Kate Shugak has been around for awhile now, and she’s made a space for herself on the planet. She’s a fully realized, fully detailed character. As I was reading this book, number 23 in a beloved series, I couldn’t help but think about the spectacular very first book, A Cold Day for Murder. Dana Stabenow has always had a love for the traditional mystery in terms of plotting, and that hasn’t changed, though Kate’s universe has gotten more expansive.

At the moment, I’m re-reading (as time permits) Margaret Maron’s wonderful Deborah Knott series, and it struck me as I was reading that there were few series that actually resemble each other more. Sure, Maron’s books are set in North Carolina, not Alaska, but the expansive sense of community and family are very, very similar. At this point I very much enjoy an outing with the “Aunties” or a look at the way Kate, Mutt and Trooper Jim spend their evenings. But it’s a different type of read from the first couple of tightly plotted novels. It’s more of a meander than a rocket.

The plotting is still tight and complex, however. The book opens with an unpleasant and obviously racially motivated encounter for one of the series regulars, Bobby, and it’s followed by an unpleasant encounter at the general store between Kate and a new family in town. The new family clearly doesn’t want to speak to Kate because she’s native.

As the story proceeds, there are some tragedies, including a midair collision resulting in fatalities. The “midair” really strikes home as so many Alaskans get around on small planes, thanks to the vastness of the landscape, and it’s a horror they are all afraid of. The midair turns to have some layers. The family of one of the pilots, an 87 year old man (who everyone is blaming for the accident), wants to hire Kate to prove he wasn’t at fault, and Kate agrees.

The layers spread to include an arson and another, extra, body at the crash site as well as the discovery of the body of a man who everyone thought had retired to “outside” (the Alaskan word for everywhere but Alaska). There’s also a layer of the outside coming in, as the racial incidents are tied to a secretive group who keep to themselves and seem to be acquiring a lot of land. Kate, of course, manages to assemble all the pieces of the puzzle.

I love that Stabenow is such a beautiful writer of the English language – for example, she uses the word “affronted”, a word I last remember encountering in Beatrix Potter. She’s wonderful with character and plot, and she creates a rich surround of setting and community around Kate that enrich the story. There’s also Mutt. I love Mutt, Kate’s half husky, half wolf, but she’s gotta be around 30 years old now. Obviously Stabenow loves her too, and she’s one of the great dog characters. But she should be enjoying a peaceful retirement at this point.

These books are a delicious experience – a virtual visit to Alaska, a classic main character, and a wonderful story, plus a thoughtful take on current politics and the state of our national community. I hope there are 23 more.

Fans of this series (of which I am one) will be happy to see Kate, Mutt, and Jim are back - having survived attacks and COVID to investigate once more. This time out there's a problem with a new group of people who have bought property in the Park and want to push those who live there out. And then two small planes collide in mid-air, leaving multiple people dead and a mystery about how two experienced pilots made such a mistake. Kate is hired by the children of one of the pilots and finds herself in a race for answers. No spoilers from me but this is topical and concerning. The joy in reading these novels has always been (in addition to the mysteries) the details of life in Alaska-the great atmospherics- and there are plenty of those here. If I have a quibble, it's that there are some former cases that are important here but there's little background provided and frankly, I couldn't pull who was who and what it meant from my brain. That said, you might not quibble if you are reading this as a standalone (and not struggling to remember). Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. Here's hoping we see another installment soon.

Be sure to look for any Dana Stabenow book that you can find. Great information regarding Alaska. I throughly enjoyed this book.

Number 23 (!) in Stabenow’s Kate Shugak series. I must have gotten distracted because I missed the last two! I’ve read all the others, though.

I like this series because Stabenow invests in a deep background on all aspects of Alaska — the scenery to be sure, but also the lifestyle, politics, local industries, and the individuals who call it home — native Americans, born and breds, and recent immigrants. I love the details of a ranger’s life, the local businesses, and the Native Aunties who seem to run the show.

This particular story involved a highly stereotyped group of White Supremacists — which I could have done without — but I enjoyed every minute of the twisting plot, the investigative action, the characters, and getting to live in Shugak’s world for as long as it took me to read.

I love the descriptions of Kate's homestead, the berries, the trees, and even her kitchen.
It was lovely. I also love books that take place in Alaska.
This was an interesting book.

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.

3.5 stars

In this 23rd book in the 'Kate Shugak' series, the Alaskan private investigator investigates the reason for a mid-air collision between two small planes. The book can be read as a standalone, but familiarity with the series is a plus.

Aleut Kate Shugak lives in 'The Park', a federally owned twenty-million acre national park in Alaska with scattered private properties grandfathered in. The residents in the area, referred to as 'park rats', are a mixture of indigenous people and incomers that settled down.

It's hard for law enforcement to police an area as large as The Park, but the authorities do the best they can. Dan O'Brian, The Park's chief ranger, takes notice when armed men in desert camo outfits - claiming to be private security for local landowners - start running hikers and other visitors off PUBLIC park lands. Things escalate even further when the camo-clad men start harassing black and indigenous park residents.

