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Missing in Alaska #1

Cold Light of Day

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Police Chief Autumn Long is fighting to keep her job in the quiet Alaska town of Shadow Gap when an unexpected string of criminal activity leaves her with a wounded officer, unexplained murders, and even an attack on her own father. Despite her mistrust of outsiders, she turns to Grier Brenner, a newcomer who seems to have the skills and training Autumn needs to face this threat to her community.

Grier is in Alaska for the same reason so many others are--to disappear--when Chief Long enlists his help. He emerges from the shadows and proves his mettle, but his presence in her life could be a deadly trap for them both. If his secret is exposed, all will be lost. And he's not sure even Autumn could save him.

As the stakes rise and the dangers increase, Autumn and Grier must rely on each other to extinguish the deadly threats.

335 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2023

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5921 people want to read

About the author

Elizabeth Goddard

132 books1,552 followers
Elizabeth Goddard is the PW, ECPA, and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of over sixty novels, including the Missing in Alaska and Rocky Mountain Courage series. Her books have sold more than 1.5 million copies. She is a Christy Award, Carol Award and Reader's Choice Award winner and a Daphne du Maurier Award and HOLT Medallion finalist. When she's not writing, she loves spending time with her family, traveling to find inspiration for her next book, and serving with her husband in ministry. For more information about her books, visit her website.



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Profile Image for Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls).
2,157 reviews5,097 followers
April 24, 2023
About this book:

“Police Chief Autumn Long is fighting to keep her job in the quiet Alaska town of Shadow Gap when an unexpected string of criminal activity leaves her with a wounded officer, unexplained murders, and even an attack on her own father. Despite her mistrust of outsiders, she turns to Grier Brenner, a newcomer who seems to have the skills and training Autumn needs to face this threat to her community.
Grier is in Alaska for the same reason so many others are--to disappear--when Chief Long enlists his help. He emerges from the shadows and proves his mettle, but his presence in her life could be a deadly trap for them both. If his secret is exposed, all will be lost. And he's not sure even Autumn could save him.
As the stakes rise and the dangers increase, Autumn and Grier must rely on each other to extinguish the deadly threats.”



Series: Book #1 in the “Missing in Alaska” series.


Spiritual Content- Micah 6:8 at the beginning & read a few times in the story; A handful of Scriptures are read, remembered, & referenced; Prayers & Thanking God; Talks about God; 'H's are not capital when referring to God; Mentions of God, His purpose, & being in His hands; Mentions of prayers & praying; A few mentions of a man’s truck having “Jesus Saves” and other Christian phrases and symbols on it; A few mentions of blessings & being Blessed; A couple mentions of having faith; A couple mentions of Sunday school classes; A mention of God’s creation; A mention of a chapel & wanting to pray; A mention of a miracle; A mention of a godsend;
*Note: A couple mentions of a villain saying he attended the best Catholic schools & quoting “there is a season for everything”; A couple mentions of a witch hunt (the phrase, not literally); A mention of it seeming like someone has the “forces of the universe” against them.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘blah, blah, blah’, a ‘blasted’, a ‘dumb’, three ‘stupid’, and five ‘idiot’s; Being tortured, pain, & wanting to die (waterboarding, up to semi-detailed); Almost being shot, Being abducted, Being held at gunpoint, Being attacked, Fighting, Gunfire, Pain, Blood/Bleeding, & Seeing others killed, shot, or almost shot (up to semi-detailed); Shooting & killing a criminal (barely-above-not-detailed); Seeing murders & people being killed (semi-detailed); Seeing a car going over a railing (up to semi-detailed); Rescuing others from drowning (up to semi-detailed); Finding bodies (x4, all were affected by nature or animals) & figuring how what happened to them (semi-detailed); A mudslide (semi-detailed); An almost panic attack (barely-above-not-detailed); Autumn’s mother saved her from drowning & was never found (this is recalled by Autumn a couple times and she feels to blame for her mother’s death, *Spoiler* ); Some eye rolling; All about many, many mentions of murders, murderers, bodies, how the murders happened, nature & animals affecting the bodies, seeing murders, seeing people shot, shooters, manhunts for criminals, seeing people held at gunpoint, gunfire, gunshots, blood/bleeding, injuries, pain, missing people, the possibility of being killed, drownings, near drownings, violence, crimes, crime scenes, & criminals; (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of a possible suicide attempt; Mentions of beatings & torture (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of abductions & being drugged; Mentions of hostages & being held hostage; Mentions of avalanches, mudslides, people being killed in them, & injuries (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of fighting, fights, & attacks; Mentions of organized crime groups & trafficking rings (arms, drugs, & people); Mentions of money laundering; Mentions of threats; Mentions of prisons, jails, & arrests; Mentions of dirty cops & officials; Mentions of car accidents, injuries, & deaths (of someone’s parents); Mentions of alcohol, drinking, drunks, drunk driving/DUI, & a bar (including Autumn’s father falling into depression and alcoholism after traumatic events); Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; Mentions of someone’s dog missing & possibly being hurt or dead (the dog is okay); A few mentions of wars (Vietnam & WWII); A few mentions of burglaries, robberies, & break-ins; A few mentions of bringing closure to families of missing people; A few mentions of grief (shown on the pages for a man with his nephew); A few mentions of hunters; A couple mentions of an explosion; A couple mentions of domestic violence; A couple mentions of parents fighting; A couple mentions of stolen cars; A couple mentions of bribes (to government officials); A couple mentions of hypothermia; A couple mentions of gossip; A mention of serial killings; A mention of embezzlement; A mention of eavesdropping; A mention of wounded wildlife;
*Note: Mentions of Bigfoot and Nantiinaq (& the town cryptozoologist talking about and trying to find him often); Mentions of car, gun, & camera brands; A few mentions of an iPad; A few mentions of fictional characters (Captain America & Steve Rogers).


