Devátá oběť

Kate Shugak #2

by Dana Stabenow, Alžběta Lexová (Translator)

Severská krimi z opravdového severu. Na Aljašku dorazilo jaro. Sníh taje, ptáci zpívají a přírodní rezervace v srdci aljašské divočiny, domov Kate Shugakové, se probouzí k životu. Kate se věnuje jarnímu úklidu a nemá ani ponětí, že v osamělém srubu nedaleko její usedlosti, právě jeden muž přišel o rozum a vydává se na vražednou výpravu s puškou v ruce. Když výstřely konečně utichnou, leží ve sněhu devět mrtvých těl. Ale má je všechny na svědomí on? Zpočátku se zdá, že ano, ale pouze do chvíle, kdy rutinní balistika prokáže opak. Devátou oběť totiž zabila úplně jiná zbraň. Kancelář návladního se znovu obrací na svou bývalou vyšetřovatelku Kate Shugakovou, aby se vydala po stopách tajemného střelce, který se skrývá mezi obyvateli rezervace. A podezřelí jsou tentokrát úplně všichni… DALŠÍ PŘÍPAD SOUKROMÉ VYŠETŘOVATELKY S JIZVAMI NA TĚLE I NA DUŠI KATE SHUGAKOVÉ...

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller, Thriller, Suspense

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

Dana Stabenow was born in Anchorage and raised on 75-foot fish tender in the Gulf of Alaska. She knew there was a warmer, drier job out there somewhere.

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this 2nd book in the 'Kate Shugak' series, the Alaskan private detective is on the trail of a vicious killer. The book can be read as a standalone.


Kate and Mutt

*****

Private Detective Kate Shugak, a former investigator with the district attorney's office, lives on an isolated homestead in Alaska. One morning, not far from Kate's home, a psychotic killer picks up his rifle, strolls through town, and kills everyone he comes in contact with.



Kate, warned that the mass murderer is coming her way, manages to capture him with the help of her loyal (and very smart) wolf/husky mix, Mutt.



Examination of the murder victims shows that one of them - beautiful blonde Lisa Getty - was killed with a different rifle, most likely by a different killer. Kate is asked to investigate. She soon learns that Lisa had a dark side: she seduced almost all the men she met (regardless of age or marital status), grew and sold marijuana, poached animals for their valuable parts, and was generally a bad girl. In short, many of the locals - especially wives and girlfriends of cheating men - wanted Lisa gone.



Kate's detective work apparently alarms the killer, who commits more crimes to avoid capture. Meanwhile, we're treated to a peek at the culture of the Alaskan natives, including meals of moose stew, a potlatch (a sort of pot luck assembly with native dancing), mountain climbing on local icy peaks, driving snow machines rather than cars, etc. One can almost feel what it would be like to live in an environment that's frozen for most of the year.









There are plenty of interesting characters, including legless veteran Bobby - who has bad memories of the Vietnam war and a soft spot for Kate; Trooper Jim - whose helicopter patrols give him a good view of things below; Jack - Kate's sometimes boyfriend; Lottie Getty - the victim's awkward sister; Ekaterina - Kate's manipulative grandmother; Bernie - who runs the local pub; and more.

My favorite character is the canine Mutt, who helps herself to hidden treats, understands English, has her own opinions (and lets them be known), and is absolutely loyal to Kate.

Kate's investigation leads to a dramatic climax on a mountain, and a satisfying ending. An enjoyable mystery with a fascinating setting.

You can follow my reviews at http://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com/

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 😊❤🐕.

[Ingrid · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is 4 stars but the extra star is because I'm very attracted to the life Kate Shugak lives. I'm sure I wouldn't last a day in her circumstances, but I'd certainly give it a try if I could have wolf-dog Mutt beside me.
Although murders must be solved it's a light and humorous read. Loved it.

[Yodamom · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Luffy Sempai · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have some qualms about the plot of this book. At least in formulating it in my review. The book is fine, except that the summary of the plot does not do justice to the writing of the book.

The vocab and the details and the mood of the Alaskan people herein are delightfully shown on a broad canvass, which itself is a tour de force because the author had to juggle the mystery and the world building.

You get all of that in less than 250 pages. It's incredible. That is why I didn't want to encapsulate(this is a word I googled) the plot. It doesn't matter that it's two books in a row that I didn't award a full 5 star rating to this series. It's all technicalities. Now I take your leave, if you will.

[Book Concierge · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Pamela Mclaren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good, solid story line about Kate Shugak, a former star investigator of the Anchorage D.A.s office. She's returned to her Aleut roots in Alaska but finds herself in the thick of things as a mass murderer kills a number of her community. But there is one of the victims that was shot with a different gun and because of her background and her family history, Kate is the logical person to figure out who is the second murderer and why. But along the way, she must face numerous challenges.

