🛩️🌄 🗻 “Shadows at Dusk” (Missing in Alaska #2) (2023) 🌄🗻🛩️ – Book Review

 

MY REVIEW 

 

Series: Missing in Alaska (Book #2) 
Paperback: 352 pages 
Publisher: Revell (October 17, 2023)  
Language: English 
ISBN: 0800742052
ISBN-13: 978-0800742058
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information 

 

“Montana Detective Trevor West is desperate to learn what happened to his sister, who went missing in Alaska over a year ago, leaving nothing but a few photographs as clues to her whereabouts. At the advice of Police Chief Autumn Long, Trevor enlists the help of an experienced bush pilot. If Carrie James can't help him find the places in the photographs, no one can.

 

But Carrie has her own agenda. Grieving the death of her closest friend and the only person she could trust, Carrie will help Trevor find his sister on one condition--that he help her track down her friend's killer.

 

As the two close in on the answers they crave, they'll face dangers and connections they could not have imagined. They'll have to learn to trust one another--and face the dark secrets of the past--if they are ever to discover the truth and bring a killer to justice.” 

 

Thank you in advance to the publisher, Revell Books (a division of Baker Books), for providing a complimentary review copy through the author’s launch team. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own. 

While some readers bounce between genres; (at least myself) usually have a preferred one that tops the list. For me? Romantic suspense is my #1. Has been for well over 20+ years. 

 

And, what’s interesting – it started with Harlequin, specifically the Harlequin Intrigue. I have well over 300+ books from the line, many unread. 

 

For a while, I transitioned to romance.

 

But, in 2019/2020, I transitioned back to the romantic-suspense genre with the Love Inspired Suspense line. That is my FAVORITE line, and another one the author writes for. Though, I haven’t read her books, I have quite a few on the TBR list.

 

I’ve always enjoyed the romantic-suspense genre, so any book of that group – I’m down for reading. And, it’s even better when it’s an author you’re familiar with.   

 

Goddard is known not only her Love Inspired Suspense books, but also as an author for Revell. Her Revell releases DO NOT DISAPPOINT. I absolutely loved the ROCKY MOUNTAIN COURAGE series. And, I have two books from the UNCOMMON HEROES (Revell) on my TBR list.

 

The first book in this new series, Cold Light of Day, was NO exception. The cover really drew me in. It definitely matched the story and setting. And, Alaska? Brutal. 

 

Goddard introduced readers to: 

 

🚓 Chief Autumn Long 

🛩️ Carrie James

🚓 Nolan Long (Autumn’s brother, Alaska State Trooper) 

💻 Grier Young (formerly Brenner) 

🍻 Pearl “Birdy” Lively (Autumn’s Grandmother & Co-Owner of The Lively

       Moose; mentioned only) 

🍻 Ike Lively (Pearl’s Husband, Autumn’s Grandfather) 

 

In this second book, readers return to not just Shadow Gap, but other places in Alaska – some far more sinister. And, some of the characters previously introduced return as well.

 

She also introduces readers to:

 

🛫 Isaac (runs the charter service)

🚓 Detective Trevor West

 

Notably absent is Autumn’s troubled father from the first book. However, this book does focus more on Carrie and Trevor despite Autumn’s lengthy appearance in it. 

 

Like the first book, this too has a picture of a woman (likely Carrie), but I was drawn to the lower part of the cover. My goodness! That is ABSOLUTELY stunning. Looks peaceful and serene, but is more than likely wild and dangerous. 

 

As the series is called MISSING IN ALASKA, this does feature yet another missing person. I strongly and highly suggest reading Cold Light of Day prior to this book as the books are connected by not just the series, characters, but by events. 

 

Goddard starts readers off in Africa which ends and begins journeys for Carrie. 

 

“The man she loved shoved her chest, punching the breath from her, knocking her out of the plane.” [How can you NOT want to read this book after that line?]

 

10 years later in Alaska, Detective Trevor West is there looking for his sister who went missing. And, as of note – Trevor is NOT a fan of flying (can’t say I blame him). Thanks to Chief Autumn Long, Trevor is going to meet the parents of a deceased woman (Monica) who knew his sister. In going through her stuff, after several months, they make a startling discovery. 

 

Monica was one of those who went missing in the first book with her remains being found. She went missing not long after Jennifer did.

 

Trevor was under the idea his sister went to Alaska under the guide of a “bucket list” trip and being an “amateur photographer”. Monica’s parents give him a note and a key. The note is ominous – “If something happens to me, give this to my brother”. He then tells Monica’s parents that he is Jennifer’s brother. And, he already fears the worst. He was the one who’d convinced her to.

 

Having survived the incident in Africa, Carrie James is a bush pilot in Alaska, nearly a world away. Her job is simple and fulfilling – making deliveries to people in the remote areas of the Alaskan wilderness. And, she is alive thanks to Isaac, who as of late, is acting strange. But, she is looking forward to a trip to Texas to visit with a friend. [As of note, Alaska and Texas are the top two LARGEST states, so I found that interesting].

 

Trevor is led to a safe deposit box with photos. For some reason, given the clandestine nature of the discover, he has a feeling it has to do with Jennifer’s disappearance. To retrace her steps, Autumn suggest he hire Carrie. But, the woman isn’t what Trevor expects. 