Sexual Content- Staring at someone’s lips (twice), an almost (semi-detailed) kiss, a barely-above-not-detailed kiss, and three semi-detailed kiss; Recalling an kisses (barely-above-not-detailed); Wanting to kiss (barely-above-not-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Hand holding, Nearness, & Smelling (up to semi-detailed); Wanting to touch & embrace (barely-above-not-detailed); Noticing & Staring (including Autumn staring a bit at Grier changing out of his diving suit, but looking away because it feels “inappropriate” to watch; barely-above-not-detailed); A few mentions of kisses & an almost kiss; A couple mentions of a man being obsessed with a woman because of her beauty; A couple mentions of blushes & winks; A mention of electricity when Autumn & Grier are in a room together; A mention of flirting; A mention of dating; Love, falling/being in love, & the emotions;
*Note: Autumn hits a man in “his most vulnerable parts”; A few mentions of a wife planning to leave her family for another man.

-Autumn Long, age 30
-Grier Brenner, mid-thirties
P.O.V. switches between them & another (in the Prologue only)
352 pages

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Two Stars

{Not for those sensitive to murder or torture}

I’ve never been a fan of the “lost in the wilderness” trope (perhaps because that feels like camping and I am absolutely not a camping girl), so I was a little less than excited about this plot, but decided to give it a try because I recently read another trilogy by this author and enjoyed it.

The setting of this book felt like another world. I’ll be honest and say that a lot of the Alaska and diving and areas/places and cold weather things didn’t always make sense to me so I was lost and had to reread quite a few parts. This book reminded me of something I already knew: I’m a Texas girl through and through, who likes hot weather.

Besides those elements, I think my main struggle with this book is the fact that the reader is left out on knowing so much. His background, her family past. And when they finally tell or get told info, it gets cut off or the chapter ends without telling us anything but their reaction. I don’t like being left out in my suspense books. I want to be in the action and reveals with the main characters, right in the thick of it, but that’s definitely not how this book worked. I don’t feel like I got the answers I wanted until 70% in, so it was a struggle to stay interested in the plotline. I feel bad giving it a two-stars for my personal rating, but that means it was “okay” and that’s how I would describe my feeling for it.


Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...


