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Murder Over Kodiak: An Alaska Wilderness Mystery Novel
When a floatplane mysteriously explodes above the Alaska wilderness, investigators begin digging into the lives of the five passengers and the pilot. Was the target of the bomb the U.S. senator in the midst of a hotly contended re-election campaign or her husband, a corporate raider with no shortage of enemies? Or could the bomb have been meant for the cannery owner involved in a contentious divorce, or the refuge manager who has a long list of adversaries, including one who has vowed to get even with him. Even the pilot could have been the target, since his girlfriend has violent tendencies and knows how to use explosives. Dr. Jane Marcus is determined to find who murdered her young assistant and the other passengers and the pilot of the floatplane, but when her own life is threatened, she knows she must and the murderer, before she becomes the next victim.
313 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 13, 2015
About the author
Robin Barefield
11 books17 followersRobin Barefield lives in the wilderness on Kodiak Island where she and her husband own a remote lodge. She has a master’s degree in fish and wildlife biology and is a wildlife viewing and fishing guide. Robin has published three novels, Big Game, Murder Over Kodiak, and The Fisherman’s Daughter. She draws on her love and appreciation of the Alaska wilderness as well as her scientific background when writing.
Robin invites you to join her at her website: http://robinbarefield.com, and while you are there, you can sign up for her free, monthly newsletter about true crime in Alaska. Robin is also a charter member of Author Masterminds: https://authormasterminds.com/robinba....
If you would like to watch a short webinar about how Robin became a published author and why she writes Alaska wilderness mysteries, follow this link: http://bit.ly/2pcCOo6
At the end of the webinar, you will be able to download a free copy of one of Robin’s novels.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 31, 2018
Murder Over Kodiak is a gripping read, and a highly entertaining novel for someone interested in nature and field biology, like me.
Our scientist has sent a grad trainee to collect clam samples from an isolated beach on Kodiak Island, where transport is by air or boat because there aren't many roads. But the small plane never returns. The disintegrated remnants are found, and the problem of finding the person responsible for killing a pilot and his five passengers overwhelms the small town.
A bomb is believed to have caused the deaths, which include a Senator and a cannery owner, who unlike the trainee, were unpopular with various persons. The FBI are soon on the scene and surprisingly the science lab needs investigation too.
I think it's page 36 before we know our biologist's full name, Jane Marcus PhD. She's a blow-in of course, liked or not liked by the residents, and she describes the locals for us, her work testing shellfish for toxins, her reactions to the police and FBI agent, finally the wilderness after some heart-stopping moments and dangers.
This may be the best nature-set thriller you'll read all year.
I received an e-ARC from the author. I chose to review because I enjoyed the read. This is an unbiased review.
Our scientist has sent a grad trainee to collect clam samples from an isolated beach on Kodiak Island, where transport is by air or boat because there aren't many roads. But the small plane never returns. The disintegrated remnants are found, and the problem of finding the person responsible for killing a pilot and his five passengers overwhelms the small town.
A bomb is believed to have caused the deaths, which include a Senator and a cannery owner, who unlike the trainee, were unpopular with various persons. The FBI are soon on the scene and surprisingly the science lab needs investigation too.
I think it's page 36 before we know our biologist's full name, Jane Marcus PhD. She's a blow-in of course, liked or not liked by the residents, and she describes the locals for us, her work testing shellfish for toxins, her reactions to the police and FBI agent, finally the wilderness after some heart-stopping moments and dangers.
This may be the best nature-set thriller you'll read all year.
I received an e-ARC from the author. I chose to review because I enjoyed the read. This is an unbiased review.
May 25, 2015
“To the lover of wilderness, Alaska is one of the most wonderful countries in the world." — John Muir
"Alaska is what happens when Willy Wonka and the witch from Hansel and Gretel elope, buy a place together upstate, renounce their sweet teeth, and turn into health fanatics." — Sloane Crosley
I love Alaskan mystery/suspense/adventure tales. There is just something about the landscape, the breathtaking beauty, and unusual characters that calls out to the wannabe homesteader in my soul. The person who could be perfectly happy in a cabin in the woods, surrounded by beauty on all sides, wild creatures, the scent of spruce, cedar and pine, the sound of an eagle’s cry.
Of course, the whole, “damn it’s COLD!”, the snow higher than the eves, and the mosquitoes larger than 747’s, and the idea of breaking a leg and being eaten by bears in the woods is rather off-putting . . . Grin. But I can still get a vicarious thrill from authors like the marvelous Dana Stabenow. And now, Robin L. Barefield. Ms. Barefield’s “Murder Over Kodiak” is her second book, and it holds great promise as a new series for my lists.
