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Kate Shugak #19
Restless in the Grave
New York Times bestseller Dana Stabenow returns with her most outstanding novel yet, teaming up two of her most beloved characters, Aleut private investigator Kate Shugak and Alaska state trooper Liam Campbell, in the same story for the first time.Alaska aviation entrepreneur Finn Grant died in the fiery crash of his Piper Super Cub. Someone sabotaged his engine, and virtually everyone in southwestern Alaska has a motive, including his betrayed wife, his bullied children, and Liam’s wife, bush pilot Wyanet Chouinard. With few places to turn, Liam asks his former mentor Niniltna post commander Sergeant Jim Chopin, for help, and Jim quickly brings Kate onto the case.Working undercover as—of all things—a waitress at Bill’s Bar and Grill, Kate learns over beer and burgers that Grant’s business had expanded meteorically over the last two years. After buying the closed Air Force base south of town from the federal government at a bargain-basement price, he became a fixed-base operator running his fishing, hunting, and flight-seeing business, servicing planes flying through the area, and most interestingly and lucratively, getting into the air freight business. But what kind of freight was he moving, and where?The answers involve Kate in her most challenging case to date, one that starts with murder and quickly sprawls into a much larger conspiracy ranging from the darkest family secrets to treason and beyond. Restless in the Grave is a treat for fans and another outstanding addition to Dana Stabenow’s acclaimed and award-winning series.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 14, 2012
240 people are currently reading
1518 people want to read
About the author
Dana Stabenow
104 books2,150 followersDana Stabenow was born in Anchorage and raised on 75-foot fish tender in the Gulf of Alaska. She knew there was a warmer, drier job out there somewhere.
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April 11, 2020
Restless in the Grave is Dana Stabenow’s nineteenth Kate Shugak novel, and it is Kate’s first collaboration with another Stabenow character, Alaska state trooper, Liam Campbell. As I began reading, I could have sworn I had read this book before. But most of the plot sounded unfamiliar, so I kept going. Until, well, maybe. At any rate, I soon became quite engrossed as Kate agreed to undertake an undercover assignment in Liam’s territory to try to determine if the death of a local man was truly an accident or something more sinister. Campbell has another motive: he needs Kate to clear his wife, since many had witnessed her arguing with the deceased prior to his fatal flight. A pilot herself, Wyanet “Wy” Chouinard would have had motive, means, and opportunity to have meddled with the dead man’s plane. But did she?
Using the name Kate Saracoff, our little P.I. takes a job in a bar and soon finds herself learning a good deal about the dead man, his business, and his associates. She also encounters a fair amount of danger, and one has to be able to suspend belief to think that she could get herself out of trouble so often, with or without the assistance of her half-lupine assistant Mutt.
The plot becomes quite complex. Kate, being an experienced investigator, is able to keep digging and fit the pieces together. The characters are numerous, which gets a bit confusing, but some are quite memorable. I especially liked Liam’s wife Wy and her grandfather Moses. The latter created some humorous situations, but in the end, he proved heroic and very wise indeed. It was his recurring line that finally hit home. Yes, I had read this story before. But I didn’t mind. Not at all.
3.5 stars rounded to 4
December 3, 2024
This is the newest and most unusual of all of Ms. Stabenow's books. Dana writes 2 separate series set in Alaska. One is about state trooper Liam Campbell, and the other is about private investigator Kate Shugak. Restless in the Grave combines the 2 main characters from both series and turns it into one action and mystery-filled, un-put-downable book.
Some readers who have never read any of Ms. Stabenow's works may wonder if they can read this as a stand-alone book. While I believe these two series to be the best things since sliced bread, and I whole-heartedly suggest you DO read them from book one...but with this particular book, there really is no need. You can dive right in because this is just a little different than her usual books. It does revolve around Kate, so you might feel you need the full background but Ms.
Stabenow's writing is so complex in this novel, and the past experiences of Kate really take a back-seat to the action and adventure you will find in this book. Once you've read this one, you may feel compelled to read them all. I hope you do.
This book takes place in Liam's backyard, where his wife has a shadow of suspicion thrown on her over the recent death of Finn Grant---who is a totally loathsome creature. Liam asks Kate to come and investigate the death of Finn and to put to rest once and for all whether or not it was pilot error or murder.
