Dark Night

Alaska Wild #3

by Paige Shelton, Suzie Althens (Narrator)

Listening Length 9 hours and 6 minutes

Dark Night is the third book in the gripping, atmospheric Alaska Wild series by beloved cozy author Paige Shelton, in which Beth is met with an unexpected visitor: her mom...

Winter is falling in the remote town of Benedict, Alaska, and with the cold comes an uninvited guest. The dreaded "census man," seemingly innocuous, is an unwelcome presence to those members of this secretive community who would prefer to keep their business to themselves. Meanwhile, thriller writer Beth Rivers has received her own unexpected visitor: her mother. The last Beth heard, Mill Rivers had gone underground in the lower forty-eight, in search of Beth’s kidnapper, and Beth can't help but be a little alarmed at her appearance: If Mill was able to track down her daughter, who knows who else might be able to?

Beth doesn't have time to ponder this for long, after a battered woman stumbles into the town bar one night, and her husband is found dead the next morning. Suspicions immediately turn to the census man, but when he, too, goes missing, everyone in Benedict—including the police chief—is suspected, and Beth and Mill must work to figure out what really happened. Meanwhile, in the lower forty-eight, another author has disappeared, and the police think Beth’s kidnapper just may be at it again...

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Audiobook, Cozy Mystery, Suspense, Mystery Thriller

9 pages, Audiobook

First published December 7, 2021

Reviews

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up for an entertaining mystery set in a small remote Alaskan town, accessible only by plane or ship. Beth Rivers has moved here to hide from Travis Walker, who kidnapped her in a previous book in this series. This is book 3 in the series and I would have enjoyed it more if I had read the previous books in the series. There is an interesting assortment of people in Benedict, many of whom have secrets like Beth. I was not sure who the killer was until the end.
There are occasional grammatical errors which are distracting, but it is an uncorrected proof copy.
The plot moves along very well. I read it in 2 days.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press for sending me this eARC through NetGalley.
Pub. date Dec 7, 2021

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit of a letdown with the third in the series. I zoned out after halfway mark. The best thing about Dark Night is Gus, the dog.

Beth Rivers, a popular author is hiding from her abductor, Travis in Benedict, Alaska. I enjoy the tiny town with a general store, a diner, and a converted old Russian church that's now a halfway house for female felons. Beth was alarmed when her mother, Mill was able to track her down and came to visit. Will Travis find her too?

The mystery was okay... an abusive person was killed and all eyes were focused on certain people. I didn't guess the killer but I also didn't really care. I will read the next as I like a few characters, Gus and the setting. The first book is still my favorite one.

[PamG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Night by Paige Shelton is a well-written mystery novel that combines traditional police detective work and amateur sleuthing. Secrets, murder, and a horrific experience that continues to haunt and traumatize the main character make for a suspenseful and riveting read. It’s the third book in the Alaska Wild series and is set in fictional Benedict, Alaska.

Beth Rivers, a successful thriller writer known as Elizabeth Fairchild is still hiding and recovering in Alaska while the Missouri police look for her stalker turned kidnapper. The only person that knows her secret is police chief Gril Samuels.

Winter is starting, but the ferry to and from Juneau is still occasionally running. In comes a census taker, Doug Vitner. He’s not wanted as many in Benedict have secrets of their own or just prefer privacy. On top of that, Beth’s mother Mill shows up expectedly. If she could track down Beth, then could Beth’s stalker find her here? But that’s not all that is happening in this small community. Will Beth’s kidnapper finally be arrested? Will she stay in Alaska? Will Beth learn to fully trust more people in the Benedict community? These are only a few of the questions that must be answered.

Beth’s character was well-developed. She continues to be a flawed protagonist who has shown some growth through making friends and learning to deal with her post traumatic stress disorder, but she still keeps secrets and finds it hard to trust people. Several of the secondary characters gained depth in book of this series as some secrets are revealed while others continue to add to the enjoyment of the book. There are a large number of characters in this story, but several of them were introduced in the earlier books so it felt like I was catching up with old friends.

The author does a great job of portraying the hardships and lack of amenities as well as the friendships, pace of life, the wonders, and the dangers of living in and around small town Alaska. I could easily visualize the town, the people, the road conditions, the cold, the isolation and much more.

