Your Preview Verdict: The Chilling by Riley James

An isolated research station. A storm approaching. There’s nowhere to run. But so much to hide.

Keen to flee the wreckage of her marriage, Australian scientist Kit Bitterfeld accepts a coveted winter research position at Macpherson Station in Antarctica. On the way there, Kit and her fellow researchers field a distress call from a nearby ship.

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Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:

I loved the adventure through the Antarctic! Fast paced and gripping from the very start, I was on edge the whole time. Couldn’t put it down Kylie, NSW, 5 stars

Good to see some icy Aussie Noir to give the Scandis a run for their money (ha). That coming from an Aussie with Swedish descent and a huge fan of the genre… I love home grown crime/mysteries and this (way) off/different continent Australian thriller is an enthralling read! Ayesha, NSW, 5 stars

Riley James’ debut novel centre’s around Kit Bitterfield, a forensic dentist, ‘pulling a geographic’ to winter at McPherson Station in Antarctica on a research trip to study Weddell seals, or as her best friend and fellow scientist puts it ‘going to the ends of the earth to pick up poo”. Given the mess she is leaving – a nasty divorce from an unfaithful and unrepentant ex, and a mother with advancing dementia, this seems like the perfect escape. Two weeks into the voyage from Hobart to the station, a distress signal from another ship leads Kit and the crew of the Southern Star on a rescue mission to The Snow Petrel, found ablaze, trapped in ice, showing signs of violence and empty of all crew… except for one. Initially unknown, the comatose man is identified as geophysicist Nick Coltheart, but claims to have no memory of who he is, how he came to be beaten and locked in a freezer and what has happened to his ship and the rest of the expedition. Kit is sceptical of his amnesia and becomes increasingly convinced that he knows far more than he is letting on and that he may be a danger to them all. Kit’s growing sense of dread that something is wrong at the base, her suspicion of Nick and the dangers faced by the missing expedition, both from within their group and from the elements make for a gripping read. Coupled with the research that has gone into describing what is actually involved in living and working in one of the most inhospitable and isolated environments, and the skill shown with characterisation and storytelling made me very happy to have been given a chance to review this advance reader’s copy from Better Reading. Juanita, NSW, 5 stars

Wow what a read! This slowburn thriller kept delivering the chills from Antarctica. Two expedition parties – one lost on the icy landscape and the other based at the research station. The portrayal of these parties and their experiences in Antarctica had me in awe of such people who do this in in the name of science. To be truly cut off from the rest of the world – with the exception of intermittent communication to the mainland via satellite. The descriptive, unforgiving landscape has been painted so vividly. I appreciated the map at the start of book – I did refer to it a few times (thank you!) I am already looking forward to Riley James’ next novel – no pressure! The perfect backdrop for reading this book is indeed a cold wet Winter’s day. Caroline, QLD, 5 stars

Kit accepts a research position in Antarctica after a divorce and along the journey there is a mayday call from a fellow ship. When the rescue team arrive at the vessel there is no sign of the crew, so where are they and why is there a man locked in the freezer? This book had me invested right from the start. I loved Kit as a character and the scene in Antarctica was set well. There was survival, death and love. I highly recommend Riley James, The Chilling, and look forward to his next book. Renee, QLD, 5 stars

What a thrilling, exciting novel — it was hard for me to put it down, waiting for an opportunity to read a few more pages ! Having never personally experienced such cold and icy conditions as is portrayed in this novel, the setting at the research station in Antartica , the author, Riley James, certainly transports you, the reader, there. Winter is fast approaching, and the winter darkness will be setting in . Then the team of scientists, medical and other researchers, would be completely cut off from the outside world. On their approach to their destination of McPherson Station, home until relieved by the summer team, they encounter a distress call from a nearby ship. By the time they reach the vessel, it is on fire and the crew has vanished. However, a lone survivor is found, injured and confused. He cannot remember who he is or what has happened. For me, this book has it all. Thriller, romance, murder, suspense ! I give it 5 stars . Looking forward to what Riley James, writes next . Edith, SA, 5 stars

