Overview

We follow two linked stories shaped by ice, fear, and unfinished business. In the past, a ship pushes deep into the Arctic and begins to unravel as superstition, secrecy, and harsh conditions take hold. Years later, a woman traces the ship’s final journey, driven by personal loss and unanswered questions. As the timelines move closer together, it becomes clear that the past is not done with the present.

Voice & Atmosphere

We found the atmosphere one of the book’s great strengths. Cooke writes the Arctic as a place that presses in on both body and mind. The cold, the darkness, and the endless ice shape every decision. The style is clear and immersive, creating tension without relying on constant shocks.

Characters

The crew members are shaped by fear, loyalty, and survival instincts as their situation worsens. Trust breaks down quickly when resources run low. In the modern storyline, the central character’s search is grounded in grief, which gives emotional weight to the mystery. We felt the characters’ choices were driven by pressure rather than convenience.

Themes

The novel explores isolation, belief, and guilt. We saw how stories and folklore can offer comfort while also feeding fear. There is a strong sense that avoiding the truth only allows it to grow more dangerous. Nature plays a central role, acting as both threat and witness to human error.

What Worked

• Strong setting: the Arctic feels hostile, beautiful, and unforgiving.
• Clear structure: the two timelines support each other and build tension.
• Gothic edge: hints of the uncanny add depth without overpowering the story.

Minor Quibbles

• Some plot turns will feel familiar to regular readers of Gothic thrillers.
• A few supporting characters are more functional than fully developed.

Final Thoughts

We found A Haunting in the Arctic tense, atmospheric, and quietly unsettling, a story where cold landscapes and buried truths refuse to stay silent.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)