Alaska Bloodlust

by J.L. Askew

His nightmare is real and it’s here with a knife!

Private Eye Race Warren barely survived a deadly case in Alaska. Now back in Tennessee, he discovers his ordeal isn’t over—people are dying, and the evil he faced in the North Slope has followed him. A psychotic cult leader is out for revenge, and Warren is the only one who can stop him.

As bodies stack up, violent clashes force Warren to push his nemesis back to Alaska. But before he leaves, he meets someone—putting her in the sights of the diabolical killer. With all that he loves at stake, Warren returns to the frozen wasteland for a final, bloody showdown.

443 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 9, 2025

Reviews

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for book 2 in a trilogy. I read book 1, Alaska Deadly, in the trilogy and strongly advise you to do so also, as this book is a continuation of events that happened in book 1. This book has spoilers for book 1. Race Warren is a private detective who was hired in book 1 by a woman to find her husband. In doing so, he tangles with a group of Russian sex traffickers who are now out for revenge in book 2. In addition, he encounters an Alaskan native man also out for revenge against a woman that Race has been hired to protect.
Race has several violent encounters with these people and it is a wonder that he is still alive at the end of the book. However, this is fiction, and I have noticed that the protagonist in many of the thriller/mysteries that I read is repeatedly attacked and always survives.
If you like action packed thrillers, then you will enjoy this trilogy.
There is a typo on p. 177, 1st page of chapter 14. The Knik arm of Cook Inlet at the port of Anchorage, Alaska is identified as the "Knit Arm." This typo is present in both the print and digital version of the book.
One quote, describing a Tennessee cemetery: "The abundance of trees seemed from a different time, mature growth of ancient oaks, stately elms, and robust hickory all looking gaunt on the rolling hills.
Thank You J.L. Askew and Atmosphere Press for sending me this book through LibraryThing and BookSirens.

[Donne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been excited about finally getting to this sequel to J.L. Askew’s Alaska Deadly. This was an action-packed sequel that had TN PI, Race Warren, coming home to the same danger from the same evil culprits that he had encountered and barely escaped on his last assignment in AK.

The book summary basically just introduces the primary storyline of where Race came home and pretty quickly had to defend not only himself, but a comatose Ron Billings (from the previous installment) in a hospital shootout. This is not a spoiler since it’s basically how the story started. Having just recently finished the newest Orphan X installment, Race was conjuring up some serious Evan Smoak moves and mayhem. Now, that is the way to grab a reader’s attention from the get-go!

It’s not long before Race is dragged back into a battle with the same foes that he fought off in AK and he learns that he will not be rid of them until he returns something that the Memphis PD took from him. There is a secondary storyline of Race and his burgeoning romantic feelings for Renae, a flight nurse he met many years ago and lost contact with. Right around the time that Race realizes that he must return to AK, Renae tells him that she had previously applied to a position in AK and that she just found out that she got the job. So, it’s about at the halfway mark that Race and Renae leave Memphis and head to AK.

The continuing character development of Race was well done, and I liked the addition of Renae too. However, I see complications coming for the couple in the next installment because of Race’s job. The pacing was mostly steady, and the storyline was kind of action-packed with a lot of scary and intense scenes for Race. The writing was good but could be a little tighter in some parts where the pacing kind of dragged a little. JMHO. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.1 that I will be rounding down to a 4star review. I want to thank J.L. Askew, Book Sirens and Atmosphere Press for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

#BookSirens #AtmospherePress #AlaskaBloodlust

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second journey with this author and his main character, an earnest private investigator, who travels from the lower 48 to beautiful Alaska. The action is non-stop and the people met along the way are interesting. I felt a bit of Tony Hillerman in the plot which I enjoyed, as our many native cultures fascinate me. Mr. Askew does have a gift for descriptions of people and places that bring them alive and his P.I. has great good luck in romantic partners who understand his chosen profession. I feel this author has actually flown in the small planes that he describes, which is refreshing and adds depth to the plot. I look forward to future work from this author. Worth your time! I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Agnes Odek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alaska Bloodlust, the second book in this installment, is an outstanding continuation of Alaska Deadly. The protagonist, Race Warren, in this psychological thriller is a representation of bravery and sacrifice when loved ones are faced with adversities. It seems the evil he faced in Alaska still haunts him. They want him dead, and this time the tribe's spiritual leader will do anything to have him at the mercy of his knife.

