Thank you Netgalley and Minotaur Books for the gifted book!

The third book in the Alaska Wild series not only adds to the intrigue of the first two books but has me hungering for what is to come.

As with the first two books we get more information on the overarching mystery shrouding Beth's life and there is a standalone mystery that is solved in these pages.

You can read this book as a stand alone, but if you like police procedurals and amateur sleuths with a definite sense of place, you will want to pick up this series starting with book 1 so you can fully appreciate and enjoy these characters and this story.

DARK NIGHT is the third book in the Alaska Wild mystery series by Paige Shelton. This series just keeps getting better and better and I found myself on the edge of my seat, unable to put the book down until I’d read the final page. Set in the remote town of Benedict, Alaska, the harsh realities of winter is settling in, making the town even more isolated. The protagonist, Beth Rivers, has been hiding out from her brutal kidnapper, hoping law enforcement will be able to capture him before he finds her. In this newest installment, it’s Beth’s on-the-run from the law, mother, who finds her. I enjoyed meeting eccentric Mill Rivers as it gave the reader the opportunity to find out more about Beth’s backstory and personality. It also added an emotional depth to the book.

While this book could be read as a standalone with it’s contained murder mystery, there is the thread of the kidnapping and Beth’s backstory that begins with book one and continues through book three and, hopefully, beyond. Ms. Shelton’s descriptive voice captivated me as the setting and people came alive. As the suspense built, I had to turn the pages faster and faster to find out what happened next. The author’s ability to weave a cohesive arc between all three books while interjecting a standalone mystery into each one exhibits great skill. I’ll be waiting on pins and needles, anxious to find out what happens to Beth next!

Princess Fuzzypants here: Hidden away in Benedict Alaska, Beth hopes she is safe from the man who kidnapped and tortured her. Only a few people know she is a world famous writer and she wants to keep it that way. But as they say about best laid plans of mice and men, Beth’s life is going to become far more public and complicated very quickly. While she suspects there are a few people who may have twigged to her real identity, she learns that sometimes the best way to protect yourself is to gather your family close around you.

In Beth’s case the family are the people of Benedict who ask no questions when Beth’s mother arrives on the ferry. She is on the lam for having shot Beth’s abductor but Beth knows, with her mother, what you see is not what you get. She is suspicious of her mother’s motives for her surprise visit. It is not until the end of the book when all the pieces of the puzzle are fitted together that Beth has any clue as to why her mother came to Benedict.

In the meantime there is a murder and another near death experience. Beth wonders if and how any of this relates to the disappearance of her father when she was seven and the abduction and torture she suffered not that long ago. It is quite an intricate plot well paced and set in a very cold and dangerous environment. Five purrs and two paws up.

This third entry in Paige Shelton's "Alaska Wild" series is the best to date, full of action and with personal consequences all around. Her first hard winter in Benedict, Alaska, finds Beth Rivers -- the best-selling thriller writer hiding there from the man who abducted and terrorized her back home in St. Louis -- gets an unexpected visit from her mother, Mill, herself on the run from the law. Mill has her own motives, as do almost all the others in Benedict, and it's unclear throughout who the bad guys and gals are, and vice versa. The plot is marred only by a crucial coincidence, one big enough to drive a dogsled through. "What were the chances?" everyone muses. The need to suspend disbelief over that twist is nicely balanced by the welcome arrival of Gus the sled dog. Finally, Beth has a fellow she can rely on.

4 1/2 stars While this is the third in the series and I did not read either of the first two, I was immediately drawn into the action. The author does a great job of telling an exciting story, just enough to get the reader involved and picking on the backstory as the book progresses. Beth Rivers is hiding out in Benedict, Alaska, away from the stalker who kidnapped and tortured for three days. A town full of runaways of with secrets. Fast- paced and exciting you'll will be kept guessing throughout. Even when you might guess the who, the how's and whys are illusive and motives are not what you might expect.

Although I usually read more traditional cozy mysteries, I like this series with a touch a suspense. I find myself really drawn to Beth and her location in Benedict, Alaska. Although I have never been to a town as remote as Benedict, I think that Ms. Shelton does capture the Alaskan 'vibe' as I noticed from my trips to Alaska.

I read the first two in the series and I always find myself on the edge of my seat jut hoping that her kidnapper won't be locate her. When her mother arrives, I just knew the kidnapper couldn't be far behind. I liked that in this book, she begins to be able to trust a few people with her secret and that no one is surprised but there are a lot in the area that moved to Benedict for a 'clean' start.

The characters seem very 'real' and I liked the relationships that are continuing to grow. The mystery was well-written and overall the book is an easy read.

I can't wait for the next one in the series.

In this 3rd in the series, Beth's mother Millicent shows up in Benedict.