*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
Profile Image for Gloria.
1,137 reviews162 followers
January 31, 2023
If this first in the series is indicative of the whole series, wow! This book has so much going on that I felt like my head was spinning at times. Small town Alaska setting with a police chief from a family of law enforcement officers, her dad was the former chief, and her brother is an Alaska State Trooper. A new resident, a handsome and charming stranger whom everyone likes but no one knows anything about. He has secrets. Bodies piling up and the chief being followed, close encounters and attacks make this one suspenseful read with surprises and lots of action. I highly recommend this author and this book has action, danger, a beautiful setting, great characters, small town atmosphere where everyone knows everyone, romance, and multiple mysteries going on.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. All thoughts are mine only.
Profile Image for Cara Putman.
Author 66 books1,896 followers
July 3, 2022
In Cold Light of Day, Elizabeth Goddard has created a novel that immerses the reader in small town Alaska. From the first page it's a race to stay alive and solve a number of ever spiraling mysteries. From who the hero really is to why one body after another is found, the reader will be sucked into a story that presses forward from page to page at a rapid pace. I highly recommend this novel for readers who love a tightly plotted romantic suspense that immerse them in a fictional community.
Profile Image for "Avonna.
1,461 reviews589 followers
March 8, 2023
Check out my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com

COLD LIGHT OF DAY (Missing in Alaska Book #1) by Elizabeth Goddard is a fast-paced Christian romantic suspense and the first in a new series set in small town Alaska. Shadow Gap’s police chief and a mysterious newcomer are enveloped in a crime spree that could cost them everything.

Police Chief Autumn Long is trying to prove herself and keep her job after taking over after her father’s disability retirement, but a crime wave is enveloping their small town. When she witnesses a newcomer to town rescuing a woman from drowning, she wonders why he rejects the attention gained by his rescue.

Grier Brennan is trying to stay under the radar and to himself, but his background will not allow him to let a person drown and he gets tangled up in all the activity happening around the attractive police chief. As bullets fly and the body count grows, Grier reluctantly joins forces with Autumn to find the killer.

Autumn and Grier investigate the murders and discover their pasts have entangled them with the same enemies in this crime wave and could be the death of them both.

The action and investigation plot lines that tie Autumn and Grier together were exciting and fast paced throughout. The stakes continue to rise and kept me turning the pages. The Alaskan wilderness itself is integral to the intensity of the story and provides both beauty and danger. Autumn and Grier are strong characters and believable in their situations, but I had a harder time connecting them as a romantic couple, especially since Grier does not reveal his secret until much to late in the plot for me to believe Autumn could trust him romantically. It is a Christian romantic suspense, but I really did not feel romantic elements pulling these two together. The balance of this story is much more slanted to the suspense and police investigation than a romance. There are mentions of faith and prayer which I did not feel interfered with the flow of the story. I enjoyed this start to the Missing in Alaska series and would be interested in reading more.

Overall, a good start to the series with an exciting suspense plot.
Profile Image for theliterateleprechaun .
2,441 reviews217 followers
January 30, 2023
“Prayer is everything, and don’t you forget it.”

Book one in the Missing in Alaska series had enough intrigue, crime and romance to hook me for the remainder of the series!

✔️I became invested in Grier and Autumn’s character arcs
✔️days later still giggling at Chief Long’s Dad’s name!
✔️author made sure her sequel is a ‘must read’
✔️author teased out her character’s motivations slowly
✔️Alaskan setting and how it’s a character itself
✔️plenty of subplots and obstacles to keep it interesting
✔️great central conflict and a subplot that drives the tension
✔️authentically realized and developed romance
✔️the focus on trust and one’s past
✔️clean read with faith messages interspersed

I will admit to being frustrated with the number of characters, but once I realized that each one was important to the plot, I relaxed and left the work to the author rather than trying to figure it out. Sure enough, she gave enough clues that I could figure out who the character was until I could easily remember them on my own.

I appreciated a thought-provoking book and series title and it didn’t take me long to realize that for the Chief of Police and her side-kick, viewing things with fresh eyes in the daylight unhindered by the emotion of the minute, helped them with their investigation and understanding why people ‘go missing’ in Alaska.

My first introduction to this author left me impressed. I can’t wait to get back to Shadow Gap, Alaska.

I was gifted this copy by Revell and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Profile Image for Kristina Hall.
Author 19 books431 followers
February 5, 2023
Elizabeth Goddard's books keep getting better and better!