[Carolyn F. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook

This audiobook is narrated by Marguerite Gavin and must be one of her early narrations because her voice is very young and actually sounds different. I listened to the first book in this series that was narrated by her years later. The thing I'm liking most about this earlier version is she gives Kate the gravely voice that's mentioned in the book. In the first book the director must have talked her out of it. Now I understand why Kate can no longer sing.

And even though Kate is known for having been a good police officer or whatever her title was, twice her dog has saved her in this book alone. I think Mutt is the one that should get all the credit for stopping the shooter and for saving Kate after the earthquake. She even found Kate's backpack after the avalanche. This is some spectacular dog!

I gave it a 4 star rating, but I was a little disappointed with the ending. The party seemed more spiritual and meaningful than the mountain trek.

[T · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read most of this series now and enjoy some of the earlier ones, even though they are a lot shorter in length.

Stabenow does a beautiful job describing the mountains in this tale, which includes Mutt & Kate surviving an earthquake that drastically changed the landscape.

Another scene that I enjoyed was a potlatch to honor those that had been shot and killed, with Kate's grandmother calling out each tribe's representative to join in the dancing - including an elderly man who was reportedly 105 and his great-great-great (?) grandson.

[Abibliofob · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jammin Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this second book in the Kate Shugak series. It's set in Alaska which I think is really cool - I'd love to visit that part of the country. Kate is a survivalist and a woman that can take care of herself in all sorts of scenarios. I definitely plan to keep reading more of these books.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so glad that I gave the Kate Shugak another chance. I liked the first book in the series but I liked this installment a lot more.

Kate is still coming to terms with the events that took place in the last book. However new horrors await her as a murderer goes on a killing spree, murdering innocent people in cold blood. Kate with the help of her ever faithful compainion the husky/wolf mix Mutt manages to apprehend the suspect.

It isn't until later when her off/on lover Jack Morgan comes to visit her in her cabin that she learns the truth. One of the victims wasn't killed by the murderer. That killer is still free.

So we follow Kate along the way as she solves another murder. I must say this book in the series had a stronger plot than the first. I found Kate to be more likeable unlike the previous novel wear she was cold all the way through.

I enjoyed how the author had her interacting with people more and I love how she added humour to this novel. In the first book things felt forced but now I'm really getting into the flow.

I'm glad Kate is such a strong, independant, intelligent lead. All to often in "cozy mysteries" the female lead turns out to be a ditz. It is a played out theme that I'm becoming increasingly more irritated with.

So in short, for a 200 page mystery this one is ranked pretty high. The only fault I have with it is that it was still a little rushed but what can you do when it comes to a book of this length.

I do recommend these books to people who like "cozy mysteries" and my final rating is 4 stars. Come on people give them a go!

[Olivermagnus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Private Detective Kate Shugak, a former investigator with the district attorney's office, lives on an isolated homestead in Alaska near Denali National Park. Local resident, Roger McAniff, has gone on a rampage, killing nine people before Kate can stop him. Ballistics tests prove Roger killed eight of the dead, but Lisa Getty was killed by someone else. Kate starts investigating who in Lisa's life might be motivated to kill her and discovers Lisa's secret life of drug dealing, promiscuity, and even poaching.

I really enjoy this series, especially because I lived in Alaska years ago and am familiar with many of the settings. The book also reintroduces some very unique characters including Bobby Wheeler, a wheelchair-bound veteran who hosts the Fifth Annual Twentieth Anniversary Celebration of the Tet Offensive. There are a lot of interesting glimpses of Native Alaskan culture, including a potlach, which is a community party filled with food and native dancing.

The ending wasn't a surprise but I enjoyed seeing how Kate was able to prove it. The setting was incredibly vivid. The story can be read as a standalone mystery even though it is second in the series. However much of Kate's history is revealed in book one. I've already picked up the next three books in the series and look forward to reading them.

[Kevin · Rating 2 out of 5]

After reading this the second book in author Stabenow's installment of Kate Shugak mysteries, I can say it is somewhat of an improvement over her 1st attempt at a novel. Still for me there is something lacking in the story, some of the characters I will admit I do like such as her friend Bobby a disabled veteran of the Vietnam wars who is colorful and humorous, and Bernie the bartender of a local bar. They add to the writing, but that is about where it stops. The story for me was somewhat predictable, slows at times, and didn't have much suspense. The book I would say overall didn't lag, as it was only 198 pages, yet the pages didn't exactly fly off for me either! I am used to reading a lot of mysteries and some of my favorite authors I can't wait to pick another one of their books that they have penned, while so far I have used Stabenow's books as a filler in between them as such. I am probably going to give a few more of her novels a shot in hopes that as the second improved on the 1st, maybe the third will improve on the 1st and second!!