Kit embarks on an Antarctic research trip, leaving her ex-husband Elliot and his divorce demands, having moved on with a pregnant girlfriend. Whilst heading to their destination, a marooned ship sends out an SOS and Kit is part of the SAR team to a ship which should have over 20 crew. Instead, they find Nick Coltheart in suspicious circumstances and one body and no other crew! When they get amnesiac Nick back to their ship, Kit’s instincts are on high alert and yet somehow alluring. Kit’s colleagues have no misgivings about Nick whom they find charming and helpful. This is a suspenseful tale of friendship, hard choices, fighting your own demons and trust; trusting your instincts and others whom you may not know as well as you think. I read an uncorrected copy of this book from Better Reading. This story had me captivated from page 17 taking the reader on a rollercoaster ride of twists and turns; you wonder who to trust right through to the end. Such a suspenseful tale and so well written that it had me on the edge of my lounge chair sitting by the pool in the tropics. I simply couldn’t put it down! Lyn, QLD, 5 stars

This is a cracking read, tense and plausible. Living in Hobart with a returned Antarctic expeditioner, I found the details of the expedition and life on station rang true. Good strong female characters and a pacy story that gripped me to the end. Maybe don’t read it while heading south on the Nuyina… Jen, TAS, 5 stars

For those that truly enjoy a Scandi noir theme to books and television, The Chilling truly encompasses the winter setting on a remote isolated research station and the concerns rising on murders and mysterious illness descending the colleagues of Kit and Nick. I was guessing until the end and found the final wrap up quite satisfying. Riley James has a wonderful writing style that is easy to follow and engaging and complexing all at once. Preeya, QLD, 5 stars

With the harsh Antarctic Winter approaching a mystery needs to be solved. Survival is not only threatened by the weather outside. An icy thriller that engages the reader from beginning to end. Thoroughly enjoyable read. Aleata, NSW, 5 stars

‘The Chilling’ by Riley James was fabulous! Loved Australian crime fiction in a new setting- Antarctica! Elizabeth, NSW, 5 stars

It was an easy read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Not only was it a murder mystery with a number of rather complicated characters it also gave great insight in to The Antarctic and the work that is done thereby various scientists. I found it hard to put it down as so enthralling. I would love to read more books for this author. Karen, VIC, 5 stars

The Chilling by Riley James is an intriguing thriller set against the backdrop of an impending Antarctic winter. Looking to escape the dissolution of her marriage, scientist Kit Bitterfield joins an expedition to Macpherson Station, Antarctica. During the journey, the expedition receives a distress call from a nearby ship and alter their route to assist. Finding the stricken vessel on fire, rescue teams board to search for the crew. Unfortunately, there is only one crew member discovered, and subsequently rescued, joining Kit on the resumed journey to Macpherson Station. Although the stranger’s identity is eventually discovered, things are not as they seem. Determined to find the underlying cause of the happenings on the stricken ship, Kit finds herself immersed in unexpected, life-threatening situations. Not only outside in the sub-zero Antarctic storms, but also inside Macpherson Station. The Chilling is a brilliantly written crime fiction novel, with very clever supernatural undertones. I found myself constantly thinking I had figured everything out, only to find another clever twist appear soon after. As I reached the end, I was pleasantly surprised once again to see that my assumptions were incorrect. Congratulations on a wonderful debut novel. Karen, WA, 5 stars

