🌌🌟 “Hidden in the Night” (Missing in Alaska #3) (2024) 🌟🌌

MY REVIEW

Series: Missing in Alaska (Book #3)
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Revell (June 4, 2024)
Language: English
ISBN: 0800742060
ISBN-13: 978-0800742065
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information

“At the behest of her ailing mother, former FBI special agent turned rare-book collector Ivy Elliott arrives in Alaska to secure an unpublished Jack London manuscript kept secreted away for decades. But when she arrives, she learns the manuscript is gone--taken by the granddaughter of the woman who possessed it. Ivy sets off in pursuit, not just to save the manuscript but to save the vulnerable girl, who was previously trafficked and has no idea what she's getting herself into.

Joining forces with Alaska State Trooper Nolan Long, Ivy must battle a blizzard, sabotage, and the worst of an Alaskan winter as the search goes on. But every answer they find only raises more questions--and the danger to their lives and to the missing girl may only be the tip of the iceberg.

Don't miss this breathtaking race for truth set amid the glorious--and deadly--Glacier Bay from USA Today bestselling author Elizabeth Goddard.”

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.

Romantic-Suspense has been one of my favorite genres for around 25 years.

That’s not to say I didn’t like others. A close favorite is Romance. But, even that has sub-genres. About five years ago, in 2019, I got into historical fiction. That was one I didn’t see coming. However, I’ve discovered a lot of good books there.

I started my romantic-suspense journey with Harlequin’s Intrigue line. I still have SO many of those books in boxes that I’ve yet to read. Same for my romance books too. And, here I am, still unapologetically adding to that never-ending (and would I want it to) TBR list 🫣🤣

Interestingly enough … Goddard is also known for her Love Inspired Suspense books, which have added to that TBR stack. If they’re anything like her REVELL releases, I won’t be disappointed when I get the chance to read them.

I got introduced to Goddard’s writing with the last book of her UNCOMMON HEROES series. I do have the first two on my TBR. Incidentally, my mother has read them – and she LOVED them. That’s high praise as she doesn’t read much and doesn’t really review either. I don’t mind spoilers, so my mom did give me a few hints as to what they were about and that I would HAVE to find time to read them.

But, I haven’t been able to.

Moving on …

I was not only drawn to the book because of having read the past two books and being a fan of the author, but it reminded me of a funny story that I was slightly a part of back in 2014. In short, it was a yearly fan gathering of some actors from a 1970’s TV show, and it was because of a missing script (that was actually with one of the actors). A group of grateful ladies held the gatherings between 2012-2014, I went to one in 2014.

So, the missing manuscript plot reminded me of that.

This is the last book in the MISSING IN ALASKA series. I highly recommend reading the first two books, as well as the connected novella, Dawn’s Hidden Threat.

Over the first two books, Goddard introduced readers to the following characters who will return to this series:

🚓 Chief Autumn Long (newly returned from honeymoon, married Grier)

🛩️ Carrie James

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

🚓 Grier Young

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

Moose; mentioned only)

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

🚓 Trevor West

[Nolan and Autumn’s father is mentioned as being on a trip with his new wife.]

In this final book, readers head back to Shadow Gap, and the wild Alaskan Wilderness with new characters:

❄️ Hank Duncan (snowplow operator, fancies Lina)

👩🏻‍🦳 Alina “Lina” Wolf

👩🏻 Danna (Lina’s granddaughter, missing)

📓 Ivy Elliott

Due to the nature of the genre, there will be some themes in it that might be upsetting to some readers. One of these is a mention of human trafficking. There is also a reference to the kidnapping/murder of a child, reference to potential biological weapons and a plague (similar to COVID), blackmailing, a reference to infidelity, and a parent battling cancer. This definitely has a deeper and slightly “darker” plot.

Goddard doesn’t waste time introducing the characters to peril. Not only has Ivy, in search of the manuscript, found peril; but, so has Nolan – and explosively so.

It’s obvious that something DEEPER is going on. And, not the way Autumn had planned to return from her honeymoon. Also, it’s clear that Nolan’s reason for taking a vacation to Florida is there in Alaska.

All that is on hold, by Nolan’s request. That is until he figures out what Ivy is there for, and what is going on. And, Ivy ends up in the middle of something more than procuring a manuscript – a dead body, a missing girl (Lina’s granddaughter Danna), and someone stalking her, even attacking her. One thing is certain – someone is trying to stop her. Is it from finding the manuscript or Danna? Both?

When Ivy and Nolan start working together – she relates to Nolan why she wants to find the manuscript – though Danna is the priority. However, there is something that Ivy isn’t telling Nolan about her reasons for finding the manuscript.

She’s also hoping that by finding Danna, it will bring some kind of closure and redemption for losing her younger sister many years ago. A disappearance that led to the girl’s death.

Along the way to even find Danna, both Nolan and Ivy are sabotaged and even shot at. While they’re wondering if their attraction can survive the Alaskan landscape, or even long-distance, they have to find Danna and the manuscript. They also have to find out who is trying to stop them and why.

