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abercrombie1986's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
First I want to mention how incredibly lucky I was to have both the audio and book version as I would have never figured out how to pronounce those Irish names. Jacqueline Milne did such a good job with the narration of the story. I appreciated her Irish accent and enjoyed the audio version as much as I did reading the story.
On the 10 year anniversary of her husband’s death, a group of friends meet to remember Cara’s husband. This really did give me vibes of a Ruth Ware book. That slow burn, set on an atmospheric island in the middle of a snowstorm. Since no one can get on or off the island, there are only so many suspects when one of the friends turns up dead. As the facts start to unfold, it seems the friend had a secret she wanted to tell Cara, that Cara works so desperately to figure out.
Layered and complex, the story slowly unfolds during a snowstorm that is almost like a supporting character. The friendship is at the root of this story and while I was a step ahead of the story in figuring out the culprit, it is the atmosphere of the story that the author focuses on.
If you like slow burn mysteries and are a fan of Ruth Ware, you should check this one out. And you can always google the names if you aren’t an audiobook reader.
swalk's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Cara is a Garda Síochána on the remote Irish island of Inishmore, where her friends gather to memorialise the death of her husband. Strangely one member of the group does not appear, but due to a large storm it is assumed they are held up. The next day a body bound in rope is washed up in a historic cove, called The Serpent’s Lair.
As the only officer on the island Cara must try to ascertain what has happened without experts or backup. Having not been born on the island she is viewed by the islanders with distain and suspicion, so when she tries to investigate what could have happened it is hard to get co-operation. However it soon becomes apparent that the victim was seen after the last boats to Inishmore had come and gone due to the storm, so the culprit must still remain on the island.
A gripping thriller which gives a great sense of place, with many tragedies and lies being unveiled between what each believed to be a close knit group of friends. This is elevated by the excellent narration and character reading.
As the only officer on the island Cara must try to ascertain what has happened without experts or backup. Having not been born on the island she is viewed by the islanders with distain and suspicion, so when she tries to investigate what could have happened it is hard to get co-operation. However it soon becomes apparent that the victim was seen after the last boats to Inishmore had come and gone due to the storm, so the culprit must still remain on the island.
A gripping thriller which gives a great sense of place, with many tragedies and lies being unveiled between what each believed to be a close knit group of friends. This is elevated by the excellent narration and character reading.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide and Murder
Minor: Drug abuse, Physical abuse, Stalking, and Fire/Fire injury
thesapphiccelticbookworm's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for a copy of this book.
It's been ten years since the death of Garda Cara's husband, Cillian. She and five or her and Cillian's childhood friends gather for the anniversary, on a remote Irish island.
Things soon take a turn for the worst when one of the friends turns up murdered as a winter storm rages leaving the island cut off from the rest of the world.Cara as the only Garda on the island is left to investigate until back-up can arrive from the mainland, knowing the murderer has to still be on the island.
The group went their separate ways ten years ago, and being together again brings back old feelings and resentments.
In many ways this is a classic closed circle mystery, but the setting is one not seen much giving this trope a fresh spin.
This was a very enjoyable read, made much better by Jacqueline Milne's excellent narration.
It's been ten years since the death of Garda Cara's husband, Cillian. She and five or her and Cillian's childhood friends gather for the anniversary, on a remote Irish island.
Things soon take a turn for the worst when one of the friends turns up murdered as a winter storm rages leaving the island cut off from the rest of the world.Cara as the only Garda on the island is left to investigate until back-up can arrive from the mainland, knowing the murderer has to still be on the island.
The group went their separate ways ten years ago, and being together again brings back old feelings and resentments.
In many ways this is a classic closed circle mystery, but the setting is one not seen much giving this trope a fresh spin.
This was a very enjoyable read, made much better by Jacqueline Milne's excellent narration.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, and Murder
Moderate: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, and Suicide
Minor: Drug abuse, Drug use, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, and Abandonment
heather_harrison's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
"So we just have to not get murdered until then, is that it?" - The Stormstorm.
Thank you to NetGalley for this audio copy of The Snowstorm by Triona Walsh.
Set on the remote town in the wild Aran Islands off the Coast of Ireland over the New Years break - Cara and her friends are reunited for the 10 year anniversary of their friend's death after nearly a decade apart.
It has all the hallmarks for a potentially great mystery - an isolated and atmospheric setting, a friend group with a tumultuous past, a storm cutting them off from the rest of the world, and a murder. As Cara, who also happens to be the island's sole police officer, begins to unweave the trail - things get more and more complex.
The story has a relatively slow build up and the plot did get slightly repetitive - which did detract a bit. There were plenty of amusing lines peppered throughout - but I can't go past;
"The smell of bacon and sausages filled the room. A finer Parisian perfume wouldn't have lifted the mood so well"
Because that smacks of delicious honesty and I could practically taste the New Years fry up as soon as I heard it.