Kate starts working undercover and, during the course of her investigation, gets locked in a chest freezer with her half-wolf Mutt (among other places she is locked into, meets a super hunky male movie star who may have the hots for Kate, and find a plot sending American arms meant for our army into the hands of the enemy.
This book does tragically end the life of a much-loved character, and that is not unusual for Ms. Stabenow. Throughout this long-running series, fans have had to come to terms with the death, both natural and unnatural, of many beloved characters. Ms. Stabenow does work her magic and never leaves you feeling bereft for too long.
This book is filled with the usual red-herring, humor, and sharp wit that we've come to depend on. It has a very large cast of complex characters and leaves us with what appears to be the plot for her next book.
This is an exceptional installment into an exceptional series, or should I say 2 series? I really loved the blending of the two, and I hope that Dana will do it again in the future.
Some readers who have never read any of Ms. Stabenow's works may wonder if they can read this as a stand-alone book. While I believe these two series to be the best things since sliced bread, and I whole-heartedly suggest you DO read them from book one...but with this particular book, there really is no need. You can dive right in because this is just a little different than her usual books. It does revolve around Kate, so you might feel you need the full background but Ms.
Stabenow's writing is so complex in this novel, and the past experiences of Kate really take a back-seat to the action and adventure you will find in this book. Once you've read this one, you may feel compelled to read them all. I hope you do.
This book takes place in Liam's backyard, where his wife has a shadow of suspicion thrown on her over the recent death of Finn Grant---who is a totally loathsome creature. Liam asks Kate to come and investigate the death of Finn and to put to rest once and for all whether or not it was pilot error or murder.
Kate starts working undercover and, during the course of her investigation, gets locked in a chest freezer with her half-wolf Mutt (among other places she is locked into, meets a super hunky male movie star who may have the hots for Kate, and find a plot sending American arms meant for our army into the hands of the enemy.
This book does tragically end the life of a much-loved character, and that is not unusual for Ms. Stabenow. Throughout this long-running series, fans have had to come to terms with the death, both natural and unnatural, of many beloved characters. Ms. Stabenow does work her magic and never leaves you feeling bereft for too long.
This book is filled with the usual red-herring, humor, and sharp wit that we've come to depend on. It has a very large cast of complex characters and leaves us with what appears to be the plot for her next book.
This is an exceptional installment into an exceptional series, or should I say 2 series? I really loved the blending of the two, and I hope that Dana will do it again in the future.
October 4, 2023
I've read a few books in this series (Kate Shugak #19). It's one of those series, that my OCD allows me to read out of order. While I didn't like this one as much as some of the others, there is still much to like and not because this take place in Alaska.
I like the MC. She is fun and doesn't overthink every little nuance in her life. She is flawed, but navigates that well. She has a half-wolf dog for a sidekick. And as always, I love the humor. It always puts a conspiratorial smile on my face. I like the antics. So 3 stars.
I like the MC. She is fun and doesn't overthink every little nuance in her life. She is flawed, but navigates that well. She has a half-wolf dog for a sidekick. And as always, I love the humor. It always puts a conspiratorial smile on my face. I like the antics. So 3 stars.
April 28, 2012
Dana Stabenow’s Shugak novels really defy pigeonholing. Yes, they are mysteries, but they are also an intimate look at life in Alaska (where writer Stabenow was born and raised,) and an ongoing set of vignettes about a unique special woman: Kate Shugak. One of my favorite things about this series (Stabenow has several series, as well as some freestanding thrillers and several works in anthologies) is that the characters grow, change, age, and—yes—die. This series works well both in its serial form and as novels read in any order you like. In each book, Kate is a fully present three-dimensional character whose life is complex, interesting, and sometimes scary.
In Restless in the Grave, Kate has reluctantly, once again taken on an undercover job. It is exciting to see a character from another of Dana’s series pop up here. Liam Campbell is an Alaskan State Trooper whose wife is the suspect in a case, and he wants Kate to help out so he can back off. The murder occurs early on—seemingly a typical Alaskan bush plane crash—but the dead man is disliked by nearly everyone, including his nearest and dearest. Kate takes a deep breath and plunges into her assignment as a waitress at a bar and grill.
There, Kate can get the real scuttlebutt on the dead man, uber-rich Finn Grant. Grant has embezzled, frauded and blackmailed just about everyone he knows, and a lot of folks he didn’t know. It is not really a matter of finding out who-done-it, but weeding out the least likely to zero in on the best suspects.
