ISBN: 0-7366-5085-7 Order from: Books on Tape Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com
A satisfying mystery, with a moderately interesting investigation combined with solidly enjoyable and vulnerable characters, and a rich depiction of an Alaskan fishing town.
Reviewed by David on July 03, 2004
Genre: Mystery (Private Investigator, Alaska)
Synopsis: In a previous novel, Kate Shugak, an Alaskan private investigator suffers a painful loss. With crippling anguish and grief, Kate is unable to stand the company of anyone she knows.
With her faithful and intelligent dog Mutt, Kate escapes to a remote fishing village. Under an assumed name, her back-breaking work at a commercial air strip exhaust her enough to banish nighmares.
In a novelistic coincidence, one of many friends deeply concerned by Kate's disappearance, Detective Sergeant Jim Chopin shows up in the same air field. Jim's investigation turns perilous, and the danger and old investigative instincts finally start pulling Kate out of her grief.
Full Review: Somewhat disappointingly, the bad guys, while ruthless and dangerous, are not particularly interesting and innovative. The stalwart FBI agents are even less appealing—they seem inserted as placeholders, after an apparently interesting start.
However, these disappointments seem minor in the light of gritty and touching portrayal of Kate Shugak, as well as her friends. Kate's grief and strength, Jim Chopin's intelligence and attraction; the Chevaks, even Kate's gruff boss, all become vivid in their three-dimensional solidity. Combined with a strong description of the Alaska life, the vulnerable and appealing characters make this at times tense mystery a pleasure to read.
Overall: 6; Plot: 5.5; Characters: 6.5; Style: 6; World-building: 6.5; Originality: 5.5;
Copyright date 2000, Books on Tape, 2000, Audio cassette, 7 cassettes
ISBN: 0-7366-5085-7 Order from: Books on Tape Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com