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Jessie Arnold & Alex Jensen #2
Termination Dust
Alaska is a great place to visit… and a bad place to die
It is said that when the first snow of early winter—the "termination dust"—starts to fall, it's time for visitors to leave Alaska's wonders behind.
For some, it's already too late.
Jim Hampton's Yukon vacation takes a turn for the worse when he discovers a prospector's diary from the 1800s. And it dies when the rugged outdoorsman is arrested for the gruesome slaying of a controversial ex-Senator. But Alex Jensen isn't convinced of Hampton's guilt. And the dedicated state trooper is ready to track the bitter truth through the treacherous snows of the Yukon wilderness—and in the pages of a mysterious, hundred-year-old journal, which describes crimes remarkably similar... and deadly.
Praise for Sue Henry
"HAIR-RAISING"
—Kirkus Reviews (Termination Dust)
"ABSORBING... SPECTACULAR... COMPELLING... A MARVELOUS AND FASCINATING EXPERIENCE"
—The Mystery Review (Termination Dust)
It is said that when the first snow of early winter—the "termination dust"—starts to fall, it's time for visitors to leave Alaska's wonders behind.
For some, it's already too late.
Jim Hampton's Yukon vacation takes a turn for the worse when he discovers a prospector's diary from the 1800s. And it dies when the rugged outdoorsman is arrested for the gruesome slaying of a controversial ex-Senator. But Alex Jensen isn't convinced of Hampton's guilt. And the dedicated state trooper is ready to track the bitter truth through the treacherous snows of the Yukon wilderness—and in the pages of a mysterious, hundred-year-old journal, which describes crimes remarkably similar... and deadly.
Praise for Sue Henry
"HAIR-RAISING"
—Kirkus Reviews (Termination Dust)
"ABSORBING... SPECTACULAR... COMPELLING... A MARVELOUS AND FASCINATING EXPERIENCE"
—The Mystery Review (Termination Dust)
319 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 1995
121 people are currently reading
361 people want to read
About the author
Sue Henry
36 books216 followersSue Henry is the author of 17 novels in two award-winning Alaska mystery series. Her first book, "Murder on the Iditarod Trail" (1991), was well reviewed and won both the Macavity Awards and Anthony Awards for best first novel, prompting the author to develop a series based on this book's characters, Alaskan state trooper Alex Jensen and Jessie Arnold, a sled dog racer.
In 2005, she started a new mystery series featuring a 63-year-old widow, Maxine McNab, travelling in her Winnebago with a miniature dachshund, Stretch. Maxine had appeared in Dead North (2001) in the first series.
Murder on the Iditarod Trail was filmed for television as The Cold Heart of a Killer (1996) starring Kate Jackson, who bought the rights to the book. Sue Henry lived in Alaska for more than a quarter of a century, and brought history, Alaskan lore, and the majestic beauty of the vast landscape to her mysteries. She also taught writing at the University of Alaska, Anchorage.
In 2005, she started a new mystery series featuring a 63-year-old widow, Maxine McNab, travelling in her Winnebago with a miniature dachshund, Stretch. Maxine had appeared in Dead North (2001) in the first series.
Murder on the Iditarod Trail was filmed for television as The Cold Heart of a Killer (1996) starring Kate Jackson, who bought the rights to the book. Sue Henry lived in Alaska for more than a quarter of a century, and brought history, Alaskan lore, and the majestic beauty of the vast landscape to her mysteries. She also taught writing at the University of Alaska, Anchorage.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 79 reviews
October 4, 2010
This book started out really exciting and the author wrote a wonderful sense of place (Canada/Alaska). I could feel the chill of the wind and snow and the warmth of the campfires.
However, toward the middle and last third I felt the author dragged the story. The dialogue seemed to go on without adding to the story and the pacing was just too slow. I also found I had a hard time keeping the cast of characters straight and the resolution of the mystery was way too convoluted for my taste.
This story has present day and past history excerpts throughout and I found this interesting. On the other hand, the author included the whole of the past journal entries at the end of the modern day mystery and I'm afraid I lost interest in the story to read it.
I will read another of Sue Henry's Jessie Arnold books, but I just found this one not very satisfying as a mystery.
However, toward the middle and last third I felt the author dragged the story. The dialogue seemed to go on without adding to the story and the pacing was just too slow. I also found I had a hard time keeping the cast of characters straight and the resolution of the mystery was way too convoluted for my taste.
This story has present day and past history excerpts throughout and I found this interesting. On the other hand, the author included the whole of the past journal entries at the end of the modern day mystery and I'm afraid I lost interest in the story to read it.
