by Susannah Sandlin
Series: The Collectors #2
Narrator: Amy McFadden
Length: 8 hrs and 41 mins
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Source: Gifted
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 4 cups
How far will ordinary people go to protect their secrets? The Collectors’ games are as much about manipulating lives as finding lost treasure. Everyone is expendable as the ruthless C7 pushes people into gambling with their lives in order to find priceless objects lost to history. Samantha Crowe’s secrets could ruin her career, while Brody Parker’s could get him killed. They become pawns for two Collectors seeking Bad King John’s crown jewels, which disappeared in rural England back when Robin Hood roamed Nottingham. This time, however, the Collectors—a ruthless dotcom billionaire and a desperate London detective—might not be playing for the same team, leaving Sam and Brody trapped in the middle. One thing’s for sure: If either hope to survive, Sam and Brody will have to find a way to overcome their distrust—and their growing attraction—in order to succeed on this winner-take-all treasure hunt.
Deadly, Calm and Cold is the second book in the Collectors series by Susannah Sandlin and I was lucky enough to win the audio edition. It’s a romantic suspense that shares a deadly game with ordinary folks used as pawns in a rich man’s game of treasure hunt. I quickly became caught up in the tale and couple.
Five Caffeinated reasons to grab your earbuds and listen to Deadly, Calm, and Cold
- The premise of the Collector series is a unique one. A group of rich, pompous men known as the C7 bet money and use ordinary folks to find the lost treasure for them. Do you have a secret you want to be kept hidden? Then you could be their next victim and they will stop at nothing to have you do their bidding. I love this premise and the suspense it creates.
- The quest is to find lost artifacts and a deadline to win is set. I love how their research resulted in the reader/listener learning about a specific time-period and lost treasure. In this particular case, we are looking for King John’s crown jewels that disappeared in rural England around the time Robin Hood roamed the countryside. Sandlin clearly does her research weaving fact into her tales giving it an authentic feel.
- The plot was twisted and the C7 players particularly ruthless. They involve a London detective in over his head and a Dotcom billionaire who is determined to win regardless of the cost. They hire ruthless thugs to do their dirty work and set out to foil each other. Accidents, murder, and threats abound keeping the reader constantly on edge.
Samantha Crow’s past could ruin the career she is pursuing and threats to her family have her manipulated into playing the game. Brody Parker has left his past behind and if discovered certain parties would go to great lengths to see him dead. Each has a mission and finds themselves an unwilling pawn between the two C7 players. - The attraction Sam and Brody felt for each other was dangerous since both feared being double-crossed and finding themselves at the mercy of the C7 players. The incredible tension, danger, and timeline amped up the sexual tension and it was delightful seeing these two begin to trust each other. We get some heat combined with sweet moments and I found myself rooting for them.
- Deadly, Calm and Cold was an intense romantic suspense and I cannot wait to read the next novel. Each of the books in this series work as standalone but I recommend reading them all.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Tyler H Jolley
I really like the concept of this book. The cover is really beautiful too.
kimbacaffeinate
It is a great premise and she executes it beautifully
anna (herding cats & burning soup)
I read this one a while back and enjoyed it. Had planned on checking out her others and got distracted. Soo many pretties. lol Glad you had a good time with it too 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Oh lord yes the pretties. My problem is I pick them all up and then have so many I am not even sure what I own..then go to buy it and Amazon or B&N tells me “It looks like you already purchased this” *facepalm*
Michelle
I love this whole premise! I’m going to add this to my list of books to try to find at the library.
kimbacaffeinate
Yay..enjoy Michelle
Bookworm Brandee
This really seems like a unique premise. I like that we learn about a specific time period as the search for the artifacts happens. I’ll have to add this series to my tbr.
kimbacaffeinate
Me too Brandee, hope you get to try them
Aubrey Wynne
I’ve been looking for a good suspense for my mom. Perfect. Love the cover too.
kimbacaffeinate
Oh awesome, I hope she enjoys them Aubrey.
Sophia Rose
Wow! That is a riveting premise for a series/story. I love treasure hunting stories, but the added layer of manipulators and blackmail just makes it sound even more intriguing. I’ll be adding this to the pile for sure. Thanks for the review!
kimbacaffeinate
I do love the suspense of it all Sophia.
blodeuedd
One of these days
kimbacaffeinate
🙂 yep
Melissa (Books and Things)
Oh I haven’t read this one and I do think this will go on my romantic suspense list. I’m also going to have to check out her other books.
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you try them Melissa 🙂
Angela Adams
Awesome premise! Thanks for sharing!!
kimbacaffeinate
Anytime Angela 🙂
Katherine
The premise on this sounds amazing. I love the treasure hunting especially when paired with great characters and serious tension. I’ve added this and the first in the series to my TBR!
