I have not read this series but it didn’t matter. It’s a good stand alone book. The mystery was intriguing, the characters seemed real and the description of Benedict and the area surrounding it was really good.
I also liked the narrator.

I will look for the other books in this series.

I requested this book because I find Alaska intriguing and want to visit and it’s 10 degrees with snow on the ground at my house. Perfect all around!

At the time of my request I was unaware that Lost Hours is the fifth book in the Alaskan Wild series, and fortunately it reads quite well as a stand alone.

Beth Rivers has settled in nicely to Benedict, Alaska. She’s bern there a year and is content and feels safe. Beth is a well-known bestselling author of dark thrillers she pens under the name, Elizabeth Fairchild. But you see, her thrillers aren’t as terrifying as what she faced in her past. She was a kidnapping victim by a man named by Travis Walker.

One day, Beth is taking a boat tour to see the glaciers when the boat occupants see a woman waving for help on the shore. She’s covered in blood! The woman, we learn is named Sadie, and swears she was kidnapped by a man that has now been killed by a bear. Then the woman shares something she is not supposed to share, and that is that she is in the witness protection program. The authorities takes Sadie to the Benedict House where Viola keeps an eye on her. They finally locate finds the body which should appear to have been mailed by a bear, but things aren't adding up. Unless the bear was adept at using a knife, the “kidnapper” wasn’t killed by an animal. This dead guy was stabbed to death.

I really liked the character, Beth who is a strong female lead, a fighter and a great investigator.
Thank you Paige Shelton for building a tense atmosphere. In a fast paced manner, where she manages to solve the crime and wrap up all the questions in the end. I do believe the author set the scene for book 6 in this series.

Kudos as well to a great voice actor Suzette Althens.

In "Lost Hours" by Paige Shelton, readers are transported to a small town where secrets run deep and time seems to vanish. This captivating mystery novel earns a well-deserved four stars as it keeps you glued to the pages from start to finish.

Shelton's skillful storytelling draws you into the enigmatic world of main character Maggie, as she unravels the truth behind the mysterious disappearances plaguing her town. With each twist and turn, the suspense builds, leaving you eager to uncover the next clue.

The author's attention to detail and colorful character development make "Lost Hours" a truly immersive reading experience. From the atmospheric setting to the well-crafted plot, Shelton's writing keeps you engaged until the final revelation.

If you're a fan of gripping mysteries that keep you guessing, "Lost Hours" is a must-read. With its compelling narrative and a cast of intriguing characters, this book will leave you longing for more from Paige Shelton.

I’m such a fan of this series. As I read this book, I felt this isolated place in Alaska all around me. Both the good and the bad the isolation forces are evident with knowing those around her and the proximity of any strangers that give danger to the town. The quirky characters that make up this town seem inviting and I love how they take care of each other. There is such a quiet closeness among them.

I think of this series as a darker than usual cozy mystery. There isn’t any lightness or humor, but the mysteries aren’t gory.

Beth, the main character, is flawed and I think that is what makes her so relatable to both me and the other characters. This is book five and she’s made progress of letting go of her past and learning to trust those around her.

The story itself of a potential bear attack had me on the edge of my seat. And that ending has me wondering if I can wait until book six comes out.

Suzy Althens does a terrific job of bringing Beth to life. Capturing her hesitancy and curiosity. I’m glad I was able to listen to part of this one. It made a terrific walking distraction.

I am really feeling super sad about not loving this edition of the Alaska series. I have been looking forward to this one for the last year and didn't love it. There is a disconnect between the previous editions and this one, I just didn't feel like I was in the same town. Wishing for more romance but got nothing, tired of the "man friend" and car chats. We are on book five, more should have happened by now. There was interesting connections to her and the newest mystery, but without the characters we have started to hope will show up, it will be interesting how book 6 goes, as this book sets up that another will follow. Thanks NetGalley for the audiobook which was well read. All my own thoughts.

I enjoyed the setting and the town characters, While the story was interesting, I found it hard to follow at times. Some characters and elements of the story were strangely connected, making it feel a little bit messy. Thank you to Dreamscape and NetGalley for the ARC

We're back in Benedict, Alaska!

The Alaska Wild series is one that I have read since the very first release of Thin Ice. There's something about Paige's writing and being in this frigid, remote atmosphere that has me wanting to come back after each installment.

I don't want to say too much about Lost Hours since it is book 5, but if you've been following along this series you'll see the story continue to build for Beth. As always, Paige continues to develop the characters and reveal more about them in a slow but satisfying manner. I really like that we get to see Beth embrace Alaska more, find her place there and thrive as she simultaneously is there & in this weird middle ground of intensity and the unknown.

