Dollycas’s Thoughts

Beth Rivers came to Benedict Alaska to hide from her kidnapper, Travis Walker. She had made friends and felt more at ease because the man had been captured. But during a recent transfer, he escaped and has made it known he is after Beth again. Her new friends have vowed to keep her safe. They come up with a plan to get her out of town. She and her boyfriend, Tex are going on a hike and will find the perfect place to set up camp until Travis is recaptured.

That plan is upended when Tex and Beth get near the tiny community of Blue Mine. They meet a woman heading to Benedict with her husband’s dead body atop a horse. After visiting the people at Blue Mine they learn of some strange happenings and other suspicious deaths. They agree to get her and the body back to Police Chief Gril so he can launch a full investigation.

Back in town, Beth is again on high alert but some of her protectors are on the way to Blue Mine. The widow disappears when a secret is revealed so others are searching to find her. With a limited number of people to keep her safe, they stay hyperaware because you never know who or what may be out in the Alaskan wilderness, especially during the unrelenting storms.

There are several reasons that this is one of my favorite series.

First, the characters in this series are unique and continue to grow in realistic ways. Beth gets more confident in every installment and every chapter. She and Viola are now true friends, both learning from each other. Viola is one tough lady but you have to be in the wilds of Alaska. Beth and Tex have a relationship that is in no way conventional but it works for them. Gril’s job is to keep everybody safe and he goes to all ends to do that. Beth’s safety is a priority for him. Orin is concerned about Beth’s safety as well. He has an actual fortress for her to stay in but she is too stubborn to take him up on his offer. Park Ranger Donner and Beth’s dad Eddy are also part of the team involved in Beth’s safety. The people who live in Benedict Alaska are strong and unshakeable. Ms. Shelton’s words bring these wonderful people to life. I could get dropped in Benedict today and pick out each one of them just from her words. I can’t forget Gus, he is such a smart and loyal dog.

Her descriptive details also set each scene vividly. The torrential rainstorms of course, but also the beauty of the entire area. The area around Blue Mine is so aptly described, as is an abandoned mine. The town of Benedict, Viola’s boardinghouse, Orin’s fortress, the mercantile, the bar, the post office, the trail to the library, and Beth’s old hunting shed. – everything is brilliantly described.

Ms. Shelton takes us to this amazing place and wraps her characters in a suspenseful mystery that is impossible to put down. With dead bodies, Bigfoot sightings, and a felon on the loose after one of their own, readers are pulled in and are allowed to travel along with Beth and her friends as they try to make sense of what is happening around them and if and how kidnapper Travis Walker is involved. Will they be able to find him before he finds Beth? The pages on my Paperwhite were flying and there truly were times I was at the edge of my seat.

Perfect Storm is a compelling, complex mystery plotted with such precision that it is absolutely a must-read. Full of suspense and drama with twists and turns, Ms. Shelton continues to impress me every chapter. This series would make an excellent movie or short drama series. Someone call Netflix! You shouldn’t be surprised when I say this book deserves more than 5 stars. I am very intrigued about Beth’s next adventure.

Beth Rivers was kidnapped and managed to get away. As a well known author of thrillers she could write anywhere and ended up in the small town of Benedict, Alaska. This is the premise of the Alaska Wild series, and Perfect Storm is the most recent book. The Alaska setting is so well described you feel like you’re there.
I don’t want to give any spoilers, but I think this might be the best book of the series. 4 stars.

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

I love this author and this series! The ending is perfection. I love that the protagonist has suffered so much trauma and is still a bad ass. I especially love the setting.

This book marks the end of the Travis saga. Because of this ending, Paige Shelton juggled two storylines: the murder plot and Travis's location. These two plots didn't complement each other. The mystery was shoved in the background so much that it was anticlimactic when the killer was revealed because the culprit was obvious. I don't think Paige Shelton tried to weave a compelling mystery. When Travis finally showed up, I was happy that this plotline could finally end.

This review is based on an advanced reader copy provided through Netgalley for my honest thoughts.

Paige Shelton brings us to the ultimate in Alaska Wild series in the Perfect Storm in which Beth Rivers who is in remote Alaska has to disappear again as her kidnapper Travis escapes from jail and is thought to be headed to Alaska to take her out permanently. Locally a small mining outpost has had several locals killed suspiciously. Beth's less than upright parents are also on the scene and at last reconciling with Beth and each other. Bigfoot might be involved. The wilderness is an active character in the drama. A must read

Shelton delivers a gripping tale that weaves together suspense, vivid characters and an atmospheric locale. Set against the backdrop of a small coastal town, the novel introduces a cast of relatable characters grappling with their own secrets and fears, all the while a menacing storm brews on the horizon. Readers will find themselves immersed in the intricate dynamics of friendships, love, and betrayal, making it difficult to put the book down. A must-read for fans of suspenseful fiction, this book is sure to leave you eagerly anticipating Shelton's next venture.

Suspenseful and plot filled. The setting of Alaska was absolutely beautiful and a key point. You also do not need to read the rest of the series to love and understand this book. The characters and plot were both excellent!