If you like a page turning thriller that keeps you gripped and guessing until the end, then ‘The Chilling’ by Riley James is the book for you. Throughout the story the reader is kept at a distance from immediately knowing the internal motivations of some characters, while sharing the drive behind others so you’re not left flailing in the dark for understanding. Towards the climax of this Antarctic adventure thriller, we begin to discover more of the underlying secrets prompting the actions of the many intriguing characters throughout the story. As the pieces of the puzzle slotted into place, the more I felt this is a book I could enjoy re-reading as there are no simple or easy answers as you delve beneath the surface narrative. A clever storyline, interesting characters, a setting that is chilling both literally and figuratively and an ending that slots the pieces into place without any manufactured twists, make this a book that would be great to re-read, discuss with friends or enjoy for a book club. Lisa, QLD, 5 stars

“The Chilling” by Riley James is a gripping thriller that immerses readers in a world of suspense and terror. The story revolves around a small, isolated town plagued by a series of mysterious and gruesome murders. As the local sheriff, Sarah Mitchell, delves deeper into the investigation, she uncovers a chilling connection between the victims and a dark secret buried in the town’s history. James masterfully builds an atmosphere of dread, using the town’s eerie setting to heighten the tension. The characters are well-developed, with Sarah’s determination and vulnerability making her a compelling protagonist. The plot is intricately woven, with twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. One of the strengths of “The Chilling” is its pacing. James balances moments of high intensity with quieter, reflective scenes, allowing readers to catch their breath before plunging back into the action. The prose is crisp and evocative, painting vivid pictures of the town and its inhabitants. However, some readers might find the ending a bit predictable. Despite this, “The Chilling” is an engaging and well-crafted novel that will appeal to fans of the genre. Riley James has delivered a solid and entertaining read that lingers long after the final page. Melissa, VIC, 5 stars

Set in Antartica, this is a thriller that kept me reading in to the night. A mystery ship incident, a lone survivor, strange goings on at the Basecamp all combine for a compelling story. This debut novel introduces us to a new talent in Australian crime writing. Sue, NSW, 5 stars

A thriller non-stop action novel. Kit Bitterfeld takes a job in Antarctica In a isolated research station, getting away from the end of her marriage. On the way to Antarctica she gets a message from a distress call from a nearby ship. By the time she gets to the ship, the crew have vanished and the ship is on fire. A lone survivor Nick Coltheart has no recollection of what has happened. It’s all very up in the air and much is being concealed. What a wonderful and brilliant novel. Well Recommended. I give it 10/10 Noeleen, WA, 5 stars

Having studied about Antarctica with the University of Tasmania and IMAS (Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies) I was thrilled to receive this novel for review from Better Reading because it is set in Antarctica on an isolated research station. Kit, a forensic dentist, is escaping from the breakdown of her marriage by spending a winter on the station as a research assistant. En route though, a distress call from another ship leads to them finding it on fire with all but one of the crew and staff vanished. The lone survivor seems to have amnesia … but Kit isn’t so sure and her suspicions about him are raised, although she also finds him rather attractive so is conflicted. Furthermore, some of her colleagues are beginning to act rather oddly. This is an icily intriguing and gripping thriller with plenty of twists and turns and I was enthralled although I had to suspend my disbelief at some points. Pamela, VIC, 5 stars

A great read that keeps you guessing throughout, with so many unanswered questions and secrets you don’t know who to trust! Well written, highly recommend! Kelly, VIC, 4 stars

A group of scientists and researchers are aboard a ship bound for Macpherson Station in Antarctica when they are asked to investigate a distress call from a nearby ship. What they find is very mysterious. There is a lone survivor and the rest of the crew has vanished. With bad weather on the way they must get back to the station. Outside help may be weeks or months away with the winter darkness fast approaching. This story had me hooked from the start with its fascinating setting in Antarctica and made for a very engrossing read. The characters are a good mix with interesting back stories that come to light as the story progresses. A riveting tale that kept me in suspense to the end. Karin, VIC, 4 stars

This was a rollicking good read. It reminded me of my teenage self loving the tense action of Alister MacLean’s Ice Station Zebra. The Chilling has arduous treks across a hostile landscape, several hidden agendas and a dollop of romance amid multiple viewpoints and time-running-out tension. Unexpected twists keep the reader guessing until the very end. Jen, NSW, 4 stars

