Kate Shugak, a private investigator, has been working on a case for the Anchorage District Attorney involving the murder of a young woman by her husband, a man named Louis Deem. Deem has been the subject of investigations before, and he’s never been convicted of a crime. But Kate and her on-again, off-again lover, state trooper Jim Chopin, who arrested Deem, are convinced that this time it’s different—and he’ll finally be punished for his actions.
When the jury returns a verdict of not guilty, Kate, Jim, and citizens of Niniltna, Alaska, believe Deem has gotten away with murder. And when, a few weeks later, two people turn up dead after an apparent robbery, Kate and Jim can’t help but believe that Deem is involved…but what it takes to bring Deem to justice could tear them apart—if the real killer doesn’t get to them first.
Description:
Kate Shugak, a private investigator, has been working on a case for the Anchorage District Attorney involving the murder of a young woman by her husband, a man named Louis Deem. Deem has been the subject of investigations before, and he’s never been convicted of a crime. But Kate and her on-again, off-again lover, state trooper Jim Chopin, who arrested Deem, are convinced that this time it’s different—and he’ll finally be punished for his actions.
When the jury returns a verdict of not guilty, Kate, Jim, and citizens of Niniltna, Alaska, believe Deem has gotten away with murder. And when, a few weeks later, two people turn up dead after an apparent robbery, Kate and Jim can’t help but believe that Deem is involved…but what it takes to bring Deem to justice could tear them apart—if the real killer doesn’t get to them first.
From Publishers Weekly
Starred Review. All the elements that have made the author's signature Kate Shugak crime series successful shine in this 15th entry (after 2004's A Taint in the Blood): Kate's personal growth as a woman and as an investigator; the Alaskan environment in all its unforgiving beauty; and a mystery whose solution remains in doubt until the end. The story opens with a brutal murder. The culprit, Louis Deem, who has managed to avoid justice for past crimes, is so odious that his presence is a cancer in the little Niniltna community Kate calls home. Stabenow's rich cast of supporting characters include natives and longtime settlers as well as those newcomers so unprepared that Kate refers to them as committing "suicide by Alaska." There is rough humor, a rich heritage of the community necessary for survival, and at the same time a remarkable tolerance for the many idiosyncrasies of those attracted to the harsh realities of Alaskan life. Kate Shugak is becoming a leader among her people and is already a leader in the sorority of women detectives. (Jan.)
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From Booklist
In her fifteenth adventure, private investigator Kate Shugak is determined to find the evidence to convict Louis Deem, who has been arrested and tried for several serious crimes but never convicted. When a double homicide occurs after his latest acquittal, Kate investigates. A witness places Deem at the scene, but Kate wants additional evidence to convince the jury. Deem is a dangerous character who intimidates witnesses, and Kate and her family won't be safe until he is in jail. Kate is a strong, smart, respected investigator and member of her Alaskan community. In fact, the tribal elders in the Native American community want Kate to assume a leadership role in the tribe's affairs, a role Kate doesn't want. Also on Kate's mind is her relationship with Alaska state trooper Jim Chopin: matters are heating up, although Jim is now the one showing some ambivalence to a more permanent relationship. An engaging plot, the fascinating Native American frame, the well-developed characters, and the vivid depiction of the Alaskan wilderness add up to another strong entry in this consistently satisfying series. Sue O'Brien
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