Reviews

A Fatal Thaw by Dana Stabenow

lisawreading's review against another edition

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

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

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

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

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.

aida_ascension's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Animal cruelty and Gun violence

Minor: Alcoholism, Animal death, Body shaming, and Transphobia

craigmaxwell's review against another edition

3.0

A solid 3.5 stars.

The main character is really likeable, down to earth and having a dog companion makes this so enjoyable.

The female characters were really memorable, however the male characters didn’t have much of a point of view and came across quite boring.

I loved the snowy mountain landscape - really transported you to the setting and made it quite an isolated read considering it was a small town.

I’ve not read anything from Dana before I just randomly picked this up a few years ago, but I would be tempted to pick up another one as it was a short enjoyable read!

granny_weatherwax's review against another edition

adventurous lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

3.0

The edition I read could have used some editing. Lots of little errors - double words, random punctuation. I wasn't the only one to pick up on it. There was a list of page numbers on the inside back cover and each one corresponded to a page with an editing error.

katkinney's review against another edition

4.0

A computer programmer in rural Alaska goes on a mass shooting rampage, killing eight of his neighbors in a close-knit community. Except when the bodies are counted up, there are nine dead people. Kate is brought on by her ex, Jack, to find the second killer. I wound up enjoying this murder mystery much more than the first because it dove right into the murder investigation. The one unmatched victim has not led a perfect life and between their many exes and the fact that they were dealing in smuggling illegally poached goods from the National Park, there is a long list of suspects. The details in these books are top notch, really giving you the sense you’re right there in the Alaskan bush. Kate Shugak is not always a likeable character and doesn’t always do the right thing, legally or otherwise, but she’s definitely interesting to read about. The dog, Mutt, really steals each scene

marilynsaul's review against another edition

3.0

Not my favorite. Author is still refining her characters, and they become better as the series progresses. A little too much infill (potlach in particular), but the ending was spectacular. On to book #3.