Goddard closes the series out with a wilderness expedition that is full of surprises as well as a little romance. She even leaves a bit of the plot open at the end. I’m hoping that the open-end with one character is resolved in the new series. I’m wondering if we readers are going to see the human trafficking side plot that started here, turn up in the next series. I mean – she can’t leave it hanging like that!

I loved the inclusion of the Alaska State Trooper’s creed. It truly put into perspective the vastness and isolation that Alaska can be. While beautiful, it can be a dangerous place to be.

Of the covers, this is most gorgeous one of the series. Dawn’s Hidden Threat is a contender to oust it, but the story isn’t available in print. I bring up the novella cover because, according to the author, it was the first choice for this book (and definitely my preference). It didn’t fit the theme though.

I was drawn to the story, but until about the 40-% mark, it seemed kind of slow for the first part. There were times I was okay with putting it down and stepping away. I thought I was missing something, which kind of disrupted my expectations. However, after the 50% mark, the action seemed to pick up. By about the last 15%, it got to where I really couldn’t put it down, and ended up staying up WAY past my bedtime to finish it.

I think part of my expectation came from the back cover and thinking that in addition to Ivy’s search for the manuscript, there was a side plot about human trafficking. It was a mere mention to a previous action. Though, as I said, there was an open-end plot about it.

The romance was only about 10% of the book, but it was obvious the two were attracted to each other – only the other didn’t have a clue. There is no real spice in this, and it is limited to simple kisses.

I was amazed how the author took the idea of a missing manuscript and created the “bigger” plot around it (slight spoiler: bio-threat). That exceeded my expectations. It was something I REALLY didn’t expect or see coming, though it made sense, and is a bit … alarming. And, the one baddie?! DID … NOT … SEE … THAT … COMING! There was nothing that would’ve led me to THAT conclusion! 🫣😲

I’ve never read any of Jack London’s work, though I’ve heard about it, namely Call of the Wild. I don’t think it’s entirely necessary to the plot of this story to have to read it, though those who have might be slightly intrigued by this.

Since this is distributed by a predominately Christian publisher, there are going to be themes of faith expressed in it. There are going to be bible passages, and characters strongly leaning on their faith for guidance.

Even though this book marks the end of the series, it is NOT the end of the author’s work. I’m looking forward to her next series set along the Washington coast!

RATING:

4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads

4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub

4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/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)

BOOK READ: 8/11/2024 - 8/16/2024

PREVIOUS BOOKS IN THE SERIES:

Series: Missing in Alaska (Book #0.5)

Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Revell (June 4, 2024)
Language: English
ISBN: 0800742060
ISBN-13: 978-0800742065
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information

“An Unexpected Search and Rescue . . .

When Ridge Ledger’s SAR and avalanche dog discovers an injured woman, Ridge is surprised that she’s the woman who broke his heart two months ago---in California. Not Alaska. He doesn’t know why she’s not still in the Lower 48, and he’s caught off guard when she attacks him as if fighting for her life. He’s shocked to learn the woman he loved has forgotten him.

Uncovers a Hidden Threat.

Angie Harris—is that even her name? —can’t recall who she is. She doesn’t know whom to trust, except for the man who rescued her from a cold dark cave and a grizzly bear. But she can’t forget the face of the one who tried to kill her. Remembering the reason that she came to Alaska is vital to her survival, and as it turns out, Ridge’s survival too.”

[*Previously published in the Heroes in the Crossfire collection.]

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.”

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.”

COMING FEBRUARY 2025:

Series: Hidden Bay (Book #1)

Paperback: 352 pages

Publisher: Revell (February 18, 2025)

Language: English

ISBN: 0800746147

ISBN-13: 978-08007426148

Click Photo for Pre-Order Information ⬆️

“Haunted by a half-forgotten past, former army photographer Remi Grant is working at an isolated storm-watching lodge on the rocky Washington coast when she receives a mysterious puzzle piece. The puzzle piece may be the catalyst to unlock a disturbing incident she struggles to remember--the event that sent her into hiding. But with heavy storms rolling in, she has to focus on the present, not get caught up in the past.

When a mysterious man at the lodge saves her life--twice--Remi becomes suspicious and confronts him. After a catastrophic event in his own life, former military pilot Hawk Beckett is trying to get some perspective at the suggestion of his former commanding officer. Faced with the fiercest storm to hit the coast in a decade, Remi and Hawk are forced into survival mode. But they're not alone at the lodge.

Someone doesn't want Remi to remember what happened--and they will stop at nothing to see her dead.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ELIZABETH GODDARD is the USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than sixty novels, including Christy Award winner Cold Light of Day and Shadows at Dusk, as well as the Rocky Mountain Courage and Uncommon Justice series. Her books have sold nearly 1.5 million copies. She is a Carol Award and Reader’s Choice Award winner and a Daphne du Maurier Award and HOLT Medallion 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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