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Sam Nolan #1
Went Missing
Sam Nolan is a man with a history he is desperately hiding from. Born a cattle rancher, he grew up near the Gila Wilderness, where he learned how to live off the land from an Apache friend. As he grew older, he applied these skills as a hunting guide, local Search and Rescue leader, and ultimately, after 9-11, as a United States Special Forces Operative.
Now, while living alone in the wilderness near his family's ranch and trying to recover from PTSD, Sam learns that his brother, Bryson, also a skilled hunter and survivalist, has mysteriously gone missing, deep in Canada's Yukon Territory.
The incident carries with it a haunting echo of Sam's past, as well as a calling to come out of seclusion, in which he tries to solve the mystery of what happened to his brother. And what Sam discovers in the process is a darkness beyond the scope of his own suffering - along with something he could never have imagined.
Now, while living alone in the wilderness near his family's ranch and trying to recover from PTSD, Sam learns that his brother, Bryson, also a skilled hunter and survivalist, has mysteriously gone missing, deep in Canada's Yukon Territory.
The incident carries with it a haunting echo of Sam's past, as well as a calling to come out of seclusion, in which he tries to solve the mystery of what happened to his brother. And what Sam discovers in the process is a darkness beyond the scope of his own suffering - along with something he could never have imagined.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 7, 2024
35 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Chris Riley
6 books49 followersChris Riley lives near Sacramento, California, vowing one day to move back to the Pacific Northwest. In the meantime, he teaches special education, writes awesome stories, and hides from the blasting heat for six months out of the year. He has had dozens of short stories published in various magazines and anthologies, and across various genres. The Sinking of the Angie Piper is his first novel. For more information, check out his website at www.chrisrileyauthor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 13, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley, Black Rose Writing, & to Chris Riley for this ARC of Went Missing: A Sam Nolan Novel! Wow this was a thriller that had me hooked right away. Riley did a great job with this story. He nailed the suspense and had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I think if you're like me, and you love a thriller that can really make you a you feel frightened and uneasy, this is the perfect book for you! You would think from my heartbeat as I was reading that I was right there with our main character Sam. So I can honestly say if you're looking for a thrill this is a book to check out. Definitely had my adrenaline going! This is a well-done search and rescue type thriller, and I think if that is your cup of tea then I absolutely recommend!
Sam was a great protagonist, one I'd definitely love to see more of! I really enjoyed being in his head as he searches for his brother. He's such a decent guy and demonstrates an admirable level of perseverance and intelligence that I really liked!
I also really enjoyed the setting. I happen to be a fan of books set in the Yukon Territory, and this was no exception. Riley brought the setting to life which was so crucial for this story and probably my favorite aspect of the book. The way he was able to paint a picture of potential unseen dangers of the Yukon & what could have happened to Bryson out there really did wonders for the suspense and had my heart going! Overall I was pretty impressed with Went Missing and I absolutely think others will be too!
Sam was a great protagonist, one I'd definitely love to see more of! I really enjoyed being in his head as he searches for his brother. He's such a decent guy and demonstrates an admirable level of perseverance and intelligence that I really liked!
I also really enjoyed the setting. I happen to be a fan of books set in the Yukon Territory, and this was no exception. Riley brought the setting to life which was so crucial for this story and probably my favorite aspect of the book. The way he was able to paint a picture of potential unseen dangers of the Yukon & what could have happened to Bryson out there really did wonders for the suspense and had my heart going! Overall I was pretty impressed with Went Missing and I absolutely think others will be too!
February 11, 2024
A harrowing thriller of survival in the wilderness. Sam starts to track his missing brother in the wilderness. The closer he gets, the harder it is to believe. Thank you book Sirens for an advanced reader copy for an honest review, I could not put it down.
February 8, 2024
Holy Smokes! Check out ex-Army vet Sam Nolan in Chris Riley’s latest thriller, Went Missing. Riley’s created an outdoorsman with the skills of Rambo and the depth of Nick Petrie’s Peter Ash or Ace Atkins’s Quinn Colson. I’m a fan!
Sam’s brother goes missing deep in the Alaskan wilderness. Local search teams give up the search—but blood runs thick in the Nolan family and Sam soon finds himself tracking down what really happened to his younger sibling. The closer he gets, the harder it is to believe…
Sit down in a comfortable chair with your favorite beverage. You’ll be reading this one cover-to-cover in one sitting. Riley delivers with Went Missing—and it darn well better be the first in a series!
Sam’s brother goes missing deep in the Alaskan wilderness. Local search teams give up the search—but blood runs thick in the Nolan family and Sam soon finds himself tracking down what really happened to his younger sibling. The closer he gets, the harder it is to believe…
Sit down in a comfortable chair with your favorite beverage. You’ll be reading this one cover-to-cover in one sitting. Riley delivers with Went Missing—and it darn well better be the first in a series!