Restless in the Grave begins in Afghanistan, about as far away in climate and temperament as you can go from Alaska. Short and to the point, it will shake you and make you wonder what the hell the two places, and the characters involved, have to do with one another. Well, read on, MacDuff, for Stabenow and the intrepid Kate will reveal all…eventually.
Wonderful sidebars (subplots?!) include the arrival of cell towers for this part of Alaska; poor Jim Chopin, Kate’s love interest and occasional boss, hates always being accessible. The Niniltna Native Association (NNA) is undergoing change; Kate is stepping down from the pivotal chair position she reluctantly accepted when her Grandmother died. Her cousin is going to go on the board, and she and Kate are not the best of friends. The new head of the board seems to be much like Kate’s grandmother, and there is tension in the air at each board meeting. As usual, Kate has a lot of eggs to juggle, and no resolutions are in sight.
Her usual sidekick, the half-wolf Mutt, joins Kate as her aide-de-camp at the bar, watching pushy men and rude customers with a baleful eye. Kate’s adopted son, Johnny, isn’t around much in this book, which is disappointing, but the whole book is so much fun I didn’t notice it after a while. The relationship between Jim and Kate continues steamy, and Kate’s struggle to follow clues to their bitter end becomes a struggle to do the right thing by the living.
I would love to see some new fans for Dana Stabenow and Kate Shugak coming from this book. If you are a Liam Campbell fan or a new reader, you will find this 19th-book in the Shugak oeuvre everything a murder mystery-thriller should be.
Originally published on Curled Up With A Good Book at www.curledup.com. © Laura Strathman Hulka, 2012
In Restless in the Grave, Kate has reluctantly, once again taken on an undercover job. It is exciting to see a character from another of Dana’s series pop up here. Liam Campbell is an Alaskan State Trooper whose wife is the suspect in a case, and he wants Kate to help out so he can back off. The murder occurs early on—seemingly a typical Alaskan bush plane crash—but the dead man is disliked by nearly everyone, including his nearest and dearest. Kate takes a deep breath and plunges into her assignment as a waitress at a bar and grill.
There, Kate can get the real scuttlebutt on the dead man, uber-rich Finn Grant. Grant has embezzled, frauded and blackmailed just about everyone he knows, and a lot of folks he didn’t know. It is not really a matter of finding out who-done-it, but weeding out the least likely to zero in on the best suspects.
Restless in the Grave begins in Afghanistan, about as far away in climate and temperament as you can go from Alaska. Short and to the point, it will shake you and make you wonder what the hell the two places, and the characters involved, have to do with one another. Well, read on, MacDuff, for Stabenow and the intrepid Kate will reveal all…eventually.
Wonderful sidebars (subplots?!) include the arrival of cell towers for this part of Alaska; poor Jim Chopin, Kate’s love interest and occasional boss, hates always being accessible. The Niniltna Native Association (NNA) is undergoing change; Kate is stepping down from the pivotal chair position she reluctantly accepted when her Grandmother died. Her cousin is going to go on the board, and she and Kate are not the best of friends. The new head of the board seems to be much like Kate’s grandmother, and there is tension in the air at each board meeting. As usual, Kate has a lot of eggs to juggle, and no resolutions are in sight.
Her usual sidekick, the half-wolf Mutt, joins Kate as her aide-de-camp at the bar, watching pushy men and rude customers with a baleful eye. Kate’s adopted son, Johnny, isn’t around much in this book, which is disappointing, but the whole book is so much fun I didn’t notice it after a while. The relationship between Jim and Kate continues steamy, and Kate’s struggle to follow clues to their bitter end becomes a struggle to do the right thing by the living.
I would love to see some new fans for Dana Stabenow and Kate Shugak coming from this book. If you are a Liam Campbell fan or a new reader, you will find this 19th-book in the Shugak oeuvre everything a murder mystery-thriller should be.
Originally published on Curled Up With A Good Book at www.curledup.com. © Laura Strathman Hulka, 2012
June 29, 2016
First, I haven't yet read any of the Liam Campbell books though the first is in my cue. Based on this book I am looking forward to that series. I found Liam to be humble, kind, and likable. He will make an interesting protagonist. And I am even more excited about the idea of getting to know more about his wife.