Together, they uncover significant information about Beth's father's disappearance, which both have puzzled over, over the years.

This episode ends on an emotional cliffhanger for Beth.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an electronic copy to read and review.

This is the third book in the Alaska Wild series and it is the best one yet! We finally get to meet Mill, Beth's mom. We also uncover more information about the kidnapping of Beth as well as about the disappearance of her father. I loved getting reacquainted with the main characters, especially Orin. Like the other books this one has a mystery that is its own; but takes place in the context of Beth's own past. I'm definitely looking forward to the next one in the series.

This was a really interesting take on a remote Alaskan town, reminiscent of Kelley Armstrong's Rockton series that is is set in the Yukon. The isolation of the small town and the way that everyone needs to rely upon one another but not so much upon material goods is both heart-warming and frightening.

Although this is the third in a series, it's the first I've read and it works very well as a standalone. Shelton weaves the past into the storyline without the reader feeling as though she's just doing a recap, and there is enough of an understanding of what happened to the main character, Beth Rivers, in the past that a reader new to the series does not feel disoriented. Beth is an author who had a harrowing experience previously and has escaped to the backwoods of Alaska to settle her mind and continue writing. However, she has a volatile mother who tracks her down at the same time that Beth is concerned that other aspects of her past life might be doing the same. Most folks in town have pasts they do not discuss, so while she fits in because of that, she is also left concerned that she is in danger. And, of course, the murder in town does not help.

There is a bit of a police procedure that takes place behind the scenes, while Beth insinuates herself into the murder investigation in town...an investigation that does not move along traditional lines. Beth herself, her mother, and many of the other characters in town are very finely drawn, feeling very much like folks you might meet in such a cold, dark, isolated setting. And that setting has as much of an influence on events as do any of the people.

Now that I've found this series, I'll be following it. The characters, the plot, the setting...they are all very well written.

I liked this book a lot, it’s a well-done mystery novel and the 3rd book in the Alaska Wild series. I’d read the other books in the series first, there’s too much information you’d miss if you read this one alone.
I think the series is improving over time.

Beth Winters has moved to Benedict, Alaska to hide from a kidnapper. She’s actually a well known author who was kidnapped because of something her father did, then escaped. Her kidnapper disappeared at the same time.

Not many in Benedict know her real name or what happened to her, but many residents come to Benedict for their own personal reasons and now that Beth is a “local” they protect her privacy.

Beth’s mother Mill has a warrant out for her arrest, she’s been searching for the kidnapper using more unorthodox methods. Mill tracks Beth to Benedict, and they are happy to see each other. However, Mill is suspicious of the only stranger in town, a census taker. After an abusive man is found murdered, suspicion falls on the stranger but why is he there at all? Does he have a connection to Beth’s kidnapping?

I liked the character development Beth has experienced over the series, she’s become much stronger. There are lots of twists and turns and red herrings, and was a fun one to read. The descriptions of life in Alaska were fascinating, it’s a hard life during the winter. 5 stars.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Dark Night by Paige Shelton is another episode in Beth Rivers' (pen name Elizabeth Fairchild) who had been kidnapped and tortured by her kidnapper and had now run to Benedict, Alaska to hide until her was caught. Only one person here knew her story, Gril, the sheriff, but several others had guessed who she really was. All in all, she felt safe and as if people had her back. Now Gril comes to her with the news that her mother has been spotted in Juneau and may be headed this way. Since it was winter, the weather had shut down most access to Benedict, but it looked like the ferry would be running today. She and Gril met it. Her mother was on it. She had missed her, although after a few days she was sure that would wear off. Then things started happening. Claudia ran into the bar, bleeding. Her husband had done it. It had happened before but she always let it go. She probably would this time, too. But, it turned out her sister-in-law was at their house. She was wanted by the law, so Gril went and picked her up. Then, the next morning, Ned, her husband was found stabbed in what amounted to the village square. She was in the clear. She's been with Benny all night at the bar. Lucy, the sister-in-law, had been locked in at Benedict House. A conundrum. One that would keep them busy for a while.

The overlying story is Beth's escape from Travis, her kidnapper. She still suffered from PTSD. A secondary story is that he had been a friend of her father's way back then, when Dad and two other men a disappeared. She was always looking for her father. Her mother had been for years. Beth wasn't able to trust, but she was close to sharing her story with several of the people in Benedict that she counted as friends. She knew they'd have her back. Everyone was here in Benedict for a reason, some worse than hers. She's a good character and we've watched her reclaim much of herself in the three books in the series. Benedict is a very odd place, what with the weather and all, but she is adjusting, and growing to like it. Shelton has set the tone perfectly so that the reader is right there with Beth and with the residents of Benedict as we have gotten to know them. This story is a good one with several storylines at all times and plenty of misdirection, poor communication, and outright lies. It's full of surprises. I recommend it.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Dark Night by Minotaur Books, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #minotaurbooks #paigeshelton #darknight