Riley James’s The Chilling is a captivating thriller filled with intrigue and suspicion, set in an environment where trusting your colleagues is key to your survival. Kit Bitterfeld accepts a coveted winter research position at Macpherson Station in Antarctica after her divorce. During their journey, they receive a distress signal from the “Petrel.” They find it ablaze and its crew missing except for the critically injured Nick Coltheart. Kit starts searching for answers but is met with resistance at every turn. As the story unfolds from various characters’ perspectives, readers are kept guessing about their motives and the fate of the “Petrel” crew. The engaging narrative is driven by a constant theme of suspicion and unexpected twists, which is the cornerstone of every great thriller. Jamye, VIC, 4 stars

“The Chilling” by Riley James keeps you connecting the final pieces of the puzzle until the final pages of the book. A crime fictional story based in the cold of Antarctica, follows the main character Kit as she settles into her new work role at Macpherson Station on the medical team. A book to read snuggled up with a blanket and a cup of tea to keep warm while the temperature drops in “The Chilling.” Erena, VIC, 4 stars

“An isolated research station. A storm approaching. There’s nowhere to run. But so much to hide.” How right was that description! On the icy Antarctic in a Research Facility Kit Bitterfield is on her first expedition. It’s not long before a distress call comes from a ship stuck in ice. They investigate. Who is the only man left on the ship? Where are the remaining crew? Back at the Research Facility, Kit tends to the unidentified man but feels her superior isn’t taking his injuries seriously and questions why. Then odd things start happening. People go missing. The team starts acting strange. Is it illness, poison, or is there something else going on? Kit decides it’s up to her to investigate further, which means she has to put in place her limited survival skills to save others. There are so many twists and turns in this thriller. So many people hiding so many secrets. I loved the fact it was based on this rugged, unforgiving continent, giving the story a very eerie and scary feel. Kudos to the author Riley James – she certainly knows how to pull off a thriller. Diane, SA, 4 stars

I have always been interested in the great continent to the south so when there is the chance to read an adventure set there I am keen to do so. ‘The Chilling’ by Riley James sets the scene of a remote, beautiful place where life is dictated by the climate. The characters are just as fascinating as the setting. You are never sure what to expect and what to believe. The main character, Kit Bitterfeld, seems to be a superhero, coping with situations others would find overwhelming. In the harsh environment of Antartica having a strong character would be a requisite, but Kit seems to be at the forefront of all solutions. I did feel that she had a back story that we were not privileged to, which did frustrate me a bit. ‘The Chilling’ is recommended reading for anyone interested in solving mysteries in the harsh environment of Antartica and surviving. Robyn, QLD, 4 stars

Twists and turns kept me interested in this book and overall I enjoyed reading it. Imagining what it would be like to be in Antartica with people you don’t know and the risks you face. It was an easy to read book and the suspense on what really happened and what is going to happen next keeps you on your toes. Some I found to be a bit unbelieveable but then it is fiction. I found the intimate scenes unneccessary in detail and had nothing to do with the actual plot/story line and would be better toned down, so that part was uncomfortable for me personally to read, but some may not mind it or even enjoy it. The final answers to all the questions were surprising and interesting explanations of people’s behaviour mades some sense. I felt the ending could have been better because we still did not know what happened after leaving Antartica, maybe there will be a sequel? Linda, VIC, 4 stars

This book did not disappoint! It was brilliant from start to finish. I was sitting on the edge of my seat for basically the whole book. I loved the characters, they were both relatable but also written in a way that it felt like you were there with them. Zhyesha, WA, 4 stars