This story hooked me immediately and kept me interested throughout. It’s suspenseful and there are twists and turns and surprises along the way in an intricate plot that kept me guessing. From the small town residents to the descriptions of Alaska to the various mysteries, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. Several themes run through the tale including murder, disappearances, secrets, domestic abuse, dysfunctional families, and much more.

Overall, it was an enjoyable mystery that was engaging, suspenseful, fast-paced and compulsively readable. The well-developed ideas with good pacing from scene to scene kept me turning the pages. If you enjoy well-written mysteries, then I recommend you check out this series. The books are best read in order, but there is enough background that this one could be read as a standalone. I’m looking forward to book four.

St. Martin’s Press - Minotaur Books and Paige Shelton provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is set for December 7, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series continues on with Beth Rivers and her adventures in Benedict, Alaska. She is staying on through the winter instead of leaving and is making friends with locals. She gets a surprise when Mill, her mom, shows up in town. There is a murder to investigate and lots of clues but no real answers, just suspicious. And Beth continues to regain memories of the time that she was abducted back in Missouri. More information seems to indicate that her abduction could be tied to her dad. I am really enjoying the series and look forward to the next. I listened to the audio book via Chirp and also read on my Kindle. The narrator, Suzie Althens, does a great job.

[Rhonda 🌒🌕🌘 🐈‍⬛ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 🌟
3/5 ❤️‍🩹
1/5 😍
0/5 🌶️
4/5 🔎
3/5 😰😱
2/5 🎭😂
2/5 🎭😭
0/5 👻
1/4 🔬
3/5 🔫
2/5 🏥
4/5 ✍🏼
0/5 🥱

⚠️⛔️TRIGGERS:⛔️⚠️

Blood
Gore
Stalking
Kidnapping
Domestic Abuse
Murder
Death

🗯️💬BOOK BLURB:💬🗯️

Dark Night marks the third book in the gripping, atmospheric Alaska Wild series from Paige Shelton, in which Benedict, Alaska is met with some unexpected visitors…and then disappearances.

Winter is falling in the remote town of Benedict, Alaska, and with the cold comes a mysterious guest. The dreaded "census man," seemingly innocuous, is an unwelcome presence to those members of this secretive community who would prefer to keep their business to themselves. Meanwhile, thriller writer Beth Rivers has received her own unexpected company: her mother. The last Beth heard, Mill Rivers had gone underground in search of Beth’s kidnapper, and Beth can't help but be a little alarmed at her appearance: If Mill was able to track down her daughter, who knows who else might be able to?

Beth doesn't have time to ponder this for long, after a battered woman stumbles into the town bar one night, and her husband is found dead the next morning. Suspicions immediately turn to the census man, but when he, too, goes missing, everyone in Benedict—including the police chief—is suspected, and Beth and Mill must work to uncover the truth.

🌎📖OVERALL REVIEWS📖🌎
Courtesy of Storygraph

COMMUNITY REVIEWS
SUMMARY OF 95 REVIEWS

Moods
mysterious 100%
adventurous 61%
dark 53%
tense 53%
emotional 15%
Pace
medium 57%
fast 28%
slow 14%
Plot- or character-driven?
A mix: 42% | Character: 28% | Plot: 28%
Strong character development?
Yes: 66% | No: 33%
Loveable characters?
It's complicated: 33% | No: 33% | Yes: 33%
Diverse cast of characters?
No: 50% | Yes: 33% | It's complicated: 16%
Flaws of characters a main focus?
Yes: 50% | It's complicated: 33% | No: 16%
Average rating
3.88 ⭐️

🤔🧐🤯MY THOUGHTS:🤯🧐🤔

I am loving this series completely. I’m extremely anxious to find out who the killer is though. I really hope I find out soon! I’m off to read the next book in the series!!