This fictional narrative grips the reader’s attention similarly to Kallick Smith’s obsession with his knife. I found the plot to be interesting as Warren tries to play hero. This fast-paced narrative is worth reading with all its twists and turns.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

J L Askew nailed it again! It was as if I never stopped reading Alaska Deadly. He started right where he left off. Even if you haven't read Alaska Deadly you would still understand the story. Race is still dealing with the men who tried to kill his friend, but now there is a new killer on the loose trying to kill him and everyone around him. When it's all said and done does it end here? Of course not, Mr Askew wants to keep us hanging on our seats. After everything Race and Renae have been through will, Race honor her request or will he go to his friend and start a new adventure?

[READER VIEWS · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Alaska Bloodlust by J.L. Askew, we are following along as Private Investigator Race Warren is dealing with an evil that he faced during his time in Alaska. Not only is he in danger, but so are many whom he has come to care about, including someone he meets along the journey and begins to care deeply for. There are a lot of action-packed moments as well as mundane interactions between the different characters in the book, creating a good blend.

When first picking up Alaska Bloodlust by J.L. Askew, I was not sure what to expect. While described as a crime thriller, both the title and cover hinted at horror, which is a genre I am not fond of. However, it did end up being exactly as described! I also didn’t realize that this book was a sequel until after finishing it. While there were hints of a previous story, Askew wrote the book in a way that I never felt like I was missing parts of the story. He paid very close attention to detail to ensure that we knew exactly what was going on without repeating the storyline. The main character is definitely Warren; however, we do get glimpses inside other people’s minds here and there to further the impact of the story. This was well laid out so that there was no confusion when jumping into someone else’s mind.

The character development was also good. While Askew did not dig in too deep on the emotional connections, he still allowed room for them to have developed so that the progress of relationships did not feel weird or rushed. As the focus of the story was more on the crime, this allowed the intensity of each scene to stay as the main focus.

The mapping of the land was also done very well. Each landmark and path was described in a way that I was able to picture exactly what was occurring, including where certain obstacles would be. As there was quite a bit of shooting throughout the book, this really helped with realism. Also, as a good portion of the story was set in Alaska, it gave me an idea of what it is like there during the moments when the sun begins to show itself again.

Alaska Bloodlust by J.L. Askew is a crime thriller specifically following Private Investigator Race Warren as he tries to close out his current case. Due to the nature of his work, there is quite a bit of violence involved. However, most of it is hinted at or very briefly described, leaving the more gruesome bits to the imagination. There is a romance thread in the story, but it is mostly conversation with a bit of kissing, nothing more. I do not recall any cursing in the book. However, there is a large amount of intensity in some of the themes in the book.

I really enjoyed this book! I would encourage anyone who loves a good crime thriller to pick it up!

[Feathered Quill Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Private Eye Race Warren barely survived a deadly case in Alaska, he thought that horrible time in his life was finally behind him in Alaska Bloodlust by J.L. Askew.

Little does Warren know, someone from that same group is coming after him after his return to his hometown of Memphis. Unfortunately, the same people he worked the case with in Alaska are very much in danger as Warren is. No matter where he turns, people close to him are being seriously injured, if not killed. Warren must decide how he is going to stop the madman who is on a killing rampage of everyone near and dear to him. Is he able to takedown this killer, or does the killer have other plans for Warren and his friends?

This was one nonstop mystery thriller that will have readers’ hearts in their throats the entire time they are reading this masterfully penned story. The action scenes were fast and furious, making you feel as if you are another person standing right next to Warren while he was experiencing all the fast-paced action. You will find yourself believing that you will have to work with Warren to solve the mystery of who this crazy madman is that is on a killing spree.

The characters throughout this heart stopping story were so believable that this reviewer felt as if they were people that you could become friends with in real life. The kind of people that you invest time and your emotions in getting to know, and when something happens to them, you feel a personal loss. When you open the pages to this novel, you find yourself becoming immersed in the story right from the first sentence.

