Cover Image: Cold Light of Day

Cold Light of Day

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

Cold Light of Day is the first book in the Missing in Alaska series.

Police Chief Autumn Long lives in the town of Shadow Gap, Alaska. She has to answer to the town counsel which adds a lot of pressure to do her job effectively. One of the members wanted their nephew to be the chief instead of Autumn, so they have an ax to grind against her.

Autumn is returning from Juneau. As they fly over the lake, they see a woman struggling so they land on the water as close as possible in order to rescue her. But they see a man swimming out to save her. After she is rescued, they ask her questions but get information that doesn't feel right. Checking out Sarah's story about her boat sinking, they discover the body of a man in a wreck of a popular diving area, but no recently sunken boat.

Additional strangers appear in town and are causing havoc, bodies are discovered, which add to Autumn's problems with the town counsel.

Grier Brenner is a mysterious stranger in town who shares little about himself but always seems to be in the right place at the right time. Due to unexpected string of criminal activity, a wounded officer, unexplained murders, and an attack on her own father, Autumn finds herself in danger and turns to Grier for additional help. Autumn and Grier will both be in danger and will need to rely on one another in order to survive.

This was a fast-paced and action-packed thriller. The action just kept on coming. I really enjoy reading stories that are based in Alaska. Reading the wonderful descriptions of the area add to the story. I really liked the characters but most of all I liked the focus on the plot with a little emphasis on their budding relationship. Looking forward to reading the whole series as soon as they are available.

Was this review helpful?

Cold Light of Day
Elizabeth Goddard
February 7, 2023

This is Goddard’s first in her Missing in Alaska series. She had me with the first page in Cold Night of Day. Wow! What a great suspense novel.
Grier Brenner is becoming used to the cold climate of Alaska. It was somewhere he never expected to find himself. When his prior circumstances lead him to find Special Agent Krueger to help him clear his name. He was placed in Shadow Gap, Alaska with a new name. He found himself living in a secluded cabin with orders to never reveal his past until Krueger could seal his freedom.
Police Chief Autumn Long was finding herself on the edge. Her father was the Chief for several years until he opted for an early retirement. Shadow Gap Mayer and her council put her on the brink of losing her position. Political power wanted someone else to run the force. She hated disappointing her family and townsfolk who supported her but no matter what she accomplished it was not enough.
Cold Light of Day will be published by Revel Books on February 7, 2023. I appreciate their allowing me to read Elizabeth Goddard’s latest mystery via NetGalley; absolutely an excellent read. Just when the reader feels the plot is solved the wind blows in another direction and those thoughts are gone. Looking forward to reading the next book in her series. Just a surprisingly awesome story. Don’t pass this one by!

Was this review helpful?

This book started out great, with intrigue and secrets. Full of twists and shadowy characters. I really enjoyed the writing style and the 2 main characters had interesting backstories which I liked. There were a lot of colourful townsfolk and this added to the story for the most part, although at times it got a little confusing. The setting was amazing and the storyline engaging. I found that there were two main plots overlapping in this book and they wrapped up little too conveniently. I think one of the storylines would have been sufficient enough to carry the book. I did enjoy the story and will continue reading the series when the next one comes out.

Was this review helpful?

If you thought the title was cold, just wait. This thriller, set in Alaska, has twists and turns every step of the way with bad guys as cold as ice, The mystery starts revealing itself from page one and the payoffs sometimes bring more questions. The grand finale leads to a showdown worthy of the big screen.

Its cliché, but I absolutely could not put this one down. Chief Autumn Long is trying to keep her job as murders start to be uncovered in her tiny town. There are no clear answers and no clear suspects as the twists keep coming. She gets help from Grier, an outsider with a secret who came to town to stay.

Almost as intriguing as the mystery is the building of their relationship as Grier is only able to reveal half truths. There are so many mysteries here and this one is so well written, it was like a movie that had me on the edge of my seat.

Cold Light of Day includes some well developed supporting characters that made me care about them and their little town. From Autumn's grandparents, to the group of old guys at the restaurant, and to Autumn's family and staff.

This thriller would draw me in again and again, with a story of growth and faith supporting it. I highly recommend this one.

I received an early copy through the publisher and NetGalley and this is my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

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.

#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.

Was this review helpful?

Autumn Long has been fighting to keep her job as police chief in her hometown of Shadow Gap, Alaska. She has had the position since her father stepped down, but one city council member has been trying to get her out so he could place his nephew in the position, which has caused tension between the chief and his nephew. While being flown home by her friend Carrie in her helicopter, from yet another meeting with the city council, they spot a woman flailing in the Lewis Inlet and then they see Grier Brenner swimming out to her. Carrie brings her chopper down so they can help Grier and the woman into the chopper and get them to the hospital.

Grier jumped into the water and asked himself, "what am I doing? " He was doing everything he could to help this woman survive a very dangerous situation, in this frigid water she could easily be overcome by the cold and drown. He was so glad that the Chief's helicopter happened to be coming by the river.