I found both Grier and Autumn to be likeable, sympathetic characters. Grier came with a lot of intrigue and a mysterious past that I had to wait some time to find out about. I appreciated Autumn's work ethic and how she cared for her father. Although plenty of action kept me flipping pages, some of the finer details of the plot went a little over my head. But I still got the gist of things. Grier and Autumn worked well together, and their romance added a good element to this story, as did the themes of family and secrets. I enjoyed Elizabeth Goddard's clear, fast-paced writing style, and I'm looking forward to reading the second book in the Missing in Alaska series. I appreciated that Elizabeth kept both the romance and the language clean. Overall, I found this novel to be an exciting read and would recommend it to those who love Christian fiction and romantic suspense.

Disclosure: I received this book free from Revell through Interviews & Reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Profile Image for Milena Bookish❤️.
292 reviews147 followers
June 20, 2023
I absolutely love books that are set in Alaska so this was quite fun! The descriptions of Alaska's settings were wonderfully visual that became a character itself......The crazy twisted plot that I didn't see coming and a subplot that drives the tension.

The past few weeks have been intense for Autumn, but it's about to get even crazier, a series of unsolved crimes in her small town of Shadow Gap, and she has no idea each case could connect to the others. Then there's Grier, a stranger in town, who is supposed to be hiding out, adding intrigue to the tale, who always seems to be in the right place at the right time. There is a lot of personal and professional suspense along with romance throughout the story. Twists and turns kept me reading and anxious to see how it would turn out.

Clean Read- God's faithfulness is woven throughout the story.

Lovers of romantic suspense will absolutely enjoy this engaging - page-turner story. I highly recommend it!

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Susan Snodgrass.
2,002 reviews273 followers
February 7, 2023
Wow! Talk about an exciting read. Elizabeth Goddard has a sure fire winner with this one. No doubt about it at all.
I knew when I first saw the cover of this book months ago that it would be good.

Godard sets her book in Alaska and the locale is very interesting and beautiful. Add in a small town police force with a woman police chief who suspects someone is watching her, then toss into the mix a stranger who came to town months ago but has become like one of their own, but is oddly secretive and you have all the ingredients for a great read.

‘Sometimes it felt like the bad guys always won.’

I was immediately drawn into the book from the first page. I love when that happens. The characters came alive for me, even secondary ones. Goddard ramps up the suspense from page one and does not let up. The intensity of the suspense was powerful and attention grabbing. I was completely captivated throughout. When I wasn’t reading, I was thinking about how soon I could get back to my book.

Well written with a mind boggling suspenseful ride, this one is Elizabeth Goddard’s very best! This is a book I am proud to have on my keeper shelf! Well done!

My thanks to Revell for a copy of this book via Net Galley.
Profile Image for Carrie Schmidt.
Author 1 book507 followers
February 25, 2023
4.5 stars

“People went missing all over the world, but Alaska set records when it came to missing people.”

Whew! What an intense ride! And just when you think you know how it’s going to turn out, brace yourself because you probably don’t.

I love reading books set in Alaska, and I really love reading suspense novels set there. Something about its vast remoteness, brutal elements, and stunning beauty just lends itself to the perfect suspense mood – and it certainly doesn’t hurt that a lot of people head there to intentionally disappear. Which brings up all kinds of delightful (to a suspense fan, anyway) plot possibilities. And Cold Light of Day is teeming with all of the above. I was engaged from the very first page and caught up in the story all the way through. (Also… who knew Alaska had a rain forest?!?)

Autumn and Grier are both very likable characters, right off the bat, and the more we get to know them the more we like them as individuals, as a team, and as a potential couple. Both have complex layers that the author peels back for readers a little at a time, tantalizing us with just enough information to whet our curious minds and keep us guessing until all is at last revealed. There are several surprises tucked away in this story, and Grier’s reasons for being in Shadow Gap are just the beginning. For the last several chapters, in fact, I was absolutely spellbound with all the twists and turns, wanting to see how it would all play out and – at the same time – not wanting it to end.

Bottom Line: Cold Light of Day is the perfect kick-off for Elizabeth Goddard’s new Missing in Alaska series and will keep you on your toes from start to finish! I loved the layered characters – the more I learned about them, the more I wanted to know – and the way the author revealed their backstories and core values organically as the story unfolded. Not to mention the way Alaska peeks over their shoulders as a vivid supporting character all its own. The suspense had my heart in my throat with several unexpected twists, and of course I am here for the delicious romance & swoony kisses. This was such a great read & I cannot wait for book two!!!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
Profile Image for Staci.
2,295 reviews664 followers
February 10, 2023
Great start to a new series!