(3.75 stars)
Perfect Storm is the latest entry in Paige Shelton’s wonderful Alaska Wild series. This sixth book highlights the danger that Beth Rivers faces now that her kidnapper has escaped prison and knows that Beth is now living in Benedict, Alaska, an isolated small town near Glacier Bay National Park and Juneau.

There is a self-contained mystery as well as the continuing story arc involving Beth’s kidnapper. Beth and her new boyfriend, Tex, decide to go hiking and camping to help Beth hide for a while. Along the way, they encounter a small settlement centered around a small gold mine, where some mysterious deaths have recently occurred and this detours them from their camping plans.

I love how Shelton describes the atmosphere and scenery of this remote Alaskan town. The returning characters, the various townspeople are so well drawn. I love them! It’s been about a year and Benedict really feels like home to Beth now. The action takes place during the summer, but towards the end of Alaska’s short summer season.

The author includes some tantalizing hints about why Travis, the kidnapper did what he did, and how it related to Beth’s parents. I hope we will find out more in an upcoming book!

Perfect Storm *could* be read as a standalone but I’d recommend reading at least one of the previous books in the series first, or you might be a bit lost, despite the author’s excellent efforts at filling in some backstory.

Thank you to Minotaur Book and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

An exciting reckoning involving escaped kidnapper Travis Walker and Beth Rivers in Alaska. See my complete review on www.reviewingtheevidence.com.

Ohhhh this was very good, with a VERY satisfying [though it wasn't all that surprising TBH]; some of what happened and the results were a huge surprise, and some I guessed, so it all evened out in the end.

I have really loved this series and the gritty vastness of Alaska as the backdrop [it is almost a character itself]; I feel that Ms. Shelton wrote that scenery [if you will] very well and I often felt I was right in the middle of that cold tundra [and it made me want to visit Alaska, something I had never really wanted to do before this series. I am not a lover of cold OR roughing it. LOL]. I also really enjoyed how Beth and Tex's relationship has evolved and how good they are together and how Tex really cares about AND for Beth and how that has really helped her heal. Her relationship with the others in Benedict have also been very heartwarming and I am always left wishing I had a Viola in my life.

This really has the feel of a final book [Waaaaaaa!!!], and if that is the case, this was an excellent way to end a really great run of stories, but part of me will always hope there is one more book. What a great series!!

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

This book had me wondering if Beth’s kidnapper was going to even find her and wondering who was doing the killing as well. Loved everything in the book from the characters to the settings of it and how good it was written.

Book six in the series and I was thrilled to return! I love the town and the characters so it was wonderful to reunite with them. The case in this one was just as twisty and atmospheric as the others. This was a fun, quick read and I can’t wait for the next in the series!

I look forward every year to the new book in Paige Shelton's Alaska Wild series. Perfect Storm is book 6 in the series. You don't necessarily have to read the whole series, but you should probably read book 1 at least to get the premise of the series.

I absolutely loved Thin Ice (book 1), however, the last book Lost Hours wasn't my favorite. I was hoping I wasn't growing tired of the series. So it was with a little trepidation that I began Perfect Storm. I quickly realized I didn't have to worry. This book thrilled me as much as the first book.

If you have been reading this series from the beginning most of the characters make an appearance (or at least are mentioned) so that was fun. I love the characters so it was great to catchup with them.

The overarching mystery that has been threaded through each book is wrapped up in this book. It makes me wonder if this is the final book in the series. I'm kind of torn between wanting to read more adventures with this cast of characters and being satisfied with how it ended. The Goodreads description says "next installment" as opposed to final installment. And there is a comment by one of the characters towards in the end about future adventures. I guess I will have to wait and see.

If you are a fan of the series, you don't want to miss this book. As I mentioned, we get a very satisfying conclusion to the long-running mystery with a little hint that there might be more to uncover. If you haven't read this series but love suspenseful mysteries with great characters, then you should definitely read this book.

My review will be published at Girl Who Reads on Friday - https://www.girl-who-reads.com/2024/12/perfect-storm-by-paige-shelton-review.html

⭐️⭐️

When I received Perfect Storm I didn't know it was part six in a series. While I was missing a little bit of context of what happened in the past installments it's pretty easy to pick up what happened and works well as a standalone. 

I originally liked the premise of the book. Beth running and hiding in the woods until her would-be killer is found. But at the 70% mark, Beth became a little annoying to me. It seemed as if she could decide to be strong or let the other protect her never really landing on one or the other. 

I also felt like the blue mine mystery aspect of the story was never really solved. It was shoved to the side after being a major part of the storyline. I feel like everyone was chasing their tails in the woods for nothing to happen. I really wish there was more to the Bigfoot plot. The way that wrapped up was such a letdown. 

Overall the book was just okay. I don't know if I will read the other books in the series. 