[Bill · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Fatal Thaw by Dana Stabenow is her second book in the Kate Shugak mystery series set in Alaska. Kate Shugak is a native Aleut who works as a private investigator and lives with her half husky, half wolf Mutt near the town of Niniltna in The Park.

This story literally starts with a bang. A man, who we quickly discover is Roger McAniff, takes his new Winchester 30.06 rifle out and begins killing his neighbours. Kate is warned by Chopper Jim, the local police officer, about the killing rampage and she and Mutt go off to try and stop Roger. I won't ruin the story by telling you she is successful, as this all happens in the first 10 - 20 pages.

What the story is about is that one of the victims was in fact killed by a different 30.06. Jack Morgan, one of Kate's lovers (or the only one?), from the Anchorage DA's office tells Kate this information, that Lisa Getty was murdered by a different weapon. He asks Kate to investigate for him, as she knows the area and the local inhabitants so very well. This investigation is the crux of the story.

Kate's investigation, as per the first novel in the series, brings her in contact with the unique, interesting people who live in the Park. You've got Vietnam vet, Bob, who is one of her closest confidants, Bernie, who runs The Road House (what a place that must be!) where on any given night you'll have preaching from the Reverend, a knitting circle, belly dancing classes, mountain climbers, etc.

As the investigation progresses, and it does so very quickly, Kate will find more about Lisa Getty, who seems to have been universally hated and about her dealings in drugs, animal parts, etc. Kate's life will be threatened and she will have to deal with Mutt being in heat.. LOL! The dangerous with the mundane; you guess which is which.

It's a neat story, a step up from the first, which was also entertaining. The spiritual aspects of the story are an added bonus; the Potlach ceremony organized by Kate's emaa (grandma) to honor those murdered, the witches ceremony in the woods, Kate's ceremony with the Aurora Borealis, even Bob's remembrance celebration with his Viet Nam Vets friends. It's an entertaining, fast moving story with a satisfying ending. I look forward to continuing this series. (3.5 stars)

[Barry who enjoys well-written thrillers, mysteries , & espionage & loathes romance, horror & supernat · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really interesting, well-written book populated with great Alaskan characters. I have no idea why it took me so long to read another Kate Shugak mystery. I very much enjoyed the first and this one was also very engaging and very enjoyable.

The Spring thaw is underway and Kate and her half-wolf, half-husky named Mutt are beginning the tasks associated with the thaw - these tasks are many and difficult but that's what comes with living by yourself in a small cabin in rural Alaska with only a small village nearby.

As she is outside working away, a guy with a rifle approaches. He had just shot and killed a bunch of the locals for no apparent reason. Obviously, he didn't kill Kate or that'd be the end of the series. Neither did he kill Mutt because Mutt is almost as important to the series as is Kate.

In any case, Kate eventually puts on her investigator hat (probably fur-lined) and a great story emerges.

I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys well-done stories about the investigation of a crime. A Fatal Thaw follows Kate's investigation step by step with the detail that would imply while always keeping me thoroughly engaged. I won't wait nearly as long before reading my next Kate Shugak mystery.

Over and Out

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good, fast-paced, energetic mystery set in the Alaskan bush. Kate Shugak is a really fun character, looking forward to reading the next one.

I especially loved the short scene of the potlatch, where everyone is called out by tribe and is dancing the ancient dance, including Kate. Beautiful scene. The section at the very end on top of the mountain is also full of gorgeous imagery.

[Sebastian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy the way you learn about Alaska and a crime told at the same time.

[Alan Standsalone Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read and looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful description of the wilds of Alaska, its strong people, and the brutality that exists wherever humans stake a claim. Kate is lucky she has Mutt to save her hide more than once in this second book of the series. What a fantastic sidekick. I like the pieces of native heritage that is laced through the story. This is a sad tale in so many ways but the ending was full of hope and beauty. Well done!

[Sue Dix · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 2nd Kate Shugak mystery, and every bit as good as the 1st. Once again, Kate is dragged into the middle of a murder investigation that has taken a sharp left turn. Craziness, a serial shooter, family drama, mountain climbing, and more. Kate Shugak is fierce.

[Mike Finn · Rating 3 out of 5]

"A Fatal Thaw", the second Kate Shugak book, is a substantial improvement on the first: the plot is more complicated, the characterization is stronger, the descriptions of Alaska and its people are sharp, vivid and memorable. This was the book that made me eager to read the rest of the series.

Dana Stabenow makes Alaska a character in her books. In " A Fatal Flaw" we experience the ferocious beauty of Alaska's mountains via an avalanche that Dana Stabenow makes frighteningly real.

The plot of the book provides a vehicle for exploring life in a very small bush town. Kate has to dig through the things people would like to keep secret, the histories they hide, the passions they disguise, the failings that are usually politely ignored unless someone turns up dead.