I will read another of Sue Henry's Jessie Arnold books, but I just found this one not very satisfying as a mystery.
April 16, 2019
This second effort by Sue Henry was more effort for me to read. Perhaps I was less interested in the historical background (the gold rush) than I was in the Iditarod setting of her first book. Still a good story and I like her descriptions of Alaska enough to try another book, but don't feel bad if you find yourself speed reading bits here and there. I didn't.
January 27, 2017
Alaska is a great place to visit...
And
A bad place to die!
And
A bad place to die!
November 7, 2016
In Sue Henry's Termination Dust, the second installment in the Alex Jensen/Jessie Arnold serial mystery series, this gripping mystery brought forth a hint of mystery from the past into the present. It all started, when Jim Hampton, a tourist from Colorado, visits Alaska on a trek to discover a skeleton with bones and a journal of Addison Riser, a gold prospector during the rush in 1897. From there, he's been concussed and set up for murder, when Alex Jensen from Anchorage and Charles Delafosse from the RCMP came to his attention. From there, they question him and his story and later watch it unfold, when two dead bodies turn up at the same time. During the brisk Alaskan cold, it brought along danger and mystery to Jim, Alex, and Del, when the past is connected to the present with new suspects popping out of the woodwork. As they sorted things out, it placed Jessie in danger as the real culprit came up and surprised them, when they put him behind bars.
November 26, 2012
I thought the first 2 or so chapters were really interesting. I enjoyed the jusxtipostion of modern times and the finding of a journal over 100 years ago about a man's experience during the gold rush but things went downhill from there.
The mystery was really complicated with too many characters and suspects. I found it unreal that the mounty and police officer would befriend one of the suspects, take him out to eat, include him in the investigation etc. when they were not totally sure that he had not committed the crime.
I also was bored by the love interests who were drug into the story.
I will not be reading another book in this series, unfortunately.
The mystery was really complicated with too many characters and suspects. I found it unreal that the mounty and police officer would befriend one of the suspects, take him out to eat, include him in the investigation etc. when they were not totally sure that he had not committed the crime.
I also was bored by the love interests who were drug into the story.
I will not be reading another book in this series, unfortunately.
July 3, 2023
Good story with interesting history
May 30, 2024
MY RATING GUIDE: 3.5 Stars.
I love the background information in TERMINATION DUST and in the previous book, Murder on the Iditarod Trail. I find this aspect fascinating. TERMINATION DUST prompted me to further investigate certain subjects as I read: the Klondike Gold Rush, the Yukon Territory, Dawson City, the Yukon River, etc. Originally, the book cover art captured my attention. Good job!
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I ENJOYED THIS; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
September, 1996 ~
James Hampton, of Denver, Colorado, is enjoying a late summer holiday retracing the steps of the early Stampeders (of the Klondike Gold Rush days, 1897) by canoeing the Yukon river between White Horse and Dawson City. He awakens one morning to discover a force of Canadian policeman wandering through his campsite, questioning him about his whereabouts in the last day or two. He discovers that a number of vehicle thefts and a death have occurred recently. Hampton is a suspect due to his location and certain pieces of evidence located near his campsite.
Alaska State Trooper Homicide Detective Alex Jensen is assisting Inspector Charles Delafosse of Royal Canadian Mounted Police on a recent case involving the death of a tourist which apparently occurred during a string of vehicle thefts running along the border between Alaska and Canada. The two departments hope that their joint cooperation will bring about the quick resolution of the incidents. The discovery of Hampton and his campsite are hopeful signs that they are on the right track.
Comments ~
1) TERMINATION DUST was originally published in 1996. The story involves a dual plot combining events from the Klondike Gold Rush year of 1897 & the present day (1996). Although TERMINATION DUST was written 30yrs ago, the story has held up well over time.
2) TERMINATION DUST is bk2 in Sue Henry’s Jessie Arnold Alaskan series but this title features Jessie’s SO, Homicide Detective Alex Jensen and RCMP officer Delafosse as MCs. Jessie merely has a cameo appearance near the end.
3) This is a reread for me. I find the Alaskan history aspect quite interesting. I also very much enjoyed the details of Iditarod racing from bk1. (I would give an extra star if I liked the dynamics between Jessie and Alex better - which are more pronounced in later books). Nevertheless, I enjoy the background information a lot and recommend TERMINATION DUST (and the Jessie Arnold Alaskan Mystery series) to readers who enjoy:
> Historical Thrillers, Mysteries
> Character-Driven Mysteries featuring strong, independent characters
> Regional-based Mysteries (Alaska, Yukon Territory)
READER CAUTION ~
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used on occasion.
