by Kelley Armstrong
Series: Casey Duncan #5
Genres: Suspense Thriller
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
In #1 New York Times bestseller Kelley Armstrong's latest thriller, the hidden town of Rockton is about to face a challenge none of them saw coming: a baby.
Every season in Rockton seems to bring a new challenge. At least that's what Detective Casey Duncan has felt since she decided to call this place home. Between all the secretive residents, the sometimes-hostile settlers outside, and the surrounding wilderness, there's always something to worry about.
While on a much needed camping vacation with her boyfriend, Sheriff Eric Dalton, Casey hears a baby crying in the woods. The sound leads them to a tragic scene: a woman buried under the snow, murdered, a baby still alive in her arms.
A town that doesn’t let anyone in under the age of eighteen, Rockton must take care of its youngest resident yet while solving another murder and finding out where the baby came from - and whether she's better off where she is.
Alone in the Wild by Kelley Armstrong is the fifth novel in the Casey Duncan series set in Rockton, Alaska, a remote village cut off from civilization. Twists, complex characters, the wild landscape of the Yukon and an intense case will keep readers flipping the pages.
I love this suspenseful series and its characters. In Alone in the Wild a murder-mystery and an infant soon have Casey and Eric searching for answers. This provides readers insight into the different factions and our main characters.
The town of Rockton doesn’t allow anyone under the age of eighteen, so caring for an infant had its issues. Meanwhile, Casey and Eric need to find out what happened. Does this child have a family? Who killed the woman they found murdered?
The case takes them away from Rockton with only clues from the woman’s body. Aside from the folks who live in Rockton, the other inhabitants of the area are the Settlers, who broke off and established their own communities or the Hostiles who live wild and are nomads.
It was interesting coming across these groups. We saw characters we knew and helped a few, we also met new characters and gained greater insight. It was exciting to see the world beyond Rockton, but make no mistake this was intense with plenty of danger and nail-biting suspense.
I adored seeing Casey and Eric with a small child as Armstrong peeled layers back exposing their thoughts, fears, and histories. She isn’t afraid to expose their flaws and I like that about her writing. The author was very good at helping the reader connect with and understand the others.
While each book in the series has a case with a beginning and an end, I think the reader would cheat themselves regarding character development, relationships and the town if they read this series out of order.
Armstrong delivered a well-paced and captivating tale while further developing and strengthening the characters and world she has created. This fan cannot wait for the next novel.
A murder-mystery and an orphaned child are at the center of Casey Duncan's newest case in Alone in the Wild by Kelley Armstrong #CaseyDuncan #Rockton #NewRelease Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
BookYap
Great review, I’ll have to add this to my list!
Anne - Books of My Heart
I loved how Eric and Casey were on this investigation together and had plenty of couple time and development, all the while learning a lot more about all the other groups out in the wilderness. It’s a real favorite series of mine. Wonderful review!
Rachel
I read this last week, too, but I’ve been listening to it with my husband over the weekend. since he’s a fan of the series, too. We’re about half-way through and I’m enjoying getting it by audio and picking up points I missed in my first time through. I can’t wait for the next one!
Carla
Another amazing review for this book and series. I must make time to fit them in.
Michelle@Because Reading
It’s been a long time since I read one of her books, this one sounds very interesting, I am glad you enjoyed it! Great review! 🙂
Anna
Well, I’m hooked. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
Stormi Johnson
I really need to try this series! 🙂
Nadene
Interesting world. I need to start this series. I have this and the previous books. I will need to get the other books before I can begin.
Lauren @ SERIESous Book Reviews
I love Kelley Armstrong and all her works so much, but this series always stands out for me. She knows how to write captivating suspense. I’m really looking forward to reading this installment 🙂
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra
Ooh this sounds great. I love the Alaska setting. It makes me think of Kristin Hannah’s The Great Alone.
Tyler H. Jolley
This is perfect timing. I’m due for a new thriller! Downloading now.
claire @ clairefy
I love murder mysteries! I’d never heard of this book series before, but I saw it on another blog earlier today. I’m glad that you found it enjoyable. The concept of a place where everyone has to be over 18 is interesting…how would it survive over the years? I might have to pick this one up in the future! 🙂
claire @ clairefy
RO
This thriller sounds like a perfect fit. Definitely plan to check this out.?
sherry fundin
i love armstrong’s work and i have seen this one around…a lot. great cover
Mary Kirkland
The town doesn’t let anyone in under eighteen? That’s weird. Are they townspeople all older or something?
Kimberly
Mary, everyone in the t0wn is running or hiding from something. The conditions are harsh and they are completely cut off from civilization. It is invite only.
Melliane
I need to try more books in this series
Melanie Simmons
I love this series. I can’t wait to get my hands on the audio.
Debbie S Haupt
Oh how did I miss this series it look very right for me. Thanks Kim
Ailyn Koay
i think the mystery is why isn’t people under 18 allowed in a town not the baby
Kimberly
Ah, the town is filled with people hiding. Supplies are limited and conditions are harsh. People buy or are invited to town.
Ailyn Koay
Totally creepy town! interesting
Olivia Roach
A place with no one under 18? I don’t think I would be able to survive because I love children and working with children! I so need to try something by Armstrong, it sounds like she writes brilliant books.
Kimberly
The town is off the grid…a place for folks running or hiding from something.