February 21, 2024
A mix of Action&Adventure and thriller according to my heart. Wilderness, twists, a well plotted and fleshed out main character.
I enjoyed the story and liked the storytelling. I hope it's the first in a series as it was entertaining
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I enjoyed the story and liked the storytelling. I hope it's the first in a series as it was entertaining
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
November 11, 2023
Went Missing is an outstanding book based in part on a true story. It was unputdownable! I'll be reading it again soon.
With a lot of danger from mother nature and spooky happenings, it kept me enthralled and when I finished it, sent me down a rabbit hole searching for other books like it.
I cannot recommend this book enough, especially if you like deep woods mysteries and search and rescue books. This one will stay with me a long time, it's unforgettable.
I received an advance review copy for free and this is my honest review.
With a lot of danger from mother nature and spooky happenings, it kept me enthralled and when I finished it, sent me down a rabbit hole searching for other books like it.
I cannot recommend this book enough, especially if you like deep woods mysteries and search and rescue books. This one will stay with me a long time, it's unforgettable.
I received an advance review copy for free and this is my honest review.
April 20, 2024
Sam Nolan - a former U.S. Special Forces Operative goes to the remote Canadian wilderness to track down his brother who is missing under mysterious circumstances. This intense thriller had me feeling like I was going through the twists and turns the plot took me. Beautifully written! Chris Riley portrays the beauty and the brutality of the Yukon Territory and the struggle that those who live there endure.
January 4, 2024
Went Missing is a fast-paced adventurous journey that is well worth the ride. The protagonist, Sam Nolan, is a man trying to hide from his past until his family drags him back out of seclusion. Went Missing is the third fictional novel by Chris Riley who also has 100+ short stories to his credit.
Sam Nolan has grown up on a cattle ranch in New Mexico. A stint in the US special forces has left him shattered and living alone in the wilderness near his home. After years of being alone, Sam receives a note from his father saying his brother Bryson is missing and Sam must leave his sheltered existence to find him. The hunt for Bryson takes Sam into Canada’s Yukon Territory where he must deal with and conquer horrors that rival anything that has driven him into his secluded existence.
Riley is a master at creating diversion through his characters. His storyline leaves the reader in a state of suspense and confusion when he creates almost imaginary scenarios using characters who are not who they seem. Both Sam and Bryson are strong, young and adventurous, but both are overcome by the cunning and deception of their adversaries. Can they defeat an enemy they cannot find nor see?
The storyline is fast paced and holds the reader’s attention from beginning to end. The beauty of the Gila and Yukon wildernesses are so thoroughly described that you can almost picture being there. Riley’s ability to describe the characters’ thought processes and the beauty of their surroundings make the story a definite need to read.
My only concern is that the character of Sam is said to dealing with issues that have driven him away from the people he loves. I find he is a little too quick to accept everyone back into his life in spite of the fact he couldn’t speak to or be near any of them for years. A little more clarity around his feelings would help the reader understand the background and Sam’s process of healing a little more.
This book is a definite read for people who like outdoor adventures and action-packed stories. I give it a 5 on 5. I want to thank Book Sirens and the author for providing me with a digital copy of this novel. I provide this review voluntarily.
Sam Nolan has grown up on a cattle ranch in New Mexico. A stint in the US special forces has left him shattered and living alone in the wilderness near his home. After years of being alone, Sam receives a note from his father saying his brother Bryson is missing and Sam must leave his sheltered existence to find him. The hunt for Bryson takes Sam into Canada’s Yukon Territory where he must deal with and conquer horrors that rival anything that has driven him into his secluded existence.
Riley is a master at creating diversion through his characters. His storyline leaves the reader in a state of suspense and confusion when he creates almost imaginary scenarios using characters who are not who they seem. Both Sam and Bryson are strong, young and adventurous, but both are overcome by the cunning and deception of their adversaries. Can they defeat an enemy they cannot find nor see?
The storyline is fast paced and holds the reader’s attention from beginning to end. The beauty of the Gila and Yukon wildernesses are so thoroughly described that you can almost picture being there. Riley’s ability to describe the characters’ thought processes and the beauty of their surroundings make the story a definite need to read.
My only concern is that the character of Sam is said to dealing with issues that have driven him away from the people he loves. I find he is a little too quick to accept everyone back into his life in spite of the fact he couldn’t speak to or be near any of them for years. A little more clarity around his feelings would help the reader understand the background and Sam’s process of healing a little more.
This book is a definite read for people who like outdoor adventures and action-packed stories. I give it a 5 on 5. I want to thank Book Sirens and the author for providing me with a digital copy of this novel. I provide this review voluntarily.
