I was not able to finish the book and therefore do not feel that I can give an unbiased review about the book, its plot, characters, or the author's work. I might revisit this book at a later time and finish it then, but not right now.

Summary
In this fifth book in Paige Shelton’s Alaska Wild series, readers return to Benedict, Alaska, an isolated town on the edge of the Alaskan wilderness. Beth Rivers has made Benedict her home to recover from a violent kidnapping months earlier. She’s decided to take a boat tour to see glaciers, but before she and her “man-friend” Tex can reach their destination the tour is diverted by a woman in distress on the shore of one of the islands in the area. She’s covered in blood and it’s obvious she needs help. Once she’s brought aboard, Beth finds out Sadie Milbourn, the rescued woman, is a kidnap victim. Her story is similar to Beth’s and it’s through that similar experience the two women establish common ground. Sadie reveals to Beth that Sadie is in witness protection and has lived in Juneau for the last six years. As the investigation into Sadie’s case continues, more questions than answers arise. Another kidnapping takes place. Beth suspects the two cases are connected but can’t find the answers she needs.

Lost Hours-Likes
The characters. Benedict is a small, isolated town on the edge of the Alaskan wilderness. The only ways in or out are either plane or ferry. Internet is spotty at best and any emergency help is hours, if not days, away. Because of the isolation, the people in and around Benedict are self-sufficient, but also ready to help anyone needing it. Beth’s estranged father has also moved to Benedict, and she’s still trying to figure out what kind of relationship to have with him. The relationships are complicated, changing, and greatly influenced by the setting.
The setting. The Alaskan wilderness. It’s beautiful but potentially deadly. Alaska is one of my favorite places, ever. (At least in the summer. I haven’t experienced winter. Yet.)
The mystery. The twists and turns in Lost Hours kept me on my toes and the ending was one I didn’t see coming. Well-done.

Lost Hours-dislike
The plot line that has been running through the series took a predicable turn. As I read the book, my hope was that particular plot point wouldn’t come into play, but it did, and I was disappointed.

Recommendation
I’ve read all the books in the series, usually ordering them as soon the pre-orders are available. The mysteries keep me guessing, the Alaskan setting and characters draw me into the books, the covers are gorgeous, and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
If you haven’t read any of the other books in the series (Thin Ice, Cold Wind, Dark Night, and Winter’s End) you can read this as a stand-alone, but I would recommend starting with Thin Ice and working your way through the series.
4/5 stars.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress for a copy of #LostHours. All opinions are my own.

In Lost Hours, Beth is feeling very settled in Benedict, Alaska, where she originally came to hide out from the man who kidnapped her. She even feels comfortable enough to go on a glacier sight-seeing boat. When a bloody woman is seen waving frantically from a small island, the tour ends and Beth is drawn into a mystery involving the woman, a possible kidnapping, a missing teenager, and more.
The story keeps you engaged from the beginning and Beth’s personal story is woven skillfully into the mystery. The mystery is complex and entertaining. What will Beth do in the next story? I can’t wait to find out!

While I've previously read another series by this author, this series was new to me. I found it easy to dive into the fifth installment and get acquainted with the residents of Benedict, Alaska. I'd characterize this one as a cozy mystery with an edge, as the story does have some dark elements. Those aspects were not gory or explicit, but rather added an air of tension to the story.

In the latest installment in this series, Beth Rivers, a mystery author who has moved to Alaska to escape a dark period in her past, is pulled into a real life mystery while on a cruise to view the glaciers. A woman emerges on the shore line, covered in blood, claiming to have been kidnapped and that her kidnapper has been killed by a bear. However, an investigation on shore comes up empty with no body found and no evidence of a bear attack. Beth is enlisted to help the woman tell her story since she, too, endured a kidnapping in her past. The mysterious woman is reluctant to speak but eventually shares enough details for the town folks to know that troubles from the Lower 48 are threatening to disrupt the relative peace and isolation of Benedict.

I found the story to be well-paced and that I wanted to know more about the characters and their lives in Alaska. While I am sure I missed out by diving into book five, I felt like enough details from the past were effectively woven into this one, so I didn't feel lost or disconnected from the characters. I suspect that fans of the series will like getting more insight to Beth's past and her relationships with her family. I liked the setting quite a bit, having recently visited Alaska for the first time. I am glad that my trip was much less eventful, though!

Many thanks to Minotaur for the NetGalley copy and a chance to read the latest installment in the Alaska Wild series early!

This is a new to me author but I loved this book set in small town Alaska. Alaska as in any book set there is a main character and just like the state the characters in this book are quirky . I loved this cozy mystery.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book

Thank you @minotaur_books for the #gifted copies of this book!

I am a sucker for books based in Alaska so when I saw this one I was excited to give it a try! This is the 5th book in this series and although I’ve not read any of the others it read completely fine as a standalone. I am sure there are details I have missed about the characters from previous books that may enhance the reader experience but overall it was just fine for me!

