Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

"Sleeping Bear: A Thriller" by Connor Sullivan is a gripping debut that plunges readers into the treacherous and unforgiving wilderness of Alaska. The novel follows Cassie Gale, an Army veteran who seeks the solace of the Alaskan wilds after the death of her husband. However, what begins as a journey for peace quickly turns into a harrowing tale of survival and espionage.

Sullivan crafts a narrative that is as chilling as the Alaskan frost, with a pace that mimics the heart-pounding rush of a sled dog race. The story opens with Cassie's disappearance, which is initially attributed to the many dangers of the Alaskan interior—bears, wolves, avalanches, and the like. Yet, as the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that there are more sinister forces at play.

The author masterfully intertwines Cassie's struggle with the broader geopolitical tensions between the United States and Russia, making the personal political. Cassie's ordeal in a Russian prison, fighting for her life against a system designed to crush her spirit, is a testament to her resilience and military training.

Sullivan's portrayal of the Alaskan setting is vivid and immersive, making the reader feel the bite of the cold and the isolation of the vast landscape. The supporting characters are well-developed, from Cassie's loyal German Shepherd, Maverick, to her father, whose own past is riddled with secrets that threaten to surface amidst the crisis.

While the novel occasionally veers towards the implausible, it never loses its grip on the reader's attention. The action sequences are meticulously detailed, providing a cinematic quality that keeps the pages The emotional depth of the charactersturning.narrative adds a layer of complexity, ensuring that "Sleeping Bear" is not just a thriller but a story about the human spirit's capacity to endure and overcome.

In conclusion, "Sleeping Bear" is a formidable entry into the thriller genre, offering a fresh take on survival stories with a strong female lead. Connor Sullivan has emerged as a new talent to watch, with a narrative style that promises even more exhilarating tales in the future. Whether you're a fan of thrillers, survival dramas, or stories of personal triumph, "Sleeping Bear" is a novel that will leave you both chilled and thrilled

TRIGGER WARNING: Graphic torture scenes

I really enjoy reading crime thrillers and murder mysteries based in Alaska. Marc Cameron’s Arliss Cutter series is definitely one of my fave series. He really grasps the trials and tribulations of the environment. Connor Sullivan seems to have a similar grasp of the challenges of that type of environment too.

The book summary lays out the premise for the primary storyline: the abduction of Cassie, former military, and who the press dubbed her “GI Jane” because of her reputation in Ranger school and a political scandal afterwards. Anyway, Cassie was taking a few days to check out the area where her new job as a guide for a wildlife refuge organization was; she was scheduled to start work in a few days. Cassie is still grieving the recent death of her husband, who was also military. She also has a former military dog (German Shepard), Maverick, who accompanied her on her trip to AK. More about Maverick later, because those who are familiar with my reviews know I’m going to talk about Maverick.

Within days of Cassie’s disappearance, papa bear Jim Gale, begins tracking Cassie’s movements. Now, some adult kids may chafe at a parent tracking their SAT phone call log, GPS movements, and border crossings, but for those kids going out into the wilds of AK with nothing more than a fierce and loyal former military dog, a few weapons (guns & knives), a SAT phone, a can of bear spray and some camping gear, having a smart and wilderness experienced papa bear could be the difference between life and death.

Of course, there are secondary storylines, one being Jim’s past military life, that the book summary just briefly mentions. As soon as Jim inspects Cassie’s destroyed campsite, he has doubts that the damage was from a bear attack. It’s then that he starts alluding to some long-ago agreement he made that nothing happens to Cassie. This is not a spoiler alert since it was revealed in the first 15-20% of the story. It’s about this time that I already had my suspicions regarding two characters as well as motive.

Most of the story chapters flip back and forth between Cassie and Jim with some chapters from a Russian General named Sokolov and a few from US intelligence agencies. The first half of Cassie’s story is mostly about Cassie discovering where she is and why she is being held captive by a team of Russian doctors and guards. She also meets several other captives who were also abducted. The first half of papa Jim’s story was mostly about trying to figure out what happened to Cassie and where she was. He’s certain that there are those among the other characters who knew what happened to Cassie, why she was taken, and where she is.

Into the second half of the story, the storylines begin to merge together and the separation between the good and bad guys becomes clear, and there is a huge cast here that includes an alphabet of US government agencies. There are several intense scenes and incidents for the Gail family and the bad guys. The end comes really quick after that (thank goodness!!!). I’d had enough of this story and was glad to finally get to the end.