The prologue pulled me right in. Loved having a cliffhanger so early on in the novel.

Small town Alaska Police Chief Autumn Long is hanging on to her job by a thread thanks to a town bully who wanted his nephew to hold the position. What she doesn't need is a sudden spike in crime and few clues on why.

Mysterious Grier Brenner seems to have good motives, but it's unclear. The lack of details about Grier added to the suspense. Should Autumn trust him or should she not?

There's plenty of action set in Alaska in the pages. I look forward to the second in the series.

My gratitude to publisher Revell for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Amber Thiessen.
Author 1 book39 followers
November 20, 2022
She's police chief with a city council trying to oust her. He's a newcomer to the small town, ad he's got skills and secrets. When criminal activity uncharacteristically ramps up, there's increasing pressure on her to unravel the mystery, but his secrets and those yet to be revealed, prevent the truth from coming out, until it does.

Here's a suspense story that will keep you guessing, and if you've enjoyed her previous novel, you're sure to enjoy this one as well.

It didn't quite check all the boxes though for me. Their relationship felt forced with a lot of mistrust. that simply evaporated and an ending that just seemed too predictable.
Profile Image for Brittany .
2,877 reviews208 followers
February 7, 2023
I really enjoyed this novel. It had a great combination of police procedural drama, small town vibes, secrecy, danger, and made me long to visit Alaska.

I felt so badly for all that Police Chief Autumn Long was going through. She was trying to do her best for her community even as others were attempting to get her ousted from her position. That made doing her job so much more difficult. I really liked Grier and wondered exactly what danger he was hiding from. The author did a good job of keeping me guessing and tossing some good twists into the story, as well.

Autumn and Grier had a slow burn romance, with each of them hesitant to admit, even to themselves, the way they were beginning to feel for each other. There were plenty of things working against them finding their happily ever after. This was an exciting story and I am looking forward to reading future books in the series.

(4.5 stars)

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Profile Image for Carol.
3,760 reviews137 followers
September 4, 2025
Police Chief Autumn Long is fighting to keep her job in the quiet Alaska town of Shadow Gap when an unexpected string of criminal activity leaves her with a wounded officer, unexplained murders, and an attack on her own father. Despite her mistrust of outsiders, she turns to Grier Brenner, a newcomer who seems to have the skills and training Autumn needs to face this threat to her community. Grier is in Alaska for the same reason many others are--to disappear--when Chief Long enlists his help. He emerges from the shadows and proves his mettle, but his presence in her life could be a deadly trap for them both. If his secret is exposed, all will be lost. And he's not sure even Autumn could save him.
Police Chief Autumn Long is the woman in charge in Shadow Gap, Alaska, but someone wants her out of office and out of the way. A sudden unexplained crime spree has erupted in the town, and someone has attacked Autumn's father. This adds "fuel to the fire" of those wanting to remove her from office.

Now we meet Grier Brenner....he's a mysterious man. Autumn soon realizes that he is not the simple man that he portrays. He has had some serious training which she feels can only come from a law enforcement or military background. Who IS this man?

Grier and Autumn feel a connection. This quote directly from the book shows the emotional connection between the two. "Her heart spasmed at the connection. The emotion that flashed. The sting of betrayal. He'd said the words as if they meant something personal to him. Like he'd gone through something similar." The words and emotions behind this quote were powerful, and they spoke of the true depth of the character's feelings and emotions. The plot had great deal of emotional depth, along with an inspirational message as well.

It's a good read for anyone that likes romantic suspense with lots of twists and turns along with tension between the hero and heroine. We learn that Grier has a past that he needs to keep hidden, but he is drawn to Autumn and wants to help her... almost like a hero who feels the need to help "the damsel in distress". His values of right and wrong will not allow him to just walk away even though remaining with her will him in danger. "That she sought him out shouldn't warm his insides, but it did. In the end, it only meant she was desperate for help. And he would eagerly give it, but he feared she would eventually discover the truth he fought to hide."

