Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of the book. This was my least favorite Noelle W. Ihli books, but by no means was it a bad book. For me it was easy to pick up and put down until the action at the end, then I was hooked. Short chapters, easy to read (although dealing with a lot of abuse), and interesting. Might have just been me, I read right before bed, but I was confused at how expansive the terrain was and why the boys were not making much progress during the course of the story. It wasn't until the end that I grasped that concept. But to me it was a lot of the same stuff during the middle of the book without much progress. Unfortunately, that was what lost my attention for a while. The ending did redeem the book and it was enjoyable overall.

Holy cow. This story was absolutely gripping. I found myself holding my breath multiple times throughout this book. After reading at the end it was based loosely off a true story it made that much more of an impact. Great book.

📚 Book Review 📚 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Gray After Dark by Noelle W. Ihli

Miley takes a summer job in the Idaho wilderness and while on a morning run she is abducted and taken deep into the woods. 🏃🏻‍♀️

Run Rabbit RUN and add this book to your list IMMEDIATELY!! The content is not always pleasant but it was beautifully written and keeps you gripped to the book that you don’t want to put it down.

Absolutely LOVED this book. I could NOT put it down. It was so good, so intense, so well written. I highly recommend it!! I want to read all Noelle W Ihli’s other books now. I’ve found a new favorite author! Such a good book.

I had heard a lot about this book and was glad to get the chance to read it! I’ve got to say, I loved it. Although the story isn’t for everybody, if you like thrillers, you must give this book a try. I did find myself scared at night with all that happened to the two girls kidnapped in the story. It always surprises me what humans can do to another human. I loved the love Miley’s boyfriend had for her and what he would do to find her. I was surprised to read this story was based on a true story. This makes this book even that much more heartwrenching to read. I found this to be a book about strength and survival at any cost. I have read this authors books before and have liked them, but this one is outstanding!

If you’re looking for a quick thriller with some fun twists and turns, this one is for you! Inspired by true events……Miley gets abducted during her run in the woods, she’ll need to dig into her Olympian athlete determination to survive it all! I love the way Noelle writes with such bluntness….there’s definitely no sugar coating in her books! I was hooked right from the beginning and really enjoyed learning about each character as I read.
*FYI; there is some sensitive subject matter in this book

I have loved all the books I have previously read by Noelle and this one was no different as it was full of tension and suspense.

Thank you Dynamite Books and NetGalley for this ARC of Noelle Ihli’s Gray before Dark.

Like all Noelle Ihli’s books this book is truly a psychological thriller that leaves you on a cliffhanger till the very end. Without giving away any spoilers - I can truly say. WOW I didn’t see THAT coming!

Do not hesitate if you’re considering buying this. It’s a must buy!

Gray After Dark" by Noelle W. Ihli is a captivating read that had me hooked from beginning to end. One of the things I enjoyed most about the book was the unwavering determination of the main character. No matter what challenges they faced, they never gave up, which made for a truly inspiring story.

I found myself rooting for the main character throughout their journey, eagerly turning the pages to see how they would overcome each obstacle.

With its unpredictable twists and turns, "Gray After Dark" kept me on the edge of my seat, eager to discover what would happen next. It's a story of resilience, courage, and the power of never giving up, making it a must-read for anyone who enjoys a compelling and uplifting tale.

The book is a four-star gem that leaves a lasting impression.

Thank you so much to NetGallery, Dynamite Books, and Noelle for letting me read this book before its release date. This book was so so good and I’m still so shook by that ending. I’m going to be thinking about this book for a while. The fact that she took a real life story and turned it into something her own, is incredible. Go read this book when it comes out! You won’t regret it.

To be completely honest and transparent, this book was messed up...but it was really, really, REALLY good.

Often it feels like the absolute worst horror that humans can inflict on other humans are themselves, and in the case of this book, that is indeed the case. There's something to be said for a book that starkly looks upon the worst possible scenario and gives a plot that focuses on it without flinching, and this book does exactly that.

I did find that the introduction and the first steps into this story were a little slow - I really wasn't sure on the character of Miley, and to be honest I did consider whether or not it was worth the read in the first 50 pages or so. Once it picks up though, it REALLY picks up. The abduction and resultant series of events is certainly intense, and goes a long way to making this feel viscerally real and, when you come to the end and learn what the inspiration for the story is, you know why very quickly and sharply.