RATING KEY:

🌟 Stars - based on the overall plot and theme or idea of the book
❤️‍🩹 Emotions - based on how emotional I got while reading
🥰 Romance - based on how well I got invested in the love story aspect
🌶️ Spice - based on how the sex scenes were portrayed and written as well as the number of sex scenes
🔎 Mystery - based on how well it kept me guessing who, how and why
😰 Scared🫣/Anxious😱 - based on how scared or anxious the book made me while reading
🎭 Comedy😂/Tragedy😭
-based on if I laughed or if there was a tragic event and how it affected me. I will mark the Masks with either a C or T to indicate Comedy or Tragedy
👻 Spooky😵‍💫/Creepy🧟‍♀️ -based on if this had any occult or paranormal themes and if those elements creeped me out or gave me anxiety!
🔬 Sci-Fi -based on the Science Fiction in the book as well as the Dystopian elements.
🔫 Action/Thriller -based on if I thought this was more of a spy action type of thriller.
🏥 Medical Content -based on the amount and the accuracy of any medical content or if the book is supposed to be a medical style thriller.
✍🏼 Writing Style -based on if I enjoyed the writing style or not and how the author portrayed the world, characters, concept, plot etc.
🥱 Boredom -based on if I was bored if it held my interest or if I’d rather be doing something else 😴
🙅🏻‍♀️ DNF -based on if the book is just stupid, boring, childish, overly ridiculous etc.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

The days are getting darker and colder and winter comes to Benedict Alaska. The ferry and aircraft come and go less frequently so making the trek to Juneau is hit or miss depending on the weather. Some of the residents handle the darkness, cold, ice, and snow better than others. People who have lived in Benedict for years all have their own ways of coping and for most, it is just their daily lives.

Residents were surprised when the “census man” arrived in town and he definitely was not welcomed with open arms. He made a definite impression with his visit to Ned and Claudia Withers. After the man left their home Ned beat up his wife and by the next morning, Ned was dead.

Also making the trip to Benedict is Mill Rivers. Her daughter Beth has been hiding in this faraway town since recovering from the injuries sustained when she was kidnapped while her captor is still at large. He was injured when her mother found and shot him but he got away again. She was charged for her actions but has gone on the run. So Beth is both shocked and scared that her mother tracked her down after all her efforts to stay safe. If her mother found her can her kidnapper be far behind?

So with a murder to solve, a couple of fugitives in town, a census man wandering around, and the probability of a kidnapper stepping off the ferry and day now, Police Chief Gril has his hands full. Maybe Beth and her mom can assist him or will they die trying? Who knows when everyone in town and beyond are on a very long suspect list.

Again, I was thrilled to receive an early copy of this book for review and I couldn’t wait to start reading. The first two books in this series, Thin Ice and Cold Wind really stuck with me and I have been really looking forward to this installment for some answers and another suspenseful adventure with Beth Rivers.

Ms. Sheldon doesn’t disappoint. So much happens within these pages, it is the kind of book that has you opening it up and holding on tight until you reach the end.

First, the setting of Benedict, Alaska is a character in itself. It is a living and breathing place. The weather is frigid, a blizzard can blow through quickly or take up residence and drop multiple inches of snow, or it can be a clear cold day where business can go on as usual. It can have secrets and reveal them at its will. The author describes the place so well I had shivers running up my spine and was tingling when its residents ventured out in the vastness of Alaska.

Beth has survived a horrific experience that left her scarred physically and mentally. She is a powerful character but she still has demons she needs to remember and face before she can truly start to heal. She does have a heartwrenching breakthrough in this story. She also gets several answers thanks to her mother showing up in Benedict.

Her mother is a hard woman due to the life she has lived and her need to track down Beth’s father and now her abductor. She is also a bit of a loose cannon as you never know what she is going to say or do.

These two women are surrounded by a vast supporting cast. I am in awe of the way the author has created so many characters with so many layers and so much depth. And not everything about their lives has been revealed. The characters are well-developed but still have room to continue to evolve.

Yes, there is a murder mystery to be solved in this book but there are a plethora of mysteries swirling within these pages. Secrets abound. Delving into people’s lives to find a murderer opens doors that lead to astounding revelations. Masterfully plotted this is a story that is impossible to put down.

The Alaska Wild Series is a series that truly should be read in order. Readers need to follow Beth’s path. Her leaving Missouri on the run, her arrival in Benedict, and all the things she encountered in Thin Ice lead to the continuation of her adjustments to Alaska life, and all her experiences in Cold Wind, and that builds to what happens in Dark Night and hopefully future books. There is a large cast of characters and reading the series from the start will enable readers to meet them and follow their journeys.