While Dan is planning a visit to the 'local landowners' protecting their privacy, a mid-air collision between two small planes - which kills all nine people on the two aircraft - brings in the NTSB. The reason for the collision is unclear, and the report of a tenth body among the debris, with no identification, adds to the mystery.

The pilot of one of the downed planes was 87-year-old Frank Barr Sr., and it's strongly hinted that he caused the collision. Frank's children, Frank Barr Jr. and his sister Elsa, don't believe their dad was responsible for the crash, and they hire private investigator Kate Shugak to determine what happened.

Kate begins investigating with the assistance of her wolf-dog mix Mutt, .and her boyfriend Jim Chopin, a former Alaska State Trooper. Jim pilots a small plane which he uses (among other things) to transport Kate and Mutt to observe the scene of the crash, investigate areas of interest, interview people, and so on.

As Kate and company conduct their inquiries, they come across another dead body and a muddy cap with a logo that matches the insignia sported by the 'private security' individuals.

As it turns out there's a LOT going on The Park, where SOME people seem to think they can do whatever they like because the territory's vastness hides their activities. However Kate - with the assistance of a reporter, a PI colleague, ranger Dan O'Brian, an FBI agent, and others - exposes what's going on. The novel echoes some issues seen in the news over the last few years, which makes the story particularly relevant.

As usual in this series, there are picturesque descriptions of the beautiful Alaska landscape, and glimpses into indigenous culture, such as a Potlatch (ceremonial feast) for people lost in the Covid pandemic, and the 'aunties' - the influential native women who rule the roost among the park rats. In this book Kate becomes an auntie herself, much to her chagrin.

One of the best characters in the series is the dog-wolf Mutt, who reigns over The Park and gets obeisance - in the form of beef jerky, bones, and other treats - wherever she goes. Other recurring characters make an appearance as well, including Bobby Clark - the black DJ at the Park's radio station; the little weasel Howie Katelnikof - a minor criminal; Willard Shugak - Howie's mentally challenged roommate, who's manipulated into a life of misdemeanors; Auntie Vi - who runs a B&B and cooks up fry bread, caribou steaks, mooseburgers, and so on; the other park aunties; Bernie Kowlowski - who runs The Park's only bar; and more.

I enjoyed this mystery and recommend it to fans of the Kate Shugak series and to other readers who like suspense novels.

Thanks to Netgalley, Dana Stabenow, and Aria & Aries, Head of Zeus publishers for a copy of the manuscript.

Not the Dead Ones
Dana Stabenow
April 13, 2023

Stabenow’s latest Kate Shugak Investigation series is #23 of the 25 novels planned in the Alaskan mysteries. They take place 70 miles from Ahtna. It’s a place in the wilderness where park rats work their way to mountains to climb and hike the trails. One never knows who or what they will find on the journey. In this adventure one man, Dan O’Brian, chief ranger, feels the need to hunt down the duo of characters who dress in camo uniforms with hats complete with their logo on the bill. It seems they enjoy threatening hikers who enter certain areas, claiming that entrance to climb or stay in cabins is forbidden due to trespasses on private land. As he is well informed that most of the land is government territory. His maps highlight private areas. One specific cabin built under Busted Flat Peak is rented most of the year and prohibiting tourists from staying there is strictly prohibited.
Not the Dead Ones will be published by Head of Zeus, Aries Books on April 13, 2023. I appreciate their allowing me to read and review this latest Dana Stabenow book via NetGalley. After much confusion due to the fact I have never read the Kate Shugak series stories, I managed to figure out the plot and some of the characters. Fans of her series will enjoy this latest romp through Alaska with both good and nasty folks who visit or live in the wilds. Do enjoy Not the Dead Ones.

The latest book in the Kate Shugak series did not disappoint. We are once again transported into The Park with all of the familiar people and places that make this series so enjoyable. A string of unusual and disturbing incidents come to Kate's attention and with the help of Jim, Dan, Bobby and her usual cohorts, she soon realizes that they are all tied to the mysterious new owners of a remote property. Unfortunately this book had more of a political slant than I liked, but I was able to skim most of that and still stay invested in the fast paced plot. The group's agenda isn't hard to figure out, but what makes this story so enjoyable is all of the local landmarks, characters (new and old), and their relationships that have been developed over this long-running series. As usual, I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent in Stabenow's Alaska and am already looking forward to the next installment.

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.

Dana Stabenow can surely write gripping mysteries and Kate Shugak is a great characters. I liked this book but didn't love it even if the descriptions of Alaska are well done and the plot flows.
There's was something that kept from thoroughly enjoy it even if it kept me guessing.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

Have long been a fan of Dana Stabenow’s Kate Shugak series and this title did not disappoint. Besides an interesting mystery and colourful characters ( which are always present in this series) this particular title hit on a few current buzz topics in a informative rather than “preachy” way. Specifically, climate change and indigenous rights were woven throughout the story in such an informative approach that it did not take anything away from the thriller aspects of the story but still made me think about these topics covered in the book even once the cover was closed. A title I have no trouble recommending.