The descriptions in this book are certainly not for the faint-hearted, and if you find yourself somewhat easily affected by descriptions of assault or violence, this book may not be for you. With that said, this story is a fantastic light and focus on something that is not considered very much when dealing with true crime and trauma, and it is so worth the read and the effort, even if you do find yourself struggling with the subject matter.

Spooky and a book I couldn’t put down from the moment I started! I needed to know what was coming and everytime I thought I had it I was wrong!

🐇 Run, run, rabbit, run and grab this book if you love a fast paced thriller, set in the wilderness, that’s packed full of twists.

Miley is working at a mountain resort for the summer. The resort sits on thousands of acres in the Frank Church wilderness which is the perfect place for Miley to train for the Olympics. She’s found the perfect trail to run for miles, then dips into a nearby lake to cool off before returning back to the resort. She doesn’t know many people at the resort and hasn’t told a soul about her whereabouts outside work. One day, when Miley is alone in the lake, two hunters spot her and take her against her will.

Will her coworkers realize she’s missing?
How will they find her?
What will happen to Miley?
Have there been more kidnappings in the area?

In the beginning, I was fearful that this book would set off all my triggers and I almost stopped reading, but it doesn’t go into depth like I thought it would. I enjoyed the scenery of the setting, the characters, and wished so desperately for the main characters safety.

In the end, readers are informed that this story is loosely based on the kidnapping of Olympian Kari Swenson, a story I had never heard of, but it made the book so much more real and spine-chilling.

I really enjoyed this book. It was my second Noelle W. Ihli book and I can’t wait to read more from her!

This was my first book by Noelle.W.Ihli, I had been eyeing off a couple of her other books as they seemed right up my alley but had never actually got around to buying them, I certainly will be getting them now!!
Gray after Dark is told from two points of view, Brent and Miley. Miley is a promising Olympian who takes a summer job at a remote mountain guest lodge. One morning while out jogging she is kidnapped by two 'preppers' and taken prisoner back at their cabin deep in the woods. It takes everything Miley has to survive. Meanwhile Brent is doing everything he can to find Miley and bring her home.
Gray after Dark had alot of trigger warnings including violence and sexual assault.
It was interesting to find out this book was loosely based on a real life abduction back in the early 80's of an American Olympic athlete from Montana, and for me that made it even more appealing.
Thank you Netgallery, Dynamite Books and Noelle W Ihli for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my review..

What a ride!

The story was a little slow to start, but once it did it had me in a chokehold until the very end. It's a pretty quick read, perfect for fans of edge-of-your-seat thrillers. There was really one "No, what are you doing? That's such a stupid decision!" moment with the main character, but to be fair it was necessary for the story to unfold.

If you're looking for something compelling that will keep you up late with "just one more chapter," you can't go wrong with Gray After Dark.

This book was a 10 stars for me!!!!! Loved it from start to finish and couldn’t put it down!!! This author was also new to me, will be reading her other books!!!

This book was so good! It’s my first by this author and gripped me right from the start as I found I was pulled into Miley’s abduction.

The character development in this story was really well written and I found the linear storyline really added to the tension of the journey Brent and Wes went on to find Miles.

The setting of the book was very atmospheric. You really felt you were there, which I feel is part of this authors talent of bringing the reader into the story.

I already have a couple of this authors books which I’ll be sure to read too.

Fabulous thriller!

WOW! This is my first book by Noelle Ihli and it will not be my last.

Ihli's book "Ask for Andrea" has been gaining popularity on social media but Gray After Dark is soon to follow. I was gifted an ARC right before release and when I tell you this book had a hold on me...I think this is the fastest I have ever read a book. It grips you from the first page and doesn't let go. After finishing, I quickly added more of Ihli's books to my list.

Ihli bases this book on true events (which I never knew of) but is quick to note that this book is a work of fiction and only based on true events. She recognizes that the victim's stories are their own and does an incredible job of weaving fact and fiction.

Well done, Mrs. Ihli, well done.

Thank you for this wonderful ARC!

I had such an exhilarating experience reading this thriller! It gives all the emotions and keeps you on the edge of your seat which each developing chapter. The writing style with the dual POV was done so well, making it easy to read.

Definitely recommending!