I have totally escaped into every book in this series. They have held me spellbound and kept me thoroughly entertained. I finish one and get immediately excited for the next installment. Dark Night like the book before it moved me to feel it deserves more than 5 stars. Dark Night has earned a place on my Best Reads of 2021 and receives my Paradise Rating.

[BonnieM☂️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third in the Alaska Wild Series. It is just as exciting and suspenseful as the first and second books Thin Ice and Cold Wind.. It takes place in the town of Bennedict, an isolated town in Alaska. Beth Rivers is the main character throughout the books. The characters from the first story remain the same with an addition of others that add to the story. There are two stories in one with the ongoing story of Beth and the second is the killing of Ned Withers. The reader is taken on a journey of full adventure until the surprising end. I look forward to the next in this series to see what evolves for Beth and what new adventures happen in Bennedict.

Thank you NetGalley, Minotaur Books and St. Martin's Publishing Group for this ARC.

[JoAn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Night by Paige Shelton is the third book in her Alaska Wild series and was just as intriguing as the first two books.

Ms. Shelton has written another intricate mystery with plenty of twists, red herrings and great new background material on Beth's family history. I really enjoyed meeting her mother, Mill, in this one. That woman is an excellent example of a "wild card" character. I never knew what Mill would say or do next throughout the book. The support characters are beginning to become more fleshed out now and I'm more and more curious about their stories and how they came to Benedict.

I was totally wrapped up in the story and felt so much pride when Beth finally had a breakthrough in her memories of her abduction that I actually cheered for her. I don't think that you could read this book as a stand alone because there is too many revelations in the first two books that aren't woven into this story to make it clear to a reader about Beth and her dramatic history.

I voluntarily reviewed a digital Advance Reader Copy of this book from Minotaur Books via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.

[Bam cooks the books · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4-4.5 stars

This is the third book in Paige Shelton's Alaska Wild Mysteries featuring Beth Rivers, a best-selling author who has been hiding away in the small town of Benedict, Alaska after escaping a kidnaper. I would definitely recommend reading these books in order to get the gist of what's going on, what Beth has been through.

In this installment, Beth's crazy mother Millicent has found her daughter in Benedict. Mill is wanted by the police in the lower 48 but Gril, the local police chief, looks the other way as long as she promises to be gone in two weeks.

Gril already has enough trouble on his hands as the long dark nights of winter have settled in. He's trying to solve the murder of a man who had badly beaten his wife and been in a fight with an irritating census taker named Vitner. Now it seems Vitner has disappeared. Beth and her mom are determined to help solve these mysteries which seem to have curious ties to Beth's own case.

Having read all three of these mysteries back to back, I appreciate the way Shelton has developed her characters, having them grow and change--especially Beth, of course. Shelton describes the wild Alaskan setting so well that one can fully understand the psychological problems that can set in with the long, dark winter nights. Special skills are needed to survive, along with help from friends and neighbors. Can't wait to see what happens next to Beth and this group of eccentric Alaskans.

I received an arc of Shelton's latest mystery from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I am always happy to be introduced to an author new to me. For that, I also thank my GR's friend Pam for the heads up about this series of mysteries. I always enjoy reading books set in Alaska.

[Carlymor · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5, rounded up. This is the third in the series and it's just as taught and tense as the previous books. Beth Rivers is still hiding out in Benedict, Alaska after having escaped a kidnapping months earlier. Since the kidnapper is still on the loose, she's on edge all the time. Mill, her mother comes to town and brings her own frenetic energy with her. When a murder occurs, Beth and Mill are right in the middle of the investigation. I found myself not liking Mill at all. That and a really big, unbelievable, coincidence having to do with a friend of Beth's missing father, made me not like this entry as much. But I'm definitely going to keep reading to find out what happens next for Beth. So, off to the next one.

[Olga · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not convinced. these books are getting more and more ridiculous, and events are improbable. people are weird and the main character becomes annoying. the intrigue is not that intriguing, and the plot lacks substance. it's not a bad read, but so far the first book in the Alaska Wild series was the best.

[Patrizia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ho letto la seconda metà del libro in un'unica seduta e questo la dice lunga su come abbia apprezzato la storia. Trovo un attimino sconcertante che più persone del passato della protagonista finiscano prima o poi nello stesso villaggio dove si sta nascondendo e temo sempre che arrivi il suo stalker, ma questa serie mi sta davvero piacendo. Certo, ci sono varie questioni lasciate in sospeso, credo e spero per i prossimi libri...

