Book Review: SHROUDED PAST by Suspense Sister Mary Alford

This book is a perfect example of what makes the suspense genre so captivating and intriguing! 

When I heard a few weeks ago that Mary Alford's newest book had been released, I grabbed a copy, and I'm so glad I did. To be honest, at the time, I was under some stress and didn't think I had the opportunity to read a book, so I just opened to the first page and planned to dabble a bit before getting back to real life. 

Oh, that was NOT going to happen. The beginning was absolutely riveting! There was no way I was going to put it down. The plot in itself has a great pace, with just enough "breathing spaces" between the waves of action. And throughout, the tension slowly mounts, much like the hurricane-like storms that swirl around the characters. 

And the two main characters are unique and dynamic. 

Bryce Malone is a former sheriff from Wyoming. A widower of two years, he blames himself for his wife's death. He's moved to the northeast to escape his memories, but when a seemingly helpless woman lies in his path - well, practically in his path - he can't turn his back. 

Piper Alexander suffers from memory loss. Aside from the last three years - which she spent in captivity - she remembers nothing of her life. Between "Protector," who kept her locked away for the last three years, and "Skeleton Man," who grabbed her off the road when she finally escaped, she's been living the life of a horror flick. 

Needless to say, these two were in for a nail-biting ride. I'm glad I got to join them. And the unexpected twists at the end of the story left me breathless! I love it when the strings are all tied up neatly. 

While this is a stand-alone book, it is part of a series. Other characters in the series, those who have had their own books, played vital roles in this story. 

• For those familiar with the series, this is a great chance to revisit beloved characters. 
• As one not familiar with the series, I didn't have any sense of "missing something." 
• The other characters intrigued me. Now I want to read their stories! 

Well done, Mary Alford! Thank you for providing just what I needed to relieve some stress and give me a half-day vacay! :)

Here's a little about Shrouded Past. 

Former Wyoming Sheriff Bryce Malone is determined to put as much space and as many states between him and the tragedy that had taken away his life.

He’d gone after international drug smugglers, and it had cost him dearly when his wife was taken hostage and killed. The smugglers got away. He’d stopped nothing.

Bryce tossed his badge on the mayor’s desk and left. He’s done with being the good guy and doing the right thing.

After renting a beachside cabin on Hope Island, Maine, Bryce comes across a single-vehicle accident near his home late one night. The car is empty but there is blood on the seats. Inside the trunk, a frightened woman is bound and gagged.

Piper Alexander was taken at gunpoint and forced into the trunk. And the worst part? She has no idea why. If it hadn’t been for the accident and the man who saved her, she’d be dead.

With Piper refusing to go to the police, Bryce asks her to trust him. But he’ll need more help than what he alone can provide to figure out who is coming after Piper. He reaches out to his neighbor, and one of the owners of Hope Island Securities, JT Wyatt.

Can Bryce and the team unravel the truth behind Piper’s abduction before it’s too late? Find out in this exciting installment of the Hope Island Securities series.

Get your own copy of Shrouded Past on Amazon at THIS LINK, and leave some love for our author in the comments below! 

Also don't forget about our giveaway this month! You can enter at the link below!  

January Suspense Sisters Giveaway!