There is much to recommend Murder Over Kodiak, and not just my rather obsessive love of Alaskan fiction. Dr. Jane Marcus is a research biologist posted to Kodiak Island. Located off the south coast of Alaska, separated from the mainland by the Shelikof Strait, Kodiak is the largest island in the Kodiak Archipelago. Isolated, often cut off from the continent by fog and vicious storms, Kodiak is a quiet island of oddballs and academics, rather boring but for the gossip. Until, that is, things start to fall apart.
Three people have died from PSP, paralytic shellfish poisoning, a saxitoxin found in shellfish, one of the more popular foodstuffs on the island. As a biologist for The Kodiak Braxton Marine Biology and Fisheries Research Center, it is Jane’s job to not only help develop a test for PSP that can be easily administered by those who dig shellfish for their dinner, but to identify the strain of toxin that killed the victims. When Jane sends Craig, her student and assistant, on his first solo trip to gather shellfish for testing she isn’t worried. Craig is methodical, cautious, and knowledgeable about the dangers inherent in the wilds of the island. Bears and poisonous plants abound, but Craig is more than competent. He can handle anything.
Anything, but the bombing of the airplane he shares with an oddly assorted cast of characters. Though Craig hasn’t an enemy in the world, all of the others, including the pilot, have their own set of enemies, any of which could make them the target for a devastating bomb. A much hated corporate raider, known for destroying companies and their owners. His Senator wife, involved in a hard fought reelection campaign with a possible Mexican drug cartel puppet. The much hated Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge manager, bullying others about the rules of the park but breaking them continuously for his own aggrandizement with his political cronies. And a local cannery owner whose bitter wife may or may not be involved. Then there is poor Bill, the sweet young pilot, whose ‘girlfriend’ is the epitome of a disturbed teenage girl. Any could be the target of the bomb. But who was its intended target?
Things get even more ‘interesting’ in the Chinese manner as Jane’s life is threatened, the press arrives in a voracious hoard, and the suspect list grows. From the decidedly self-centred son of the Senator to possible Mexican cartel hitters, the terror cranks up to an unexpected, highly appealing climax. Barefield uses her knowledge of Kodiak, its people, the ‘Alaskan Mindset’ and the ecology and weather of the island to create a beautifully crafted, and unexpected, novel.
The only thing that really bothered me about the novel, as with so many other self-published books, is the lack of editorial oversight. I am perfectly capable of immersing myself in novels, losing all sense of time. However, though it seems a small thing, improper adverb placement was completely distracting, bringing me crashing out of the story in irritation every few pages. Another issue I often see? Relying on spell check. It is a tool, much like a wrench or a screwdriver. It relies upon the wielder to utilize it correctly. Ms. Barefield could have paid a bit more attention. A few other issues, but minor.
Even given the editorial issues, this book touched the aspiring Alaskan in my soul. I will be reading the first book by Ms. Barefield when I can, and will watch for others by her. If you want to learn more about Kodiak and the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuse, visit Ms. Barefield here.
I received “Murder Over Kodiak” from StoryCartel.com in exchange for a realistic review. All thoughts are my own.
"Alaska is what happens when Willy Wonka and the witch from Hansel and Gretel elope, buy a place together upstate, renounce their sweet teeth, and turn into health fanatics." — Sloane Crosley
I love Alaskan mystery/suspense/adventure tales. There is just something about the landscape, the breathtaking beauty, and unusual characters that calls out to the wannabe homesteader in my soul. The person who could be perfectly happy in a cabin in the woods, surrounded by beauty on all sides, wild creatures, the scent of spruce, cedar and pine, the sound of an eagle’s cry.
Of course, the whole, “damn it’s COLD!”, the snow higher than the eves, and the mosquitoes larger than 747’s, and the idea of breaking a leg and being eaten by bears in the woods is rather off-putting . . . Grin. But I can still get a vicarious thrill from authors like the marvelous Dana Stabenow. And now, Robin L. Barefield. Ms. Barefield’s “Murder Over Kodiak” is her second book, and it holds great promise as a new series for my lists.
There is much to recommend Murder Over Kodiak, and not just my rather obsessive love of Alaskan fiction. Dr. Jane Marcus is a research biologist posted to Kodiak Island. Located off the south coast of Alaska, separated from the mainland by the Shelikof Strait, Kodiak is the largest island in the Kodiak Archipelago. Isolated, often cut off from the continent by fog and vicious storms, Kodiak is a quiet island of oddballs and academics, rather boring but for the gossip. Until, that is, things start to fall apart.