Well into the second half of the story, Sullivan kills off Maverick in an awful scene that almost had me immediately DNFing the book and had this book not been a NetGalley book, I would have DNFed it! With NetGalley books, I feel that there is that implied agreement that for the free book, I will read and finish the book and provide an honest review. Killing Maverick was sooo unnecessary and Sullivan did not need to go that route, especially after letting the human survive the attack. I will never understand writers who kill off a beloved family pet in some horrific manner simply because they think it makes their story more thrilling. Personally, I find it overkill. He should have just left the dog out of the story altogether. I was very disappointed with what Sullivan did and it affected my overall opinion of the story and the writer.

After setting the book aside for a few months to read bunch of other books, I eventually picked the book back up and committed to finishing it. I know a lot of people will be pissed that I revealed that trigger warning and this spoiler alert, but I know a lot of other people will appreciate that trigger warning and this spoiler alert. As a long-time dog mama, when deciding on whether or not to read a story that has a dog in it, I will ask other GR members who read the book if the dog dies. I don’t know why I didn’t do that with this book. Had I done that, I would have never chosen to read the book. Knowing my triggers, it is my responsibility to do my research to avoid them. Not doing that for this book was my mistake.

The first half of the story was a solid 4star read for me with the second half being a 1star read. I guess, I’d give it a 2.5stars if I could, but I’m not feeling compelled to round up, hence, the overall 2star rating. I want to thank NetGalley and Atria Books for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

#NetGalley #AtriaBooks #SleepingBear

On the story and writing, 4, no 5 STARS,

Army veteran Cassie Gale, running around beating up guys and killing them in hand-to-hand death matches, dude, stop writing to the majority and keep it a little real. Look all for one and one for all but if you served you know,

Great debut novel! I loved the action involved, the Alaskan setting and everything else involved. So many layers that all came together at the end b

This was quite a read. One of those books that you don't want to put down while at the same time want to hurry and get through.

Follow Cassie's journey as she tries to heal and then her family's journey as they try to find her. Grab some tissues you might need them.

I gave this book 3 stars because there were some things left hanging toward the end that I felt needed resolution.

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A grieving widow is abducted from the Alaskan Wilderness, starting a chain of events that will reveal an international human smuggling operation and dredge up old secrets from the Cold War. Sullivan has some very interesting ideas and introduces several fascinating characters, but the plot feels disjointed at times and the author makes some rudimentary errors that are distracting. The reader is often "told" instead of "shown", characters are either introduced at too much length for their short role in the narrative or not developed enough to carry the pathos of the tale.

Spoiler Alert:

I felt frustrated that the potential of this engaging story didn't come to fruition. Some contributing factors for me include:
At the end every single main character is still alive - author won't "kill his darlings"
A hurriedly introduced love interest for the strong, independent young woman who was kidnapped is debuted late (because what happier ending could their be but to be made complete by a man)
Main characters get around plot holes by just ignoring them - at one point the woman's father wakes himself up from a strong sedative purely by "thinking about being mad"


Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A thriller set in Alaska and Russia. It starts quickly and the reader has no idea what is happening. The characters and plot are revealed gradually throughout the book. In that sense it is true to life, but it can be frustrating trying to keep up with the plot.
On the other hand, the plot is somewhat contrived. Everything is wrapped up in an ending that is too complex to actually work.
It was an entertaining read and worthy of 4 stars.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

"Sleeping Bear" was a great, action-packed mystery/spy/suspense/thriller. It was difficult to put the book down, and I just had to keep reading to know what happened. An excellent debut from this author.

thriller, suspense, dual-narrators, dual-time-frames, Alaska, Russia, international-crime-and-mystery, disappearance, abduction, riveting, espionage, family-dynamics, intrigue, action, veterans, experiment, ex-spy, intense, rescue, retribution, debut-author, retired-military-dog, crime-fiction, crime-thriller, international-tensions, political *****

Timely thriller written before the 2022 invasion by Russia.
This is an amazing fast paced thriller written in an interesting time. Great read!
I requested and received an EARC from Atria Books, Atria/Emily Bestler Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

A very solid thriller by newcomer Connor Sullivan. Sleeping Bear is set in the wilds of Alaska with characters carrying a lot of secrets & baggage. Started a bit slow but picked up nicely midway. I am very interested to see how the characters progress in sequel novels. Thank you to NetGalley for the free read.

After her young husband’s untimely death, Army veteran Cassie Gale decides to take a few days of solitude in the Alaskan wilderness before she starts her new job. But when she fails to show up on her first day and her dog is discovered injured at her wrecked campsite, her father knows that this is much more than a camping trip gone awry.

As it turns out, Cassie’s not the first person to disappear without a trace in Alaska’s northern interior, and many are veterans like her. Her father is afraid that his past is responsible for her disappearance, and calls in high-level favors to help bring her home.