In this one in particular, I enjoyed seeing her interact with and deal with Eddie, her Dad, who is now there with her as she tries to find her place with him while processing the tough hard to forgive emotion of their past. You can tell he really wants a relationship with her and I am looking forward to seeing that father-daughter one progress, whatever that looks like for them.

I usually find these stories slower moving personally, but I feel that makes sense for the atmosphere. Some parts did go a little slower than others for me in this one more than I'd have preferred though but overall it wasn't a big issue. There were layers and red herrings in here to keep you wondering just enough and, if you also like cliffhangers, you've got it here. Don't worry, the mystery within this particular book is wrapped up but there is a cliffhanger with something else that is important in Beth's life (if you know you KNOW). Things are really going to be heating up for her in the next book, I'm sure. Paige knows how to keep you coming back, haha.

This is one series that I would recommend reading from the beginning and in order. While each book has its own mystery that is going on & gets solved, I don't think you could fully appreciate the characters otherwise. Additionally, you probably won't care for or even know what the heck the overarching, bigger picture mystery for Beth is, and that last part is something that is essential to the series.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-arc on netgalley for me to listen to and review. As a reader & owner of all the books in the series it was an exciting moment. With that said all opinions are honest and my own.

Love love love this series. I always listen to these on audio because the narrator just makes it! This is the 5th in the series and they just keep getting better!

Beth has been in Benedict, AK for a year. She has made friends, is in charge of the local paper, started writing again and even made a love connection. So many changes have happened for Beth, and best of all, her captor is behind bars. The most stressful thing she has going on is prepping for court in fall.

Beth finally agrees to go out on a boat trip, only to stumble upon a bloodied woman, claiming to be a kidnap victim. Beth naturally makes a connection with her, based on their lived experiences. Things just keep getting weirder when one of Beth’s fans goes missing.

Such an amazing series, I can’t wait for more! Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book. All thoughts are my own.

#Dreamscape and #NetGalley thank you so much for this delightful treat.

I had read one other book in this series. Now I want them all. It drew me right in and kept me focused all through the book. I couldn't figure out who or what was happening. It was written really well. I wasn't a big fan of one character but don't want to give stuff away. There was only one thing I wish would've been told but I'm hoping that will be in another book. It didn't have anything to do with the story line, just a side thing in the life of someone.

If you like audiobooks, you would love this. The narrator does a great job.

This is actually in a series, but is fine as a standalone. Let me tell you something about me- I HATE the cold. Hate it. HATE it. So any book where the setting is *cold*, like the Alaskan wilderness, is already going to be painful for me (for better or worse, usually for the better with a mystery or thriller).

Thank you to netgalley for this arc/alc. I will be recommending!

Beth Rivers is starting to feel at home in Alaska, finally leaving her past behind her. Then one July a kidnapped woman is found and seems comfortable to share her secrets with Beth, such as she has been under witness protection and that she does not trust the Juneau police.

A strong storyline with a protagonist you can't help but like. A great mix of family drama intertwined with a crime solving duo who butt heads just enough. I definitely enjoyed Lost Hours and the way Paige Shelton tells this story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an ARC of this book.

I know they say to never judge a book by its cover, but this cover is absolutely gorgeous, and the typography of that title! Love. That being said, the synopsis really pulled me into the book- random woman running up of a ship passing by an isolated island covered in blood? Setting of Alaska and the wilderness there- check mate. I was immediately interested (plus THAT COVER).

One of the main reasons I really wanted to read this book was the setting. I have always wanted to go to Alaska and listening/reading the descriptions of such a beautiful, frozen world up north was fascinating. Paige Shelton does a wonderful job with her descriptions, really allowing the reader to picture the area in their head. I have such a clear imagine of the different places that this book took place thanks to the imagery supplied.

Another aspect of this book that I really loved was the characterization. I was really drawn to our main character Beth, trying to find a home for herself in Alaska and being sucked into this investigation. I also really liked (and was confused by) Sadie and who she really was/what happened to her. And why was she so damn bloody running toward the boat.

The twists and turns that this book casts doubt on who is responsible for the kidnappings and why they are occurring.

The subplot of Beth;s estranged father being involved, I also really loved, because who doesn't love a little family drama sprinkled on top of their book sundae.

This book was a very quick read for me (or listen rather), as I couldn't put it down. I just needed to know what happened next. Who was at fault, was Sadie involved or another victim and what the heck is going on with Beth's father being there. I would definitely recommend this book to any mystery reader, anyone interested in books with the setting in the remote North and anyone looking for a fast read/listen. Susie Althens also did a great job with the narration.

I received an audio arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

I think the narrator continues to really convey an intensity that lives within Beth. Although these verge on the cusp of cozy mysteries, I feel like she helps to add to the more "high paced thriller" vibes this series has.

