This book has it all. Alaskan history and a who-done-it. If you have not read Stabenow's earlier Kate Shugak novels, no worries. While there may be references to past events, the knowledge of those events is not necessary for you to understand what is happening in this novel. This book blends Stabenow's talent at painting scenery (I believe I know what Alaska is like just from reading her novels) with a mystery to be solved, believable characters and situations, and yes, love and trust issues. Once I picked this one up, it was hard not to just read through the night, but you'll want to pace yourself. The best book I have read in a long time and should probably be rated 4 1/2 stars. Private Investigator, Kate Shugak inherits much of the estate of Old Sam, her uncle. She is left with his instructions to "find my father" which almost gets her killed again and again. She charges ahead to unravel the mysterious puzzle with Mutt, her half Huskie and half wolf dog who has a strong bond and is very protective of Kate. The author does a fine job of weaving the past with the present and revealing pieces little by little. This is a complex mystery with many characters and plenty of action. The Alaskan setting was interesting because of their is a sense that it is still a little bit of a wild frontier. I was pleased to learn a little more about the history of Alaska and it's people, their culture, the part that weather and wildlife play in their lives, the survival skills needed, and even a little about preparing meals with caribou and moose. While Kate pursues the family mystery, her love interest, Jim finds himself called back to California upon the death of his father and embarks on a family mystery of his own. In the end, the author clearly leaves an opening for another good mystery. I don't know how I missed this author before. I am saddened that I missed the earlier books in the series but I plan to backtrack and read those too. I think other readers new to the Kate Shugak series will understand enough to enjoy this book as much as I did. I am looking forward to reading more by this author.
What do You think about Though Not Dead (2011)?
I enjoyed Breakup and then this one was right there with it! What a ride! I loved it!!!
—ranisha
mystery set in Alaska. learned many small details about life up north.
—Kyangel
Alaskan Kate Shugak and her dog Mutt-mystery-good series
—butterfly11