Three people have died from PSP, paralytic shellfish poisoning, a saxitoxin found in shellfish, one of the more popular foodstuffs on the island. As a biologist for The Kodiak Braxton Marine Biology and Fisheries Research Center, it is Jane’s job to not only help develop a test for PSP that can be easily administered by those who dig shellfish for their dinner, but to identify the strain of toxin that killed the victims. When Jane sends Craig, her student and assistant, on his first solo trip to gather shellfish for testing she isn’t worried. Craig is methodical, cautious, and knowledgeable about the dangers inherent in the wilds of the island. Bears and poisonous plants abound, but Craig is more than competent. He can handle anything.
Anything, but the bombing of the airplane he shares with an oddly assorted cast of characters. Though Craig hasn’t an enemy in the world, all of the others, including the pilot, have their own set of enemies, any of which could make them the target for a devastating bomb. A much hated corporate raider, known for destroying companies and their owners. His Senator wife, involved in a hard fought reelection campaign with a possible Mexican drug cartel puppet. The much hated Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge manager, bullying others about the rules of the park but breaking them continuously for his own aggrandizement with his political cronies. And a local cannery owner whose bitter wife may or may not be involved. Then there is poor Bill, the sweet young pilot, whose ‘girlfriend’ is the epitome of a disturbed teenage girl. Any could be the target of the bomb. But who was its intended target?
Things get even more ‘interesting’ in the Chinese manner as Jane’s life is threatened, the press arrives in a voracious hoard, and the suspect list grows. From the decidedly self-centred son of the Senator to possible Mexican cartel hitters, the terror cranks up to an unexpected, highly appealing climax. Barefield uses her knowledge of Kodiak, its people, the ‘Alaskan Mindset’ and the ecology and weather of the island to create a beautifully crafted, and unexpected, novel.
The only thing that really bothered me about the novel, as with so many other self-published books, is the lack of editorial oversight. I am perfectly capable of immersing myself in novels, losing all sense of time. However, though it seems a small thing, improper adverb placement was completely distracting, bringing me crashing out of the story in irritation every few pages. Another issue I often see? Relying on spell check. It is a tool, much like a wrench or a screwdriver. It relies upon the wielder to utilize it correctly. Ms. Barefield could have paid a bit more attention. A few other issues, but minor.
Even given the editorial issues, this book touched the aspiring Alaskan in my soul. I will be reading the first book by Ms. Barefield when I can, and will watch for others by her. If you want to learn more about Kodiak and the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuse, visit Ms. Barefield here.
I received “Murder Over Kodiak” from StoryCartel.com in exchange for a realistic review. All thoughts are my own.
December 9, 2015
A riveting whodunit set against the breathtakingly beautiful and perilous Alaskan landscape. A must for your winter reading list. When a floatplane goes down in the vicinity of Kodiak, Alaska, it appears that the tragedy will be most notable for ending the life of a U.S. senator. But for research biologist Jane Marcus, the crash hits much closer to home. Among the dead is Jane’s young assistant, for whose death she feels personally responsible. “I sent Craig alone at the last minute,” she admits. “I don’t like to fly, so I found an excuse not to go.” Check out the rest of my review at BestThrillers.com
June 29, 2022
A murder mystery involving saxitoxin and paralytic shellfish poisoning? Sign me up! Well written mystery. The lead character makes a couple of decisions that are foolish at best, but, for the most part does not go past the line of incredulous behavior that ruin too many mysteries involving amateur sleuths. All in all, a good read!
July 3, 2023
This was a good book for me to read, as a person that wants to write their own novel.
I picked this book up because I grew up on Kodiak. I know Ms. Barefield wasn't a main stream author but she'd gotten published (obviously) and so I wanted to see how that all played out.
My first challenge is that the book is written in first person which is not a style I prefer. Didn't know that going in, so that was my initial challenge.
The second challenge was the old "show don't tell" dilemma. I felt "told" a lot in this book. I never really connected with the protagonist because I constantly felt like I was hearing the author's POV throughout. Not being a person who reads, or writes, in first person could have just been a writing style disconnect. But for me, it was.
The story line was good. Look, this book wasn't a DNF for me. I did finish it. So the storyline was compelling enough. But I won't say I closed it and said "wow, that really got me!!" I was more like "yeah, I thought something like that was going to happen"
The Kodiak piece felt very spot on. Near Island is significantly different today than when I gre up there but I've been back home several times recently and all of that was, as expected, genuine and authentic.
