COLD SNAP is an atypical addition to the Lucy Kincaid series but just as thrilling and exciting as any book from Allison Brennan. Set in the days just before the entire Kincaid family gathers in San Diego for Christmas for the first time in many years, COLD SNAP is basically comprised of three novellas featuring one or more Kincaid siblings.

In part one, Patrick Kincaid is reluctantly making a detour to San Francisco to check on Elle Santana, a family friend he hasn't seen in years. His mother and hers are worried because she's not answering her phone and they have recruited Patrick, who can never deny his mother anything, to make sure she's OK. He quickly realizes that Elle is in much more trouble than she is willing to admit. Patrick, armed with his laptop and gun, will work alongside Elle to uncover the truth behind a drug-ring threatening the local teens.

In part two, Lucy, Sean, Kate, and Dillon are stranded in Denver waiting out a storm. They haven't been at the hotel long when screams draw Kate and Lucy to a room bathed in blood but with no victim in sight. As bodies start piling up, it's up to Kate and the gang to find the killer before anyone else dies.

In part three, Pat Kincaid, the family patriarch, is in the hospital following a heart attack. Carina Kincaid is taking a break from sitting at his bedside when she spots a man who triggers all her cop instincts. She is following him into the morgue when shots ring out. Carina quickly finds herself hostage to a man who may be willing to die, and take everyone with him, to uncover the truth behind his sister's death.

In each story in COLD SNAP, the characters encounter a unique mystery to solve and villain to vanquish. I enjoyed the suspense element in each story but what I found particularly compelling was the inner glimpse into the hearts and minds of a number of Kincaids. The family has faced much heartbreak which altered relationships for the better and the worse. The longing for home and family that was threaded through all stories was both sad and hopeful. The Kincaids never back down from a challenge and I was deeply touched by seeing them beginning to take on the challenge of healing their family. Knowing the Kincaid history helped me appreciate the story so I would suggest reading at least some of the earlier books in the Kincaid saga before sitting down with COLD SNAP.