Helpful Score: 2
I am not one of the Dana-maniacs but I am a huge fan of Kate Shugak and have read all of the books in the series. I especially liked Restless in the Grave because the storyline involved most of the main characters in Ms. Stabenow's arsenal. I have discovered one major flaw in every one of her novels. They 'end'. I find myself reflecting upon the storylines long after I finish reading one of her books and Restless in the Grave was no exception. Her prose paints the scenery of Alaska. You become entwined in the lives of the people involved in the tales. She always leaves me wanting more.
Elizabeth M. (CiderSapling) reviewed Restless in the Grave (Kate Shugak, Bk 19) on + 13 more book reviews
"Restless in the Grave" is classic Kate Shugak with the additional fun of dropping in on Liam Campbell and Wy Chouinard from Stabenow's other mystery series. For the plot, Kate leaves the Park and the major plot lines from the previous books to "look into" a potential murder.
For long time Shugak readers, this is a refreshing change. I appreciate the back stories of Kate's family, heritage, and every day life struggles featured in the last few Shugak books. And while family is never far from Kate, getting out of her home environment lets you explore new characters, problems, and romping fun. Kate gets locked in a freezer, dropped in a dumpster, and trapped in a cargo container - but all with the same lightheartedness found in earlier books. Gone is the feeling that yet another key part of Kate's world is about to go to jail, fall off a pedestal, or even die. It makes the story easier to enjoy.
This story takes place all in a current timeline. As a reader, I appreciate Stabenow's efforts to meld two different mysteries in two different timelines (as done in "Though Not Dead"). However, it's great to get back to what I think of as a standard Kate Shugak story. Have a question. Get thrown in a dumpster/trash pile/down a mine shaft. Solve the mystery. Go home and contemplate the world. Stabenow helps keep this story fresh, though, but utilizing a new set of characters and places.
If you're looking for a Liam Campbell story, this isn't really it. Liam, Wy, Bill, and Moses are all here and definitely provide a depth and breadth the story needs. And while some significant things happen with these characters the book is, in the end, a story about Kate and Mutt.
Overall, I'd recommend this story. It's a must for long time Kate Shugak readers. And it's not bad as a stand along mystery novel, without any of the background.
For long time Shugak readers, this is a refreshing change. I appreciate the back stories of Kate's family, heritage, and every day life struggles featured in the last few Shugak books. And while family is never far from Kate, getting out of her home environment lets you explore new characters, problems, and romping fun. Kate gets locked in a freezer, dropped in a dumpster, and trapped in a cargo container - but all with the same lightheartedness found in earlier books. Gone is the feeling that yet another key part of Kate's world is about to go to jail, fall off a pedestal, or even die. It makes the story easier to enjoy.
This story takes place all in a current timeline. As a reader, I appreciate Stabenow's efforts to meld two different mysteries in two different timelines (as done in "Though Not Dead"). However, it's great to get back to what I think of as a standard Kate Shugak story. Have a question. Get thrown in a dumpster/trash pile/down a mine shaft. Solve the mystery. Go home and contemplate the world. Stabenow helps keep this story fresh, though, but utilizing a new set of characters and places.
If you're looking for a Liam Campbell story, this isn't really it. Liam, Wy, Bill, and Moses are all here and definitely provide a depth and breadth the story needs. And while some significant things happen with these characters the book is, in the end, a story about Kate and Mutt.
Overall, I'd recommend this story. It's a must for long time Kate Shugak readers. And it's not bad as a stand along mystery novel, without any of the background.
Arlene L. (poolmysteryreader) reviewed Restless in the Grave (Kate Shugak, Bk 19) on + 63 more book reviews
good read.interesting addition to this series