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

The plot of this one is so outlandish, it's just silly.

"You stole jewelry? Well, I'm locking you in a room and sending you to prison on the first ferry."

"You shot someone and ran from the police? Well, I'll just pretend I didn't see you."

Beth Rivers butting her hypocritical nose into everyone else's business, calling them out for keeping secrets, is just too much. When the people she was demanding information from said "Who ARE you? I don't have to tell you anything!" I was totally on their side.

The thought of two more books about this intrusive woman is not exciting, it's exhausting.

[Caitlin C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beth Rivers is still hiding out in Benedict, Alaska. She is learning more about her abductor, Travis Walker and how he may have ties to her long lost father. Her mother, Mil is still on the run after shooting Walker in a parking lot. There has been a sighting of Mil in Juneau and Beth knows that if Mil has made it to Juneau, it won't be long before she finds her in Benedict.

It is still winter in Alaska, and the cold and isolation is getting to the residents. There's also a new resident, a census man who has showed up and is asking questions. On top of all this, one of the residents, Claudia come in to the bar with obvious sings of abuse resulting from a domestic violence situation with her husband, Ned. Ned is found dead in the town square the next morning.

Beth has started sleep walking and notices that her snow boots are wet and there is blood on her door handle. She starts to wonder if she was involved in Ned's death.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Third in series. Clean read with a few expletives. Beth is still in hiding in Benedict, Alaska. Her escape from her kidnapper still has her looking over her shoulder in case he finds her in this remote location. But somebody in this small isolated town knows who she really is and left an anonymous note about her past. Who can Beth trust?

Lots of twists in this story. Great read.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up. This series just gets better and better! I absolutely loved meeting Beth’s mom Mill in this installment. Such a great setting, cast of misfit characters, and storyline. Loved it!

[Sonja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun mystery taking place in Alaska. Some questions were answered but there is more to come! Another installment will give us, hopefully, some much needed closure! I have enjoyed all three books so far in this series!

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this series. It takes place in a small town in remote Alaska where the only access is by plane or ferry. This type of setting reminds me of my Mom watching Murder She Wrote and I always wondered why the town’s inhabitants didn’t move away when so many murders keep taking place there. But in all seriousness, part of what I like about the series is the location and how it plays such a large part in the book. Almost like it is another character. The author does a great job with the descriptions and weaving the story through it.

There is an interesting group of characters that keep getting extra layers of depth as the series progresses. There is also a great backstory with the protagonist that keeps building in this installment by introducing her Mother. The plot moves along at a great pace and I didn’t want to put it down. And again in this book, I was kept guessing on the murderer until the very end.

While you could read this book as a stand alone, I think you would better enjoy the series in order and since this is only book three, you could easily catch up.

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark Night is the third book in the Alaska Wild Series. I am reluctant to say that you can read this one as a stand alone. On one hand, there is a separate mystery that is solely contained within this storyline. However, there are spoilers for Beth's story that has spanned over the last three books and will into future books. In each book so far, we have learned more about Beth and who her abductor was as well as more about her father's disappearance.

The self contained mystery in this one wasn't easy to figure out. There were a few twists that I didn't call. Beth, as well, really kind of stumbles on the truth rather than figuring it out for herself. But what I liked more was the information we learned about her father and her kidnapper. That story is getting more and more convoluted. I can't wait for the collusion to it.

I really like Beth as a character. She is a mystery writer and uses her experience as an aid to her grandfather when he was a sheriff to her advantage in solving mysteries. She is very likable and pretty smart. I have been enjoying watching her growing friendships with the townspeople. I also liked getting to spend more time with Beth's mother Mill in this one. Her character easy to like. Even though she, at first, comes across as not very loving or caring toward her daughter. As you get to know her, you can see she really does love Beth and wants her safe. I highly recommend this one was well as the rest of the series. I look forward to the next one.

[Kristi Lamont · Rating 3 out of 5]

Convoluted-y-ness, far-fetched-ness, seemingly purposeful obtuseness.....not a fan of any of these on a good day, so was very disappointed to see elements of all three rear their ugly heads in Paige Shelton's Alaska Wild series, of which I so recently became enamored.