January 27, 2024
I have to admit, I almost gave up on this book about a fourth of the way in. It seemed to be going in the "legendary monsters" direction and that's just not my genre. I'm very glad I kept going. While it does have elements of that genre, it is primarily a thriller, and a great one at that! The characters are realistic and I bonded with them quickly. The scenery is so well described that it practically becomes a character all on its own. Also, I learned more about tracking and hunting than I ever thought I needed to know, but it was presented in such a way that I never felt like I was reading a textbook, nor did it slow down the story at all. Mr. Riley's writing style is easy to read and quickly draws the reader into the world he has created. This is the first book by Mr. Riley that I have read, but it won't be the last. I highly recommend his work.
I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens and this is my honest opinion.
I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens and this is my honest opinion.
January 28, 2024
5 stars!
Twao brothers, both ex-military, both outdoor enthusiasts.
When one brother disappears in the Yukon wilderness, the other brother goes on a search and rescue mission to find him.
Sam Nolan must find his brother, but before he starts the search, a local expert tells him about the sightings of Sasquatch in the area where Bryson has gone missing. Skeptical, Sam forges ahead, using his tracking skills and wilderness experience to guide him. All the while, he feels, smells and hears strange things, leading him to question if Sasquatch really exists.
This was such an exciting book, journeying through the beautiful scenic descriptions, and learning the detailed tracking techniques of wilderness searches.
This was an engaging, fast reading, thrilling book.
The author, Chris Riley, is new to me, but I am looking forward to another book of his.
Thank you to BookSirens and Black Rose Writing for tge ARC, in return for my honest review!
Twao brothers, both ex-military, both outdoor enthusiasts.
When one brother disappears in the Yukon wilderness, the other brother goes on a search and rescue mission to find him.
Sam Nolan must find his brother, but before he starts the search, a local expert tells him about the sightings of Sasquatch in the area where Bryson has gone missing. Skeptical, Sam forges ahead, using his tracking skills and wilderness experience to guide him. All the while, he feels, smells and hears strange things, leading him to question if Sasquatch really exists.
This was such an exciting book, journeying through the beautiful scenic descriptions, and learning the detailed tracking techniques of wilderness searches.
This was an engaging, fast reading, thrilling book.
The author, Chris Riley, is new to me, but I am looking forward to another book of his.
Thank you to BookSirens and Black Rose Writing for tge ARC, in return for my honest review!
January 6, 2024
** 4-4.5 stars **
Gripping and suspenseful story set in the wilderness - highlighting the harsh and yet hauntingly mesmerising landscape of Canada's Yukon Territory.
Sam Nolan is a hunter, search & rescue leader with a history as a trained United States Special Forces Operative.
When his brother, Bryson, also an accomplished hunter and wilderness survivalist, mysteriously and uncharacteristically disappeared somewhere in the wilderness, Sam's mission was to find him.
The story is full of Bear Grylls adrenalin-filled adventures that would suit those readers who love outdoor pursuits.
I very much enjoyed this book and would like to thank Book Sirens and the author for providing me with a digital copy of this novel.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Gripping and suspenseful story set in the wilderness - highlighting the harsh and yet hauntingly mesmerising landscape of Canada's Yukon Territory.
Sam Nolan is a hunter, search & rescue leader with a history as a trained United States Special Forces Operative.
When his brother, Bryson, also an accomplished hunter and wilderness survivalist, mysteriously and uncharacteristically disappeared somewhere in the wilderness, Sam's mission was to find him.
The story is full of Bear Grylls adrenalin-filled adventures that would suit those readers who love outdoor pursuits.
I very much enjoyed this book and would like to thank Book Sirens and the author for providing me with a digital copy of this novel.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 5, 2024
This book just wasn’t really my jam. It was too much about the outdoors and over my head with that aspect ( but I should have realized that by the synopsis). Once we got to the plot it really held my interest and I just wanted more, but in my opinion it took too long to get there. I feel like the book was well written and I would recommend it to a certain audience.
I almost didn’t finish this book so I am glad I was able to push through.
Thank you to BookSirens for allowing me to read this book in advance.
I almost didn’t finish this book so I am glad I was able to push through.
Thank you to BookSirens for allowing me to read this book in advance.
December 12, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I can't say that I necessarily enjoyed this book but I was gripped by it. Quite suspenseful. At times, I was afraid to continue because I was afraid of what was coming next.
There are some details that leave you hanging. What really happened to save Sam? What happened to his buddy that was captured while in service?
Scary thoughts in the epilogue.
I can't say that I necessarily enjoyed this book but I was gripped by it. Quite suspenseful. At times, I was afraid to continue because I was afraid of what was coming next.
There are some details that leave you hanging. What really happened to save Sam? What happened to his buddy that was captured while in service?
Scary thoughts in the epilogue.
December 20, 2023
I love thrillers based on true stories. This book was great and i couldn't put it down. I will letting everyone know to read this book.
