Leaving her previous assignment in disgrace, Tana Larsson is determined to be the best Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officer that she can be in Twin Rivers, a town of only 320 people. Her first case involves the mauling of two students working on a project in the wilderness. Finding her pilot drunk, she must rely on local pilot, Cameron "Crash" O'Halloran, to get her to the scene before multiple storms roll in. Aside from the fact that Crash is a known trafficker in drugs and illegal alcohol, Tana just doesn't trust him, but he becomes her only lifeline when she begins to suspect that the deaths weren't caused by animal attacks.

In the Barren Ground is a romantic suspense that is not for the faint of heart. There are graphic depictions of decapitations and brutalized deaths. Even though the main mystery in the story is a very good procedural with multiple suspects, there are several other plot points that, on their own, could have become separate novels, but instead are barely developed. Also, the backstory of the protagonists is mostly delivered through exposition, and the romance is more of an afterthought than an actual part of the plot; if it had been left out entirely, the mystery would have been unaltered. Overall, In the Barren Ground is an engaging thriller with a fairly insignificant romantic subplot. ( )

This book was heavy on the suspense and very light on the romance. But, it was a chilling story that was fairly interesting in parts. I skimmed a lot because for some reason, while the story was decent enough, it just didn't flow well. It was hard to stay invested, especially in the beginning. I almost gave up on this story more than once, but I stuck with it. ( )

This is a murder mystery set in way north - the Northwest Territories in Canada, near the Arctic Circle. The only cop around is young and pregnant, and really together. The landscape makes the story memorable. ( )

This book grabbed me from the for page. Loreth Anne White doesn't hold back or mince words as she creates a terrifying world where a serial killer stalks victims under cover of ice and snow. Some reviews describe this book as dark, brutal, and gruesome and I would agree, but it is also about trust, faith in yourself, and second chances. The plot is face-paced and violent, but the surprising courage and upstanding moral fiber of Tana Larsson, a rookie cop left on her own in the outer reaches of civilization, delivers the message that a willingness to ask for help and belief in yourself can overcome horrific obstacles. I look forward to my next book by this author. ( )

The complexity of which this author writes always astounds me. When you start the book its like a jumbled up jig saw puzzle. It doesnt make a lot of sense. Her characters are this way too. In the beginning when being introduced to a wealth of characters you tend to form an opinion on them as the heroine does. As the story goes along and puzzle pieces snap into place you see your first impressions were wrong. This was the case with the hero. It was also the case with the first deaths Rookie cop Tana Larsson had to investigate. Tana's first call is what looks like an animal mauling of two students who were up in the snowy mountains of The Barrens. From that point until the conclusion of the book – you were shocked at the things Tana uncovers and what is truly going on.

The story here is stuff of nightmares. The dark tales told by the Aboriginal Canadians come to life. This was a fascinating read that stayed in my head even in sleep giving me weird dreams. I dont dream often but something about this story got into my subconscious and wrecked havoc. ( )