This book was the perfect tense adventure in small town Alaska. I would say this book falls along the lines of a cozy mystery with a little more thrill. I think I am always drawn to an Alaska book because having been there I know the scenery is unbelievable and the possible intense experiences that could unfold is always the main draw for me. Paige Shelton does a great job bringing in all of those things to keep the story interesting and setting the scene for a perfect Alaskan mystery. I think the secrets, lies, and the family dynamics is what ending up bringing this book together for me! If you enjoy cozy mysteries, small town family dreams and amateur sleuthing this series may be perfect for you! I will have to check out the other 4 books before this one!

I think if you’ve been reading this series for awhile, you’ll be happy with this next installment. It’s a very quick read, with little dull moments. The writing didn’t really make me want to go back and read the previous books, or keep an eye out for the next one. There were a lot of repeat phrases that I found distracting, but that’s probably a me thing. For instance, characters would say “I don’t disagree” on various occasions. Just kind of a weird thing to repeat that stuck out to me.

Overall if you’re a longtime reader of the series, definitely give this one your attention. But if it’s new to you, I wouldn’t strongly recommend it.

Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC

This is my first Shelton book. Having been to Alaska and loved it. I read any books that I can about Alaska. And this one did not disappoint! The author had a great plot and was very descriptive about what was happening and where they were. I felt like I was in Alaska too! Great read and I highly recommend for anyone looking for a good suspense book.

This is the fifth book in the Alaskan Wild series. I am beyond shocked to have only just heard of this series and must now go back to the start. Beth Rivers is a survivor and sleuth at heart and totally gives off edgy Nancy Drew vibes.

This 5th installment of the Beth Rivers Alaska series finds Beth drawn into a strange case involving a woman who claims she was abducted and saved by a bear, a missing teenager and an escaped convict. Can she figure out what they all have in common before someone else dies? I love how Shelton continues to build her characters and relationships in this series, all in the wilderness of Alaska.

Thank you to #StMartinsPress, #MinotaurBooks, and #NetGalley for providing this #ARC Advance Reading Copy. Expected publication date is December 5, 2023.

I don’t know how this series slipped by me, but this book was so adventurous and suspenseful that I need to go back and put the first four books in the series on my to-be-read list. I mean, really people, how often do you get a chance to read a novel set in Alaska?

This is the fifth novel in Paige Shelton’s Alaska Wild series. Beth, is on a boat tour of Alaskan glaciers. All of a sudden, the boat changes course and a siren sounds. They discover a woman in distress on the shoreline. The woman is covered in blood. Beth's friend, Tex, goes to help. Beth stays on the boat and he wonders if the woman is the victim or the perpetrator. Shortly after, a teenage girl goes missing …

#PaigeShelton #AlaskaWild #Bookstagram

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.

This story takes place in Benedict, a remote Alaskan town on the shore of Glacier Bay. Although this is the 5th in a series, it is easy to follow the continuing characters and get into the action.

Beth has been living in a boarding house for about a year and she is really coming to love the area and the people. She finally builds up the courage to take a boat to see the glaciers and icebergs in the Bay. While aboard, her trip is cut short when a bloodied woman, yelling for help, is spotted on a small island. They rescue the woman and head back to town.

Sadie tells them that her companion was attacked by a bear and killed. She just narrowly escaped. How much of this is true? As Gril, the local police chief, digs further, it is clear that there is more to the story.

I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of Paige Shelton's novels.

This book is another great chapter in the life of Beth and her Alaskan adventures. It had me in suspense from the beginning to the end just waiting for the shoe to drop. The author’s use of the Alaskan setting is clear and concise, as if I was there along with her. Having visited the state I know that it is very accurate. The recurring characters also stay true to form. The ending, as always, leaves the reader wanting more.

I received ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The title perfectly describes my feelings about this book. Convoluted plot, excess verbiage, uninteresting characters. I’m proud of myself for muddling through to the end.

This is the first Wild Alaska series book that I have read. (I have read and enjoyed the author's Scottish bookstore mysteries.) There was no difficulty diving into this series. Beth Rivers has lived in Benedict Alaska for the past year awaiting the trial of her kidnapper and grappling with the aftermath of her trauma. The local community has taken her protection as a given and has given her a sense of safety. For the first time Beth decides to play tourist and boards a boat headed to the nearby glaciers. However, while passing a small island, the tourists see a bloody woman frantically calling for help. Beth is instantly enlisted to help calm the woman once she is brought aboard. What follows is a complex series of events with a shocking conclusion. The mystery also involves Beth's long-estranged father who has moved to Benedict to make amends. Despite all that Beth has recently endured, she is stronger than she thought and helps to solve the mysterious case. The book ends with a cliff hanger so I am sure Beth and her cohorts will soon have another adventure for readers to enjoy.

Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur for the chance to read this book prior to publication.