A very cold and chilling read set in a very cold and chilling place. This is a story which follows Kit on her Antarctica journey which sees her ship on its way to rescue crew from another ship. But all is not as it seems and so start a thrilling and chilling read. This story goes back and forth a bit but is easy enough to stay in tune to what is happening. Kit and Nick are great central characters and the research done to write this book seems quite good. At times though it does feel a bit out there and far-fetched but for a debut book it is fairly well written and easy to read. The subject matter is quite interesting so I was able to read it and stay invested throughout. The writing, pacing and story is intriguing, interesting and will keep you on the edge of your seat as it has the suspense you would expect from a story of this genre. I can recommend and think many will enjoy it but the hard-core readers of this genre might find it a bit flat for them. Donna, TAS, 4 stars

There could not have been a more perfect thriller to read while wrapped up warm during winter. Got the adrenaline pumping and the synapses firing, I could not put it down! Laura, VIC, 4 stars

Set in the stark and unforgiving landscape of Antarctica, we are transported and given some understanding of what it is like to live in this unique environment. The characters all have different reasons for being here and some have ulterior motives which endanger others lives. Beautiful descriptive writing makes you feel the extreme cold and isolation and fear. A great read! Christina, NSW, 4 stars

The Chilling is a mystery thriller set on an Arctic Research Station. The main character, Kit, is looking to do important research, but also escape from a personal trauma. The story becomes more and more interesting, and the tension increases with each chapter. I really could not stop reading. And I did not guess how the whole story would play out. A big plus for me. The descriptions of life on an Arctic Base are really authentic. The author really knows how to describe the beauty and the dangers of Arctic life. I definitely recommend this book. It’s a great read. Paula, QLD, 4 stars

The Chilling had me hooked from the start. There was plenty of twists and turns to keep me interested. The way the author described the Antarctic setting allowed me to fully picture what the characters were experiencing. I love that there was an ending that tied all the pieces together. A book that I recommend to others. Natalie, NSW, 4 stars

Loved this book right from the start, was definitely hooked and it kept me up late at night to finish. Was a good read, characters and environment were described really well which got me immersed in the book. The pages just kept turning easily for me so I could find out what happened. The Chilling was full of suspense and mystery which kept me guessing. Some of the characters were a little frustrating but that just replicates real life, can’t have everyone the same or it would be boring! I could imagine facing this situation in Antarctica which would be terrifying as my imagination definitely ran wild having never visited this location (way too cold for me). The characters were interesting, frustrating and some of the decisions made were a little wild but it all came together. I would recommend this thriller to others to read, while not quite five stars for me it was still a good first novel which I give four stars to. I look forward to other novels that Riley James writes. Jodie, VIC, 4 stars

Riley James book, ‘The Chilling’ is well written with vivid descriptions of the harsh conditions in Antarctica. The author provides readers with an exciting story of treachery amongst the expeditioners. Secrets are kept until finding someone trustworthy to confide in. Even though someone is suspected of causing another person’s death, we are left guessing until the very end. The writer has woven the plot in other directions to throw suspicion elsewhere. It is hard to know who can be trusted or what their motive could be. Through life threatening sub-zero temperatures and blizzards the characters are brought to breaking point and find it impossible to keep their spirits up. Each character plays a part in keeping the story moving throughout each sequence of events. Riley James then reveals those responsible for inflicting injuries and death. I loved the setting for this novel with it’s graphic description of the weather and details of the conditions faced in Antarctica. It would be hard not to give up hope through lack of sleep and food while waiting to be rescued. The story tells how some manage to cope when faced with life threatening situations. Cherylene, QLD, 4 stars

The Chilling had me hooked from the first page. Set in the most secluded and harshest continent of the world, Antarctica, The Chilling is a fast paced mystery where secrets abound and few can be trusted. Australian scientist, Kit Bitterfeld, accepts a position at MacPherson Station but before she and her fellow researchers even arrive at their destination they are confronted with mysteries and intrigue. The twists continue to a satisfying conclusion. I enjoyed Riley James’ description of the extreme conditions and the lengths that people will go to to advance their research and cover their secrets. I thoroughly enjoyed this action packed novel and look forward to reading more from this debut author. Patricia, QLD, 4 stars

