 Author: Susan May Warren Genre: Romantic Suspense Series: Call of the Wild #2 Pages: 320 Release Date: January 6, 2026 Publisher: Revell A hijacked plane. A pursuing killer. And a K9's instinct to help them make it out alive. Pop singer Keely Williams's search for her biological mother in Alaska has been painfully unsuccessful. Now she just wants to escape this wild frontier and never look back. But when her plane is hijacked, she's suddenly plunged into a race against not only an Alaskan blizzard but also a killer who's on her tail. After a career-ending injury, ex-cop Dawson Mulligan has only one friend--Caspian, the stray dog he adopted. Dawson just wants to figure out how to get his life on track, but during a flight home to Copper Mountain, he spots a downed plane and stops to help. Except, when his not-a-rescue dog runs off into the woods and discovers the trail of a missing survivor, it's up to the former cop to stage a rescue. But Dawson has no idea he's being pulled into a deadly pursuit, or that Caspian is more than he seems. There might be redemption and second chances waiting for both Dawson and Keely if they have the courage to face their wounded pasts and fight for their future.
 Reviewer: Amy Smelser Keely Williams has just come to Alaska to get some answered questions that have been bothering her her whole life. She did not come to Alaska to get into an airplane crash or be hunted down by a killer. No, just answers. But here she is in the middle of an Alaskan wilderness, rescued by two men she does not know and a dog by the name of Caspian she thought was going to eat her. So begins Keely’s adventure with ex-cop Dawson Mulligan, who has a bit of a tragic past as well as a healing body from some pretty bad injuries. As they work together to survive and not bring danger to the secluded village they find, they must not only overcome a killer but relentless mother nature herself. I know with an author Warren book I can expect an adrenaline rush that is coupled with faith and a romance that goes through many dangers. I do believe there are some crossover characters from other series. I wish we had a character list for all of these novels. I have not read all of her stories, but when a beloved character shows up in a new story, that is always fun. This was another cold and bitter visit to Alaska, and I enjoyed every minute of it. I was provided a copy of this novel from Revell Publishing through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.  Reviewer: Beverly Laude Keely Williams has gone to Alaska to try to resolve some issues from her past. Instead, she finds herself on a plane that is hijacked and crashes in the Alaska wilderness right before a blizzard! Dawson Milligan also has problems from his past after being shot in the line of duty as a law enforcement officer. When these two meet, thanks to Dawson’s dog, Caspian, they immediately start to feel that they are meant to be together. But with their wildly different lifestyles and backgrounds, can this truly happen? I loved the way that the author portrayed Caspian and his ability to help in many situations. He’s part PTSD service dog, part search and rescue dog and completely lovable! His presence added a lot to this story. I enjoyed the story a lot, especially how the author wove in faith-filled messages throughout the book. A few quotes that will stick with me: “God uses circumstances to wake us up, get at things inside.” “We’ve learned that even in darkness, God is trustworthy.” “Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be happy.” My only complaint (and it’s a personal one) is that there is almost too much action. There were so many different conflicts in the book that it was a bit difficult to take it all in at times. Abductions, near fatal accidents, plane crashes, fires, vandalism....I feel like the story would have been just as enjoyable and impactful with a few less crises! I would recommend this to fans of the romantic suspense genre with a strong Christian message. You won’t be disappointed. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews via NetGalley for my honest opinion. Reviewer: Raechel Helwig Let me start out this review by saying that it is the perfect time of year to read Track of Courage. As I was reading about a snowstorm that was causing a bit of a predicament for the characters in the book, snow was falling here too, making it easy to imagine the scenery! Thankfully here, though, it didn’t cause too many problems, unlike the book, haha. Track of Courage has great characters, each one strong and realistically flawed. And the plot keeps you turning pages, waiting to see what is going to happen. I will say there were a lot of repetitive sentences. I have noticed that in previous books by this author. Not a huge deal, obviously, but there were a few sentences/wording/phrases etc. that were used so many times that, for me personally, could trip me up a little. That aside though, it was a good story. The faith message was present and important to the story, and I very much appreciated that. Both main characters, Dawson and Keely, had their personal journeys of faith that they had to grapple with and learn through, and I thought it was portrayed very well. Looking forward to following where this new series leads! This book was provided courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to write a positive review, and all thoughts expressed are entirely my own. Reviewer: Ewurabena Wilson You know a book is that good when struggle to put it down. Susan May Warren, you are one gifted writer. Track of Courage, is a story about second chance, letting go of the past and healing. The novel, set in present time tells the story of Dawson Mulligan, a man on the road to recovery and his endearing dog, Caspian, whose sixth sense adds more intrigue and warmth to this novel. Dawson is a man who is at a breaking point in his life having lost loved ones and recovering from knee injury. What is meant to be a routine trip with his cousin Moose Mulligan brings Keely “Bliss” Williams, a singer to his life. Keely, however, comes with baggage as there are ruthless men on her path intent on harm. The two must fight to stay alive and find healing from their past. Prepare a dish of suspense, add a bit of calmness amidst danger and garnish the dish with a sweet romance between the two protagonists and you will have a page-turning novel like Track of Courage. I enjoyed reading this novel, the Christian nuggets in the novel were well blended and thought-provoking. The characters were evocative and the writing splendid. I, however, struggled with the background of some of the characters as some were characters in Susan May Warren’s preceding novels. Readers who have read Susan May Warren’s works in a chronicle way will not struggle to identify other characters in this novel. Track of Courage is a beautiful novel, and I will encourage anyone looking of a Christian suspense novel to read to grab this novel. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley and Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion. Reviewer: Elisha Varela First off, I love the cover. The colors make it feel like a cold day in Alaska, not that I have ever been there, but it feels cold. I personally have always wanted to visit Alaska, and the description of it has made me feel like I was present on Alaskan soil. I love that I was constantly enthralled and swiping through the pages to find out what happened next. I love a good mystery, and A Track of Courage is one of those books. There were scenes that felt too heightened up in action, which I personally found thrilling. I liked the faith message in this book. This book does have Christian themes, so be advised if that is not your thing. I can not wait for the next book in this series. In the meantime, this book has made me want to visit her other books. Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own. Reviewer: Rick Norris Track of Courage is an action-adventure, mystery, and love story that brings the Alaskan wilderness to life. Susan May Warren takes time to expose the struggles of living in the wilderness, given the many challenges troubling the characters. The story centers around a New York City pop singer, Keely Williams, searching for her biological mother in Alaska. Losing confidence, she gives up the hope of revealing her identity to her mom and decides to escape the wild frontier and never look back. But upon her return flight, her plane is hijacked, and she’s suddenly plunged into a race against not only an Alaskan blizzard but also a killer who’s on her tail. The novel also circles around an ex-cop, Dawson Mulligan, who had a career-ending injury, and the stray dog he adopted—Caspian. Dawson just wants to figure out how to get his life on track, but as he was flying in a small plane home to Copper Mountain, he spots a downed aircraft and stops to help. His not-a-rescue dog runs off into the woods and discovers the trail of a missing survivor, Keely Williams. Although Dawson doesn’t know it yet, it’s up to him to stage a rescue and protect her from the killer. The novelist shows her extensive experience by weaving the current tense story of Keely and Dawson with their past traumas, showing motivation for their steps and missteps throughout the Alaskan tundra. Ms. Warren peppers the novel with an excellent writing style. In this scene, she allows the reader to feel the tension in a room between Kelly and two residents of a small town. “And now, all the air seemed to leave the room too. Donald stiffened, and Keeley lost her ability to breathe. And even the woman by the fire—Nance?—looked away, her arms wrapped around her body.” Another great example is Ms. Warren’s description of scenes. “A vapor misted off it [River], caught in the swirl of the blizzard, as if it held secrets, a lethal breath.” The story also has a nice interplay between the prose and musical lyrics sung by our rock star protagonist, Keely. I recommend this book not only to Susan May Warren fans but to all those who are looking to follow an author who writes about human struggles and accomplishments so well. I received a review copy courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews for an unbiased and objective review. Reviewer: Rebecca Maney “I’m convinced that nothing can happen to me in this life that isn’t used or designed by God to know him better.” It began as a simple plane ride, just a quick way to get from one place to another. Unfortunately, in this case, Keely Williams is caught up in a set of circumstances that were doomed to fail. Her flight was going to crash in the Alaskan wilderness. Second guessing her decision to leave New York City in order to locate her birth mother, the famous pop singer makes a run for her life after surviving the crash, only to be chased by an unknown assailant. Former law enforcement officer Dawson Mulligan is slowly adapting to life after a horrific knee injury, his peculiar adopted rescue dog sticking close by his side during the entire rehabilitation process. Too close on most days, if the truth were known. When man and dog happen upon a distressed woman at the bottom of a ravine, everything changes. Every single thing. As you might imagine, Keely and Dawson’s trek to safety takes multiple twists and turns. The danger stalking Keely is bigger and broader than they could have ever imagined, making them completely vulnerable and totally unprepared for what will be required of them; virtual strangers standing together against continual mental, physical, and spiritual onslaughts. Thankfully, a team forms around them, but little do they realize that returning to their real lives might prove to be the biggest challenge of all. There are so many spiritual blessings in the form of wise words of advice sprinkled throughout this story. Readers will admire both the rushes of adrenaline and respites of quiet conversations that this adventurous narrative ushers onto the page. However, it may be the whispers of song that will resonate the loudest. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Revell through Interviews & Reviews. Reviewer: Conny Withay “Pop singer Keely Williams's search for her biological mother in Alaska has been painfully unsuccessful. Now she just wants to escape this wild frontier and never look back,” states online regarding Susan May Warren’s novel, Track of Courage. The first book in the Call of the Wild series, this 320-page advanced reader copy targets those who like a Christian contemporary romance about being hunted in rural Alaska and protected by a canine while dealing with personal issues. Focusing on suspense, topics of PTSD, illness, injuries, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The ending includes a note to the reader, the author’s biography, and advertisements. In this story, Keeley, an international pop star, travels to Alaska to find her birth mother and make an important decision. Without getting the answers she needs, she grabs a flight home, but the plane is hijacked and she becomes a target in the remote, wintry landscape. Dawson, an injured cop, and his adopted rescue dog find Keeley, and the two protagonists try to keep the killer at bay while they learn to trust each other and God. This is a trek across the backwoods of rural Alaska as survival of the elements becomes the focal point. I enjoyed the relationship between Keeley and Dawson, especially when Caspian, the dog, was included. The growing awareness of how the past can hinder or help the future was tender because it included God's love and goodness. The descriptions of the terrain and the beauty of Alaska were well written. Some may not like a story that includes the importance of having a relationship with Jesus Christ, but it is not overdone. Readers who have not read other books by the author may not know the backstories of other characters. I found parts too "Hallmarkish," and the book cookie-cutter in its plot. Although there are prayers to God, quoted Bible verses, and hymns, the author, once again, missed the perfect opportunity to give the important eternal plan of salvation that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and rose the third day. I prefer all pronouns of the Almighty capitalized for reverence. A list of characters would be helpful, especially since a few are from other series. If you are into a contemporary Christian suspense romance series involving a charming rescue dog, this first book in a new series tracks courageously trusting God and not succumbing to one's fear. Thanks to Revell and Interviews & Reviews for this complimentary book. I am under no obligation to give a positive review. Reviewer: Mindy Houng
“He’s caught in the past, and the more he looks back to what might have been, the less he can function today.” The first book in the Call of the Wild series is full of action, suspense, faith lessons, music, and romance - all the things Susan May Warren is famous for. I loved going back to Alaska and catching up with the Air One Rescue crew and the Sky King Ranch crew. Dawson is not a new name in Alaska, being a Mulligan cousin. My heart hurt for his justice loving spirit, sidelined from his job as a detective with a physical injury and a huge helping of guilt and grief on the side. Caspian was an unforgettable four-legged hero, complete with a dog version of ADHD and an uncanny ability to track and provide comfort. Keely and Dawson both had past family trauma but learned to forgive and heal. I loved watching Keely create music and loved her resilience, compassion, and grit. The secondary characters at the art colony were super fun, and I hope to see more of them in future books. It looks like we have a new set of Alaskan villains - the Sorros brothers - and I am curious to see if they will lead us closer to the rogue CIA agent who has been slippery and elusive since the Montana Marshall series (though I have it on good authority that The Hunt for Alan Martin series will release next summer so I guess we must wait). If you enjoy romantic suspense, you will love this book that kicks off a promising series of action, faith, and romance in the wintery wilds of Alaska. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell via Interviews & Reviews and NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own. Leave a Reply. |
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