That said, Dark Night _is_ No. 3 in the series, and third books in series in general tend to suffer from a dip in quality on quite the regular basis. Just something about where the writers are in their heads/processes.

So, not going to get my jaw too far out sideways. Still looking forward to the next book/more in the series.

[Kav · Rating 4 out of 5]

I fell in love with Paige Shelton's cozy mystery writing and followed her to this much edgier series. Still a mystery, but grittier and there's explicit language which isn't found in her cozies. The books definitely need to be read in order as Beth's personal mystery continues to unravel in very puzzling and creepy ways. Love the small town Alaska setting and the very unique cast of secondary characters. The mystery was compelling and Beth's reunion with her mother eye opening (and confusing!) Looking forward to what's in store for us in book four.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic, thrilling addition to this series. I’m always a sucker for books set in Alaska. Paige Shelton embraces the setting and gives us an amazing mystery that incorporates so much of the Alaskan landscape and the people that you can’t help but want to visit (despite the somewhat desolate location). Getting to know Beth’s mom was an added bonus. And with that cliffhanger ending, I can’t wait to see what happens next.

[Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

As someone who has enjoyed the first two books in author Paige Shelton's Alaska Wild series, I have to admit that this third book, DARK NIGHT, was a bit of a hard slog for me at times.

Winter is coming (and I don't mean to Westeros). Benedict, Alaska is getting ready to batten down the hatches for the season when the weather means a lot more isolation from the outside world than even the citizenry prefers.

But for Beth Rivers, the author living in Benedict on the run from the man who kidnapped and assaulted her, the more isolation the better. At least she won't have to spend all her time looking over her shoulder in case the kidnapper somehow tracks her down.

If that's not enough, she's also dealing with the unexpected arrival of her mother. The mother who is on the run from the cops for violence she committed while searching for her daughter's kidnapper.

As for the townspeople, they are dealing with a census taker being stuck in town who wants to ask them questions while they'd rather keep to themselves.

Things take a decidedly more dramatic turn when a woman shows up at the local bar battered and beaten. When her husband turns up dead the next day, she is of course a suspect.

As the cops look for a murderer, everyone becomes a suspect and you don't know who you can trust. But Beth and her mother end up working together to help piece things together and stop a killer.

Along the way, its learned that no one really liked the murdered victim and a host of suspects turn up. And while I did think the story came off pretty nicely when pitting a murderer against the cops and the team of Beth and her mom, it was the suspect pool that gave me great pause in liking the story more.

One suspect was an utter impossibility, in my mind at least. Paige Shelton did a nice job of framing the possibility someone could be the murderer but in the end, I just couldn't believe for a second that it was going to happen. So the repeated scenes which called for a giant suspension of disbelief was relatively impossible for me and I wanted those chapters over with as fast as possible.

Setting that aside, the rest of the book was an interesting read. Beth is becoming more a part of the community and you see her having to deal with her mother showing up to where Beth has been hiding out. That her mom found her makes her think that her kidnapper could too.

As for the taciturn townsfolk, the citizens that populate Benedict and thus this series are a hardy bunch it's that quality that helps Beth not only find the murderer's identity but to stop them from adding Beth or anyone else to the body count.

The fourth book in the series is due out December 6th, 2022 and given that I did like DARK NIGHT (with that one big reservation), I can't wait to see what Paige Shelton has in store for us next.

[D.K. Hundt · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

DARK NIGHT is the first book that I have read by Paige Shelton and is the third book in the Alaska Wild Series.

Mystery + Thriller + Sleuthing + Alaskan Wilderness = Why, Yes, Please, And Thank You!!

As I mentioned, DARK NIGHT is book three is the series, set in Benedict, Alaska wherein mystery thriller writer Elisabeth Fairchild a.k.a. Beth Rivers, who—seven months ago, highlighted in previous books—was kidnapped, hurt, tortured, held captive for three days in her hometown of St. Louis, Missouri, before she managed to escape from her abductor, Travis Walker.

Seven months after the abduction, Beth is living in a room at Benedict House, a halfway house for female felons, where she spends her time writing her next book, working on the one-sheet local newspaper, and helping out local businesses when needed.