VIOLENCE - PG. This is a murder mystery without dark details.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - None. Closed door innuendo only.
I love the background information in TERMINATION DUST and in the previous book, Murder on the Iditarod Trail. I find this aspect fascinating. TERMINATION DUST prompted me to further investigate certain subjects as I read: the Klondike Gold Rush, the Yukon Territory, Dawson City, the Yukon River, etc. Originally, the book cover art captured my attention. Good job!
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I ENJOYED THIS; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
September, 1996 ~
James Hampton, of Denver, Colorado, is enjoying a late summer holiday retracing the steps of the early Stampeders (of the Klondike Gold Rush days, 1897) by canoeing the Yukon river between White Horse and Dawson City. He awakens one morning to discover a force of Canadian policeman wandering through his campsite, questioning him about his whereabouts in the last day or two. He discovers that a number of vehicle thefts and a death have occurred recently. Hampton is a suspect due to his location and certain pieces of evidence located near his campsite.
Alaska State Trooper Homicide Detective Alex Jensen is assisting Inspector Charles Delafosse of Royal Canadian Mounted Police on a recent case involving the death of a tourist which apparently occurred during a string of vehicle thefts running along the border between Alaska and Canada. The two departments hope that their joint cooperation will bring about the quick resolution of the incidents. The discovery of Hampton and his campsite are hopeful signs that they are on the right track.
Comments ~
1) TERMINATION DUST was originally published in 1996. The story involves a dual plot combining events from the Klondike Gold Rush year of 1897 & the present day (1996). Although TERMINATION DUST was written 30yrs ago, the story has held up well over time.
2) TERMINATION DUST is bk2 in Sue Henry’s Jessie Arnold Alaskan series but this title features Jessie’s SO, Homicide Detective Alex Jensen and RCMP officer Delafosse as MCs. Jessie merely has a cameo appearance near the end.
3) This is a reread for me. I find the Alaskan history aspect quite interesting. I also very much enjoyed the details of Iditarod racing from bk1. (I would give an extra star if I liked the dynamics between Jessie and Alex better - which are more pronounced in later books). Nevertheless, I enjoy the background information a lot and recommend TERMINATION DUST (and the Jessie Arnold Alaskan Mystery series) to readers who enjoy:
> Historical Thrillers, Mysteries
> Character-Driven Mysteries featuring strong, independent characters
> Regional-based Mysteries (Alaska, Yukon Territory)
READER CAUTION ~
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used on occasion.
VIOLENCE - PG. This is a murder mystery without dark details.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - None. Closed door innuendo only.
March 28, 2017
A decent second entry in this series that features Alex Jensen, a cop in Alaska, and Jessie Arnold, his girlfriend, who is a world-class dogsled musher. In this entry, Alex is liasoning with the RCMP on a series of thefts along the Yukon River, bordering on Alaska and Canada that turned more serious when someone is killed. While Alex is there, a well-known American politician gets murdered and the initial suspect is an American tourist, canoeing a remote section of the Yukon. Jim Hampton just happened to have come across the dead man's campground earlier in the day--when he was alive--and stopped to chat and share lunch, then went on his way...a few hours later, he was robbed at gunpoint and had his canoe shot at by a couple of nasty dudes, so Hampton was stuck at his current campsite without much in the way of supplies. He finally manages to fall asleep next to his campfire, only to awaken several hours later sick and drunk and with the dead body of the politician next to him in his campsite and no memory of what happened--although the lump on his head might have had something to do with that.
The interesting part of the story was Hampton's find of a journal in a sealed metal box with a few gold nuggets--and a rotted boot with a few human foot bones in it. The journal told of the owner's journey along the Yukon during the Alaska gold rush of 1897 and really made the story that much more interesting as certain aspects of it tied to the present day case.
I can't say that after 2 books this is a 'favorite' series..there's just 'something' about it that niggles at the back of my mind that I'm not liking. Maybe the 'romance' bits between Jessie and Alex...they just seem kind of....I don't know. Silly, or contrived. Both of them are too good to be true, maybe. I don't know. Still, I did enjoy this book and will certainly read on.
The interesting part of the story was Hampton's find of a journal in a sealed metal box with a few gold nuggets--and a rotted boot with a few human foot bones in it. The journal told of the owner's journey along the Yukon during the Alaska gold rush of 1897 and really made the story that much more interesting as certain aspects of it tied to the present day case.
