This is the first in a brand new series called Alaska Untamed Mysteries by Lark O. Jensen, a pen name for someone cozy authors know better as Linda O. Johnson, author of the Barkery & Biscuits Mysteries as well as the cozy series Kendra Ballantyne, Pet Sitter Mysteries and Pet Rescue Mysteries.
I love armchair traveling and how I could go on an Alaska tour boat , get the scenery described to me, and I never had to leave home just by reading this mystery. This was a fun and different job for a cozy main character, and I’m looking forward to more adventures on the ClemElk!
My Goodreads review:
Bear Witness by Lark O. Jensen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This seemed like a fun and different job for a cozy mystery main character, and the author definitely captured the cozy mystery aspect well. Everything was nicely described and since I probably won’t ever make it to Alaska, it was fairly easy to picture this scenery instead. I have to agree with the reviewer who thought there wasn’t a whole lot to Stacie besides wildlife and her job. I just didn’t feel quite like I knew her that well by the end of the book. I also agree it was a little soon to start a physical relationship especially in the middle of a murder investigation. Afterward, be my guest, lol.
The killer seemed as elusive as the guy they’d been trying to track down before finding him dead, and at times the story seemed a little like it was dragging along when I was just eager to find out whodunit. By the time the showdown came, I was pretty sure I knew who the culprit was, and I was right.
I loved that a Husky dog was in the story, but that’s basically all she was, a companion. I’d hoped she’d have a little more personality, although I realize they’re super smart and have to be on their best behavior if these dogs want to go on tour boats. Since this was the intro to all the characters and surroundings though, I’m definitely willing to read the next in the hopes it’ll be even better.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Crooked Lane via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own. The book releases Tuesday, May 10, 2022.
Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery 
Thanks for your review! I saw this one on NetGalley but ended up not picking it up. It seems like the author put more time building the Alaskan scenery as a character rather than well, the main character which sounds a bit disappointing. But I do love that it’s an Alaskan setting since so many cozies are set in certain parts of the US like the midwest or south.
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Thanks for reading the review too! I only picked it up after I researched and found out it was the Barkery & Bakery author, Linda O. Johnston. But yeah, it was really more about the scenery and wildlife (which I can take or leave lol) than getting much more about the main character Stacie. It seemed a little out of character for this author (from her other name) for the two main squeezes to fall so suddenly for each other. I liked that the trooper wasn’t on her case for snooping, but a love affair so suddenly was a little odd. Definitely loved the idea of being a different setting though! I just wish Sasha pup was more animated and did things like help with the investigation.
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