Rating: 4 out of 5.

This is an action-packed mystery/thriller set in the wilds of Alaska. This is book 5 in the series, but it’s a standalone mystery that can be read without reading the other books. There was also enough backstory that I didn’t feel too lost.

The MC, Beth Rivers, is a gory mystery author that moved to Alaska after suffering a brutal kidnapping in Missouri. She’s trying to make a new life, heal, and gain distance from her kidnapper and the upcoming trial. Her long-lost father moved to Alaska to be near her after spending time on the run in Mexico. Their relationship is fragile, but she’s trying to let him back into her life.

While Beth and her boyfriend are on a tour boat to see the glaciers, the boat is detoured by a woman on a small island screaming for help. She claims she was kidnapped from Juneau three days before and her kidnapper was killed by a bear, which is why she is covered in blood. She states that she’s in the witness protection program, is in fear for her life, and doesn’t trust the Juneau police.

As Beth and the police investigate the kidnapping, another person goes missing and everyone wonders if the crimes are connected. Clearly, something isn’t adding up, and as the danger intensifies, it becomes more important than ever to get to the bottom of the mystery.

I really liked Beth and the found family she’s surrounded herself with. Her hesitant relationship with her father made me feel uneasy, because I couldn’t figure out if he was for real or not. Of course, it just adds to the eerie mystery of the book. I also loved Beth’s relationship with her landlady. Talk about two badass women! While the overarching mystery was wrapped up at the end of the story, the book ended on a fantastic cliffhanger. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

I read this book in one day, so if you like quick, easy, action-packed mysteries, this is the perfect one to pick up. I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books. All opinions are my own.