I can't say that after 2 books this is a 'favorite' series..there's just 'something' about it that niggles at the back of my mind that I'm not liking. Maybe the 'romance' bits between Jessie and Alex...they just seem kind of....I don't know. Silly, or contrived. Both of them are too good to be true, maybe. I don't know. Still, I did enjoy this book and will certainly read on.
January 27, 2018
Journal kept by a prospector from the 1800s holds a tantalizing story for Jim Hampton, who is vacationing via canoe on the Yukon. Soon enough, he has his own adventure as he is shot at, had his equipment stolen from him and is set up to take the fall for the death of man he had met along the river. Alaska state trooper Alex Jensen, in Canada to work with an Inspector of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, is on hand when Hampton wakes and finds his "stolen" goods back at his camp site along with a dead body. Both police officers, Jensen and Charles Delafossee, are highly suspicious about the circumstances that point to Hampton, but reserve judgement as they begin an investigation.
Good solid writing and an interesting story. A little slow at the beginning but the story picks up and delivers.
Good solid writing and an interesting story. A little slow at the beginning but the story picks up and delivers.
June 1, 2024
An okay mystery. Henry’s strength is in the history and climate of Alaska. In this novel, the second in the series, Alex Jensen is helping his Canadian counterpart in the RCMP with some thefts of rvs and trucks. Then there are two murders, one of a retired Alaska politician who doesn’t thinks the native people need to do subsistence fishing any longer and the other is the son of back country man who is mean, abusive, and dirty. This man is actually connected to the death of a gold hunter 100 years earlier. Lots of great descriptions of canoeing on rivers and the consequences of frostbite. The solution to the mystery is kind of convoluted though.
February 25, 2025
Jim Hampton is enjoying an early autumn vacation, canoeing in the Yukon Territory. He’s even made an unexpected discovery - the diary of a prospector from the 1890’s gold rush. But things that a turn when someone he met along the way is murdered and someone is trying to frame him for it. Fortunately, Alaska trooper Alex Jensen is in the area, and he is suspicious of the evidence again Jim. But can Alex figure out what is really going on?
It had been a few years since I read the first book in this series, and I was glad to revisit the characters. While Jesse does have a small part in the story, it really gives Alex a chance to shine. The new characters were great as well. The diary that Jim discovers, while interesting glimpse into history, slows does the beginning. If you want to read the entire thing not the passages we get in the book, it is included at the end. The trade paperback version I read was riddled with enough typos and formatting issues to be annoying. On the other hand, the writing was wonderful and brought the story to life. This series has dropped off the radar a bit recently, but it is worth tracking down.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
It had been a few years since I read the first book in this series, and I was glad to revisit the characters. While Jesse does have a small part in the story, it really gives Alex a chance to shine. The new characters were great as well. The diary that Jim discovers, while interesting glimpse into history, slows does the beginning. If you want to read the entire thing not the passages we get in the book, it is included at the end. The trade paperback version I read was riddled with enough typos and formatting issues to be annoying. On the other hand, the writing was wonderful and brought the story to life. This series has dropped off the radar a bit recently, but it is worth tracking down.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
October 29, 2020
It's obviously not some masterpiece of literary art. Yet it's easy to read and moderately entertaining.
I picked it up because Alaska is still one of my favorite places on Earth, and I miss it, and just seeing some familiar names and references like "termination dust" made me very nostalgic. In that regard I kind of got what I was looking for. Some dialogues though are not that greatly written and made me cringe. I think my favorite part was actually Riser's journal, more relation to nature.
I will likely read more of Sue Henry's books, again for Alaskan references.
I picked it up because Alaska is still one of my favorite places on Earth, and I miss it, and just seeing some familiar names and references like "termination dust" made me very nostalgic. In that regard I kind of got what I was looking for. Some dialogues though are not that greatly written and made me cringe. I think my favorite part was actually Riser's journal, more relation to nature.
I will likely read more of Sue Henry's books, again for Alaskan references.
February 20, 2023
I haven't read these books in order but this second book in her series with characters Arnold and Jensen is as enjoyable as the first was. This provides a diary from a gold rush participant set in a contemporary mystery revolving around a wilderness canoe afficionado blamed for a murders on his wilderness canoe trek route. Her descriptions of the Alaskan country and the inclusion of history make this a fun series if you want to learn more about Alaska while enjoying a cosy mystery with characters that seem completely at home in this ice cold paradise.
