It is New Year’s Eve, nearly six weeks into an off-and-on blizzard that has locked Alaska down, effectively cutting it off from the outside world. But now there are reports of a plane down in the Quilak mountains. With the NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board — responsible for investigating aviation incidents) unable to reach the crash site, ex-Trooper Jim Chopin is pulled out of retirement … retirement to try to identify the aircraft, collect the corpses, and determine why no flight has been reported missing. But Jim discovers survivors: two children who don’t speak a word of English. Meanwhile, PI Kate Shugak receives an unexpected and unwelcome accusation from beyond the grave, a charge that could change the face of the Park forever.
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Alaskan Private Detective Kate Shugak is on the job with an incredible cast of characters. The conflicts of the tribal people, mixed with Russian, Scandinavian, and other mixed lots of Alaskan heritage, arise not only in THE PARK–their homeland, but across the vast wilderness. Confronting high political figures as well as the bank and business leaders, but a little cowed by her own tribal leaders, Dana Stabenow weaves great tales from the inner knowledge of Alaskan’s amazing history and people.
She’s back!!!!!!!!!! one of the best in the Kate Shugak series. I couldn’t put the book down until I finished it. Stabenow’s books are always always right on the dot with what is really happening and how the people of Alaska feel about it. Her mysteries are fiction but there are so many hard truths in them.
NO FIXED LINE by Dana Stabenow
Kate Shugak is a woman of courage, ready to stand up to “bad men” and fight for good, with courage to hope for better times, as she sees the younger generation in action, activism for good.
“The younger generation . . . Johnny and Van . . .weren’t buying houses, .. . believed in climate change, Medicare for All, dumping the Electoral College . . . voting.”
Not just the youngsters, either, the aunties hold things together. “Don’t mess with the aunties!” Strong elders’ influence saves villages. Dana Stabenow is also a woman of courage, willing to write about issues despite those who want dissenting voices silenced. To stand up for right in compelling and rewarding fiction is brilliant! Powerful writing can make a difference, as did UNCLE TOM’S CABIN and GRAPES OF WRATH. Kate and Dana are an example to us all.
“You can’t save them all, Kate.” “No . . . more’s the pity, but I can save the two in front of me.”
I’ve read all the Kate books. I liked this one too. After reading the reviews I wondered. Some were downright harsh. I don’t think Dana was giving a political or social class in this book. With her research skills, if that was her intent I’m sure the book would have been chock full of facts. Read fiction for entertainment people…
Worth the wait!
Beloved characters fighting evil in more places than we expect. Their interactions are heartwarming, satisfying, and nerve wracking. Always love Mutt, she can do no wrong!
Kate Shugak #22 and Alaska – a heady combo
I am glad to report that author Dana Stabenow is back in fine form.
I was disappointed in #20 BAD BLOOD and then when another book in this series didn’t come out for quite a while, I figured Stabenow might have stepped away from the series. But I recently found out #21 was published LESS THAN A TREASON and it was a five star read for me, just like this book.
A small jet crashes during whiteout conditions on Kate’s property near the hot springs and two children miraculously survived.
As Kate and Jim start investigating, they find themselves on the track of a human trafficking operation, drug smuggling and more.
Kate finds herself and those she loves in danger and she must move quickly before someone else is killed.
I loved the storyline (sad as it was), loved the characters good and bad, and, as always, loved the gorgeous descriptions of Alaska.
I highly recommend this book (and this series) to Kate Shugak followers and those that love mystery thrillers and the Alaskan landscapes and lifestyles.
I received this book from Head of Zeus, Ltd. and Edelweiss in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.