'Northern Lights' by Nora Roberts is a romantic suspense novel set in the small town of Lunacy, Alaska. The story follows Nate Burke, a former Baltimore cop, who takes on the role of Chief of Police in Lunacy to escape his past. As he adjusts to life in Alaska, he uncovers a years-old murder mystery while developing a romance with Meg Galloway, a bush pilot in the town. The book delves into the characters' pasts, their personal struggles, and the complexities of relationships, all against the backdrop of the Alaskan wilderness. The writing style combines mystery, romance, and vivid descriptions of the setting to create an engaging and immersive reading experience.

Characters:

The characters are well-drawn and relatable, with the main protagonists showcasing growth and emotional depth, supported by a lively cast of secondary characters.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is descriptive, engaging, and character-driven, effectively immersing readers in both the setting and the emotional journeys of the characters.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative centers around a former police officer who relocates to a small Alaskan town, grappling with his past and uncovering long-hidden secrets while building a new life.

Setting:

The Alaskan setting is integral to the story, characterized by its remote, rugged beauty and extreme weather conditions that impact the characters' lives.

Pacing:

Pacing is generally slow, with a gradual build-up that enhances character arcs and the unfolding mystery.

Strapped into the quivering soup can laughingly called a plane, bouncing his way on the pummeling air through the stingy window of light that was winter, through the gaps and breaks in snow-sheathed m...

Notes:

The story is set in a fictional small town called Lunacy, Alaska, with a population of just 506.

Nate Burke is a former Baltimore police officer who becomes the Chief of Police in Lunacy.

The book has themes of dealing with past trauma and finding redemption.

Meg Galloway, a bush pilot, becomes the love interest of Nate and is described as feisty and independent.

The story features a murder mystery involving a corpse found on a mountain and a crime that took place 20 years ago.

Narration includes various character voices, which some listeners found amusing while others found distracting.

The book explores the harshness and beauty of Alaskan winters, including the Northern Lights and seasonal changes.

Readers noted a significant character development arc for both Nate and Meg throughout the story.

Many found the romantic chemistry between the characters appealing, despite some traditional romance tropes.

The setting of Alaska is described in vivid detail, making it feel like a character in itself.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for Northern Lights include themes of trauma, murder, and emotional struggles.

Has Romance?

Yes, Northern Lights contains a significant romance element, with character development and chemistry.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

Let #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts fly you into Lunacy, Alaska, and into a colorful, compelling novel about two lonely souls who are searching for love and redemption…

As a Baltimore cop, Nate Burke watched his partner die on the street-and the guilt still haunts him. With nowhere else to go, he accepted the job as Chief of Police in a tiny, remote Alaskan town with the hopes of starting over. Despite the name, Lunacy provides a balm for Nate's shattered soul-and an unexpected affair with pilot Meg Galloway warms his nights…

But other things in Lunacy are heating up. Nate suspects the killer in an unsolved murder still walks the snowy streets. His investigation will unearth the secrets and suspicions that lurk beneath the placid surface, as well as bring out the big-city survival instincts that made him a cop in the first place. And his discovery will threaten the new life-and the new love-that he has finally found for himself.

Ratings (17)

Incredible (3)
Loved It (10)
Liked It (4)

Reader Stats (29):

Read It (18)
Want To Read (6)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (4)

What can you read after
Northern Lights?

See the list (100 books)

About the Author:

Nora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels. She is also the author of the bestselling In Death series written under the pen name J. D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her…

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.

Northern Lights

Nora Roberts