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jenmangler's review against another edition
3.0
Every once in a while I like getting lost in a good mystery. I enjoy trying to figure out "who done it." This book had that, but that's not what I liked most about it. I liked the setting and the characters. I almost found myself not caring who committed the murders. I just wanted to learn more about many of the characters Kate came into contact with. I found them interesting enough that I think I'll continue reading this series. I want to know what happens to Kate, Bobby, emaa, Xenia, and Jack, to name a few.
mbpartlow's review against another edition
4.0
This is not the Alaska we usually read about. It's deeper, wilder, more remote.
The best thing I can say about this book, which is the first in a series, is that I want to read more. I liked the main character because she's not stereotypical anything. She's deep. She doesn't babble. She's damaged--but she knows it and works with it, rather than trying to fix it. As for the mystery aspect--didn't see the ending coming, although when I reviewed all the clues afterward, they were all there. Well done!
You might want to have a sweater handy to read this book; you'll definitely feel the arctic chill in the words.
The best thing I can say about this book, which is the first in a series, is that I want to read more. I liked the main character because she's not stereotypical anything. She's deep. She doesn't babble. She's damaged--but she knows it and works with it, rather than trying to fix it. As for the mystery aspect--didn't see the ending coming, although when I reviewed all the clues afterward, they were all there. Well done!
You might want to have a sweater handy to read this book; you'll definitely feel the arctic chill in the words.
yodamom's review against another edition
4.0
3.8 stars
Wonderful first book in a series, I am hooked. Alaskan setting, tough Alaskan woman with scars, fab dog/wolf sidekick, and snarky side characters all wrapped around a decent story ! Ding ding winner ! The cast in this story are offbeat, and maybe a touch crazy, which makes them even more enjoyable to get to know. I have a favorite snarky character Bobby, you have to meet this guy. I want him to be my neighbor, we could get in trouble. :D
If you are looking for a murder mystery series to get lost in give this one a try. I hear there are 19 more books already published just waiting to be picked up. Hot Tamales I like not waiting for the next book !
Wonderful first book in a series, I am hooked. Alaskan setting, tough Alaskan woman with scars, fab dog/wolf sidekick, and snarky side characters all wrapped around a decent story ! Ding ding winner ! The cast in this story are offbeat, and maybe a touch crazy, which makes them even more enjoyable to get to know. I have a favorite snarky character Bobby, you have to meet this guy. I want him to be my neighbor, we could get in trouble. :D
If you are looking for a murder mystery series to get lost in give this one a try. I hear there are 19 more books already published just waiting to be picked up. Hot Tamales I like not waiting for the next book !
caitiline's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence
Moderate: Animal death and Death of parent
book_concierge's review against another edition
2.0
Kate Shugak used to be an investigator for the DA in Anchorage – until she was seriously injured. Now she lives a reclusive life on the edge of a national park, her familial land where she was raised. When a young park ranger goes missing people assume the winter weather got to the inexperienced “Outsider.” But when the seasoned investigator sent to track him down also disappears it’s clear that something more than weather is involved. The ranger’s father is a U.S. Congressman and he brings in the FBI, who puts pressure on local authorities, so her former boss comes to Kate; will she take on this job?
Okay, I wanted to like this. I’ve heard of the series for some time and thought the premise was interesting – a native Aleut, a woman, strong, confident, self-sufficient. Kate is all those things. But she’s so closed-off that we never get any glimpse as to what she is thinking or how she is working out the clues. In fact in one pivotal scene she literally shuts down, staring at nothing, not moving for hours (per the reports of her companions). Then suddenly she’s off on the chase because she knows who did it. This is just weak plotting in a mystery novel and a fatal flaw as far as I’m concerned.
I also thought that most of the characters – especially the native Aleuts – were little more than stereotypes. Surely there must be people living in the park who do not hunt out of season or spend what little money they have drinking.
And I have a bone to pick with the cover art … the images have absolutely NOTHING to do with the story.
On the plus side, it was a fast read, and the next time I need a book set in Alaska for a challenge I might give book #2 a try.
Okay, I wanted to like this. I’ve heard of the series for some time and thought the premise was interesting – a native Aleut, a woman, strong, confident, self-sufficient. Kate is all those things. But she’s so closed-off that we never get any glimpse as to what she is thinking or how she is working out the clues. In fact in one pivotal scene she literally shuts down, staring at nothing, not moving for hours (per the reports of her companions). Then suddenly she’s off on the chase because she knows who did it. This is just weak plotting in a mystery novel and a fatal flaw as far as I’m concerned.
I also thought that most of the characters – especially the native Aleuts – were little more than stereotypes. Surely there must be people living in the park who do not hunt out of season or spend what little money they have drinking.
And I have a bone to pick with the cover art … the images have absolutely NOTHING to do with the story.
On the plus side, it was a fast read, and the next time I need a book set in Alaska for a challenge I might give book #2 a try.
andrealage's review
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
robins2012's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
adillard's review against another edition
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5