It's a captivating story with characters that will pull you into the story along with them as they are running for their lives, while battling an unseen enemy. Both characters have secrets of their own to hide. It "high octane" action that will lead up to an explosive and tense ending.
Profile Image for Anne Rightler.
1,966 reviews37 followers
February 8, 2023
Elizabeth Goddard is one of my go-to authors when I want to read a good suspense story and Cold Light of Day did not disappoint. The main characters, Autumn, the police chief in small-town Alaska, and Grier, a newcomer trying to stay under the radar, are likable and relatable. They each have troubles to resolve and their collaborative efforts may be the answer or will it bring danger instead? I like how the author reveals the background of the characters, layer by layer. Edge-of-the-seat action, as situation after situation arises in the story, kept my attention from the first page to the last. And what is a good suspense story without a bit of romance blended in? Goddard has given readers a great romantic suspense story in this first book in the Missing in Alaska series. I can't wait to read the next book. I read a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Amanda (BookLoverAmanda).
710 reviews1,011 followers
April 6, 2023
This book is filled with action and lots of twists and turns that kept my interest and I love a good Alaska book setting, but ultimatley I wasn't connected with the characters and it just wasn't a favorite of mine. 3 stars

I think romantic suspense lovers will probably enjoy this fairly well but I just personally didn't connect with our characters as I hoped to. I think this was really well written and loved the small town vibes. This book is all about Autumn who is a police chief and starts seeing lots of crime and obstacles in her way. She meets a guy named Grier, who is really the hero of the story helping Autumn throughout the story with all the tough and dangerous situations going on. When they find the two people from the beginning of the story dead, they seek out to figure out what is going on in their small town.

We have some family drama with Autumn and a little romance between Autumn and Grier.

Overall, even though some of this I did enjoy, I don't know if I will continue on with this series but think it's one many will enjoy.
Profile Image for Margie.
1,714 reviews26 followers
December 12, 2022
Cold Light of Day by Elizabeth Goddard is the first book in the Missing in Alaska series. Police Chief Autumn Long is being harassed by a town counsel member in her home town of Shadow Gap, Alaska. He wanted his nephew to be named chief instead of Autumn. But with wanted International criminals in town causing havoc that's definitely the lessor of Autumn's problems. Then there's Grier Brenner, a stranger in town who always seems to be in the right place at the right time. Combine those things with the fact Autumn and Grier are attracted to each other and you have the makings of a super romantic suspense story. This is edge-of-your-seat suspense with lots of action. I really enjoyed this book.

Kudos to author Elizabeth Goddard who correctly titled the medical personnel at the local hospital physician assistants. Too often the incorrect title physician's assistants is used.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Chris Jager.
542 reviews21 followers
December 2, 2022
A well done romantic suspense that is a must read for fans of the genre. Set is majestic Alaska, it is a fast paced suspense novel filled with twist and turns of trying to figure out who you can trust or not trust.
Profile Image for Lovely Day.
1,002 reviews169 followers
October 26, 2025
3⭐️

Third person. 2 POV

This story had a really good start with action and intrigue and I even liked the characters at first. Then the plot gets kind of messy and convoluted and I lost interest. The ending is a lot of ‘tell’ and not ‘show’ and all wraps up at a whiplash pace.




















…..












Spoilers….













I didn’t love the whole: the mother she thought was dead her whole life was actually alive this whole time and stayed away to keep her safe 🙄

Profile Image for Paula Shreckhise.
1,529 reviews137 followers
February 11, 2023
“People went missing all over the world, but Alaska set records when it came to missing people...However , some people went missing by choice, and others were forced into hiding to survive.”
Grier Brenner is a newcomer to Shadow Gap and is keeping a low profile. But he cannot help coming to the rescue. “Grier had never been good at following the rules, even when those rules were the ones he had personally set in stone.”
Autumn Long is the sheriff fighting for her job against the city council. When multiple crimes are committed in this sleepy town, they cause more questions than answers.
Ms. Goddard brings us a determined heroine and a hero with a background he will not divulge. She releases clues, slowly, tantalizingly, to keep your interest. Romance is sizzling beneath the surface, too. The action accelerates at breakneck speed and comes to a surprising conclusion. With twists and turns in abundance, this is one of the most interesting and best suspense stories I have read.
*I received complimentary copies of this book from Revell through Library Thing and PICT tours on behalf of the author.* I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
Profile Image for Anne Wolters.
472 reviews24 followers
November 29, 2022
This is a riveting, gripping page-turner! If you are a fan of Christian romantic suspense, this is the book for you! From the first page, you will be hooked on this facet-paced, action- packed thrilling story.
Police Chief Autumn Long took over the job of Chief when her father, the former, long-time Chief of Shadow Gap, a small town in the Inside Passage of the Alaska panhandle, retired. Returning from an overnight trip to Anchorage for a meeting, she was now on the last leg of her trip home on a bush plane, piloted by a local pilot, Carrie James. As they flew over a body of water, Carrie points out that someone is in the water frantically waving. As they fly in closer, they notice someone else is swimming out toward the person. The woman is saved and Grier, a newcomer to Shadow Gap, becomes a hero.