As an aspiring writer I will say that this book provided many valuable lessons to me. Good and bad. And I am thankful to have read it and to have supported an Alaskan author who for my first time reading did a great job with room to do even better!
I picked this book up because I grew up on Kodiak. I know Ms. Barefield wasn't a main stream author but she'd gotten published (obviously) and so I wanted to see how that all played out.
My first challenge is that the book is written in first person which is not a style I prefer. Didn't know that going in, so that was my initial challenge.
The second challenge was the old "show don't tell" dilemma. I felt "told" a lot in this book. I never really connected with the protagonist because I constantly felt like I was hearing the author's POV throughout. Not being a person who reads, or writes, in first person could have just been a writing style disconnect. But for me, it was.
The story line was good. Look, this book wasn't a DNF for me. I did finish it. So the storyline was compelling enough. But I won't say I closed it and said "wow, that really got me!!" I was more like "yeah, I thought something like that was going to happen"
The Kodiak piece felt very spot on. Near Island is significantly different today than when I gre up there but I've been back home several times recently and all of that was, as expected, genuine and authentic.
As an aspiring writer I will say that this book provided many valuable lessons to me. Good and bad. And I am thankful to have read it and to have supported an Alaskan author who for my first time reading did a great job with room to do even better!
April 21, 2018
Making Mysteries Fun Again
Robin Barefield has created a thoroughly enjoyable character, Dr. Jane Marcus. Marcus is intelligent and personable. When her assistant Craig is killed in a plane explosion with five others, she feels responsible and determined to find the guilty party. Battlefield weaves the unspoiled beauty of the Alaskan landscape and the community of Kodiak into an intricate murder mystery. Though we never get to meet Craig, we come to care about him through Jane's recollections of a young life ended too soon. When Jane becomes the next target, there seem to be too many suspects and too little time.
Robin Barefield has created a thoroughly enjoyable character, Dr. Jane Marcus. Marcus is intelligent and personable. When her assistant Craig is killed in a plane explosion with five others, she feels responsible and determined to find the guilty party. Battlefield weaves the unspoiled beauty of the Alaskan landscape and the community of Kodiak into an intricate murder mystery. Though we never get to meet Craig, we come to care about him through Jane's recollections of a young life ended too soon. When Jane becomes the next target, there seem to be too many suspects and too little time.
October 4, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this suspenseful mystery, which took place over Kodiak Island off the coast of Alaska. This island is only accessible by floatplane. A bomb explodes on a small plane killing 5 passengers, one of which is a U.S. senator. A young assistant to Dr. Jane Marcus, part of a team from a wildlife refuge center, was also on the plane. Dr. Marcus begins her investigation, along with local, state, and federal officials. There were several potential targets who were also on the plane.
I now want to read her more current novel, The Ultimate Hunt.
I now want to read her more current novel, The Ultimate Hunt.
February 12, 2023
Good one
Don't expect much in the way of romance but you will her a good mystery. I didn't expect it to end as it did. I hadn't put it together quite that way. Also I do love it when the author gets Alaska right.
Don't expect much in the way of romance but you will her a good mystery. I didn't expect it to end as it did. I hadn't put it together quite that way. Also I do love it when the author gets Alaska right.
December 17, 2015
In the lab at the Kodiak Braxton Marine Biology & Fisheries Research Center (KBMBFRC) on Kodiak Island; Dr. Jane Marcus (narrator, U of A, Ph.D. fishery biology) & Craig Pederson (20, assistant, U of W, KBMBFRC) did protein-separation analysis & examined the clam & mussel samples for paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP).
Dr. Peter Wayan (40+) is the director of KBMBFRC.
Doris Cycek (64, wife) had died of PSP.
There next shipment of clam & mussel samples aboard the Cessna 206 had not arrived.
Steve Duncan (pilot) & Dr. Marcus were scouring the area for the plane Beaver (Kodiak Air Services). It had crashed at Spiridon Lake & was in a million pieces.
The Coast Guard, the FAA & the Alaska State Troopers were contacted.
Craig was on the plane & his parents had to be notified.
Alaska State Trooper James Hostler came to see Dr. Marcus.
Later Frank Hayman (FAA) came to see Dr. Marcus.
Bill Watson (KAS pilot), Craig Pederson (KBMBFRC), Richard Dick Simms (Kodiak Fish & Wildlife Refuge manager), Senator Margaret Justin (NY, Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for the Interior & the Environment, Department of the Interior), George Justin (husband, corporate raider), & Darren Myers (owner Uyak salmon Cannery) were all aboard the plane (9-9-November) & perished in the crash.
