mkaber's review
1.0
Waste of my life. I had to check the publication date, this book felt so 70's in it's writing style. This series was recommended by a mystery writer that I love, so I was anxious to try it out. Hated it. I hated the barely one-dimensional characters (the big man), I hated the poorly described landscape (cold), I hated the idiotic plot (ranger is missing for 4 weeks before they send someone looking for him, and then wait 2 more weeks after that guy goes missing to start thinking about looking for him) and the poorly crafted scenes. The book painted the Alaskan natives in such an extremely negative light that I assumed a native must have written it to get away with such blatant stereotypes. Not in this case. The only mystery in this book is... how did it get published?
I'm startled by how extremely adverse my reaction to this book was, but I simply can't wait to give it back to the library. This would be a zero star rating if I could.
I'm startled by how extremely adverse my reaction to this book was, but I simply can't wait to give it back to the library. This would be a zero star rating if I could.
bibliobabe94's review against another edition
4.0
Set in AK, terrific read. Kate is a native Alaskan, and is called on to solve the disappearance of a park ranger and the investigator sent to find him. How have I missed this series??? Fabulous.
bookpossum's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this most for its setting in the Alaskan wilderness in winter, beautiful and forbidding. It rang true in its depiction of a community of indigenous people dealing with problems such as alcohol and the desire of younger members to escape to the city. In Australia the country is very different, but the problems are similar, as of course are their causes.
I also liked the strength and the flaws of all the characters, especially those of the central character. I shall enjoy reading other books in the series.
I also liked the strength and the flaws of all the characters, especially those of the central character. I shall enjoy reading other books in the series.
granny_weatherwax's review
mysterious
fast-paced
3.0
Quite a few historical cultural references that mean nothing to a modern (younger) audience. Those references date the book. The addition of significant historical Alaskan events (even in brief) was a bit preachy and I'm uncertain if they helped further the story.
selket16's review
2.0
This might get better, but the first two chapters are a lot of unnecessary information about the state park the story takes place in. What little conversation happens is boring and feels like more of an info dump. This might get better once the scene is set, so to speak, but I don't have time to find out.
skis_vole's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25
katejones's review
3.0
Alaska, cold!
Predictable at the end (person who was with her all along did-it)
Predictable at the end (person who was with her all along did-it)
canra's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ncrabb's review
3.0
I’m writing about the first book in the Kate Shugak series. I’ve dipped in and out of this without order, so I know the books get better as the series ages. This one wasn’t horrible, and it was mercifully short.
Prior to the book’s opening, Kate Shugak had worked for the district attorney in Anchorage and survived a murder attempt that left her throat cut and her voice severely damaged. She has moved home to the community where she grew up to regroup. But a young enthusiastic forest ranger disappeared, and the older more experienced guy they sent to rescue him is also missing. The young rooky is the son of an Ohio Congressman, so the FBI and at least one member of Congress wants information.
Kate gets the nod to investigate the deaths. Her knowledge of the area where they happened would prove vital to the solution.
This was an ok book, but if you ask me in three weeks whether I read it, I’ll have to look at my Goodreads records to confirm. It’s just forgettable. I wouldn’t even be so uncharitable as to label it mediocre. It’s better than that. It’s just not particularly gripping.
Prior to the book’s opening, Kate Shugak had worked for the district attorney in Anchorage and survived a murder attempt that left her throat cut and her voice severely damaged. She has moved home to the community where she grew up to regroup. But a young enthusiastic forest ranger disappeared, and the older more experienced guy they sent to rescue him is also missing. The young rooky is the son of an Ohio Congressman, so the FBI and at least one member of Congress wants information.
Kate gets the nod to investigate the deaths. Her knowledge of the area where they happened would prove vital to the solution.
This was an ok book, but if you ask me in three weeks whether I read it, I’ll have to look at my Goodreads records to confirm. It’s just forgettable. I wouldn’t even be so uncharitable as to label it mediocre. It’s better than that. It’s just not particularly gripping.