A great, edge of your seat mystery set in a small town in Alaska. First I'll say it's a series (of three so far) that's best read in order. But if you are just discovering the series, jump right in and play catch up later. Because the setting is a small community in the wilds of Alaska I think of it as a locked room mystery. It's set in winter, the ferry and planes come and go at the mercy of the weather and each resident copes with the elements in their own way - some better than others. They all carry a secret or two and Beth Rivers is no exception. She has fled to the confines of Benedict, Alaska hoping to hide from her kidnapper, the person who left her damaged and dealing with PTSD. Then she gets a big surprise in the form of her mother, Mill. She shows up having tracked down her daughter with plans of her own...find her daughters kidnapper who has escaped the law. It soon occurs to Beth that if her mother could find her so can her kidnapper. Add to that both she and her mother want to find her father. What the town soon has to deal with is the death of a local and the very unwelcome recently arrived census taker. Secrets within secrets, layer upon layer all make for a well developed mystery.
In order to catch the killer Police Chief Gril, Beth and her mother, Mill try to sift through the clues and uncover secrets most wish would stay hidden. The suspect list is just about everyone in town. Beth and Mill are two very strong women with major challenges to deal with and I'm looking forward to learning more about them. The town of Benedict is a living character with its isolation, harsh conditions, rugged landscape and that special Alaskan beauty. I could feel the cold, see the snow and was glad to be in a cozy warm home.
My thanks to the publisher Minotaur Books and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Dark Night is the third book in Paige Shelton's suspense-filled mystery series Alaska Wilds. You may know Shelton as a cozy mystery author (that's how I first discovered her) but she does a great job with straight-up mystery too. In fact, I love this mystery series a bit more than any of her cozies.

It is just such a squeal-worthy story - at times I'm amazed I haven't broken my Kindle with how tight I'm clenching my fists.

You might be able to read this as a stand-alone, but there are a lot of little details that you would miss from the previous books that really amps up the suspense. The previous two books, Thin Ice and Cold Wind, were more about establishing the main character Beth in the small Alaskan town where is hiding out from the man who abducted her for three days before she escaped. Now with the main cast of characters pretty well established, Dark Night reveals more about Beth's case and her family - including some surprising connections. Beth's mom also makes a surprise appearance in Benedict and Beth's not sure if she's glad to see her or wishes she never showed up.

There is a specific murder to be solved in this story but it kind of takes a backseat to the details unfolding about Beth's case. The two are somewhat connected but there are plenty of red herrings to keep you guessing as to who murdered Ned and who knows Beth's real identity. Beth has just started feeling comfortable in Benedict and now with Mill's finding her and possibly others already knowing who she is - is she really safe there? That is what had me eeking and gripping my Kindle.

The only bad thing about this book is that I have to wait another year for the next book in the series and this one ends on a little bit of a cliff-hanger - nothing dramatic and it may turn out to be nothing when the next book picks up.

I love the characters and while I definitely don't want to experience the cold, it makes me want to visit Alaska. The book is definitely the perfect read to pair with a cozy blanket (I used my electric blanket for an extra dose of toastiness) and a cup of hot cocoa (with plenty of whip cream). I might have stayed up too late a night or two while reading this book so you might want to whip up a batch of easy spicy chocolate cookies to nibble on.

My review will be published at Girl Who Reads on Thursday - https://www.girl-who-reads.com/2021/12/dark-night-by-paige-shelton-review.html

I really like this series. It takes place in a small town in remote Alaska where the only access is by plane or ferry. This type of setting reminds me of my Mom watching Murder She Wrote and I always wondered why the town’s inhabitants didn’t move away when so many murders keep taking place there. But in all seriousness, part of what I like about the series is the location and how it plays such a large part in the book. Almost like it is another character. The author does a great job with the descriptions and weaving the story through it.

There is an interesting group of characters that keep getting extra layers of depth as the series progresses. There is also a great backstory with the protagonist that keeps building in this installment by introducing her Mother. The plot moves along at a great pace and I didn’t want to put it down. And again in this book, I was kept guessing on the murderer until the very end.

While you could read this book as a stand alone, I think you would better enjoy the series in order and since this is only book three, you could easily catch up.

Dark Night by Paige Shelton is book three in the Alaska Wild Mysteries and an excellent installment to the series.

Secrets, memories, and family drama. There was a lot going on in this book, but it was so good!!
I liked getting to know a bit more about Beth's past and we finally got to meet her mother, Mill. She made me nervous throughout the book because I never knew what she was going to do next. Talk about a "wild card". I was suspicious of a certain character, however it was for the wrong reason. There's some character development, not only with Beth, but many of the recurring side characters. Paige certainly knows how to end a book to keep us wanting more, and I, for one, am excited to see what's next!

