'Cover of Snow' by Jenny Milchman is a mystery thriller that follows Nora Hamilton as she tries to uncover the truth behind her husband's alleged suicide. The story is set in a small town in upstate New York, where Nora discovers hidden secrets within her husband's past and a corrupt police department involved in a cover-up. As Nora delves deeper into the investigation, she uncovers clues that lead to a chilling conclusion, surrounded by a cold, wintry atmosphere that adds to the suspense of the narrative. The writing style is described as captivating, with a well-plotted storyline that keeps readers engaged with its twists and turns.

Characters:

The characters, particularly the protagonist, display varying degrees of complexity, but many supporting roles are seen as archetypal and underdeveloped.

Writing/Prose:

The prose employs rich descriptions to create a moody atmosphere but can feel cluttered due to excessive detail and awkward dialogue.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative centers on a woman's desperate quest for answers after her husband's inexplicable suicide, leading her to confront a web of secrets and deception in her small town.

Setting:

The haunting, wintry backdrop of the Adirondacks serves as both a literal and figurative cover for the story's dark secrets.

Pacing:

The pacing is uneven, starting strong but becoming sluggish, leading to a less satisfying overall reading experience.

A second later I realized my toes weren’t burrowing into the hollows behind Brendan’s knees, that when I flung out my arm it didn’t meet his wiry chest, the stony muscles gone slack with sleep. I slid...

Notes:

The book begins with the shocking suicide of the protagonist's husband, Brendan, which sets the plot in motion.

Nora Hamilton, the main character, is portrayed as an amateur detective struggling to uncover the truth behind her husband's death.

The story is set in the small town of Wedeskyull, nestled in the Adirondack Mountains of New York, creating a cold and eerie atmosphere.

Many readers found the pacing of the book inconsistent, with some sections feeling slow and others filled with suspense and intrigue.

The book explores themes of grief, betrayal, and the lengths one will go to uncover hidden truths.

Nora faces resistance from the police and townspeople, adding to the tension and sense of isolation.

Some readers enjoyed the atmospheric writing and detailed descriptions of the snowy setting, while others found it overwhelming.

The ending was polarizing, with some readers feeling unresolved plot points while others appreciated the complexity of the conclusion.

Readers noted that certain character relationships were difficult to define, and some characters felt two-dimensional.

Overall, while the book had its flaws, many reviewers recognized potential in Jenny Milchman's writing for future works.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book features content warnings for themes surrounding suicide and police corruption.

From The Publisher:

WINNER OF THE MARY HIGGINS CLARK AWARD

Jenny Milchman's Cover of Snow is a remarkable debut, a gripping tale of suspense in the tradition of Gillian Flynn, Chris Bohjalian, and Nancy Pickard.

Waking up one wintry morning in her old farmhouse nestled in the Adirondack Mountains of New York, Nora Hamilton instantly knows that something is wrong. When her fog of sleep clears, she finds her world is suddenly, irretrievably shattered: Her husband, Brendan, has committed suicide.

The first few hours following Nora's devastating discovery pass for her in a blur of numbness and disbelief. Then, a disturbing awareness slowly settles in: Brendan left no note and gave no indication that he was contemplating taking his own life. Why would a rock-solid police officer with unwavering affection for his wife, job, and quaint hometown suddenly choose to end it all? Having spent a lifetime avoiding hard truths, Nora must now start facing them.

Unraveling her late husband's final days, Nora searches for an explanation-but finds a bewildering resistance from Brendan's best friend and partner, his fellow police officers, and his brittle mother. It quickly becomes clear to Nora that she is asking questions no one wants to answer. For beneath the soft cover of snow lies a powerful conspiracy that will stop at nothing to keep its presence unknown . . . and its darkest secrets hidden.

Praise for Cover of Snow

"Well-defined characters take us on an emotional roller-coaster ride through the darkest night, with blinding twists and occasionally fatal turns. This is a richly woven story that not only looks at the devastating effects of suicide but also examines life in a small town and explores the complexity of marriage. Fans of Nancy Pickard, Margaret Maron, and C. J. Box will be delighted to find this new author."-Booklist (starred review)

"Milchman reveals an intimate knowledge of the psychology of grief, along with a painterly gift for converting frozen feelings into scenes of a forbidding winter landscape."-The New York Times

"Milchman makes readers] feel the chill right down to their bones and casts a particularly effective mood in this stylish thriller."-Kirkus Reviews

"Milchman tackles small-town angst where evil can simmer under the surface with a breathless energy and a feel for realistic characters."-The Seattle Times

"The plot unfolds at an excellent clip . . . ultimately rushing headlong to a series of startling revelations."-San Francisco Journal of Books

"Milchman expertly conveys Nora's grief in a way that will warm hearts even in the dead of a Wedeskyull winter."-Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Reader Stats (14):

Want To Read (6)
Not Interested (8)

What can you read after
Cover of Snow?

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About the Author:

Jenny Milchman lives in New Jersey with her family. Cover of Snow is her first novel.

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Cover of Snow

Jenny Milchman