Not the Ones Dead

Once again Dana Stabenow immerses the reader in the magnificent Alaskan wilderness location and, as always, its a pleasure to reacquaint ourselves with the established characters and community of the Park, where change is the order of the day. Aleut PI Kate Shugak, accompanied by her fearsome and loyal constant companion, the half wolf, Mutt, and her partner, ex-Alaskan State Trooper, Jim Chopin, find themselves caught up in dangerous political intrigue, and hired to look into a tragic mid-air plane crash, thought to be caused by an elderly pilot, in which 9 people die, but were other factors at play? Could it be premeditated murder?

There are other events of concern, people are being prevented from hiking in federally owned areas by armed men dressed in desert camo fatigues, intent on protecting the privacy of the new owners of a recently sold exclusive lodge. Bobby Clark finds himself threatened and run off the road by racists, and only manages to save himself by bringing out his gun. And the legendary Roadhouse owned by Bernie, a central community hub approved by the aunties, is burnt to the ground, clearly arson, but who could possibly be responsible? The new taciturn ex-military Post Office guy, Duane Jackson, warns Kate that the new owners of the lodge are not good people, whilst the increasing use of drones is a major cause of concern, and a tenth body has been discovered at the crash site.

There is so much happening in this latest addition to the series, it is tense and suspenseful, drawing on contemporary American events and politics. Kate is a determined as ever, even when she and those close to her find themselves threatened and in danger, and whilst justice might be out of reach, she is committed to the truth emerging. Fans of the series and readers who like the crime and mystery are likely to enjoy this, and as always, the author is a delight with her ability to bring the wonderful location to life, I look forward with great anticipation to the next in this gem of a long running crime series. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.

I enjoy reading about Alaska. The mystery kept me guessing and the characters are great.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Something has invaded the Park and it is not just covid. This 23rd installment of the Kate Shugak series returns us to The Park in Alaska and reveals the changes over the last few years. Kate, Jim, and the Park Rats notice a nasty new element that endangers both people and the harmony in the close-knit community.

Not the Ones Dead occurs both in the Park and in Anchorage, Alaska. A fatal mid-air collision in the Park and many unexplained and seemingly unrelated happenings draw Kate in to investigate. Suddenly she is questioning what is going on with the influx of new people in town and why there are so many federal agents around.

I love the Kate Shugak series and this new book doesn’t disappoint. Kate Shugak is Aleut and one kick-ass private investigator. She and her wolf/husky dog Mutt help to maintain the peace in the Park and are regularly drawn into dangerous situations. This is much to the dismay of her lover Chopper Jim Chopin, a former State Trooper. Many of the lovable and quirky characters return in this new entry. The Aunties continue to gently (and sometimes not so gently) pressure Kate to take on the role of auntie.

What I appreciate the most about Dana Stabenow’s writing are her well-developed characters. Every time I read a new book it is as if I return to family and friends. There is plenty of conflict and excitement, but you know the Park Rats and are rooting for them. It is helpful to read the previous books in the series but not necessary.

Thanks to Head of Zeus for access to a digital ARC on NetGalley.