The writing was great, Character build was great. There was danger and some spooky happenings in the book and it kept me wanting to find out what happens.
I felt like the end had a cliff hanger and wandering if there is going to be more to this story. It is a search and rescue story as well.
Thanks NetGalley for letting me read and review.
The writing was great, Character build was great. There was danger and some spooky happenings in the book and it kept me wanting to find out what happens.
I felt like the end had a cliff hanger and wandering if there is going to be more to this story. It is a search and rescue story as well.
Thanks NetGalley for letting me read and review.
February 9, 2024
This was a great story. Sam leaves an essentially hermit existence but comes home when he finds out his brother is missing. There isn’t much hope but he’s determined to find his brother.
The description of the locations and characters felt so real. I could see it in my mind playing out like a movie.
The story was very compelling. I didn’t want to put my book down. I wanted to know what was about to happen.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The description of the locations and characters felt so real. I could see it in my mind playing out like a movie.
The story was very compelling. I didn’t want to put my book down. I wanted to know what was about to happen.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 10, 2024
This is a new to me author, but I will definitely be looking for more of his stories. I hope this is the start of a new series as I would love to read more about Sam. This story had a lot of adventure, suspense, and mystery, and I believe that people who enjoy those aspects in their stories will enjoy this book.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
March 1, 2024
I recently read 'Went Missing', a thrilling and suspenseful novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. The rain provided the perfect opportunity to finish it in two days, and I appreciated the unique little twist involving Bigfoot (even though I am not a Bigfoot fan myself) The author did an excellent job keeping me engaged. I have read two other books by this author and I can’t decide which one I like better. I look forward to the audio book.
December 20, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.
An entertaining mystery full of information and intrigue about the great outdoors as an isolated veteran returns home to attempt to locate his missing brother. Contains a "side story" about Bigfoot info and stings.
Fans of CJ Box and the like might enjoy this one!
An entertaining mystery full of information and intrigue about the great outdoors as an isolated veteran returns home to attempt to locate his missing brother. Contains a "side story" about Bigfoot info and stings.
Fans of CJ Box and the like might enjoy this one!
February 12, 2024
I had been watching a series of Alone on TV just before I read this book and I have to admit it felt a bit like a similar location. So I immediately enjoyed the outdoors element.
A decent thriller with interesting characters. Lost a bit of momentum along the way for me with what seemed a lack of urgency from the family.
A decent thriller with interesting characters. Lost a bit of momentum along the way for me with what seemed a lack of urgency from the family.
January 1, 2024
This was an interesting story. I liked Sam. I found the wilderness to be a key part of the thriller. The author put me the reader in the space with Sam by his great choice of words.
I received a complimentary copy of this story and I freely left this review.
I received a complimentary copy of this story and I freely left this review.
October 7, 2024
I have a proclivity for guys named Sam and this one does not disappoint. The action at times heart-stopping, then suddenly poignant, as Riley weaves an intricate tale of terror and redemption. A story you won't want to miss.
May 29, 2024
Where is Bryson and why??? Who killed all those people??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
September 9, 2024
WENT MISSING BY Chris Riley
I REALLY ENJOYED THE BOOK. IT WAS FULL OF SUSPENCE AND TWISTS AND TURNS.
HAD A HAPPY ENDING EVEN THOUGH IT LOOKED GRIM FOR AWHILE.
I REALLY ENJOYED THE BOOK. IT WAS FULL OF SUSPENCE AND TWISTS AND TURNS.
HAD A HAPPY ENDING EVEN THOUGH IT LOOKED GRIM FOR AWHILE.
November 27, 2024
I loved the author’s previous book on the Alaskan crab boat. This one is just as thrilling. I really loved the end and the Epilogue. I can’t wait to read more by the author. Outstanding!!
March 23, 2025
A total thriller. My heart was pounding up until the end! Sam Nolan is my kind of protagonist - thinking, smart and a real outdoorsman. Definitely on to book #2!
July 10, 2025
action galore
This really was a great read. Enjoyed it so much so, that I’ve preordered the Sequel. I thoroughly recommend this one.
This really was a great read. Enjoyed it so much so, that I’ve preordered the Sequel. I thoroughly recommend this one.
August 11, 2025
outdoor adventure
Throughly enjoyed this tale. The story took me by surprise. If you enjoy a rugged outdoor adventure this is a book for you.
Throughly enjoyed this tale. The story took me by surprise. If you enjoy a rugged outdoor adventure this is a book for you.
August 21, 2025
WOW!
This is an amazing story. Very well researched. The characters and settings just come alive. Definitely edge of your seat reading, I just couldn't stop. Highly recommend.
This is an amazing story. Very well researched. The characters and settings just come alive. Definitely edge of your seat reading, I just couldn't stop. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews