My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it
Synopsis from goodreads.com
A relaxing day of rock
climbing takes a disturbing turn when Kayden McKenna's route leads her
face to face with a dead climber. Is it a terrible accident or something
sinister? When the case is handed to the overburdened sheriff, he turns
to Jake Westin. With Jake's past now revealed, he's ready to use his
talent for investigation again--but he could never prepare for where the
case will take him.
Kayden and Jake soon realize that the death
was no accident. And worse, it seems the killer is on to them. When
strange things begin happening in Yancey, Jake is terrified that once
again his world may put someone he loves in danger. But the truth is far
worse than he could ever imagine.
My Review
I'm hooked on this series! I love the McKenna family and their suspenseful stories.
Silenced (the fourth in the
Alaskan Courage series) can be read as a stand-alone novel, but I recommend reading them in order if you'd like to know the backstory of the siblings from the previous novels. The author has been introducing the connection/relationship between the main characters in each previous novel, so you get a better feel for their history if you've read them first.
I've been looking forward to Kayden and Jake's story since there has been so much tension between them! Kayden has been vocally suspicious of Jake's past since he hasn't shared with the family where he came from. Once she found out his tragic story in
Stranded, it set the scene in
Silenced for her to reconcile with him and recognize the attraction she has. She has been an abrasive and fiercely protective personality in the previous books, but now we gain more of an understanding of her vulnerabilities and fears. Jake has always known how strong she is, but is waiting for the chance to connect with and get closer to the real Kayden.
The mystery had me as baffled as Jake- the clues and suspects weren't adding up, although any of them could be guilty based on the circumstantial evidence. The author is so skilled at creating anxiety and anticipation while you read as fast as you can to follow the trail with the characters. Jake and Kayden spent quite a bit of time together while investigating the case, but the pacing of the romance slowed as they failed to communicate their feelings- instead, angsting over them with internal dialogue. The case takes a lot of their focus, and when mystery is finally solved, the race is on to catch the villian who always seems to be one step ahead of them...
(ARC provided via Netgalley for unbiased review)
Alaskan Courage series
About the Author
Dani Pettrey is a wife, home-schooling mom, and the acclaimed author of
the romantic suspense series Alaskan Courage, which includes her
bestselling novels
Submerged,
Shattered,
Stranded, and her latest release,
Silenced.
She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it
incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail
biting suspense, the deepening of her characters’ faith, and plenty of
romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland, where they enjoy time
with their daughters, son-in-law, and super adorable grandson.