Our Winter Monster

This shaky horror outing from Mahoney (Ghostlove) follows Holly and Brian, a troubled couple hoping for a fresh start on a winter vacation to the ski resort town of Pinebuck, N.Y. While separated during a blizzard, they each encounter a mysterious snow creature leaving a trail of carnage across the slopes. Meanwhile, local sheriff Kendra Book investigates the recent disappearance of another vacationing couple and races to save Holly and Buck from meeting a similar fate. The nature of the monster and its connection to both couples forms the novel’s central mystery as the creature keeps popping up in Holly and Brian’s paths. Mahoney also teases out the reason for Holly and Brian’s estrangement, though the eventual reveal feels underwhelming. At its best, this is a breezy and pulpy chiller, with plenty of in-the-moment tension to hook readers’ interest. Unfortunately, after a propulsive start, the plot is unable to sustain its forward momentum due to an avalanche of crime-writing clichés and underbaked supernatural elements, and the muddled and confusing climax is riddled with implausible twists. There’s plenty of blood and guts to keep horror fans happy, but readers hoping for a story with more meat on its bones are advised to look elsewhere. (Jan.)