The spree-killer at the start of the book, who goes from homestead to homestead, shooting everyone he can find, pulls out a darker aspect of Alaska, which is famous for attracting the strange loners. The way Kate and Mutt bring him down is also a lesson in Alaska. Here you can't wait for the police to arrive. You have to act, and it you're Kate Shugak, you have to do more than protect yourself, you have to stop the killing. If you're Mutt, you have to do whatever it takes to keep Kate safe.

What really lifted the book above the norm for me was finding out more about Kate. It becomes clear that Kate is hiding out on her homestead, isolating herself so that she can get through life one day at a time after the trauma she's been through. It's equally clear that her former boss and many members of her community expect more of her. No-one is in the least surprised that it is Kate who takes down the killer at the beginning of the book and no-one objects when she is asked to investigate further.

Kate engages in the investigation reluctantly. It doesn't fill her with the joy of the hunt. . She understands and empathises with the weaknesses of the people around her and is mindful of their privacy. She is not motivated by enforcing the law. She acts to bring a natural justice that will restore people's ability to live as neighbours and to live with themselves.

By the end of novel, it's clear that Kate has started slowly to re-engage with the world, her culture and her community. Dana Stabenow captures this through a memorable and moving account of Kate at a Potlatch for the dead where she dances with an Elder and begins her own emotional thaw.

[Judith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read a couple of Kate Shugak mysteries before, and I thought they were decent. I remember her as a tough woman dealing with difficult men, among other things. I did not have her pegged as a typical heroine - 30-something, beautiful, tough, afraid of commitment. But that's what she is, based on this novel.

Because of my own ethics and standards, I found a couple of things irritating at best:

* Kate's female dog is not spayed. Kate does not want her having more puppies but she has not gotten her fixed. Is this that woodsperson thinking? That she is better at protecting Kate if she is "whole"? Does Kate think there is room for as many wolf-dog mix puppies as Mutt can create?

* Kate uses a choke collar sometimes. This is never acceptable. Train her, don't choke her. Sheesh.

* At one point Kate spoke disparagingly about another person by saying, "He's a vegetarian, for God's sake", or similar words. After all, who could like a vegetarian? A lot of animals could, for one.

Apart from these specific complaints I was not thrilled by all the references to Kate's sexual desirability. I think the writers of these female-lead mysteries have a hard time conceiving of a woman who is not beautiful as interesting enough. I can easily imagine it as far more interesting.

The story (at last): a man goes on a rampage with his new rifle, killing several people. After the dead land on the medical examiner's table, one of them turns out to have been killed by another gun. This one person, Lisa, turns out to have many enemies, mainly other women, and a shady past. Her life with her unattractive older sister raises other questions as well.

When Kate announced who the killer was I was not surprised. She says nobody should have been, and I suspect that's true of other readers as well. In the process of eliminating other options, Kate is shot at and another person is killed. It wouldn't be a thriller without the thrills.

[Linda (NOT RECEIVING NOTIFICATIONS) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kate Shugak has her hands full when she manages to stop a serial killer on a rampage in her own backyard. Except this time, everyone within the vicinity is killed by a psycho with a rifle except for one lady. Thought to be included with the others, it turns out that Lisa Getty was shot by someone else. Now, how can that be?

Back for a second time around are Jack Morgan, Chopper Jim and Bobby Clark. And protective Mutt; this time she has a lover, too. As usual, Jack gets Kate to work the case using her keen insight. There is lots of sleuthing in northern Alaska and Kate holds her own.

Ms. Stabenow does a nice job giving the reader just enough clues to prolong the suspense. And, like the first book in the series, the townspeople are still quirky eccentrics which add to the story's flavor. Kate is a kick-butt heroine with an attitude who won't take no for an answer. If you love mysteries with a strong female lead, look for this series but be sure to start with A COLD DAY FOR MURDER to learn about Kate's background.

[William · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liking the series more but still not four stars too much character chatter and not enough mystery. I'll try to find the next one in the series.

[Lisa Wolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Gwenn Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love being in Alaska with Kate and all her colorful friends but something about this book just didn’t sit right, even apart from the fact that you know who did it and the author tries to cover for the fact that it was predictable. I still thoroughly enjoyed it as part of the series but wasn’t impressed by the individual story if that makes sense.

[Linda Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommended by the woman next to me at the Louise Penny reading at EMU. A good snowy mystery. I'll go back and read the first in the series, which my library didn't have. The keen look at remote life in the Alaskan wilderness is appreciated. Kate Shugak is an excellent lead.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great novel in the series. Marguerite Gavin is the narrator.
4 stars and recommended.

[Sandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was ok but not as good as the Liam series. Kate is just a little bit too predictable and too much of a super hero. She can do just about anything better than everyone else.