Beth doesn't have to be so circumspect in her hideout in Benedict, Alaska anymore. Her kidnapper has been caught in Missouri and awaiting trial. Her father Eddy has settled and is taking tourists on trips on his small boat, while trying to rebuild Beth's trust. A woman covered in blood on a nearby island, telling a tale of kidnapping brings Beth into yet another mystsery in Benedict. The police used their shared trauma as a tool to get more information from the reticent Sadie. There were a lot of threads and red herrings going through this story. ( )

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an ARC of this book.

I know they say to never judge a book by its cover, but this cover is absolutely gorgeous, and the typography of that title! Love. That being said, the synopsis really pulled me into the book- random woman running up of a ship passing by an isolated island covered in blood? Setting of Alaska and the wilderness there- check mate. I was immediately interested (plus THAT COVER).

One of the main reasons I really wanted to read this book was the setting. I have always wanted to go to Alaska and listening/reading the descriptions of such a beautiful, frozen world up north was fascinating. Paige Shelton does a wonderful job with her descriptions, really allowing the reader to picture the area in their head. I have such a clear imagine of the different places that this book took place thanks to the imagery supplied.

Another aspect of this book that I really loved was the characterization. I was really drawn to our main character Beth, trying to find a home for herself in Alaska and being sucked into this investigation. I also really liked (and was confused by) Sadie and who she really was/what happened to her. And why was she so damn bloody running toward the boat.

The twists and turns that this book casts doubt on who is responsible for the kidnappings and why they are occurring.

The subplot of Beth;s estranged father being involved, I also really loved, because who doesn't love a little family drama sprinkled on top of their book sundae.

This book was a very quick read for me (or listen rather), as I couldn't put it down. I just needed to know what happened next. Who was at fault, was Sadie involved or another victim and what the heck is going on with Beth's father being there. I would definitely recommend this book to any mystery reader, anyone interested in books with the setting in the remote North and anyone looking for a fast read/listen. Susie Althens also did a great job with the narration. ( )

Lost Hours is the fifth in the Alaska Wild cozy mystery series by Paige Shelton but the first I’ve read. Much of the plot here was directly or indirectly related to events of previous books which could have been confusing. However, Shelton integrated past events in the story in a way that didn’t interfere with flow or continuity, making it easy to read as a standalone.

The story is told by the main protagonist, Beth who had been, in a previous book, a kidnapping victim. She has moved to Alaska to hide out although the kidnapper was arrested and is now in jail so when a woman, Sadie, is found on a small island covered in blood, claiming to be also a kidnap victim who had managed to escape, Beth believes she can help her. However, as the story progresses, Sadie’s story seems less and less plausible.

But this is just one of many plot lines and, although they are tied up fairly neatly at the end - well, except one that becomes a cliff hanger - I found it all suspended my disbelief almost to the breaking point. Still, overall, I did enjoy the book Beth made for a strong character and the mystery kept me reading but, perhaps most of all. I loved the descriptions of the Alaskan setting which Shelton does beautifully.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review ( )

Another great story in the Alaska Wild mystery series. I love that this series is edgier than Paige Shelton's Scottish Bookshop cozy mystery series and that it takes place in Alaska.

This story ends with a bit of a cliff hanger and I cannot wait to see what Beth's family and friends do with the news.

Suzie Althens did a good job narrating this story and I look forward to listening to more books narrated by Suzie in the future. ( )

Sadie is found by a tourist boat. She is found standing on the shore covered in blood. She insists that she was kidnapped but a bear killed her kidnapper. The more the police investigate, the more they discover clues to another kidnapping case.

If y’all follow me at all, you know Alaska is one of my favorite places to read about. And I flew through this book. I read it on the plane ride back from NYC. I have also read another in this series, Winter’s End, book 4. I also gave it 3 stars. And the reason for the 3 star ratings is the story could be a bit more intense in places. But, I love anything set in Alaska and this story has good characters to go along with the great setting!

Beth is a character which is a bit broken. She has some issues from her past which she is having trouble dealing with. This is the reason she connects with Sadie…or does she? There is a lot surrounding Sadie and her situation that is just a bit odd. You will need to read this to find out!

Need a good mystery in a great setting…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review. ( )