Thank you to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new mystery via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

This is book 6 in the Alaska Wild series and following the series is recommended. Background is given but I think the characters are better understood if you’ve followed along.
Beth has been hiding out in Alaska for a year now. Apparently she’s not very good at it because people keep finding her. lol. She’s become a part of the community and many people are going out of their way to keep her safe.
I really enjoy the characters in this series. I feel like I’ve gotten to know them over the course of the series. The story was fast paced and certainly kept my interest. The minute one thing seemed to be resolved, something else happened.
This is one of my favorite series and I always keep an eye out for the next book.
I received this book as a free ARC and am leaving this review voluntarily.

Perfect Storm is the sixth book in the Alaska Wild series. It has two mysteries. Who is killing the off-gridders living near the abandoned Blue Mine? Could it be Bigfoot, or just a man masquerading as a Sasquatch? Will Beth survive the upcoming winter now that she is being stalked again?

Beth lives in remote Benedict, Alaska. She has been there a year initially hiding out from her Missouri kidnapper, Travis, who has since gone to jail. Unfortunately, Travis has escaped. Beth’s friends in Benedict try to protect her but will she ever feel safe again?

The mine mystery is intriguing, if a bit comical with a “Bigfoot” running amok. Unfortunately, the conclusion of the six-book arc of Beth and her stalker was anticlimactic, at best. I really wanted more tension and twists in that part of the story.

Perfect Storm is probably best for readers of at least one of the earlier books in the series just for closure. For readers new to the series, I wouldn’t recommend this book. There are many more thrilling mysteries out there to read. 3 stars.

Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for providing me with an advanced review copy.

Paige Shelton’s Perfect Storm delivers a compelling mystery set in an isolated, close-knit community where secrets simmer beneath the surface. The secluded setting adds an extra layer of tension, as the reader is drawn into a world where everyone knows everyone—yet something isn’t quite right. Shelton expertly captures the eerie atmosphere of the remote location, with its shadowy forests and unpredictable weather, creating the perfect backdrop for a mystery that keeps you guessing.

One of the novel’s standout features is its humor. Shelton weaves witty moments and quirky character interactions throughout the narrative, providing levity in contrast to the suspense. This balance between mystery and humor makes for a refreshing reading experience, offering moments of lightness amid the tension.

For fans of cryptozoology and legends, the inclusion of Bigfoot sightings is a delightful twist. Bigfoot isn’t just a passing mention—it becomes an integral part of the story, adding an element of intrigue and even charm to the plot. As a Bigfoot enthusiast, I found this aspect particularly enjoyable, as Shelton cleverly incorporates the legend into the mystery, leaving readers wondering whether the sightings are part of the larger puzzle or a clever distraction.

Overall, Perfect Storm is a well-crafted, entertaining mystery that blends suspense, humor, and a touch of the supernatural. Fans of cozy mysteries with unique settings and a dash of the unexpected will find this book a perfect addition to their reading list. Paige Shelton continues to prove her skill in crafting stories that are as engaging as they are unpredictable.

Perfect Storm was another 5-star read in the Alaska Wild Mystery series from Paige Shelton.

This one was quite the page turner with suspense around every corner!

Beth is still living her life in Benedict, Alaska when news of Travis Walker’s escape sends her into further hiding in the woods. But those plans are quickly thwarted when they meet someone else along the way.

A whole other mystery unravels within the woods and a place called Blue Mine. From there, things just get more tangled with Mill returning, gold mines, and even Bigfoot sightings, until, finally, they come to a fearful end.

This book gets twistier and twistier as it goes on and then that ending!! Oof. Was definitely not expecting how this one would play out, but it was so so so good!!!

Perfect Storm by Paige Shelton is the sixth in her Alaska Wild series, basically about a woman known as Beth Rivers, who was kidnapped and held for three days by a former associate of her parents. By then her father had been gone for years, and Beth was an adult. When she was released from the hospital she traveled to the most remote place she could find: Benedict, Alaska. The only person who knew her story was the sheriff, Gril, who for a long time was her only friend. Finally they caught the guy and sent him to jail. Then he escaped and that is where we join the story. By now, Beth has plenty of friends, and the people here keep themsleves to themsleves so she doesn’t worry about what they might say to a stranger. She and her friend and lover, Tex, have decided to hike into the wilderness and let the others handle it. There they run into a group of people, some of whom have been killed, and before too long they have no idea who or what to believe.

The story gets complicated and is worth the read. Beth is a good character as is her friend, Viola, with whom she boards at a half-way house for women, Orin, who is (maybe) a former undercover spy, and Gril, already mentioned. She has a good life as the editor and staff for a small newsletter for the area while she writes her books. Oh, yeah, that is a complication: she is a famous mystery writer. The story has gotten convoluted over the series but is always entertaining, and has you on the edge of your seat often. Alaska is fascinating and I feel like this is a pretty accurate representation for those living out in the country. Shelton has done a good job with this mystery that started off as out of her wheelhouse, but she has quickly proven she is up to it.

I was invited to read Perfect Storm by St Martins Press. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #StMartinsPress #PaigeShelton #PerfectStorm

Perfect Storm by Paige Shelton is a well-done mystery with plenty of suspense and action.
I’ve enjoyed her previous titles and this series is just amazing.
This is an enjoyable mystery was engaging, suspenseful, atmospheric, and full of adventure.
It kept me on the edge of my seat.