrime. The cryptocurrency however was laughable, as I still have my doubts whether it really is worth anything at all.
This was a perplexing book. It didn't move as quickly as I thought it would, and where it did move quickly it was just too fast and improbable. It seemed to be written more like a synopsis for a TV show or a TV series rather than a novel because of the way it just moved so quickly from the scene to scene and the way in which characters seemed to get around like they owned teleports, especially in such a frigid cold winter where ice and snow was on every road.
Thanks #ultimopress for the #gifted copy.
I think this book was more an adventure into whether Harlow and Blaise, two sisters, really knew themselves or each other at all. Hollow seem to be constantly on edge and jump to conclusions all the time. She was actually quite an exhausting character. While Blaise seemed aloof and apathetic, I actually quite liked her affronting nature. You could say that she was tired and she was frustrated and she had had enough of being judged for so many years and she was putting up with more of her sister’s chaos, even though she was worried about her father. She just didn't have to act like a fool to show it.
The focus on online crime, using the dark web, and the ability of people to be able to use malware to track find and change the course of history was unsettling. I like the fact that this dark side of online crime was car located in this very cold and desolate part of Canada, where it was all my suggesting that not even physical boundaries and distance could keep you safe from cybercrime. The cryptocurrency however was laughable, as I still have my doubts whether it really is worth anything at all.
This was a perplexing book. It didn't move as quickly as I thought it would, and where it did move quickly it was just too fast and improbable. It seemed to be written more like a synopsis for a TV show or a TV series rather than a novel because of the way it just moved so quickly from the scene to scene and the way in which characters seemed to get around like they owned teleports, especially in such a frigid cold winter where ice and snow was on every road.
Thanks #ultimopress for the #gifted copy.
October 19, 2025
AKB has once again written a twisty, addictively readable thriller that makes me want to pitch my phone into the sea.
Set in the sub-zero temperatures of a Winnipeg winter, Harlow’s father goes missing under mysterious circumstances. In order to find her father she has to figure out what is fake and what is real, while also battling a shit load of snow. But as the tagline for the book says “when you can fake anything, how do you know what’s real?”.
Tech Noir is quickly becoming one of my favourite genres and AKB has a unique ability to create stories within the genre that are accessible, not overly jargon-y but still absolutely terrifying. The relatable, “could genuinely happen to you or someone you know” quality of the story is so deeply unsettling. Also loved the subtle little nods to Australia 🐨
Set in the sub-zero temperatures of a Winnipeg winter, Harlow’s father goes missing under mysterious circumstances. In order to find her father she has to figure out what is fake and what is real, while also battling a shit load of snow. But as the tagline for the book says “when you can fake anything, how do you know what’s real?”.
Tech Noir is quickly becoming one of my favourite genres and AKB has a unique ability to create stories within the genre that are accessible, not overly jargon-y but still absolutely terrifying. The relatable, “could genuinely happen to you or someone you know” quality of the story is so deeply unsettling. Also loved the subtle little nods to Australia 🐨
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