 

She’s reluctant to even start the job for him. She agrees, but only for a few hours because of her trip.

 

At first, there are no leads, and Trevor is taken advantage of by another pilot. He hates to, but returns to re-hire Carrie. He of course finds her mourning the loss of someone she cares about.  Despite Autumn’s observation it could’ve been an accident, Carrie just knows the person was murdered. 

 

In exchange for helping Trevor, Carrie wants his background in tracking as Deputy U.S Marshal and investigator expertise. 

 

And, despite locking her heart away to protect it, there is something about Trevor that slowly unlocks her heart. She hurts at his desperation to find the answers about his sister. Yet, the betrayal she suffered keeps Carrie at a distance. 

 

During their search, Carrie is almost abducted, causing her to wonder if she is the target for what happened in Africa – or to keep her and Trevor from finding out what happened to Jennifer. 

 

Danger and secrets await them on each stop of their search. 

 

Goddard delivers another intense, heart-stopping, pulse-pounding, and an absolutely could-not-put-it down, suspenseful rollercoaster read. For a “second” or middle book – that is quite the feat. Even from the very beginning, this grabs you in and takes off. Fast-paced, action-packed, dramatic. She jumps right in with the story and doesn’t let up until the very end. 

 

Like normal, the short chapters held me captive by enticing me to read one chapter after another, barely stopping to come up for air. I couldn’t put it down. I was also drawn to the picturesque descriptions that makes Alaska as beautiful as it is; and as dangerous as one would expect a place called “The Last Frontier” to be.

 

Goddard’s story took one turn after another. Though, there was a point in the book where I did have something figured out. It didn’t ruin the book for me, but I was fascinated how Goddard weaved it all together. 

 

This story did take the “ethical” gem mining and toxic waste route as part of the storyline. Readers who don’t like the element or are bothered by it should note that Goddard doesn’t take a “stance”, but merely uses it as plot device – nothing more. 

 

I also enjoyed Carrie’s “nicknames” for the goons after her: 

 

🦌 “Moosehead” (moose on the man’s beanie)

🧔🏻‍♂️ “Vandyke” (the beard the man had, and a reference to Tony Stark from Iron Man and Avengers)

 

If some of you aren’t familiar with Robert Downey Jr, or Iron Man and Avengers, here’s a picture:

 

[Robert Downey Jr/Tony Stark - Iron man; short "Van Dyke" beard]

 

Though I will be sad to see the series end, I am truly looking forward to the next book in the series. I’m hoping that will be Nolan’s story. The preview looks just as exciting as the first two books. I’m also eager to see the cover for it as well. 

 

There was a character from the first book that left, and even though I think it’s been concluded – it still seemed rather suspect to me. Wouldn’t surprise me if I did see him again. 

 

As this is a romantic-suspense novel, it tended more heavily towards suspense; which I didn’t mind – especially given the storyline. The romance starts off as a slight attraction, then mutual admiration, and builds from there. For Trevor, it was right off; for Carrie? About 36% of the way in. Obviously, given her past, she had the strongest hurdle to overcome. 

 

Since this is distributed by a primarily Christian publisher, there will be some references to faith. These are not preachy in tone. More like the characters reaching out to God for guidance and hope in extreme situations.  

 

Fans of the author and genre won’t be disappointed in this wild flight into the wilds of Alaska. 

 

 

 

RATING:  

 

5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads  

 

5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub  

 

5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html;update https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2022/07/what-goes-into-my-reviews-2022-edition.html) 

 

 

 

PREVIOUS BOOK IN THE SERIES: 

 

Series: Missing in Alaska (Book #1)

Paperback: 336 pages

Publisher: Revell (February 7, 2023)

Language: English

ISBN: 0800742044

ISBN-13: 978-0800742041

⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information

 

“Police Chief Autumn Long is fighting to keep her job in the quiet Alaska town of Shadow Gap when an unexpected string of criminal activity leaves her with a wounded officer, unexplained murders, and even an attack on her own father. Despite her mistrust of outsiders, she turns to Grier Brenner, a newcomer who seems to have the skills and training Autumn needs to face this threat to her community.

 

Grier is in Alaska for the same reason so many others are--to disappear--when Chief Long enlists his help. He emerges from the shadows and proves his mettle, but his presence in her life could be a deadly trap for them both. If his secret is exposed, all will be lost. And he's not sure even Autumn could save him.

 

As the stakes rise and the dangers increase, Autumn and Grier must rely on each other to extinguish the deadly threats.”

 

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

 

 

ELIZABETH GODDARD is the USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than 60 novels, including Cold Light of Day and the Rocky Mountain Courage and Uncommon Justice series. Her books have sold nearly 1.5 million copies. She is a Carol Award winner and Reader’s Choice Award winner and a Daphne du Maurier Award finalist. When she’s not writing, she loves spending time with her family, traveling to find inspiration for her next book, and serving with her husband in ministry. For more information about her books, visit her website at www.elizabethgoddard.com. 

 

She can also be found on the following social media sites:  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethGoddardAuthor 

 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethgoddardauthor/ 

 

Twitter: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethgoddardauthor/ 

 

 

 

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