Grier Brenner moved to the remote area to hide out while clearing his name of a serious crime he was wrongly accused of. According to the locals, he arrived in Shadow Gap a few months earlier to fish in the Salmon Derby and as occasionally happens, he was one of the tourists who decided to stay in their friendly, welcoming little town.

Rescuing a drowning woman wasn’t the last heroic endeavor as several other criminal activities surfaced in this small, peaceful town, including murder and kidnapping. Grier can’t help but get involved with offering help to the Chief in solving the onslaught of unexpected criminal activity that is occurring in this generally peaceful town.

The strong cast of characters are well developed including the intriguing locals, to felons’ intent on their devious acts. This is a book that is difficult to put down until the last page is turned.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed and comments are my own.
Profile Image for Toni Osborne.
1,601 reviews53 followers
December 26, 2022
Missing in Alaska book #1

This first installment set in Alaska weaves a gripping mystery dealing with a wave of murders. Autumn Long, Police chief of Shadow Gap, is the one to deal with all what went on in the town but her leadership is in question making her work more difficult. Then, Grier Brennan, a handsome stranger with an evasive past stepped into her life and soon they join force to track down the killer. Along the way an attraction builds between them.....awe the story tells all...

This story in under the umbrella of Revell Publishing and has all the marking of a Hallmark movie: smoothly said with a clean narrative and exciting dialogue. This is a tightly plotted romance mystery that knows how to tease us and keep us pin to the story and moving along till the final moment...the obligatory kiss ..This is so familiar to those who love this kind of stories and movies.

I was sucked into this drama from the start and couldn’t help flipping pages to know how Autumn would do with solving the murders, saving her job and of course with Grier. But with all the twists and turns thrown in I was kept guessing and flipping pages till I reached the last one. I was definitely held captive by the story...well-said and done. Another winner for Ms. Goddard

This is riveting and gripping page-turner I had the pleasure to receive as ARC from the publisher via Netgalley
Profile Image for Jessica Patch.
Author 117 books1,107 followers
February 13, 2023
Goddard kicks off her new Alaskan series with a fast-paced thrill ride you can’t put down! Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Jennifer Purcell.
Author 3 books27 followers
January 7, 2023
Elizabeth Goddard is on my short list of favorite romantic suspense writers for a reason. With Cold Light of Day, she once again provides a captivating story with root-worthy characters that kept me up late reading.

Autumn’s tenacity paired with Grier’s protectiveness make them a delightful duo. I enjoyed reading their exchanges. Grier’s secrets added intrigue to the tale, as well as Autumn’s uncertainty when it came to trusting him.

Autumn and Grier’s relationship was well-developed. I loved seeing the romantic tension grow throughout the book, especially knowing Grier had a secret. Grier might very well be my favorite hero from Goddard’s books. I haven’t read her whole backlist yet, though, so I may change my mind. He’ll stay high on the list, though. The way he looks out for Autumn and supports her made me fall in love with him.

But the suspense really made this book a winner. With a mix of small town drama and law enforcement-related danger, there’s plenty that kept me turning pages. There are several surprises and plot twists I didn’t see coming.

Overall, Cold Light of Day is gripping suspense with an engaging romance. Romantic suspense fans will not only love the action but also the sweet relationship between the main characters.

(Note: I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley for review. All opinions expressed are my own.)
Profile Image for Katie.
744 reviews
December 31, 2022
I haven't read a book by Elizabeth Goddard in quite a while but Cold Light of Day was one adventure after another! I absolutely love books that are set in Alaska so this was quite fun for me. Autumn and Grier are great characters and if you're like me you'll find yourself rooting for them all the way through!