The chief and Grier are very curious as to what happened that this woman is found in the inlet, they have no way of knowing that this is just the beginning of a lifelong mystery being solved for Autumn and Grier getting his life back.

Thank you Elizabeth Goddard for allowing me to be apart of this wonderful story.
I was hooked on page 1!

Was this review helpful?

Oh my y'all this is the best Elizabeth Goddard book ever!
I wasn't one bit disappointed!
I read it all in one day because I didn't have the heart to walk away! These characters wanted me to "listen " to their stories as they tried to solve the murder mystery.
I loved the many Christian messages that were intertwined with the many twists and turns that will keep you on top of the game.
Some parts even made me "shiver" right down to my toes because it was in Alaska and the secondary characters.
In my opinion, they are what made this story.
Goddard has done a marvelous job rounding them out.
5 stars for a well written book and keeping me on my toes the entire time!
Just wow! This series has a great start! I can't wait to read the second book!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Was this review helpful?

This is a race for survival for Sheriff Autumn Long. Not only does she have to survive those who want to take her job away, but she also has to find the killer who is stalking and killing multiple people in her little Alaskan town. She enlists the assistance of newcomer Grier Brenner who has his own secrets that he is hiding and who may have brought danger with him. The plot is propulsive and unique, with authentic details about the setting and intricate plot threads woven seamlessly into an action-packed story. There is a lot of spiritual truth built into the story with Grier and Autumn both exploring what they believe and how to keep believing in the hard times. The secondary characters were a dynamic addition to the story and I enjoyed getting to know the people in the town, especially the mayor who just couldn’t bring herself to fire Autumn without putting up her own struggle against it. This is an edgy page-turner that taught me a lot about Alaska during the intriguing and fast-moving plot. Crackling with tension between Autumn and her deputy Craig as well as with Grier, this book presented multiple layers that captured me from the prologue and just kept reeling me in. With characters that are relatable and realistic and a plot that is cleaver and totally satisfying, there was nothing I did not enjoy about this book and I am already looking forward to the next book in the Missing in Alaska series.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary hard copy from the author as part of her launch team as well as an e-copy from Revell as part of the Revell Reads Blogger Program. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Was this review helpful?

Wow! Action-packed romantic thriller. Happy to see it is the beginning of a series. I am eager for more. I also want to locate Elizabeth Goddard's other books. I am sure they are as exciting and page turning as this one. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

Was this review helpful?

This book left me speechless - definitely my favorite from Elizbeth Goddard!

I have read all of Elizbeth Goddard’s books and this one hands down is my favorite! After reading it, I felt like I had taken a trip to Alaska and shared in this incredible, unbelievable adventure. The book starts with Police Chief Autumn Long on her return flight from finding out that her career as the Chief of Shadow Gap Alaska was in jeopardy (the city council didn’t think she could do the job - ok, ONE person thought she couldn’t). She is struggling with all that has happened, when she spots a woman in the frigid icy waters and Grier Brenner, a new resident of Shadow Gap attempting to rescue her. They are able to rescue her, but that seems to start a spiral of crime in her small town. To make matters worse, it appears someone is after her and she has no idea why, but she is going to find out! With the help of Grier and the Police Force, she attempts to find out who is behind this crime wave, while trying to convince the City Counsel that she can do the job. As she works with Grier, the questions arise and frustratingly enough, he never answers them - has she made a mistake in trusting him? When the truth about who he really is surfaces, it has major consequences, but she doesn’t believe what everyone is saying, because in her heart, she knows he did nothing wrong and is determined to help him.
I rated this book 5 stars and would have given it more if I could! The characters are so relatable, because they were vulnerable and struggling and you really could put yourself in their place. I love the faith that both Autumn and Grier show and how even though it seemed like almost everyone was against them, they knew God was on their side. This book is definitely one that once you start, good luck stopping until the end, because so much happens between these pages! Such a great book and I cannot wait to read the next book in the Missing in Alaska series!

I received this copy to read and review - all opinions are my own. I would also like to thank Revell, Elizabeth Goddard and Netgalley for this opportunity!

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

I devoured this book!! It had kept me on my toes and had me sat the edge of the sea throughout my entire read. I couldn’t seem to put it down; absolutely loved it.

Was this review helpful?

**3.5/5 Stars**

Cold Light of Day by Elizabeth Goddard joins the ranks of romantic suspense novels set in the frigid north of Alaska. At this point, I couldn’t tell you how many Alaska books I have read, as for some reason or another, it seems to be a very popular setting. Elizabeth Goddard is a talented, imaginative author who no doubt entertains her readers. The truth, however, is that Cold Light of Day fell short for me for a variety of reasons. That being said, I did not dislike it enough to not read the upcoming books in the Goddard’s “Missing in Alaska” series.

I struggled with the chemistry between Autumn and Grier. They were like oil and water. You can mix the two substances in a cup as much as you want. The oil might dilute, but it will never combine with the water completely. Mistrust and secrets are on every page of Cold Light of Day, and instead of pushing Autumn and Grier apart, they bring the two together. Granted, the danger probably contributes to that, as well. No one can handle high-stakes situations completely alone. And while Autumn mistrusts outsiders for the most part, for some reason she defends Grier—a man with big things to hide.

