Cold Eternity by S.A. Barnes
Science Fiction/Horror
April 8, 2025 by Tor Nightfire

Last year I received this author’s second book for review and waited FOREVER to read it, then finally picked it up at the end of the year when I was in a bit of a book slump. I was so mad at myself for waiting so long. I immediately went to my Libby app to see what else was available by S.A. Barnes. So, when this book came up for review, I quickly hit that request button.

All three of the books I’ve read by this author were fantastic. Cold Eternity opens by introducing a woman who is on the run and needing a safe place to hide until she can save up enough credits to disappear altogether. She answers an anonymous post for a job as a caretaker on a deserted ship named the Elysian Fields. This ship houses the cryogenically frozen bodies of the world’s richest and most famous people. She readily accepts, eager to finally be alone and safe for a period of time.

All of her peace and safety disappear when she starts to see and imagine strange things. But she chalks it up to sleep deprivation until all those weird things start to add up to something completely evil.

This author’s books are creepy as hell. Just imagine being alone, on an abandoned ship, with only the frozen bodies of the richest people in the universe all around you. A wonky AI system that glitches and warns you to RUN. Weird sounds and vibrations at all times of day and night. *shivers* It all lends a sense of atmosphere that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. I HOPE to see this author’s books on the big screen soon.

Who Will Remember by C. S. Harris
Sebastian St. Cyr #20
Historical Mystery
April 15, 2025 by Berkley

I really love this series; it has become one of my must reads in the historical mystery genre. The last installment felt darker than some of the previous ones, I think because it felt so close to home since Sir Henry Lovejoy’s backstory was so heavily involved. This newest book is dark, but doesn’t feel quite so hopeless, even with the backdrop of the cold, bleak weather.

The mystery was interesting, the pacing swift and it kept me engaged right up until the very end. I really love Hero’s contributions and her stepping in to talk to both the ladies of the ton as well as those of the lower class to weed out information that would ultimately help in solving the mystery. I also love watching Sebastian, Hero, and their allies unravel all those little threads that lead to the big “aha” moment when it all comes together, and the villain(s) is revealed.

This is a long-running series, and I wouldn’t recommend reading out of order. I know it can be daunting jumping into a twenty-book series, but I believe it is worth it if you enjoy historical mystery. Highly recommend.