Peter Colt’s Cold Island invites readers into a haunting mystery on Nantucket, where the discovery of a child’s remains after thirty-five years threatens to shatter the silence of a community that has kept its secrets buried. Atmospheric and brooding, the novel blends police procedural detail with the isolation of a windswept island in the offseason.
The Premise
Massachusetts State Police detective Tommy Kelly is called to Nantucket when skeletal remains of a young boy are unearthed at a construction site. The case immediately takes a strange turn: no child was ever reported missing during that time period. Kelly partners with local detective Jo Harris, who is not entirely thrilled about an outsider working her turf. Together, they begin combing through old files and questioning longtime residents, only to uncover links to a decades-old serial killer case that the community has worked hard to bury.
The Writing and Atmosphere
Colt’s writing is heavy with detail, offering a strong sense of place. From the island landscape to local routines, the descriptions root the story firmly in Nantucket. For some readers, these touches add richness, while for others they feel like misdirection that slows the pacing. The setting itself becomes part of the mystery, its cold isolation reflecting the secrets long kept by its people.
The dual timeline structure, weaving flashbacks into the present-day investigation, provides depth and context. These glimpses of the past hint at the dark undercurrents of the island and add layers to the narrative as the detectives close in on the truth.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The strongest element of Cold Island is its atmosphere. Readers who enjoy slow-burn mysteries with a strong sense of place will find plenty to appreciate. The investigation itself is intriguing, and the final revelations do succeed in surprising.
However, some aspects falter. Several reviewers have pointed out the overuse of unnecessary details, such as repetitive mentions of Kelly’s exercise routine and diet choices, which do little to advance the plot. There are also inconsistencies and a controversial final twist that left some readers feeling frustrated rather than satisfied. Additionally, the dialogue sometimes relies on outdated or abrasive terms that may pull modern readers out of the story.
Final Thoughts
Cold Island is a dark, atmospheric crime thriller that combines small-town secrets with the relentless determination of detectives chasing justice. It may not be perfect, but it delivers a chilling sense of isolation and enough twists to keep mystery fans turning the pages. For those who enjoy moody procedurals with a strong New England backdrop, it is worth exploring, flaws and all.
If you want to uncover the secrets of Nantucket alongside Detective Tommy Kelly, you can pick up your copy of Cold Island here: Buy on Amazon.