The detailed location descriptions were done so meticulously throughout this story that readers will feel as if they are transported to each locale. You begin to feel the snow falling all around you and the freezing temperatures as if you are experiencing the Alaska winters firsthand. No matter where the location, readers will be drawn into their surroundings immediately.

This action-packed story was so intricately written that it could easily be turned into a motion picture. I’m sure Askew’s fans would love to see this book become a movie they could relish just as they did the book. This is an ongoing series so this would be perfect to watch on the screen, having one movie based on each book of the series.

Quill says: Alaska Bloodlust by J.L. Askew is one mystery novel that readers will have a hard time putting down once they start reading it. The suspense keeps readers riveted to their seats until the very last sentence is read.

[Alejandro Soto · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cold hardboiled: It follows you home

Reading Alaska Bloodlust is a physical experience in a way that most thrillers don't quite manage. Author J.L. Askew keeps the pressure on from the opening pages, and I found myself moving through chapters faster than I'd planned — the kind of reading where you look up and an hour has gone by. The book is a sequel to Alaska Deadly, and Askew wastes no time reestablishing Race Warren as a private investigator who cannot, for reasons the plot makes abundantly clear, simply walk away from a case once it's technically closed. The threat that follows Warren from Alaska back to Tennessee carries genuine menace, and the cross-continental geography does real work: the contrast between the familiar South and the frozen brutality of the North Slope gives the book a tonal range that a single-setting thriller wouldn't have. The action sequences are where Askew is most clearly in command — car chases and shootouts rendered in clipped, kinetic prose that doesn't linger longer than it needs to. There's violence here, and it's explicit, but it's calibrated to genre rather than gratuitous.

Where I started to feel the friction was in the dialogue. The exchanges between characters run long, and more than once, the inertia that had been building across an action sequence bled out during conversations where characters explain things to each other at length. It's a pacing issue rather than a craft failure — Askew can clearly write fantastically — but it's noticeable enough to mention. The emotional dimension, Warren's awareness that the people around him are in danger because of him, keeps the stakes from feeling purely mechanical, which matters in a book this relentless. ALASKA BLOODLUST delivers exactly what it promises: hardboiled, blood-and-guts thriller writing in a tradition that doesn't pretend to be something more refined. I finished it in four sittings, which is its own kind of verdict.

[Rose Auburn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Private Investigator Racine “Race” Warren is back home in Memphis, recovering and lucky to be alive following the horrors of his recent case in Alaska. Still, he is haunted by what occurred on the freezing North Slope and cannot shake the feeling that Alaska isn’t finished with him yet...

Alaska Bloodlust is a gripping, high-octane thriller, alive with forensic detail and fantastically choreographed fight scenes. The epic, fast-paced narrative places the reader directly into the middle of the action and continues Race’s Alaskan adventures, but it also stands alone.

Indeed, Alaska Bloodlust is the second in the series. Race quickly realizes that he and the team from Book One are being pursued by a murderous, lunatic Ankauit cult leader, Kallick Smith, who is hellbent on revenge and destruction, and supported by Russian oligarch, Andrey Volkov, another brutal adversary of Race’s from the first novel.

Askew is careful to build up Smith’s backstory, and the reader is given insight into his motivations. Not only is Smith coming for Race, but also those around him, including Renae Allen, a flight nurse, with whom Race is beginning to fall in love.

When Renae is captured, Race faces no choice but to return to the North Slope and confront Kallick Smith and his fanatical acolytes. Askew controls his sprawling plot well, maintaining focus and momentum, while throwing twist after twist at Race.

Askew uses the frozen, isolated Alaskan landscape to a raw, visceral effect, and surrounds Race with a collection of nicely investable characters. Occasionally, the story is weighted with superfluity, and the strength of feeling between Race and Renae often fails to convince, but, overall, Askew has written an accomplished and engrossingly good mystery-thriller that promises much for the final instalment. Well worth a read.

[Antony Wairiuko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart-Pounding Narrative

Alaska Bloodlust is a 443-page, September 2025 book by J. L. Askew. The 26-chapter, mystery action fiction book has two sections: Book 1’s eleven chapters, ranging from The Regional Medical Centre through Aftermath to Race and Renae; and Book 2’s 15 chapters, ranging from Leaving Memphis through Skirmish in the North Slope to The Ceremony: Epilogue.

