Lots of interesting Alaska scene setting and bunches of characters. The two mysteries though seemed to be resolved by just talking people around until the guilty broke and revealed themselves. Not all that satisfying. Still, fast moving and entertaining. ( )

A fun read with two murder mysteries, character insights and rapid action

I liked Liam Campbell a little better in this book than in the first. I think there is hope for his redemption after all. It was refreshing to see that the pain Liam and Wy caused through their affair is not glossed over and continues to have an impact on not just their behaviour but their sense of who they are. Meeting Liam's father helped round him out and the addition of another trooper to the post gave a more realistic context for assessing him.

Dana Stabenow delivers two murder mysteries to move the plot along this time - a whole family killed on a fishing boat and a researcher killed at an archaeological dig. Both are well thought through, with multiple who-dunnit candidates and good local colour but for me Stabenow's strength lies in her willingness and ability to make me feel the emotional weight of the extinction of a whole family.

On the whole this remains a light, enjoyable read, with lots of jumping out of planes and on to boats and ruining of uniforms at a brisk pace. There are moments of introspection that make the action matter more and there is a continuous and skilful development of my knowledge of the local cast of characters that promises to build the books into a rich world rather than just a series of solved murders.

I'm looking forward to reading the next one. ( )

Started out strong but then became bogged down. However, it is a picture into life in Alaska. ( )

Dana Stabenow is a good storyteller and her Liam Campbell series truly reflects that skill. New and interesting characters are introduced as Liam settles into his new territories. When he is not jumping from or riding the pontoon of an airplane; he Is quaking with fear from riding in them. Lots of deaths, some surprising villains and a smash ending when his pet raven saves him from an avalanche of walruses. ( )

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. It is book 2 of the Liam Campbell Alaska state trooper series. I read it in 4 days, an easy, satisfying read. Liam has two separate murder incidents. One is a multiple murder of 7 people and the other a single person. He must fly to these murder scenes, because his territory in bush Alaska is huge. He is terrified of flying, but he must do it everyday, sometimes more than once.

A subplot is his on/off romantic relationship with Wyanet Chouinard, who owns the small plane charter service that he uses on a daily basis.

The book also has some humorous observations on Alaska:

"The governor narrowly escaped prison only by payment of a $330,000 fine, but when the legislature changed hands two years later, they vacated the judgement and repaid the fine with interest."
A newspaper reporter comments "Ah, Alaska, gays can't marry .. and embezzlers never go hungry." ( )