This is the fifth book in the author's Alaska Wild series. It took me awhile to get up to speed with the characters and plot as I hadn't read the previous four books, but I found it suspenseful and engaging and will likely go back and read the series from the beginning.

Thank you #NetGalley and #MinotaurBooks for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

"Lost Hours" by Paige Shelton is a thrilling mystery that grabs hold of your attention from the very first page and doesn't let go until the final revelation. Shelton's masterful storytelling, complex characters, and atmospheric setting make this novel appealing for mystery enthusiasts and anyone seeking a pulse-pounding literary adventure.

Shelton weaves a web of intrigue and suspense that keeps readers guessing at every turn. The cleverly plotted narrative, filled with unexpected twists and secrets buried deep within a small town, is evidence of the author's skill at creating an engrossing and suspenseful plot.

The characters in "Lost Hours" are relatable. The protagonist, who returns to her hometown to unravel the mystery of her father's death, is a compelling figure with a well-drawn backstory and a determination that readers will admire. The supporting cast, each with their own motives and secrets, adds depth to the story and keeps readers on their toes.

Shelton's evocative writing transports readers to a small town where secrets are closely guarded, and every corner holds a potential clue. The atmospheric descriptions paint a vivid picture of the setting, immersing readers in the town's history, its hidden mysteries, and the eerie sense that something isn't quite right. The sense of place is so palpable that it becomes a character in itself.

The theme of unraveling family secrets and discovering the truth is a universal and compelling one. "Lost Hours" explores this theme with depth and sensitivity, revealing the complexities of family dynamics and the impact of long-buried secrets on the present. It's a story that invites readers to reflect on the mysteries within their own lives.

The pacing of the novel is spot-on, with each chapter revealing just enough to keep readers engaged and eager to uncover the truth. Shelton skillfully maintains tension throughout the story, making it difficult to put the book down. She has crafted a mystery that is intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.

"Lost Hours" is a riveting mystery that delivers on all fronts. Its expertly constructed plot, well-developed characters, and immersive setting are brilliant. Prepare for a journey into a world of secrets, lies, and the relentless pursuit of truth.

3.5 Stars.
Lost Hours is the most recent addition to the Beth Rivers Alaska mystery series. Beth is still in Benedict, Alaska, writing and distributing the local paper and poking into police business when she can. Her kidnapper has finally been caught and is in jail, and Beth's real identity and location are not a secret any longer. In this story we have a fresh murder mystery which brings new characters along with the series regulars.

As I started this book, I thought that I must have skipped one in the series, so went back to find out, but I hadn't missed a book. I was a little disappointed that there were storylines that I didn't know enough about, and ones that were dangling. While I enjoyed the story overall, it felt a bit rushed, and confusing at the end. The mystery became so complicated that the last chapter had to be one character explaining to everyone else what happened.

While this was not my favorite in the series, I will still read what comes next. I think fans of this series will enjoy this installment.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

I strongly suggest reading this series as a series and in order to get the maximum impact of the characters and situations.

It is now Mid July 1975 and a warm rare sunny day. Beth & Tex are on a boat tour to see the glaciers when the boat detours to rescue a woman on an island. A family visiting Benedict Alaska with their teenage daughter who is a fan of Beth's books written under a pen name. When Gracie goes missing a plot planned by teenage girls has everyone fearing for their lives.

The ending is not a cliff hanger like earlier books but the plots are not all solved so hopefully book 6 will be out soon and wrap up the on-going story.

Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Title: Last Hours
Author: Paige Sheldon
Series: Alaska Wild #5
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press-Minotaur Books
Genre: Mystery
Pub Date: December 5, 2023
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pages: 266

Although this the fifth in Alaska Wild series and I have only read one other, I felt I would be okay with moving on.

On reader’s description If you will like this ~
• Edgy cozy mysteries
• Remote locations/small towns
• Mysteries/secrets
• Amateur-sleuth
• Female-centric

Hmm Since I love Cozy Mysteries – which typically always mean a female, in a small town who is an amateur sleuth uncovering a murder mystery- I thought Yep that’s me – However ‘edge cozy’ gave me a concern- I did check and Paige Shelton is listed on the Cozy Mystery site –
https://cozy-mystery.com/Paige-Shelton.html

In the previous stories we know that - Beth had been kidnaped and escaped from Travis Walker. She lives at the Benedict House in Benedict which is a house for non-violent felons. She lived there under an assumed name. Once Travis was caught and is presently in prison. She has gone back to her real name.

In this story after a year in Benedict, Beth Rivers is feeling at home in Alaska.
Beth and her father, Eddy Rivers found get other —actually he found her and is now a fishing guide in Benedict and wants to make up with Beth for not being her father for so many years. Beth is trying to find a balance as she is still angry but also wants to forgive.

I think is my favorite ~ Okay I haven’t read that many but I did like it!

Want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for December 5, 2023.