Modeled on the March 2023 book Alaska Deadly, the central character is 29-year-old novice private detective Race Warren who is returning home from an eventful sojourn in Alaska “where he’d seen things that six months earlier were unimaginable…he’d done things, unthinkable things, in Anchorage, in the North Slope” while pursuing missing-turned-sidekick ex-policeman Ron Billings.

However, Warren’s return to Tennessee is far from blissful as it is fraught with multiple deaths whose perpetrator could be “part of the tribal cult we uncovered in last summer’s field study…tribe was seeking vengeance.” A deadly psycho is in the mix and “blood was everywhere; something about the knife, and blood. That was it—bloodlust…,” which may have been “part of the cult’s superstition...Warren had to get the knife and take it back to Alaska” where it all began. Thus, the book’s title.

The ensuing intrigues as he revisits the dangerous Alaskan wilderness—events that restart in Chapter 13: Return to Alaska, especially with a tense standoff and decisive faceoff in the Skirmish-related Chapter 18 and many more suspenseful events—yield a heart-pounding thriller that puts J. L. Askew on the elite authorship map.

[Slmarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alaska Bloodlust by J. L. Askew is the kind of thriller that feels like a chase you can’t escape. Instead of starting fresh, this story shows what happens after the danger is supposed to be over. Race Warren, a private investigator, thinks he has put a terrifying case behind him. But the trouble he faced didn’t stay buried in Alaska. It followed him home.

What makes this book stand out is how it shows fear traveling with someone. Even when Race is back in familiar places, there’s a constant feeling that something is wrong. The story moves between quieter moments and sudden bursts of violence, which keeps the tension high. You never really feel safe, and neither does the main character.

Another strong point of the book is how clearly the setting is described. Whether the story is in the South or back in the frozen North, the locations feel real and easy to picture. You can imagine the cold, the wide spaces, and how dangerous Alaska can be when things go bad. This makes the action scenes easier to follow and more intense.

The book also focuses more on the crime and danger than on romance or graphic details. The violence is mostly implied, which keeps the story serious without being overwhelming. There is a small personal connection that raises the stakes for Race, making his choices feel more urgent and emotional.

Alaska Bloodlust is fast, intense, and driven by consequences. It shows that some battles don’t end when you walk away from them. If you enjoy crime thrillers with constant danger, strong settings, and a main character who refuses to back down, this book delivers a gripping ride and sets the stage for what’s still to come in the trilogy.

[Charles Magesa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling and Entertaining

ALASKA BLOODLUST by J. L. Askew is a captivating investigative thriller that grabs the reader's attention from the beginning and keeps them on the edge of their seats until the end. The story features the struggles of Race Warren, a private investigator who works diligently to end homicide and bring the perpetrator to justice. The plot becomes more compelling as Warren's lover becomes involved, transforming into a fight for survival and revenge.

The author did an excellent job with plot development and world-building. The storyline was creatively thought out, and the scenes were vividly described, making reading the book feel like watching a movie. The story is suspenseful, immersive, and engaging, keeping the reader eager to see what happens next. Askew's storytelling skills are impressive; the story flows smoothly and maintains the reader's interest without feeling dull.

Most readers will find the characters of Warren and Renae likable, relatable, and intriguing. Their love story and their effort to maintain their relationship despite the challenges of their demanding jobs are inspiring. Most importantly, they support each other, which adds to the story's emotional depth.

The author skillfully blends crime investigation with romance, creating a perfect balance that makes the story more exciting and enjoyable. The book is well-written, professionally edited, and free of grammatical errors. Additionally, there is no profanity or explicit scenes, making the story suitable for readers of all ages. The book comes highly recommended. 

[Naman Pande · Rating 4 out of 5]

This thriller does not hesitate to remind the reader that some events never truly end when a case is closed. Race Warren survives a violent incident in Alaska, but when he returns to Tennessee, it becomes clear that the experience has left lasting marks. Although the book leans into that idea early on, Warren’s nervous energy helps guide the reader as more murders come to light. It never feels like a simple sequel rehashing old ground; instead, the tension builds as unresolved threats from the past begin to close in.