Life takes an interesting turn when Beth’s Mother, wanted for shooting Walker in the leg, tracks her down, a man conducting a census goes missing, a battered woman stubbles into a bar whose husband is later found murdered—all in a Alaska town cutoff via ferry or plane due the incoming storms.

I have to admit, I am a bit puzzled as to why Beth—writer of Thrillers—knowing her abductor knows both her real name and the pseudonym she writes under, never changes it when she goes into hiding.

After reading the book, I understand who Travis Walker is, but what reason is there behind the kidnapping and torture, to me, doesn’t make any since.

Another question I have is about Beth’s mother, Mill, specifically, the reason she had to go underground as it relates to her actions at the end of this book and her daughters future well being seems to be dismissed.

Overall, I love the characters, murder mystery, amateur sleuthing, and the setting, though the storyline, in parts, has me a bit confused.

I would like to dive into books one, two, and four, THIN ICE , COLD WIND, WINTER’S END, for possible clarification, as I wait patiently for book five, LOST HOURS, scheduled to release in December 2023, though subject to change.

Thank You, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press (Minotaur Books), for providing me with an eBook of DARK NIGHT at the request of an honest review.

[Daniele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winter is settling in in Benedict, Alaska. The days are dark and frigid, the snow is piling up, and contact with the outside world is getting harder. Some residents of the small town are able to cope better than others so it is not much of a surprise when Claudia Withers comes into the local bar beaten and bruised. When her husband Ned is found dead the next morning, novelist Beth Rivers is worried that the police chief, who is the only person in town that knows about her past trauma, might have had something to do with it. As if this was not enough to deal with, Beth’s mother Mill arrives in town on the run after shooting Beth’s kidnapper. Beth worries that if her mother can find her can her kidnapper find her, too. There are clues to weed through and secrets to uncover as Beth helps Chief Gril get to the bottom of things.

Author Paige Shelton does an outstanding job depicting the hard life in small town Alaska in the dead of winter. The sense of place is solid – I felt the stress of the cold and the endless darkness and isolation. The characters are so well drawn yet continue to evolve as the series moves along. The pace of the writing is brisk, and there is a palpable urgency to continue reading. Protagonist Beth is flawed but makes considerable progress dealing with her past trauma within these pages. She shows tremendous growth by telling another resident the secrets of her past. Her mother Mill is quite the loose cannon; she is fascinating and a bit scary all at once. The supporting cast provides so much color, and I love getting to know their secrets and personalities better.

Yes, there is a murder to solve, but there are so many other layers of the story that reading became a compulsion for me to find out all that Shelton had to reveal. This is a series that I think should be read in order to best get to know Beth and the other characters’ histories. Read them – you will not be disappointed! DARK NIGHT is one of my favorite reads of 2021.

I received an ARC of this title from Minotaur Books through NetGalley and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVE this series - it is in my top 5 of favorite series' right now and this one absolutely did NOT disappoint! I was so excited to be back in Alaska with Beth and co. and hoped that we would learn more about some of the strange things that have been happening since she has arrived there. Be careful what you wish for!

This is not going to be a detailed review - I have found that this series is best read with little information going in. I never read the blurb for these because I need to go in with no expectations and I believe that is how this series should be read. So you will just be getting the basics here and how the book made me feel.

The book opens with Beth's mom Mill showing up [with a very weak story of how she found Beth] and a storm and a dead body. The fact that not one person is sad about the person who has died is very telling and that fact runs underneath the story throughout the whole book. Getting the truth is as nerve-racking as previous books and with each revelation, I wanted to scream in frustration with Beth as it just brought more questions than actual real answers, but I will admit it is all those challenges that keep you reading and thinking and trying to figure it out along with Beth - "what could this, and this, and this, actually mean? IS this person or this person actually my friend or are they working against me?" and on and on and the end [which was both good AND frustrating and nerve-wracking] was a good indicator that we will be getting another book [pretty please Ms. Shelton??] and I will be on pins and needles until that happens, because I am fully invested in this story and Beth now and you will be too if you start and continue on with this amazing series - if you love a good mystery, you will not be sorry.