For me, the book moved too slowly. Nothing much happened until halfway through the novel, and then everything happened at once. This includes the professions of love, which took me by complete surprise. As I said, I didn’t feel the connection. Acknowledging the attraction and deciding to explore it? I could believe that. But love? Nope, Goddard lost me. Cold Light of Day by Elizabeth Goddard is exciting, with unexpected twists but a predictable ending. Dramatic? Yes. Did I read it quickly? Yes, as I did not want to put it down.

That was not, however, because I had an emotional attachment to the characters. I wanted to know how Goddard managed to bring all the story’s crazy elements together. Amazingly, she succeeded. I really like Elizabeth Goddard and am looking forward to the series’ second book. Cold Light of Day just was not one of her better novels.

Was this review helpful?

I feel that Cold Light of Day is one of the author's best. I was engaged in the story from the beginning. The intrigue, adventure, chase, and slow-burn romance kept me on the edge of my seat.

The main characters sucked me in right away, as I rooted for them as they tried to keep alive while trying to solve the small-town murders. There were so many twists and turns in the story which kept me guessing what would happen next.

This book is a Christian suspense of epic storytelling and I couldn't put it down. Elizabeth Goddard delivered big time! Highly recommended.

I received an ARC from the publisher and willingly choose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

This series takes us on an adventure in Alaska, Shadow Gap in particular. Chief Autumn is on her way back from Anchorage when she and the float plane pilot see a woman in the river, trying to stay afloat. Autumn also see Grier diving in to try and reach her. The near drowning accident victim, Sarah, says her boat sunk. This leads to a dive, discovery and more questions than Autumn has answers for, as bodies start piling up. Grier is supposed to be staying low, but can’t resist stepping in to help as much as he is able. Page turning story for the beginning of this series. We also meet Ike, Birdy, Autumn’s Dad, her brother Nolan, Angie, Tanya, Craig, Hank, Otis and Sanford, along with a handful of others. Looking forward to see who takes the lead in the next story.
A complimentary book was provided by Revell via NetGalley. A review was not required and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Elizabeth Goddard is a new to me author and she clearly writes very well and the pace of this novel was UNRELENTING. You couldn’t get bored reading this book! There was so much action. A little too much for me at points, as it made parts of the story unbelievable, but it did make for an enjoyable ride. I feel Goddard should turn her hand to screenwriting action movies, if she hasn’t already tried it!
I really liked Autumn as a no-nonsense, feminine yet tough Sheriff and loved how she held her own throughout the excitement of the book.
I didn’t realise, when being given this book, that it was a Christian romance. I’m not picky about what I read in the romance genre at all, but there have been some Christian romances I’ve read where the religion part took over the story and I haven’t been a fan. This was not the case here. It was just part of the main characters lives and I felt as a reader you could take it or leave it. The only thing I did wonder about was why the Christian characters didn’t show any remorse for people they killed, even though it was in self-defence. That didn’t seem too Christian to me.
Regardless all that was forgiven for the page-turning wild ride.


Thanks to Netgalley and Revell for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Wow! What a fantastic beginning to a new series. The beauty of this town nestled along a bay in southeast Alaska is well documented giving the reader just a small sense of the grandeur as well as the remoteness. For Autumn, being police chief of Shadow Gap is not only the family business, but what she feels God has called her to be. With her abilities being questioned and danger invading her quiet village as well as the surrounding area, she begins to doubt herself. Can she do the job?

Grier, an unknown, has arrived on the scene and seems to be ready to help in whatever way he can. But should she trust him? What is he running from? The mystery just increases, bringing more questions than answers.

This early copy was received through Baker Publishing Group, Revell and NetGalley. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.

Was this review helpful?

I very much enjoyed this book. It was well done, fast paced, intriguing and enjoyable. I would recommend others to read and enjoy it for themselves.

Was this review helpful?

If you love twisty plots with plenty of action this is the book for you. Not only is there crime to solve but also a mystery surrounding one of the main characters. I stayed up late looking for a good stopping place but couldn’t find one so kept reading.
Autumn is the new police chief in Shadow Gap, Alaska and has a lot to prove. Someone on the city council wants her out. At the same time a victim disappears and a body is found. What will she have to deal with next?
Grier has his reasons for being in the community of Shadow Gap. His plan was to be here temporarily, not get personally involved with the residents, and leave as soon as he could. All of his best intentions fly out the window when he meets the police chief and is asked to assist in a dive.
Soon they are inextricably bound together by circumstances and unspoken attraction. Will they be drawn closer together or go their separate ways?
This book is well written with complex, interesting characters that pull you into their lives. I loved the thread of faith that wove itself into the story without being preachy. Great book!
I was given a copy through NetGalley courtesy of Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. This is my honest opinion of the book.

Was this review helpful?

Absolutely a must read. This book is captivating with so many twist and turns. Loved the characters and the plot..I highly recommend this book

Was this review helpful?