Action is always prominent in the novel, and it rarely slips out of gear. Chases, fight scenes, and violent outbursts occur often, but for the most part, they feel justified rather than added for spectacle. The antagonist stands out for his fervor, and his presence remains unsettling even when he is off the page. When the narrative returns to Alaska, the setting itself becomes dangerous—frigid, inaccessible, and fiercely hostile without needing much setup.

The focus on momentum does mean some emotional beats move quickly, particularly those involving secondary characters who become important to Warren’s personal life. Allowing a bit more space there might have strengthened what’s at risk. Even so, the novel largely delivers what it promises: a fast, violent thriller with a clear throughline and a protagonist who is constantly being pushed, both mentally and physically. Readers who enjoy relentless pacing and high-stakes confrontations will likely find this an engaging, no-frills read.

Despite a few minor character-development gaps, this is a fast-paced and accomplished thriller that delivers a confident, engaging narrative for its target audience.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALASKA BLOODLUST is a gritty, pulse-pounding thriller that plunges straight into danger and refuses to let up. The story follows Private Investigator Race Warren, still recovering from a harrowing case in Alaska that nearly killed him. Back home in Tennessee, he quickly realizes the terror he left behind has returned, people are dying, and the malevolent force he once confronted has followed him south. A psychotic cult leader, driven by revenge, is orchestrating a deadly chain of events, and Warren is the only one capable of stopping the carnage.

As the bodies begin to pile up, escalating violence forces Warren to pursue his relentless nemesis back to the icy, hostile terrain of the North Slope. Before he leaves, however, he crosses paths with someone whose presence complicates everything, and whose safety becomes an immediate target for the ruthless killer. With everything he cares about on the line, Warren is propelled into a final, brutal confrontation set against the unforgiving Alaskan wilderness.

The novel excels in its fast-paced momentum and unrelenting action, offering a reading experience that feels immersive and immediate. Detailed, vividly drawn characters deepen the emotional stakes, while the gritty tone amplifies the suspense at every turn. The author’s storytelling style places the reader right beside Warren, feeling the cold, the fear, and the urgency of every explosive moment.

A raw, tense, and atmospheric thriller that grips from the first page and doesn’t let go.

[Stacy Croushorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This was a great book. Not in a “it changed my life” way, but in a “this is a fun book to read” way. To be honest, I wasn’t sure about this book when I started reading it. It is the sequel to another book, “Alaska Deadly,” which I haven’t read, and originally I thought I would have a hard time trying to figure out what had happened and the character relationships, etc. But it wasn’t like that at all. The book explained backstories that I missed from not reading the first book and I could easily figure out the relevant points. The main character, Race Warren, is a private investigator who had returned from a harrowing experience in Alaska where he almost didn’t survive. Little does he know that the Alaska case followed him back to Memphis and is keeping tabs on him. This is where the psychotic cult leader, Kallick Smith, comes in. He is angry about what happened in Alaska and is out to take a pound of flesh. Actually, he does take flesh, he kidnaps Warren’s girlfriend Renae Allen and takes her back to Alaska. The cult involves Alaskan/Native American myths and made me think of “True Detective” with Jodie Foster. The storyline is complicated at times, but the action happens so fast the reader doesn’t really notice. There is so much action and violence, this would make an excellent movie. Warren has to return to Alaska to save his girlfriend and confront the bad guy and you are sitting on the edge of your seat throughout the ordeal. I highly recommend this book. I’m going to get “Alaska Deadly” now and see what I missed.

[Iron John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alaska Bloodlust is one of those thrillers that grabs you right away and doesn’t give you much time to breathe. You’re thrown straight back into the life of Race Warren, the private investigator we first met in Alaska Deadly. This time, the stakes feel way more personal, and you can tell from the first few chapters that things are going to get rough.

The story mixes crime, mystery, and that cold, lonely Alaskan setting in a way that just works. You can almost feel the chill coming off the pages. Askew’s writing has this grounded, gritty tone that makes the action scenes hit harder, but he also manages to squeeze in those emotional moments that make you actually care about what happens to the people caught up in all the chaos.

