ISBN: 0451202309 Order from: Amazon.com
A good, tense mystery with a mixture of personal development and investigation, likable characters, and a stark backdrop of Alaska.
Reviewed by David on October 31, 2004
Genre: Mystery (Police Procedural, Alaska)
Synopsis: Alaska State Trooper Liam Campbell's life is improving. His relationship with the fiery pilot Wyanet is going well, his assistant is a bit green but very competent, and his career is back on the promotion path.
However, he runs into some rough waters when several murders are discovered in the bush. Keeping his relationship with Wy is important to him, even more so as her own life is entangled with her adopted son and her friends. In the meantime, both a dangerous killer and the unpredictable Alaska weather pose a deadly threat.
Full Review: The author suceeds well in painting interesting, well-fleshed characters. Many of them show passion, intelligence, stubborness and fear, grabbing the reader's attention. The background of Alaskan life—both wonderful and harsh—makes the land a major actor in the story. That includes the tribal culture—also with its harshness and wonder.
One of the minor but appealing threads are references to books and reading, including a subtle reference to the author's other series.
On the whole, this book is a successful blend of appealing characters, solid mystery, and a vivid background.
Overall: 6; Plot: 6; Characters: 6; Style: 6; World-building: 6.5; Originality: 6;
Copyright date 2000, Signet, September 2001, Mass-market paperback
ISBN: 0451202309 Order from: Amazon.com