Thank you to NetGalley, Paige Shelton, and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark Night is the third book in the Alaska Wild series. The first chapter gives a good summary of important events and background information from the two prior books. It could stand alone, but to get the most enjoyment, it’s best to read the books in order. There are three elements to the plot in each of the books. There is a current murder that the main character, author Beth Rivers, often helps the police chief solve. In this book, the current case is an abusive husband that is murdered and Beth and her mother, who has arrived in town unexpectedly, are determined to help solve the case.

There is also the ongoing storyline of Beth moving to Benedict, Alaska and trying to live under the radar, to escape a violent stalker who had already abducted her once. Beth’s mom Mill arrives due to developments regarding Beth’s stalker, Mill is unconventional, and is a habitual liar who can’t be trusted. In spite of this, I still like her character because of her bravery and love for her daughter.
Finally, there are portions of the story about Beth adjusting to the harsh environment of rural Alaska. The wintry conditions in Benedict are constantly a danger and in this case, the cold and snowy conditions lead to isolation of the residents of the town, sometimes creating mental health issues.

All three elements come together to create a unique and enjoyable book. The first book in the series, Thin Ice, is still my favorite, but this is a solid installment in a very entertaining series.

I received this ebook from NetGalley through the courtesy of Minotaur Books. An advance copy was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.

[K.A. Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

DARK NIGHT is the third book in the Alaska Wild mystery series by Paige Shelton. This series just keeps getting better and better and I found myself on the edge of my seat, unable to put the book down until I’d read the final page. Set in the remote town of Benedict, Alaska, the harsh realities of winter is settling in, making the town even more isolated. The protagonist, Beth Rivers, has been hiding out from her brutal kidnapper, hoping law enforcement will be able to capture him before he finds her. In this newest installment, it’s Beth’s on-the-run from the law, mother, who finds her. I enjoyed meeting eccentric Mill Rivers as it gave the reader the opportunity to find out more about Beth’s backstory and personality. It also added an emotional depth to the book.

While this book could be read as a standalone with it’s contained murder mystery, there is the thread of the kidnapping and Beth’s backstory that begins with book one and continues through book three and, hopefully, beyond. Ms. Shelton’s descriptive voice captivated me as the setting and people came alive. As the suspense built, I had to turn the pages faster and faster to find out what happened next. The author’s ability to weave a cohesive arc between all three books while interjecting a standalone mystery into each one exhibits great skill. I’ll be waiting on pins and needles, anxious to find out what happens to Beth next!

[Anne - Books of My Heart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
 

Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Dark Night is the third book in the Alaska Wild Mysteries .  I would read the series in order as both the mystery plot arc and the personal relationships grow throughout the series.  Each book has smaller mysteries in addition to, and sometimes tangled up in, the main series mysteries.  There is some small town quirkiness and a few things seem ridiculous, but overall it's an interesting and enjoyable read.

Beth has been trying to live below the radar in small town Alaska.  She doesn't want her stalker to find her.  She is remembering more over time.  She is also settling into the town and making friends.  But she feels badly being disingenuous with them as she gets to know them more.  There are many in this area who are hiding from one thing or another, or just want to be left alone.  It makes it difficult to know who to trust.  Slowly, Beth begins to trust a few others and tell them her real story.

Now there's a murder in town, and her mom, also on the run, shows up in town.  Beth is glad to see her mom but also worried.  Her mom isn't completely honest with her about many things but she is her mom.  Beth and her mom work together until her mom takes off again.  Beth learns much more about her father and who he was, before he disappeared when she was 7. She perseveres to figure things out in a shocking conclusion.

COYER # 29 Read a book that takes place during the Winter.

[Taryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this next book of the series winter has reared its ugly head in Benedict and with it comes the census man. Its makes the people uncomfortable when he shows up because most people live in Benedict for privacy or they are hiding something. Beth is doing her best to avoid the man but ends up getting a huge surprise from a different direction. Her mother has shown up in town and Beth isn't sure why she has come and if she may have lead any one in her direction. Meanwhile a woman who has been beaten very badly makes her way into town. When the police go to arrest her husband they find him dead. The investigation takes them in several direction even towards the census man but he soon disappears. Did the census man do it or did something happen to him too? Follow along as Beth tries to help the local cops in finding a murderer and at the same time trying to make sure she herself is safe. This was a great read with some great twists and turns.