If Antarctica appeals to you and you enjoy thrilling crime novels, then don’t miss this killer read: Out of the Ice by Australian author and screenwriter, Ann Turner.

Turner has written an edge-of –your-seat-thriller set in the eerie and frozen landscape of Antarctica.

Australian scientist Laura Alvarado is sent to a remote Antarctic island to make an environmental assessment of Fredelighavn; an old Norwegian whaling station subject to an Exclusion Order and abandoned since 1957. When the wildlife acts strangely and Laura doesn’t get answers from scientists at the British base, Laura’s suspicions are raised. But when Laura starts hallucinating she starts to suspect that maybe she’s been too long on the ice. Is Laura going ‘toasty’? Can readers trust Laura’s version of events?

Turner’s descriptions of the icy wilderness and the isolated whaling village of Fredelighavn are evocative and atmospheric. Turner gives readers insights into the stark and pristine environment of Antarctica and its wildlife, while at the same time, masterfully keeping a high level of tension throughout the novel.

There were several plot twists throughout the novel and like Laura, it was difficult to know who to trust. I thoroughly enjoyed the descriptions of the icy landscape, the whales, penguins and seals, and the mysterious and enticing appeal of Antarctica. When the plot took a new direction away from Antarctica, I enjoyed the story less but Turner neatly tied up all loose ends.

Out of the Ice was action-packed and highly recommended for lovers of crime fiction and mystery. The novel will definitely impart a sense of appreciation for the wildlife and icy landscape of Antarctica to readers. It was an eerie and icy read and difficult to put down.

Out of the Ice is due for release in June 2016.

Thanks to Simon and Schuster Australia for the opportunity to review this book.