September 16, 2023
Great historical part about finding the bone
s and journal of a dead miner killed by wolves who was trying to escape foul play from former partners greedy for gold. This is interwoven w 2modern murders on the river which have confusing large # of suspects and plot on motives. A 5 for history and a 2 to 3 for modern mystery. Editing out would have helped the modern part. Also the journal is included at the end but mostly covered in the book -so very redundant to read when you want to see what was not already covered...Book 1 was better and laced the convoluted modern plot
s and journal of a dead miner killed by wolves who was trying to escape foul play from former partners greedy for gold. This is interwoven w 2modern murders on the river which have confusing large # of suspects and plot on motives. A 5 for history and a 2 to 3 for modern mystery. Editing out would have helped the modern part. Also the journal is included at the end but mostly covered in the book -so very redundant to read when you want to see what was not already covered...Book 1 was better and laced the convoluted modern plot
July 20, 2018
I read the 1st of this series, Murder of the Iditarod trail, almost 10 yrs ago. So when I found the 2nd by chance at my library, I was not sure if I had already read it or not. Well, I hadn't. I think I liked this one more since it wasn't so much about dog mushing. I also decided that its best to read novels about freezing to death in the summertime. Thanks again goodreads for refreshing my reading lists!
January 30, 2019
LOVED it! I have read many Sue Henry books, and this has to be very high on the list of her best. Easily stepped into the main story because there was a bonus of another story within, with the journal of a Klondike participant. We visited the Alaska region in 2016, viewed remains of several areas where the miners had their camps, so this book became very real to me. I really loved the complete journal repeated in the end. Outstanding!
June 12, 2024
I'm really enjoying this series. Read several of them years ago and our librarian reminded me of them. Trying to track down all of them now. Sorry Sue Henry is gone and there aren't any more. Great stories about Alaska, mushers, etc. This one was a dual story book about a gold rush miner a hundred years ago (through his journal) and a current day mystery. Great story, great information about the Yukon. Definitely recommend
September 23, 2018
History, as in gold rush history, and a contemporary "who done it? and is about to do some more of it?" come together in this one, to keep a reader on the edge of her seat. The characters are interesting and well drawn, especially the main character, which is the Yukon. You can feel the cold, hardship and misery suffered by many of the characters, particularly the historical ones, as you read.
June 4, 2019
Conoeing down the Klondike River, Jim Hampton stumbles across the diary and remains of a prospector from the gold. Later that same day he has a run in with some criminals who try to set him up for the murder of two men. Twists, and turns lead to the real murderer all in the scenic back drop of Alaska.
December 30, 2021
Recommend for murder mystery fans and fans of stories set in Alaska. I did like the first book in the series more - probably because of the Iditarod. But the Klondike gold rush is cool, too (pun intended - get ready for frostbite).
(But do not recommend the couple of dated Native American stereotypes.)
(But do not recommend the couple of dated Native American stereotypes.)
November 6, 2024
Good historical and current fiction re: exploration of the bush in Alaska, specifically parts of the Clondike (Klondike) gold rush. Tips on surviving extreme cold, American/Canadian/Athebascan interrelationships and cultures, solving a crime, a little romance drama, suspense - a little something for everyone. Some arts did feel a bit like walking through a museum.
December 20, 2020
Terminal
It was amazing. It was confusing, I didn't know who did what. I was on the fence with Sean, but was surprised at what went down. I have suggested it to others but don't know if they'll read it. As for me I can't wait until book3.
It was amazing. It was confusing, I didn't know who did what. I was on the fence with Sean, but was surprised at what went down. I have suggested it to others but don't know if they'll read it. As for me I can't wait until book3.
July 11, 2017
I am enjoying this series!
January 19, 2018
A fun read a light mystery intertwined with interesting characters, history and story. You can connect with the area and the people having been to the area it really brought it to life for me
August 5, 2018
Another great mystery. The story has an 100 year old corpse tied to multiple deaths in present day. This one will keep you guessing.
April 19, 2020
Love this author!!
A good story that is very believable. It is also a clean story that is not graphic. I look forward to the other books in this series.
A good story that is very believable. It is also a clean story that is not graphic. I look forward to the other books in this series.
August 2, 2020
Two mysteries in one. One a journal from 1897 Gold Rush, the other current day murders. Very good but wordy she always writes a history/geography book to go along with her mystery.
June 23, 2022
An interesting gold rush Alaska Mystery. Looking forward to reading more of this series.
February 15, 2023
Enjoyable story with a murder mystery and a lot of
information about dealing with the climate in
Alaska/Yukon territory and life in the goldrush
times.
information about dealing with the climate in
Alaska/Yukon territory and life in the goldrush
times.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 79 reviews