The Alaska FBI, the Homeland Security, & the CIA Counterterrorism, were also called in to investigate.
Who & why was Jack Justin meeting with Dr. Jane Marcus at Henry’s sports bar/restaurant?
FBI Special Agent Nick Morgan (CASKU, BS chemistry, MS psychology, PhD forensic science, GWU) was keeping Dr. Jane Marcus well informed on the investigation.
Dr. Jane Marcus was also doing her own investigating.
What would happen at KBMBFRC?
What happened at Dr. Jane Marcus apartment?
Will this crime case get solved?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very well written who-dun-it crime book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a large set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great crime mystery movie, or mini TV series. 1 book you must read to the end. Wasn’t exciting as I like them, but I still enjoyed it. That said I will still rate it at 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Dr. Peter Wayan (40+) is the director of KBMBFRC.
Doris Cycek (64, wife) had died of PSP.
There next shipment of clam & mussel samples aboard the Cessna 206 had not arrived.
Steve Duncan (pilot) & Dr. Marcus were scouring the area for the plane Beaver (Kodiak Air Services). It had crashed at Spiridon Lake & was in a million pieces.
The Coast Guard, the FAA & the Alaska State Troopers were contacted.
Craig was on the plane & his parents had to be notified.
Alaska State Trooper James Hostler came to see Dr. Marcus.
Later Frank Hayman (FAA) came to see Dr. Marcus.
Bill Watson (KAS pilot), Craig Pederson (KBMBFRC), Richard Dick Simms (Kodiak Fish & Wildlife Refuge manager), Senator Margaret Justin (NY, Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for the Interior & the Environment, Department of the Interior), George Justin (husband, corporate raider), & Darren Myers (owner Uyak salmon Cannery) were all aboard the plane (9-9-November) & perished in the crash.
The Alaska FBI, the Homeland Security, & the CIA Counterterrorism, were also called in to investigate.
Who & why was Jack Justin meeting with Dr. Jane Marcus at Henry’s sports bar/restaurant?
FBI Special Agent Nick Morgan (CASKU, BS chemistry, MS psychology, PhD forensic science, GWU) was keeping Dr. Jane Marcus well informed on the investigation.
Dr. Jane Marcus was also doing her own investigating.
What would happen at KBMBFRC?
What happened at Dr. Jane Marcus apartment?
Will this crime case get solved?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very well written who-dun-it crime book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a large set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great crime mystery movie, or mini TV series. 1 book you must read to the end. Wasn’t exciting as I like them, but I still enjoyed it. That said I will still rate it at 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
March 23, 2016
Probably 4 to 4 1/2 for those who have never been to Kodiak, but, for one who has been to Kodiak many, many times, and to Port Lions and Larsen Bay (I also have been to Ouzinkie) it was great fun. Not only was the mystery very good, but I have eaten at Henry's many times (in the area the Islanders call "The Mall," though it is unlike any Mall people not familiar with "the Rock" would recognize), and stayed at the hotel she loosely based her Baranov Inn on (the old Kodiak Islander, for those who have been to Kodiak over time). It was the excellent restaurant which was the clue, with windows looking over the water. She mentioned the Safeway; I was there when it opened, at midnight, and the lines were so long it was like some rock star was giving autographs. She sure is right about the weather - Kodiak is beautiful when it does not rain, but it rains A LOT. The Islanders have a T-Shirt which reads, "Kodiak Rain Festival - January 1st to December 31st."
Gosh, I got carried away. This is a really good mystery, for those who like mysteries, and, if the reader has been to Kodiak, it is even greater fun.
Gosh, I got carried away. This is a really good mystery, for those who like mysteries, and, if the reader has been to Kodiak, it is even greater fun.
July 10, 2015
Love this new author. Alaska is a new kind of setting for a mystery novel. This second book was better than the first in this series featuring research biologist Jane Marcus. The vivid Alaskan wilderness setting matches perfectly with the characters and even mirrors them at times. Plus the great dialogue guides the plot and helps the story unfold at a steady pace. Good read indeed! Enjoy! Can't wait for the next one in the series!
January 17, 2017
I really enjoyed Murder Over Kodiak by Robin Barefield. This book was suspenseful and kept me eager to keep reading well after I should have been sleeping to find out what happened next. The characters were relatable and likeable. If you love mystery books and Alaska, this book is a must read.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews