Reviews

A Fatal Thaw by Dana Stabenow

kristinisreading's review against another edition

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adventurous informative mysterious reflective tense medium-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

4.5

I don’t think it’s the mystery that draws me in, they aren’t that compelling, but the character and setting are deeply compelling.

raymond_murphy's review against another edition

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3.0

Better than the first, but could have used more character development. It's just not up to the standards set by Sue Grafton or Sara Paretsky. Willing to keep going in the series but only because I am going to Alaska this summer.

yodamom's review against another edition

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4.0

3.5
Kate is on tough Alaskan Woman. In this second book she faces a crazy man, an unknown murderer, a glacier and......very near death with her dear companion Mutt 1/2 husky 1/2 wolf.
I really enjoy these quick tales of murder adventure and extreme living. The characters are all quirky and just as you'd expect in the wilds.

book_concierge's review against another edition

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3.0

Book on CD narrated by Marguerite Gavin.


Book number two in the mystery series featuring Aleut private investigator Kate Shugack. This one starts with a bang, as a deranged serial killer goes on a rampage killing people at random. Kate (along with her trusty wolf-Husky mix, Mutt) stops the guy. Case solved. Or is it?

Stabenow writes a great thriller/mystery. I love the setting in a very rural part of Alaska, and the way she incorporates some Aleut culture into the mix. Kate is a very strong woman and a marvelous lead character. She’s intelligent, resourceful, determined, observant, and kind, but she does not hold back when toughness is required. It’s no wonder she’s earned the trust of not only the authorities, but also the village residents and tribal elders. And I just love Mutt!

Marguerite Gavin does a great job of performing the audiobook. Her diction is clear and she sets a good pace.

robins2012's review against another edition

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mysterious 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

3.0

lisawreading's review against another edition

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4.0

I listened to the audiobook of A Fatal Thaw, and enjoyed it just as much as the previous book in the series. Main character Kate Shugak is back, as are many of the regular characters from Niniltna Park in Alaska. Kate is as tough as always, and the storytelling is brisk and engaging. Looking forward to the next book, and to more of Kate's adventures!

carlylottsofbookz's review against another edition

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3.0

For me this book was a solid 2.5 starts... Th hats not an option on Goodreads, so I bumped it up.

This is the second story of Kate, a former DA and Alaska Native who uses her intelligence and her knowledge of her native community to solve crimes.

Nothing spectacular ...

ltsakmann's review against another edition

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4.0

I have really enjoyed this series so far. The author is from Alaska and it is fun to be able to visit Alaska during the course of the book. As much as I enjoyed this book it did have a dark side. It's not a cozy mystery. Basically a man slaughters an entire village of people with a gun. After the bodies are recovered it is discovered that the 9th victim was killed with a different gun. DA Jack Morgan needs someone to investigate who knows the Park as that area of Alaska is called, and someone who will not make people suspicious. Kate Shugak a former ADA and homesteader and also Jack's sometime lover is asked to assist with the case. Overall a very enjoyable quick read. Especially good for this time of year!

johnlway's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

abibliofob's review against another edition

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4.0

Nine dead but only eight of them by the same rifle? Who shot the ninth? A Fatal Thaw by Dana Stabenow is another great adventure with Kate Shugak my new hero. Don't mess with Kate. Or Mutt her Husky/wolf pet. I love the scenery and the characters in this series and now I only have 22 books left to read, sigh. I can really recommend this series.