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you enjoy them Katherine. I love this author and she writes in many different genres
Heidi
I didn’t realize the sequel was out. I liked the first one and it is nice though that you don’t have to read this one as a serial.
kimbacaffeinate
I had fun with the installments but preferred the audio
Ramona
I’m open-mouthed, literally. This premise is just made of awesome! I haven’t heard of this series, but you can bet I’m reading it now. Particularly since there’s also romance, and a well written one, by the sound of it. (You know I’m a sucker for them romances :P) A super clever review, revealing just enough to whet my appetite. Your skill is becoming legend, my friend 🙂 Have a good one!
kimbacaffeinate
*blushes* thanks Ramona. I hope you enjoy them
Candace
I have heard amazing things about this author! Ali even gifted me one of her books. I’m glad you enjoyed this!
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo you need to dig it out and read it my friend
Lauren
You always recommend the best romantic suspenses! I really want to read this, and it helps that these can be treated as standalones, so it’s not so daunting for me to start the Collectors series. Awesome review!
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Lauren. Romantic suspense is one of my fav genres.
Benish
Ooh, catchy cover – I like twisted plots too. I should try an audiobook for once, I just feel they’re quite long though. Hmm, let’s see..
kimbacaffeinate
If you listen while walking or doing chores the time flies
Felicia The Geeky Blogger
I didn’t realize that she was S.J. too! I will have to see if this is at my library, it does sound like something I would like!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes and she writes romantic suspense and paranormal romances under this name. I have loved everything I have read by her Flea
Debbie Haupt
Kim thanks for putting this in front of me, what a great premise and I lover your review. I think this is a definite for me. I think I’ll start from the beginning.
deb
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Debbie!
Sarah
Okay, I think I remember reading your review of book one in the series because I remember wanting to read it so badly. I love anything to do with treasure or lost artifacts. I need to start this series asap!!
kimbacaffeinate
You probably did, I have read everything written by this author
Nick
Ooh! This sounds like a fun read, Kim! I love the sound of the adventure. It seems a bit like The Da Vinci Code with going after artifacts! I hadn’t heard of this before today, so I’ll have to look more into it!
Lovely review! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
A little Nick. I adore this author and this series has been fun
Jonetta (Ejaygirl)
Excellent review! Off to check it out.
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Jonetta 🙂
Jenny
Oh I like the sound of this one Kim! Romantic suspense is one of my favorite genres, and this story sounds like it’s going to be an epic page turner. I’ll have to check out the first book as well!
kimbacaffeinate
I love this genre as well Jenny. I think I have loved everything this author has written
Red Iza
Suspense and history, such a good mix ! Can’t wait to read this series… one day ! Instead of shortening the days when we change seasons, we should have more hours to read more 😉
kimbacaffeinate
My thoughts exactly. I’ve been spending time with my granddaughter and working more so it is cutting into my reading. This is why I am visiting blogs at midnight and reading till 2 am..lol
kindlemom1
I love that there is historic detail thrown in here, the nerdy girl in me wants to read this for that alone!
kimbacaffeinate
Right…me too. I love learning a little something and it gives it a realistic aspect.
Braine
Sounds unique all right. I thought at first this was fantasy or dystopia even. I love the sound of it
kimbacaffeinate
No romantic suspense and she does it so well 🙂
miki
i love susannah’s writing style and this series is simply too captivating, enthralling i love it! and yes next book will be awaited with joy
kimbacaffeinate
Always glad to see another fan Miki!
Alreem
sound so interesting, I have always loved books that have the basic storyline of rich and poor 🙂 and this one sound extra interesting
kimbacaffeinate
Imagine being pawns in a rich mans treasure hunt..it was good
Lupdilup
This is great Kimba! I didn’t know about this series. I really enjoyed her vampire series which I thankfully picked up after I read your reviews. Now, here you are with another goodie for me 🙂
Thank you!!
kimbacaffeinate
She does really well with romantic suspense as well Loupe…I don’t think I’ve read anything I dislike from her.
Renee (
I do love this genre, and I just don’t get a chance to read more of it. And I have been looking for something different, and this definitely sounds like something I would love…and I adore audio books. So I will have to pick this one up soon.
kimbacaffeinate
It’s the perfect length too, and I hope you enjoy it 🙂
Melliane
I don’t know why I haven’t read this series yet… yes I know why it’s because I have book 1 in ebook and I’m so behind with them. But still it sounds so good! I need to try!!! Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, I enjoyed that one too..these are great easy reads:)
Christy
What a coincidence, this is also the title of my autobiography. lol. I love this author and for sure need to read this series.
kimbacaffeinate
bwahaha.