The Chilling was so much more then I was expecting. The setting was interesting and the characters likeable. I can’t see anyone being able to run research without permission but apart from that the rest of the book was realistic and made me want to visit Antarctica. I read the book in one day, it’s definitely a page turner. Wendy, QLD, 4 stars

The Chilling is a unique thriller set amongst one of the harshest and most dangerous terrains in the world – Antarctica. We follow Kit from the beginning of her adventure to the ice continent, including what made her decide to go in the first place. The journey itself is long, cold, isolating and physically hard (think of the waves and ice). But when the ship that Kit is on gets a distress call from the returning Summer crews ship they need to add in Search & Rescue to that strenuous trip. What they find on that ship is confusing, everyone is gone… except one. Throughout the rest of the novel we go between the POV’s of what’s happening on McPherson Station and the Summer crew who are stranded on the ice. The thriller element comes from different angles, the potential threat from people and the potential threat from nature. What happens in the end was a perfect storm of various unexpected elements that explain away the threats. Very impressed with Riley’s research too. Rebecca, QLD, 4 stars

The Chilling by Riley James is set in Antarctica which is a place that I don’t know much about. Riley has obviously done extensive research on it and took me there. I could feel how cold it could be but also how spectacular. The novel is suspenseful and well written, moving along at a cracking pace. Lots of guessing to work out whodunnit and a solid conclusion. Karan, VIC, 4 stars

The book is set in the Antarctica, the setting and conditions descriptions were marvellous and had me feeling cold. It was a unique page turning book with intriguing characters and plot twists. While the book was a fairly easy read it was a page turner as the story unfolded and the pieces of the plot slotted into place. There were some not so believable elements but overall I really enjoyed this unique storyline and setting. Julie, QLD, 4 stars

“The Chilling” by Riley James, is an Australian thriller set in Antarctica. I was looking forward to reading this, and I found it a very easy read, in fact, I read it in six hours! It has an interesting premise. An Australian scientist escaping a toxic divorce and a mother with dementia, joins a research position in Antarctica where a survivor from a stranded vessel leaves her with intense feelings of both suspicion and attraction. As a first outing for this author, it was a good attempt. It lacked depth, but overall, I enjoyed this book and look forward to more stories from Riley James. Tracy, VIC, 4 stars

This book was about a place I didn’t know but what a story! The main character Kit I don’t know if I liked or not but she is an interesting person. The description of the Antarctica was amazing but I don’t want to visit!! The events could happen which makes the book even more scary . I guess you don’t really know people until you live with them in such close quarters. Please don’t send me there! Pat, QLD, 4 stars

An intriguing storyline, that kept you guessing…however I felt it fell flat at the end as there were almost too many ‘mysteries’ going on at once, that all needed to be tied up in a neat bow for the book to finish Mandy, VIC, 4 stars

It left me chilled to the bone, but wanting more so would love a second, book, as a sequel Kathy, NSW, 4 stars

Chilling is a fitting title for this book. Having recently read several books about wintering in Antarctica, I enjoyed this one and read it in just a couple of nights. As a nurse, I liked the medical component woven into the story, which explored mental health and the effects of the harsh environment. While I didn’t like some of the characters in the book, it was great to experience Antarctica and it’s challenges throughout this story. Megan, QLD, 4 stars

Could not put this book down, I had to find out what was going on and it was not what I thought. Gripping novel and full of suspense right until the end. Michelle, VIC, 4 stars

The Chilling began with a great precedent and had me hooked in the first couple of pages. Unfortunately it didn’t stay on this trajectory. The story dragged in places and a little repetitive. The ice and snow was a character of its own and was wonderful to picture the environment that these brave researchers and scientists work in for months at a time! Julie, VIC, 3 stars

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