There’s always something happening, fights, close calls, and those little twists that keep you flipping pages. It’s got that old-school thriller feel where the good guy takes a beating but never backs down. Race Warren isn’t some superhero; he’s flawed, tired, and human, which makes him believable.

Sure, a couple of plot turns are predictable, and the villain leans a bit over the top at times, but honestly, that’s part of the fun. It’s dramatic, cinematic, and feels like it’d make a great movie if someone ever adapted it.

It’s fast, intense, and entertaining from start to finish. If you like your thrillers with a mix of danger, emotion, and that icy wilderness vibe, it’s an easy one to recommend.

[Jennifer (Yodareads) Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

When first picking up Alaska Bloodlust by J.L. Askew, I was not sure what to expect. While described as a crime thriller, both the title and cover hinted at horror which is a genre I am not fond of. However, it did end up being exactly as described! In this novel, we are following along as Private Investigator Race Warren is dealing with an evil that he faced during his time in Alaska. Not only is he in danger, but so are many who he has come to care about, including someone he meets along the journey and begins to care deeply for. There are a lot of action packed moments as well as mundane interactions between the different characters in the book creating a good blend.

Alaska Bloodlust by J.L. Askew is a crime thriller specifically following Private Investigator Race Warren as he is trying to close out his current case. Due to the nature of his work, there is quite a bit of violence involved. However, most of it is hinted at or very briefly described leaving the more gruesome bits to the imagination. There is a romance thread in the story, but it is mostly conversation with a bit of kissing, nothing more. I do not recall any cursing in the book. However, I would still recommend it for adult audiences due to the intensity of some of the themes in the book. I really enjoyed this book! I would encourage anyone who loves a good crime thriller to pick it up!

For the full review go to Reader Views.

[Raisa Mbalule · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fast-Paced Thriller That Never Lets Go

ALASKA BLOODLUST picks up the tension without slowing down, proving that the danger Race Warren faced before was never truly left behind. Although it continues the story from the previous book, the novel is easy to follow on its own, with enough context woven in to keep new readers grounded. The story opens with a strong sense of unease as Warren realizes the threat he survived has followed him home. From the start, the stakes feel personal and immediate.

The novel moves between Tennessee and Alaska with confidence, using each setting to heighten the suspense in different ways. Urban scenes feel tight and unpredictable, while the return to Alaska brings a colder, more isolating tension. Warren is written as capable but worn down, and that balance makes his decisions feel believable. New characters add momentum without distracting from the central conflict, while familiar faces help deepen the emotional weight.

What makes ALASKA BLOODLUST especially engaging is how it focuses on consequences rather than just action. The story shows how unfinished business can linger and grow more dangerous over time. Even as a sequel, it works well as a standalone thriller, offering a complete and satisfying arc. For readers who enjoy fast-paced crime stories with strong settings and a persistent sense of threat, this installment delivers a solid and gripping continuation.

[Vikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

ALASKA BLOODLUST immediately pulled me in with its visceral descriptions and intense plot. J.L. Askew does a great job creating atmosphere and making the reader feel grounded in every scene, especially during the more violent moments. The murders are graphic without feeling excessive, and the descriptive storytelling added a lot to the tension throughout the book. There are also several twists woven into the story that genuinely caught me off guard, but the plot still remained easy to follow despite how many moving parts and characters were involved.

One thing I appreciated most was how developed the cast felt without the story becoming overloaded with long introductions or unnecessary backstory. The characters all served a purpose, and even smaller details, including names and connections, felt intentional. The romance was probably the one area that felt slightly off to me at times, but oddly enough, it still worked for Race as a character and fit the overall tone of the story. There were a few moments where the pacing or transitions felt uneven, but it never took away from the experience as a whole.

Overall, this was an intense and fast-paced thriller with strong atmosphere, memorable violence, and a surprisingly well-balanced plot considering how much was happening at once. Readers who enjoy gritty crime thrillers with graphic violence, layered characters, and constant momentum will likely enjoy this one.

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would first like to say "thank you" to LibraryThing, Atmosphere Press and author J.L. Askew for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

Had I known there was a previous book to Alaska Bloodlust I would have read it first. I will now have to go back and read the first book Alaska Deadly. You do not necessarily have to read A.D. first, but it wouldn't hurt. This book stands on its own, with a third one to come. I will certainly look forward to the third book.

