From Publishers Weekly
Stabenow's second Liam Campbell mystery (after Fire and Ice) has the vivid descriptions, rich characterization and compelling plot that distinguish her nine Kate Shugak books, with the added advantage of extra sex appeal. Alaska State Trooper Campbell, stationed in the southwest Alaska boondocks, has a lot on his plate: an eager new trooper, Diana Prince; a visit from his estranged father, an air force colonel on a suspicious mission; the reappearance of his great love, charter pilot Wyanet (Wy) Chouinard; and two very different cases rife with false clues. When an assistant at an important archeological site is murdered, evidence points to Frank Petla, a Yupik grave robber who travels by four-wheeler. Liam apprehends him in a dramatic chase by leaping out of Wy's Cub into a lake, but later comes to believe Frank's profession of innocence. The desperate murderer finally reveals himself, almost killing Wy and her journalist friend Jo. Finding a killer who sets fire to a fishing boat, incinerating all seven people aboard, proves a more difficult task. Initially, Liam suspects a disgruntled former deckhand, but the solution hinges on careful observation and an understanding of Yupik lifestyles and traditions, a necessity for these white cops in a predominantly Native American population. Colorful characters abound, and Stabenow ably evokes the life of hard-pressed commercial fishermen. The mystery ends on a mystical note, integrating Native American belief into a satisfying conclusion. (Nov.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From School Library Journal
YA-Demoted because of five deaths that occurred on his watch, Alaskan state trooper Liam Campbell is sent to the remote village of Newenham where he finds himself fitting in with the hardy townspeople. In one day, he is faced with seven shot and burned bodies of a local family on a scuttled fishing boat and the murder of an archaeologist's gofer. Though he quickly has suspects in jail for each of the crimes, Liam continues sleuthing over the protests of his assistant and finds a twist to each of the murders. All of this is set against a backdrop of fishing villages and backwoods saloons with their attendant colorful characters. The culture of the native Alaskans is introduced as Liam collects clues from the dig site and interviews the council members of the fishing village. The challenges of the terrain are apparent from the number of airplanes, four-wheel drive vehicles, and boats used for transport; and the clear, concise writing mimics the clarity of the Alaskan light during the long summer days. There's a mixture of romance with the mystery as Liam connects with a former girlfriend. Great for adventure or mystery lovers.
Pam Spencer, Young Adult Literature Specialist, Virginia Beach, VA Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
