“Both a mystery and a survival story, here is a novel written with a naturalist’s eye for detail and an unrelenting pace. It reminded me of the best of Nevada Barr.” —James Rollins, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Last Odyssey The first book in a thrilling series featuring an intrepid wildlife biologist who’s dedicated to saving endangered species…and relies on her superior … dedicated to saving endangered species…and relies on her superior survival skills to thwart those who aim to stop her.
While studying wolverines on a wildlife sanctuary in Montana, biologist Alex Carter is run off the road and threatened by locals determined to force her off the land.
Undeterred in her mission to help save this threatened species, Alex tracks wolverines on foot and by cameras positioned in remote regions of the preserve. But when she reviews the photos, she discovers disturbing images of an animal of a different kind: a severely injured man seemingly lost and wandering in the wilds.
After searches for the unknown man come up empty, local law enforcement is strangely set on dismissing the case altogether, raising Alex’s suspicions. Then another invasive predator trespasses onto the preserve. The hunter turns out to be another human—and the prey is the wildlife biologist herself. Alex realizes too late that she has seen too much—she’s stumbled onto a far-reaching illegal operation and now has become the biggest threat.
In this wild and dangerous landscape, Alex’s life depends on staying one step ahead—using all she knows about the animal world and what it takes to win the brutal battle for survival.
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A Solitude of Wolverines is the first book in a new series, and I found it to be a thrilling read. This is a new author to me, and I found her writing to be a very compelling read. Alex is a wildlife biologist who dreams of working in a meaningful job that helps animals, she has broken up with her boyfriend once again. After a horrifying experience, a huge opportunity presents itself and gives her the chance to do what she loves. She finds herself in Montana, and most of the town folks would rather see her gone. Alex is a strong female character that I really enjoyed, and I can just imagine the upcoming books. I certainly would recommend this book to others
I received a ARC from NetGalley and Harper Collins Publishers and I was under no obligation to leave a favorable review, all opinions expressed here are my own.
This fast paced novel quickly drew this reader in with atmosphere, suspense, and adventure. When Dr. Alex Carter receives a call from an old professor at Berkley for a field job in northwest Montana, she jumps at the opportunity. Alex, a wildlife biologist, is more than ready to leave Boston and all its drama behind. The adventure begins when she is dropped off at the desolate, abandoned ski resort on the reserve where she is supposed to headquarter alone for the winter while she tracks and studies wolverines.
Alex quickly finds that she is not welcome; not at the ski resort and not in Bitterroot, the nearest town. As the story unfolds, the suspense builds as cameras are destroyed, wild animals break in to the lodge, and mysterious wounded men disappear. With a dial phone for communications and an old Willys Wagon for transportation, Alex’s options for help are limited when situations escalate. Who can be trusted?
This enthralling, suspense filled novel is excellent. Not only is the suspense and drama captivating, but I learned an amazing amount of information about wildlife, particularly wolverines. Great read for going into the winter months!
This ARC copy was received from William Morrow Books and Netgalley. The above thoughts and opinions are wholly my own.
A SOLITUDE OF WOLVERINES by Alice Henderson is the first book in the Alex Carter mystery series. After the opening scenes in Boston, Massachusetts, the rest of the book takes place in Montana. Dr. Alex Carter is a wildlife biologist who had moved from California to Boston to be with her corporate lawyer boyfriend. However, they are now taking a break in their relationship. When she gets the opportunity to study wolverines on a wildlife sanctuary in Montana, she immediately packs and takes the job. However, the locals aren’t welcoming and incidents start occurring. Will Alex survive? Will she continue to study whether wolverines are even back in the sanctuary? Will she reconcile with her boyfriend? What is really happening on the sanctuary?
Alex is a likeable character that is three-dimensional and had depth. She is supported by an array of secondary characters that enhanced the story, but were not fully developed. However, the relationships seemed believable and not contrived. The writing was so descriptive that I felt like I was with Alex as she carried out her research. The plot had some twists and turns and several surprises. It was engrossing, heartfelt, well-researched, and action-packed. I’ve seen comparisons to Nevada Barr’s Anna Pigeon series and I can see the similarities. Note: There are some descriptions of animal abuse and more that may disturb some readers.
Overall, this was both a mystery and a survival novel. Not only was this a fascinating mystery that kept me fully engaged, but I learned a lot about wolverines and other wildlife that Alex encountered. The story was compelling, shocking at times, intense, and a great start to a new series. While the ending was over-the-top, it was gripping and dramatic. If you enjoy action-packed mysteries set in rural areas with lots of wildlife during late fall then this may be the next novel to read. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
HarperCollins Publishers and Alice Henderson provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
Very well written and interesting. It is a thriller that involves a wildlife sanctuary in Montana with biologist Alex Carter as the main character. As she tries to help the Wolverines she discovers a conspiracy in the town involving the local Police.Had a lot of twists and turns and kept reading to the end to see what was going to happen. Will enjoy seeing where the series goes.