This book should have been titled ALASKA HOSPITAL STAY. The main character (Race Warren) spends enough time in a hospital to warrant the title.

This is a good read. The action is there. You sometime wonder if Warren is part cat with nine lives. I'm don't know how many of those lives he used up in the first book, but he should be getting close to the magic number nine, and he still has one more book to go.

The book takes you from Memphis, Tennessee to various parts of Alaska. Warren is a young private investigator. Reminds me of the Jim Rockford character from TV.

The story flows and keeps you interested. I would recommend it.

[Octavia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alaska Bloodlust, written by J.L. Askew, picks up where Alaska Deadly stopped. Race Warren is back again, and it seems like the things that happened in Alaska are coming back for revenge. Race Warren does what he does best during intense and serious happenings. Will he come out of it alive or in a body bag? Well, it depends on his choices.

Alaska Bloodlust is a great read. It starts off strong, so readers will be glued to their chairs. Race Warren is still a phenomenal main character as he navigates what is going on as things get pretty intense quickly. Although the pace of the story is a bit fast, it's still interesting to read what happens next. Each chapter gets better after each read. The other characters in this story are interesting as well, especially as the story keeps going. The suspense is fantastic as J.L. Askew makes readers want more. The ending is satisfying and hints at more to come.

Even though the villain could be predictable at times, this was still a good read. This novel will definitely be a favorite for those who enjoy mystery and suspense. This novel gets a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, ALASKA BLOODLUST is a gripping and consistently engaging thriller that delivers tension, action, and a strong sense of personal stakes from start to finish. The novel moves at a brisk pace, but never at the expense of clarity or character, steadily escalating the danger while keeping the reader firmly invested. There is a constant sense of momentum as events unfold, with the violence and suspense feeling purposeful rather than gratuitous.
Although this is a sequel, it functions extremely well as a standalone novel. The author integrates background information smoothly, allowing readers unfamiliar with Alaska Deadly to quickly grasp the relationships, motivations, and emotional baggage carried by the central characters. This approach ensures the story never feels inaccessible or overly reliant on prior knowledge. Dark, gritty, and driven by a strong central conflict, ALASKA BLOODLUST is an entertaining and satisfying read that would appeal to fans of fast-paced crime and action thrillers alike.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

ALASKA BLOODLUST is a book that immediately pulls you into the story. We follow P.I. Race Warren back in Tennessee after a previous adventure in Alaska. The action starts right away as he is thrust back into a world of danger as lives (including his own) are threatened.

Some of the dialogue sounded unnatural at times, making the non-action packed points feel a bit lengthy. But I think the overall action and overarching plot involving our antagonist made me want to keep reading. What kept me reading was wanting to know what happened next. Figuring out the big “why” of it all.

Page after page is filled with suspenseful action, keeping you on the edge of your seat, wanting to read more to see who makes it out alive. Especially as new characters are introduced, whether they’re going to be secondary characters or not. What I liked the most about Askew’s writing was that no character was introduced by accident. Every name mentioned was important to the story. Now, whether they made it alive to the next page, well that's for the reader to find out.

[Tracey Madeley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alaska Bloodlust follows the investigations of Racine Warren, a PI. The novel sets off at a blistering pace with Ron Billings in the hospital and Race having to defend him from armed assassins. There are both Russian oligarchs and an Inuit tribe involved in the action driving this story, but apart from some cult spirituality, it is not clear what motivates their actions.

Race’s love interest, Renae, slows the action down considerably with a lot of domestic detail, but she gives him a personal reason to traverse the frozen tundra of Alaska. The fight scenes are good, the scenery is bleak, but the back story and asides are not sufficiently integrated to make the book character-driven. There are also some shifts in point of view mid-scene, which can be confusing. The ending is satisfying, with Ron bookending the story at both the beginning and the end, without playing any real part in the story.

Overall, the book is good and I understand why the author wants to slow the pace from the initial fight scenes, but the lapse into domesticity does make it sag a little in the middle.

[Yvonne Glasgow · Rating 5 out of 5]

J.L. Askew is a descriptive writer with a handy knack for telling interesting stories. If you have a love for adventure and have an interest in cults (fictional as this one may be), this is a book that will find you intrigued.