3+ stars
I love the wilderness! The mountains, the trees, the rivers the elks, and basically everything that isn´t humane! Ah, hm, I´m serious... :) Yet I didn´t find enough of these in the book, which is a pity, but that's not a nature book, so I think I should stop yapping, right?
Early in the book, there is a passage about a family of five of whom all died due to covid. Seriously? What is the probability of this happening in real life? Very, very close to none. I thought that was enough. But somehow, probably because of my masochistic character, I carried on. It did get better, but I just didn´t buy the story.

Kate Shugak has heard about someone burglarizing homes on out in the country lakes, and they camp out in an area she thinks might be next. Sure enough, the hear a plane come in on their 7th day. They take down the two men and call the Trooper. However, there is more going on in the park. Someone is buying up the holdings of private homes, and security folks are stopping the hikers on Park trails. These men wear camo gear and carry guns. A truck has forced the policeman, Bobby, off the road. Then, Bernie's Roadhouse is burned down the night after troublemakers were forced to leave.

When two planes collide in the air, and ten folks are dead, folks are concerned. Then an eleventh dead man is found with the plane crash, and he has been shot in the head and chest! The sons of one man from the plane asks Kate to investigate and try to figure out what happened. Was the crash deliberate or was it an accident?

Were the security officers of the new residents taking matters into their own hands? Would these new residents of Alaska ruin everything for the natives with their racial atrocity and dangerous actions?

3.5 Many years ago I started this series, enjoyed it from the beginning, though as with other series, I thought some were better than others. This is also the series that started my ongoing interest in Alaska. Kate is a unique character, a strong female lead, but one with a heart. She and her aunties run the park and try to keep peace between all. Twenty three books and I'm still not tired of this series.

This outing includes much taken out of todays and the past few years, headlines. Though, much belongs to Alaska alone. At books end a change in the park will leave Kate speechless. Can't wait to see how she handles the change.

ARC from netgalley.

The Kate Shugak series by the Author is brilliant and this latest offering continues that theme .

When outsiders buy a parcel of land , one that borders well known hiking trails , reports start to come in to the Park Ranger of men in camouflage , with guns warning the hikers away - just who are they and what are they up to ?
Other incidents start to occur , Bobby , the only black resident in the Park is forced off the road by men in camouflage , shouting racist comments......... Kate and Jim encounter a group of men , women and children plus more men in camouflage - men who only speak to Jim , Kate is totally ignored . You only ignore Kate at your peril , she is determined to find out just who these outsiders are and what they want with 'her' Park
These matters are soon put on hold , there has been a two plane crash , people are dead - blame is being put on the pilot of one of the planes due to his age ................ another body is found in the wreckage , a body killed by bullets , not the crash . When a government link is discovered Kate is determined to investigate .......... is there a cover up ? is there a link to the 'outsiders' ? Can Kate and her Park 'rats' survive when secrets start to unfold ?

This is the latest Kate Shugak book by the Author set Alaska - fast paced and full of twists and turns it makes for and excellent read . i look forward to reading the next book in the series

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

Strange happenings in the Alaskan National Park!

Another satisfying novel by Stabenow. I can smell the cold crisp of the air, and taste the frozen mountains. Stabenow’s descriptions of this awesome, spreading Alaskan National Park are a delight.
Less delightful is what happens here! Unexplained! A group of settlers are denying people access to public tracks. The roadhouse, center of the community, burns down. A mid air crash near the Quilaks, mountains a few minutes flight on from Paddy Murphy’s airstrip. Murphy’s sold his claim and up and left. But then there’s a mysterious extra dead body at the crash sit. What’s going on?
Duane Jackson, the new post master, warns Kate about the new owners of Demetri Totemoff’s lodge?!
And drones! I’ve had my reservations about them but post this read they’re now amplified.
What’s going on is exactly what Kate Shugak and her partner Jim are trying to find out, accompanied of course by Mutt, Kate’s half-Husky, half-Arctic grey wolf companion.
It’s off season and these events would be hard to match even at the height of activity in the Park.

An Aria & Aries ARC via NetGalley
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

A reliable Alaskan mystery written by a master of Alaskan mysteries. She never fails to lead the reader to the destination in an atmospheric and gripping read.

I have been reading this series since the very first book was published and each time I am impressed with the quality of the writing. Kate is a strong, vibrant character who just leaps off the page. The Alaskan setting is portrayed beautifully and who wouldn’t want a half wolf half dog as a companion.

The story is complicated and rewards paying close attention to detail but is very enjoyable. I love the idea of Kate as an auntie. I’m sure she will be excellent in the role and I’m looking forward to seeing how it all plays out in further adventures.

Not the Ones Dead by Dana Stabenow is the 23rd and latest book about private investigator Kate Shugak. It is like all the other books in this series set in Alaska and told by a writer who sure know her setting. I love this series and the place where it all takes place. I also love the characters and the situations they encounter, I also appreciate the humor and history that is told in these adventures. I have read so many books about Alaska and Canada growing up so I find it interesting to read about it set in more modern time instead of the 1800s and early 1900s. Now I only have one more book in the Liam Campbell series and a few short stories left to read and hope that there will be more in these series coming in the near future. I must thank Head of Zeus and Netgalley for making this advance copy available to me and I really recommend that you try these books.