Cold Light of Day

Author: Elizabeth Goddard
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: Missing in Alaska #1
​Pages: 352
Release Date: February 7, 2023
Publisher: Revell

Police Chief Autumn Long is fighting to keep her job in the quiet Alaska town of Shadow Gap when an unexpected string of criminal activity leaves her with a wounded officer, unexplained murders, and an attack on her own father. Despite her mistrust of outsiders, she turns to Grier Brenner, a newcomer who seems to have the skills and training Autumn needs to face this threat to her community.

Grier is in Alaska for the same reason many others are--to disappear--when Chief Long enlists his help. He emerges from the shadows and proves his mettle, but his presence in her life could be a deadly trap for them both. If his secret is exposed, all will be lost. And he's not sure even Autumn could save him.

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Reviewer: Elisha Varela

I became fascinated with the mystery. I had a few guesses of who it could be, but I found out it was not. I was not even close. But I still enjoyed it. It kept me guessing, and I wanted to find out who it was, so my fingers were practically glued to the book. 

I liked the romance between Autumn and Grier. I liked how it first started out between them. But I liked how it changed throughout the story. And how it ended! Oh, my goodness. I was so pleased by how he revealed it. And the scenes at the end between them. I really recommend this novel. Yes, it’s a murder mystery but also a romance. Such a perfect blend between mystery and romance. 

I also liked Grier’s mysterious character. Granted, he is a stranger, so nothing is known about him. But I really loved the scene when a shooting happens, and Grier just happens to show up. (Let me be clear. I didn’t love the shooting scene. I loved that Grier showed up afterward, and Autumn was, in a way, suspicious).

I received this review copy courtesy of Revell through NetGalley. I was not required to give a favorable review. 

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Reviewer: Charity Henico

This book started with a bang. Intense action, suspense, mystery. In the first couple of chapters, I was literally holding my breath so I wouldn't also drown. The plot was great, and I could see the action happening.

I did find the dialogue a little bit confusing at times. Not quite sure who was speaking. Also, while I could see in my mind's eye what was happening, I couldn't put myself into the story. I didn't get lost in it. At one point, there was a mudslide, and not knowing anything about those myself, I wasn't sure if or how they could get away, so I was a little confused by that.

All in all, a good book by a new-to-me author, and I will happily read more written by Elizabeth Goddard. If you like suspense, you'll definitely want to check this one out.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by  Revell through Interviews & Reviews. No positive review was required, and all opinions were my own.

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Reviewer: Conny Withay

“You’re here now, in this place and in this position, because God put you here. You need to believe that and know you’re the exact person needed for this hour,” Autumn remembers in Elizabeth Goddard’s novel, Cold Light of Day.

The first in the Missing in Alaska series, this three-hundred-and-thirty-six-page paperback targets those interested in a clean romantic suspense based in rural Alaska. With no profanity, topics of torture, murder, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The ending includes acknowledgments, an excerpt of the next book in the series, the author’s biography, and advertisements.

This story follows Autumn Long, who has taken over her father’s position as police chief of the small town of Shadow Gap, Alaska, where it is calm and quiet. But when a young lady is rescued by newcomer Grier Brenner, and a dead body is found, she turns to the heroic stranger for help and guidance. As the two work together to uncover who is behind the increased criminal activity, they have to deal with the truths of their pasts to accept that God is the one always in control.

I have been to Alaska twice and love its beauty and uniqueness. This read was engaging and interesting as the two protagonists trampled through forests and dived into cold waters seeking answers. I liked how the relationship grew between Autumn and Grier as they faced their fears of the past and future. The story kept me turning pages as the two tried to stay alive and safe.

Those who do not like reads that include physical abuse, fugitives, and murders may want to avoid this one. Others who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ may not be interested in it, but it is not overwhelming or pushy. Some may question how Autumn repeatedly trusted Grier more than her police department.

I wish the book gave the eternal plan of salvation. I prefer all pronouns of God capitalized for reverence. Adding discussion questions at the end would be thoughtful for book clubs.

If you like an action-packed story of a female police chief who has to deal with memories and murders, this romance is an exhilarating ride.

Thanks to Revell for this complimentary book. I am under no obligation to give a positive review.

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Reviewer: Kristina Hall

Elizabeth Goddard's books keep getting better and better!

I found both Grier and Autumn to be likable, sympathetic characters. Grier came with a lot of intrigue and a mysterious past that I had to wait some time to find out about. I appreciated Autumn's work ethic and how she cared for her father. 

Although plenty of action kept me flipping pages, some of the finer details of the plot went a little over my head. But I still got the gist of things. Grier and Autumn worked well together. Their romance added a good element to this story, as did the themes of family and secrets. 

I enjoyed Elizabeth Goddard's clear, fast-paced writing style and look forward to reading the second book in the Missing in Alaska series. I appreciated that Elizabeth kept both the romance and the language clean. Overall, I found this novel exciting and recommend it to those who love Christian fiction and romantic suspense.

Disclosure: I received this book free from Revell through Interviews & Reviews. My opinions are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

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Reviewer: Anna Bottoms

If you love twisty plots with plenty of action, this is the book for you. There is a crime to solve and a mystery surrounding one of the main characters. I stayed up late looking for a good stopping place but couldn’t find one, so I kept reading.

Autumn is the new police chief in Shadow Gap, Alaska, and has a lot to prove. Someone on the city council wants her out. At the same time, a victim disappears, and a body is found. What will she have to deal with next?

Grier has his reasons for being in the community of Shadow Gap. He planned to be here temporarily, not get personally involved with the residents, and leave as soon as possible. His best intentions fly out the window when he meets the police chief and is asked to assist in a dive. Soon they are inextricably bound together by circumstances and unspoken attraction. Will they be drawn closer together or go their separate ways?

This book is well written with complex, interesting characters that pull you into their lives. I loved the thread of faith that wove into the story without being preachy. Great book!

I was given a copy courtesy of Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. This is my honest opinion of the book.

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