The main focuses are on a detective hunting down a cult, and the cult trying to kill him and others. Without giving away too much of the story, there's a murder, there's revenge, and there is a ton of blood and guts in these pages. This is one of those books that requires your full attention as you read and can pull you right into the story -- as harrowing as that is.

Race Warren is the main protagonist of the story, and he shows readers what true dedication looks like. Even with potential love on the line, he pushes on with this case. Even with his own life on the line, he keeps moving forward. To find out what happens? Well, it's your turn to read the book now.

[Gauraa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alaska Bloodlust is a high-octane psychological thriller that delivers relentless, non-stop action, proving that for Private Eye Race Warren, the nightmare he barely survived in the frozen North is far from over. When a psychotic cult leader follows Warren back to Tennessee, the stakes immediately become deeply personal, forcing the weary investigator into a brutal race against a diabolical killer. The narrative excels in its gritty, cinematic intensity, stacking up bodies and throwing Warren into violent clashes that feel both desperate and visceral. While the villain is deliciously over-the-top, Warren’s flawed, human resilience grounds the chaos. This book is pure escapism, blending crime and mystery with the emotional drama of a man fighting to protect those he loves, leading to an inevitable, bloody final showdown in the Alaskan wasteland.

[Purnima Khanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alaska Bloodlust by J.L. Askew is an action-packed thriller. Right from the very first page, the story picks up pace and keeps the reader compelled to turn the pages till the end. It is Book 2 of the series but still a complete story in itself. As I have also read the first part, I could relate to the characters more closely.The plot moves around Race Warren, a private investigator who has returned from Alaska after a dangerous case. However, he soon finds that the horrors from Alaska are far from over. A psychotic cult leader, after revenge, starts targeting his loved ones. The narrative is intense and impactful. The storyline is fast-paced and intriguing, packed with mystery, thrill, action, shootouts, fight scenes, and twists. Characters are well crafted and relatable. A highly recommended read for crime thriller fans.

[Katherine Wacker · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Alaska Bloodlust by J.L. Askew, Private Investigator Race Warren is back in Alaska investigating a case that has loose ends. When a colleague asks for protection, Race agrees to help, only to have his girlfriend kidnapped by a familiar foe. Will Race rescue her in time? Or will they both end up dead?

Alaska Bloodlust is a decent thriller with many twists. Askew’s strengths are on display in plot construction and leave the reader guessing until the book’s climax. The storyline doesn’t depend so heavily on the supernatural which makes the action more believable. However, there were some problems. The romantic angle of the plot needs work. The way the lead character begins a romantic relationship is unrealistic and annoying. The voyeurism is seriously off-putting. Some of the dialogue is superficial, and the point of view changes in middle of a scene make it confusing for the reader. All-in-all, there are some story elements that are incredibly intriguing, and others that seem ill-thought.

[Lesley Odhiambo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actions will always have consequences and the past will always catch up with the future. Warren is back home and his past catches up with him. Increased cases of death leads him to take action and get determined to get to the bottom of it. A path that was not easy, this really captured my attention as Warren tried to stay alive. Scenes of action that made me on edge. The book was very thrilling as they tried to investigate the causes of death and the connections between the attacks. In all the chaos an interesting love story emerges as Warren falls in love with Rene.

Curiosity as I moved from one chapter to another, things escalated so fast. Action and violence has been a constant thing in the book hence I could categorize the book as an investigative action book. I enjoyed every second spent on each page.

[Donna Costello · Rating 4 out of 5]

ALASKA BLOODLUST is an action packed thrill ride that will completely blow readers away right from the very first page with its fast pace and sky-high stakes.
The novel is a sequel to ALASKA DEADLY and much like the first book, author Askew does not pull any punches with his heart stopping action scenes. They’ll have readers unable to put the book down as they take this journey with Race in this pulse jerking thriller.
Although this book leans a little into predictability, the characters are really what makes it. They are flawed, realistic people who readers will feel a kinship with upon meeting.
If anyone is looking for a solid, exciting novel to read over the holiday period, they should look no further than this book. It will keep readers turning pages, long into the night.