I am really enjoying this series and plan to do a reread with the audiobooks before the next one comes out.

Dark Night by Paige Shelton (Alaska Wild Mystery #3) 3.5 stars

Beth Rivers is still living in Alaska; she has her routines and she is still getting to know the townspeople in Benedict. She is living in a halfway house as a boarder and the house now has an unexpected guest - Lucy, sister of Ned and a felon on the run from Juneau. At the request of the local law enforcement, she is being held there until the Juneau authorities show up. Unfortunately, during her stay her brother ends up stabbed to death. There are several suspects - the battered wife, the wife's various lovers, maybe the sister. Into this mix, Beth's mother shows up on the run from the law. All these complications and the shadowing specter of Beth's kidnapper makes for an interesting week for Beth. Can Beth help the authorities find the answers,? You'll have to read the book to find out.

This is the third book in this series and it was a little slow at times. Frankly, I got a little confused with the introduction of Beth's mother in the mix. Mill, Beth's mom is not your typical mom and while fiercely protective, she can go off the rails too. Because of this there is not a peaceful existence for Beth. What this book did for me was provide a lot more backstory on Beth and her upbringing. Her kidnapper may have a possible connection with her missing father, which presents more questions than answers. This was a good read and I look forward to the next book in the series.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martins Press/Minotaur Books for this ARC.

Writing: 3/5 Plot: 4/5 Characters: 4/5

Number three in the Beth Rivers / Benedict, Alaska series from Paige Shelton. This series is slightly different in that while each book has its own set of dead bodies to explore, there is an overarching, longer term mystery centering on our heroine. Beth Rivers is her birth name, but she is better known as Elizabeth Fairchild — a famous author of thrillers. She is in hiding from a man who kidnapped and tortured her for three long days before she managed to break free — and each book gets us closer to understanding who this man is, where he might be, and how she can stay safely hidden until he is apprehended.

This is a cozy — just enough action to keep my interest and not enough tension to keep me awake at night. I like the quirky characters in this remote Alaskan town. I’m guessing there isn’t really a lot of verisimilitude in the story, but it’s fun to read. In addition to our brave and yet terrified heroine, we have a retired special ops, Willie Nelson lookalike running the library, a tough-as-nails woman running a halfway house for female parolees, a new love interest named Tex, and Beth’s newly appeared mother about whom one could write an entire novel.

Don’t worry if you haven’t read the first two — the author spends a little too much time (IMHO) doing a thorough rehash of previous events.

A great beach / plane read.

This is a very good story by a very good writer! The story takes place in the small town of Benedict, Alaska, in dark winter. Benedict is isolated in winter, and a great place to hide out for Beth Rivers, a novelist who escaped a kidnapper in St Louis. Her captor is still at large.
Although this is book three in a series, and would have been beneficial to know backstories, I was easy able to follow the story and the likable ensemble of characters. Recommended!

I received an ARC copy of Dark Night via #NetGalley.

This is the third book in a series. I was completely lost as far as back story, so reading the first two books are a must. The storyline seemed to be a direct continuation of the precise book, and the reader is just kind of dropped into the middle. The story itself felt a little rushed. There didn't seem to be much in the way of character development. Some parts also seemed like filler and could have tightened up or cut completely.

I'd like to read the first two books and then revisit this one. I think having a better idea forge overall story & might make this a better read the second time.

I absolutely LOVE this series - it is in my top 5 of favorite series' right now and this one absolutely did NOT disappoint! I was so excited to be back in Alaska with Beth and co. and hoped that we would learn more about some of the strange things that have been happening since she has arrived there. Be careful what you wish for!

This is not going to be a detailed review - I have found that this series is best read with little information going in. I never read the blurb for these because I need to go in with no expectations and I believe that is how this series should be read. So you will just be getting the basics here and how the book made me feel.

The book opens with Beth's mom Mill showing up [with a very weak story of how she found Beth] and a storm and a dead body. The fact that not one person is sad about the person who has died is very telling and that fact runs underneath the story throughout the whole book. Getting the truth is as nerve-racking as previous books and with each revelation, I wanted to scream in frustration with Beth as it just brought more questions than actual real answers, but I will admit it is all those challenges that keep you reading and thinking and trying to figure it out along with Beth - "what could this, and this, and this, actually mean? IS this person or this person actually my friend or are they working against me?" and on and on and the end [which was both good AND frustrating and nerve-wracking] was a good indicator that we will be getting another book [pretty please Ms. Shelton??] and I will be on pins and needles until that happens, because I am fully invested in this story and Beth now and you will be too if you start and continue on with this amazing series - if you love a good mystery, you will not be sorry.

Thank you to NetGalley, Paige Shelton, and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.