The audio version of this story did it great justice, as you're able to hear the character names and locations as they're intended, as well as the gorgeous, if sparing, inclusion of the native Irish tongue. Hearing some characters complete with accents really did bring it to life.
This is Walsh's premier publication - and would be a good fit for fans of Alice Feeney or Lucy Foley.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Infidelity
Minor: Domestic abuse, Drug use, Grief, Stalking, and Alcohol
jonannlovesbooktalk's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The Snowstorm Audiobook by Tríona Walsh
Narrated by Jacqueline Milne
A group of six friends gather on a cold and icy New Year's Eve. Ten years have passed since the tragedy that separated them. Much has changed between them. Childhood bonds are now hidden secrets. Friendships that were once close have deteriorated.
One of the friends is missing just as the celebrations are about to begin. On a snow-covered beach, a body is discovered. There is no way to leave the island as the storm approaches. Having no electricity, no Wi-Fi, and no phone signal, no one knows who to trust. Each of them has a hidden agenda and one is a killer.
The Snowstorm Audiobook is available on February 2nd.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for sharing this thrilling audiobook with me! Your kindness is appreciated.
Narrated by Jacqueline Milne
A group of six friends gather on a cold and icy New Year's Eve. Ten years have passed since the tragedy that separated them. Much has changed between them. Childhood bonds are now hidden secrets. Friendships that were once close have deteriorated.
One of the friends is missing just as the celebrations are about to begin. On a snow-covered beach, a body is discovered. There is no way to leave the island as the storm approaches. Having no electricity, no Wi-Fi, and no phone signal, no one knows who to trust. Each of them has a hidden agenda and one is a killer.
The Snowstorm Audiobook is available on February 2nd.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for sharing this thrilling audiobook with me! Your kindness is appreciated.
nebulous07's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
The Snowstorm by Triona Walsh is exceptionally well written. Drawn to the premise, I was deeply moved by the historical significance of the remote Irish island that not only holds memories but deep dark secrets. An intense storm is brewing that isolates the inhabitants from the rest of the world and shakes six friends who are caught in its eye.
The Yaays: The character development flows and complements the plot. I admired and grew deeply fond of Garda (Policewoman) Cara. Her quest for the truth, guilt, helplessness and determination are flawlessly highlighted. I appreciated how she conducted herself and held her cards close to her chest as an "outsider." The past events were well-placed, resulting in little to no confusion. Every character was easily distinguished, and the pacing was well done, making me quickly turn the pages. I loved the integration language and the subsequent translation.
The Nays: While it was easy to pinpoint the culprits, I could never predict the twists and turns that came through. While this is a significant yaay, I felt that there were too many twists and turns, making the ending a tad far-fetched for me.
If you're looking for a winter read that will keep you on your toes, do not skip this one.
Thank you to NetGalley & Bookouture for giving me an ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily.
The Yaays: The character development flows and complements the plot. I admired and grew deeply fond of Garda (Policewoman) Cara. Her quest for the truth, guilt, helplessness and determination are flawlessly highlighted. I appreciated how she conducted herself and held her cards close to her chest as an "outsider." The past events were well-placed, resulting in little to no confusion. Every character was easily distinguished, and the pacing was well done, making me quickly turn the pages. I loved the integration language and the subsequent translation.
The Nays: While it was easy to pinpoint the culprits, I could never predict the twists and turns that came through. While this is a significant yaay, I felt that there were too many twists and turns, making the ending a tad far-fetched for me.
If you're looking for a winter read that will keep you on your toes, do not skip this one.
Thank you to NetGalley & Bookouture for giving me an ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily.
tk95's review
slow-paced
1.0
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book was not for me, it wasn't directly bad just dull. I think its a good book for those who like slower thrillers where you can see the plot twist coming, I just don't care for those kinds of books. I also didn't really care about any of the characters wich made me not care about anything that happend.
This book was not for me, it wasn't directly bad just dull. I think its a good book for those who like slower thrillers where you can see the plot twist coming, I just don't care for those kinds of books. I also didn't really care about any of the characters wich made me not care about anything that happend.
leona_omahony's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
The Snow Storm is a brilliant murder mystery and it’s the debut novel of Triona Walsh. Everything about this book was just wonderful, from the setting to the storyline. Once I started this book I just knew nothing would keep me away from it. A lot of times with books like this I know quite early on who the culprit is but loved reading this as I was suspicious of everyone . This is super debut novel and I can’t wait to read more from this author.
crazyforbooksandcoffee's review
3.0
The Snow Storm
An Isolated setting and a murder my favourite type of story but this just had something missing for me it was quite slow paced in places and I did find myself glazing over a few parts. I did enjoy the narration and if I hadn't had the audio I would have struggled with some of the pronunciations so I'm glad I had the ebook and audio together. It was still an enjoyable Snowy setting read.
Thank you to Netgalley, Bookouture and Triona Walsh for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest Review