Sleeping Bear is absolutely amazing for a first novel, and this reader is looking for more from Connor Sullivan. The action is spot-on, and the characters are perfectly drawn. This one is for fans of Brad Thor, Gregg Hurwitz, and Jack Carr. #Sleeping Bear #NetGalley #SaltMarshAuthors

Sleeping Bear by Connor Sullivan was an absolute amazing story!
Sullivan gives us full force action and non stop twists and turns.
The plot is simple but compelling. The character interaction is excellent. And the writing is superb.
An adrenaline-fueled, action-packed thriller that doesn't disappoint.
I loved book and two and I only hope there will be a third!

I can't thank Atria/Emily Bestler Books enough for this title!

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Atria/Emily Bestler Books,
Thank You for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!
I will post my review to my blog, platforms, BookBub, B&N, Kobo and Waterstone closer to pub date.

An excellent thrill a minute, page turning thriller that kept my attention from page one. Great characters had me hooked! A superb summer read recommendation. Looking forward to the sequel.

I don’t always care for an espionage book with a political slant, but this one really worked for me. I thought it was a good thriller with strong characters. And what’s a good thriller without a great buildup of suspense! The author did a fantastic job of creating suspense that built over time. I did have a hard time getting into the story at first but once I overcame that I was in and engaged.

It might help that I am a sucker for Alaska. I’ve never lived there but I have visited a couple of times, so the setting is easier for me to imagine. The main protagonist is Cassie Gale. She is in the midst of a kidnapping ring that takes her to the far away country of Russia which I did not expect. I won’t say much more about what happens as her father looks for her but I will say that in my opinion it is a book others would likely enjoy and I recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for an e-ARC of this book for my honest review.

Fantastic debut by an author I can't wait to see what he has next. This book was fast paced and easy to follow. Characters were good and easy to root for. I highly recommend this book.

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.

This was an edge-of-your seat thriller and mystery set in the wilderness of Alaska. The characters were very well drawn and believable. The plot involves kidnapping of US citizens on American soil and bringing them to Russia. The descriptions of Alaska and Kamchatka are vivid and realistic.

I look forward to reading future books by Connor Sullivan.

Started out strong and just when you think the story is resolved, it surprises you with even more intrigue and action. I loved the family dynamics in this book and I would love to see it on the big screen.

The story begins when a thirty year-old woman named Cassie Gale disappears while on a solo camping trip in a remote northern latitude of Alaska, just a short distance over the international boundary line between Canada and the U.S.A.. Because of a lack of resources in the area, her father—a dude ranch operator and former intelligence officer—Jim Gale, organizes search efforts using friends, family and employees. They eventually realize that Cassie was taken by the Russians.
Cassie is in fact being held on the Russian Kamchatka Peninsula where she and other kidnapping victims are being used for medical experiments . . . and in a particularly despicable act . . . pitted against the most violent criminals and psychopaths in lopsided gladiatorial fights to the death for the amusement and wager by certain elite Russian officials. A Russian General named Viktor Sokolov, who’s is the arch-villain of the yarn, as well as a confidante and mentor of Valdimir Putin, is an old adversary and bitter enemy of Jim Gale, who has special plans for Cassie when he learns that his old enemy has a daughter.
The novel begins a little bit slowly but roars to a satisfying and stunning action filled and electrifying conclusion that won’t leave readers hanging. If you like The Bourne Identity you’re gonna love Sleeping Bear. Take our word for it Connor Sullivan is the real deal and we’re personally looking forward to enjoying many more similar yarns from him in the future !!
And hey . . . check out our interview with the author Connor Sullivan which follows the MBR.

What a fantastic thriller! From the opening scene I was both very fearful and intrigued. Connor Sullivan sucked me into a plot so believable I felt I could have been watching it unfold on the nightly news. This book had a cast of very strong, believable characters that I genuinely liked, as well as several that were easy to hate, all wrapped up in non-stop plot twists that made the book incredibly hard to put down. As the book neared the end I couldn't read fast enough and I was biting my nails trying to figure out how it would all play out. The ending was brilliant and helped lighten the intense overall feel of the plot! Sequel, please!

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Tense Russian on U.S. soil plot

Cassie Gale heads to Alaska for a few days in the wilderness with her late husband's dog Maverick for some down time before starting a new guide job.

When her father in Montana is notified that Cassie is missing, Maverick is injured and there are no leads he heads up to Alaska to search for her himself. He has a secret past that might aid in the search.

This story was a bit out there but I didn't care - I still enjoyed it very much. I like stories - fiction and non-fiction - set in Alaska, Canada, the Arctic or the Antarctic so this story definitely fit that niche.

I liked Cassie's strong character, that of her father, the storyline, the different settings - actually pretty everything about the book.

I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy spy thrillers or action thrillers or just a darn good book.

I received this book from Atria Books through Net Galley in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.