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publishes 7 February 2023.
Profile Image for Nicole.
381 reviews
January 1, 2023
This is an author whose books I enjoy reading, but for some reason, I struggled with connecting to the characters which is a must for me when reading a novel. Even though this wasn't a must-read for me, I still plan on giving the rest of the series a try when it releases.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
Profile Image for Maureen Timerman.
3,229 reviews490 followers
January 14, 2023
Peaceful remote Shadow Gap, Alaska, a beautiful setting for Elizabeth Goddard's new book, and if your familiar with her writing, yes, your in for an adventure of non-stop action, and this one does not disappoint.

I love that there is some sweet romance, but there is also some town drama, but then there is the body count. Autumn Long is the Chief of Police and this quiet town is about to become very busy! Enter mysterious Grier Brenner, and now there is more danger most you won't see coming!

Keep reading, there are lots of surprises coming, and you will wonder whom is going to survive.

Now I can't wait for the next book in this series!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.
Profile Image for Kaytlin Phillips.
Author 17 books249 followers
July 13, 2025
This one definitely kept me guessing, and I enjoyed a lot of it... some things annoyed me but more on that later.

3.5 Stars

Characters:
Autumn was a pretty cool character as she went up against the bad guys and city council alike. The one thing I wasn't a fan of was how the author made her fall for Greer despite knowing next to nothing about the man... Seems more like infatuation than love to me.
Greer...I liked Greer's character, the mystery sounding him was interesting but I don't think it was fully appreciated because by the time you find out the truth there's not much time left in the book.
I liked Nolan...concerned older brother anyone?
And Hank cracked me up!
Oh, and I loved Cap!

Themes:
God never leaves us...

Romance:
As aforementioned seemed a little one sided...Greer knew most everything about Autumn, and she knew next to nothing about him.

Language:
N/A

Violence/Gore:
Death, gunshot wounds, near drownings, mentions of beating, torture, brief showing of waterboarding, mud slides, avalanche, drugged, lots of other injuries I'm probably forgetting. Nothing is described in a gross way just there.

Overall:
It was an interesting read, but how everything ended up being connected with like 4 different bad guys got a bit confusing.
Also, Greer gets tortured and then is fine when Autumn next sees him... like no raspy voice, muddled thoughts, or other injuries? Nope. He's good...bit unbelievable there.
I don't know why, but the ending felt a bit convenient to me...lol...but maybe the fact that I'm a writer is what made it feel that way.😂

Recommend for ages 15+
Profile Image for Cover Lover Book Review.
1,464 reviews86 followers
February 1, 2023
Cold Light of Day takes place in Alaska. Yay! I love unique settings like this one, and the townsfolk are fun as well.

I liked Autumn and empathized for her being under so much pressure and the drama that was going on in her personal life. I also enjoyed the pacing and growing tension, especially during the second half of the book. There are so many surprising twists, and the suspense kept me turning pages.

I was a little surprised by the relationship between Autumn and Grier because they were so different, but it didn’t take me long to feel the attraction and become fully invested.

With themes of God’s grace, faith, and trust, this is a highly eventful, suspenseful, and fast-paced read with lots of action.

First Line (Prologue): I never should have come.
Series: Missing in Alaska book 1
Genre: Christian Mystery/Suspense/Romance
Author: Elizabeth Goddard
Page Count: 329

#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.
Profile Image for Sarita.
1,508 reviews654 followers
February 17, 2023
With a nail-biting prologue which kept the reader guessing of what happened and breadcrumbs being dropped throughout the story, Elizabeth Goddard did a great job of keeping suspense fans captivated in this suspenseful story.

The beautiful setting of Alaska, two main characters with baggage which impacted their actions and natural and criminal threats which kept Autumn and Grier from finding the truth added to the thrill.

However, some people went missing by choice. Disappearing in Alaska was part of their grand scheme. And others were forced into hiding to survive.

I believed in Grier’s innocence, though I wondered if his secrets was a bit shady.

I am hoping Nolan, Autumn’s brother will have his own story in this series as well.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*
Profile Image for Fredreka Irvine.
91 reviews2 followers
September 15, 2024
I think this book was great! I read the audio book through hoopla. You all should have seen me! If I was driving and needed to focus, I had to turn this book off. I was leaned all forward, grabbing the wheel all tight. 🤣 Felt like I was in the fight of my life. Haha. I look forward to reading #2
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