Cold Blooded Killer is another gripping, snow-drenched triumph in Alex Pine’s DI James Walker series—a series I’ve genuinely come to love. Each installment feels like returning to a familiar yet ever-evolving world, where Christmas in Cumbria is never just about mince pies and mistletoe, but murder, mystery, and moral reckoning. This sixth book delivers everything I’ve come to expect: a chilling crime, a tightly woven plot, and the steady, thoughtful presence of James Walker at its heart. The murder of journalist Gordon Carver hits close to home, and the emotional weight James carries adds depth to the investigation. His rapport with his team, his quiet guilt over missing family moments, and the evolving dynamic with Annie and their children continue to make him one of the most grounded and compelling detectives in the genre. Alex Pine has a knack for keeping the festive setting fresh while deepening the characters we’ve grown attached to. The pacing is brisk, the clues cleverly scattered, and the final reveal—unexpected and satisfying. I especially enjoyed how each interview peeled back another layer, leading to a resolution that felt earned. I’ve devoured every book in this series, and Cold Blooded Killer might just be my favourite yet. It’s a winter tradition I look forward to—and one I hope continues for many Christmases to come. My thanks to Alex Pine, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. I was excited for this one and it doesn't disappoint!

This is another cracker from Alex Pine and a great addition to what is fast becoming my favourite 'festive' series. Whilst this is the sixth in the series, it does read ok as a standalone as the main characters are introduced at the beginning but I would suggest you go back and read the others to ensure you get the most out of this series and you won't be disappointed. In Cold Blooded Killer we have another Christmas murder for DI Walker and his team to solve and this is not going to be an easy one. With fantastic characters, a great plot, tension and a murderer I certainly didn't see coming, this is a book that I was totally invested in from the start and with the perfect setting - well I would say that as it's my neck of the woods - Mr Pine captures the weather, scenery and location completely. A great read that I would recommend and not just for Christmas! My thanks must go to the author, Avon Books UK and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this, another great addition to this excellent series.