I thought the story overall was ok - it felt like there was a lot of last minute summarizing to explain how it ended, which to me means it wasn't very clearly indicated throughout the story. I also missed having more of our usual cast of characters instead of mostly Eddie.

The cliff hanger does have me so intrigued to see how book #6 will go!!

I’ve never heard of this author or series but the overview looked interesting. I see it’s book 5 in a series and while I didn’t need to know the background I’m interested in going back and reading 1-4. Listened to this book in one setting. Good mystery with consistent questioning of who was telling the truth but not overly complicated. The narrator had an easy voice to listen to. Ending unfolded quickly and came together nicely.

Posted to Goodreads

Beth is enjoying her life in Benedict. Her kidnapper has been caught, the locals are embracing her, and she's getting to know her long-lost father. On a boat trip to see the glaciers, a bloodied woman is found, claiming that she's been kidnapped. As Beth investigates the island, a girl goes missing, leading Beth and the local police to search for connections.

This is a comforting murder mystery series. The premise grabs you, the pace is quick, and there are enough turns to keep you guessing. However, the ending resolution didn't do it for me. Too many people are tied too closely together. The perpetrator was and wasn’t a surprise at the same time.

Love the reader. She helps enhance the coziness of the story.

Lost Hours
Paige Shelton
This is the fifth book in the Alaskan Wild series, unfortunately this is the first book I’ve read in the series, fortunately it stands well alone.
After a year, Beth Rivers has settled in and feels safe in Benedict, Alaska. Beth is a well-known bestselling author of dark thrillers that writes under the pen name of Elizabeth Fairchild. What she faced in her past is more terrifying than one of her books; she was kidnapped by Travis Walker.
When Beth takes a boat tour to see the glaciers the tourists see a woman waving for help; she was covered in blood on the shore of an island. The woman, Sadie, swore she had been kidnapped and her captor was killed by a bear. Sadie shares something she is not supposed to share, she is in the witness protection program. The law takes Sadie to the Benedict House where Viola keeps an eye on her. Tex finds the body of Sadie’s captor, but somethings don’t quite add up; the man was stabbed but there were no bear marks.
Beth’s father Eddie has moved to Benedict to get to know his daughter; he is a fishing guide. Eddie takes the Dupont family fishing and Beth rides along. They stop to explore the island; the Dupont’s teenage daughter, Gracie disappears. Beth works with the local law to attempt to solve the case.
I love Beth! What a great character, she is a strong female lead, a fighter and a great investigator. Author Paige Shelton knows how to build atmosphere! The crime is solved and the questions are all wrapped up at the end of the tale but the author also set the scene for book 6 in this series. I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
Thank you Netgalley for a copy of this book for review. My reviews are always my unbiased opinions.

I am a huge fan of this author and read all of the books in this series, so I just had to give the audiobook a listen. I have not listened to any of the audiobooks. I am not sure about the narrator. She is lovely but I think I might have expected a different tone.
I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series.

A well-crafted mystery for fans of:

✔️ remote locations
✔️ amateur/civilian detectives
✔️ female-centric mysteries
✔️ unexpected (but well seeded) twists

Premise - a mystery author, now living in Alaska after surviving a kidnapping, helps the police try to crack the case of a mystery woman who turns up on a remote Alaskan island covered in blood and not quite sure how she got that way. When a teenage girl disappears soon after, the author finds herself caught in the search efforts as well.

The author writes well and paced this excellently. It kept moving, without feeling frantic, and had a good balance of atmosphere and action. I would read more from Paige Shelton!

This is number three in the series, but I read it as a standalone and didn’t feel it hurt my experience.

Thanks, NetGalley and St Martin’s, for the gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Another great story in the Alaska Wild mystery series. I love that this series is edgier than Paige Shelton's Scottish Bookshop cozy mystery series and that it takes place in Alaska.

This story ends with a bit of a cliff hanger and I cannot wait to see what Beth's family and friends do with the news.

Suzie Althens did a good job narrating this story and I look forward to listening to more books narrated by Suzie in the future.

This is the fifth book in the Alaska Wild series, but it held up fine as a standalone. Beth is on a tourist ship to see the glaciers, but before long a woman is found covered in blood and alone on an island. She claims there is a body nearby of a man who has been killed by a bear, and that she's been kidnapped. Beth and Police Chief Gril are on the case, and then another kidnapping occurs.

The mystery is well woven together and has plenty of twists and turns. The fact that Beth was a kidnapping victim in her past is made part of the story in a strong way. I could understand and connect with the characters, and the whole book was compelling and held my attention. I would go back and read the whole series.

I also listened to the audiobook. I feel as if the narrator was reading a cozy instead of a mystery/thriller, and was not sure it was done in the right tone.

I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.