Second, Book #18 returned to its roots and gave me a lot of backstory on Kate and Jim, glimpses into life in the Park, and Alaska shining as its own character -- which is exactly what I want when reading a Kate Shugak mystery. This book continues a good trend. We don't get the history, but we do see Kate's continuing awakening to her feelings for Jim, her inability to let go of those she loves who have died, and the humor and loyalty that make her an intriguing character. Although her story takes part outside of the Park, Jim's story allows the reader to stay in touch with the "park rats". The mystery allows us to examine a little more about life in Alaska -- learning more about its closeness to Russia and how that affects both its history and its current life, examining how integral aviation is to the survival of those who call Alaska home, and more details about the role of both the mining industry and weaponry on the citizenry. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the most recent in the series.
Second, Book #18 returned to its roots and gave me a lot of backstory on Kate and Jim, glimpses into life in the Park, and Alaska shining as its own character -- which is exactly what I want when reading a Kate Shugak mystery. This book continues a good trend. We don't get the history, but we do see Kate's continuing awakening to her feelings for Jim, her inability to let go of those she loves who have died, and the humor and loyalty that make her an intriguing character. Although her story takes part outside of the Park, Jim's story allows the reader to stay in touch with the "park rats". The mystery allows us to examine a little more about life in Alaska -- learning more about its closeness to Russia and how that affects both its history and its current life, examining how integral aviation is to the survival of those who call Alaska home, and more details about the role of both the mining industry and weaponry on the citizenry. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the most recent in the series.
April 26, 2012
I have read the Kate Shugak novels from the beginning. Dana Stabenow started with characterization as her strong suit, and her characters are still well-developed, interesting people who are three-dimensional enough to learn from their own mistakes. But it has been a real joy to read along as Stabenow has gotten better and better at crafting plot, leading to intricate, finely-written intrigues that keep you guessing right up until the end.
Restless in the Grave is proof of Stabenow's skill with story. Her last book, Though Not Dead, covered a lot of Alaska history, which was fascinating. This book has a little history, too, but mainly it is intrigue all the way through. Unconnected characters and incidents prove to be connected after all, and there are a couple of "ohhhhh" moments, especially at the end.
Another delight of this book is that Stabenow has brought Liam Campbell, the main character in her other 4-book series, into this book. Can there be too many competent, handsome men in one series? I don't think so. If only it weren't so dang cold in Alaska...
Restless in the Grave is proof of Stabenow's skill with story. Her last book, Though Not Dead, covered a lot of Alaska history, which was fascinating. This book has a little history, too, but mainly it is intrigue all the way through. Unconnected characters and incidents prove to be connected after all, and there are a couple of "ohhhhh" moments, especially at the end.
Another delight of this book is that Stabenow has brought Liam Campbell, the main character in her other 4-book series, into this book. Can there be too many competent, handsome men in one series? I don't think so. If only it weren't so dang cold in Alaska...
November 16, 2020
3.5 not my favorite Kate novel. Kate took a licking again, this time out of town with no human support just her and Mutt. Kate is asked to dig into a case for a friend of Jim's and she find so much more than anyone was expecting. There were three really good looking men, one of them was a movie star. His part in this story and her reaction was different from previous books. Kate felt different, perhaps her reaction to these men ? or the way she put herself and Mutt in danger again after the last few books. I felt a shift in her and I'm not sure I like it.
May 22, 2021
Follow PI Kate Shugak as she solves the mystery of a fatal plane accident. Was it mechanical failure, pilot error or even a murder?
I enjoyed reading Restless In The Grave and liked how the atmosphere carried on from previous books in this series. I liked the lifestyle descriptions of Alaskan life and the many cultural references scattered throughout this story. For example…
no one in Bush Alaska ever threw anything away
...There were many local North American words for me to discover like “zaftig” - which added to the feeling of being a long way from the UK. Also there were lots of brand names that British readers will not have come across like Carhartt bibs, Xtra Tufs boots, Arctic Cat snowmobiles and a beer I have not tried before called Alaskan Amber. Sadly the lead character Kate Shugak is teetotal and another character offers her a soft drink but he is clearly not pushing the boat out…
He nodded, his back to her as he filled two glasses with ice and split a Diet Coke between them.
… what a cheapskate! That is one of my pet hates, sharing a 330ml can - get a life!
Mutt, the half husky, half wolf pet dog of Kate Shugak has her role to play in solving the mystery of the fatal crash. I loved the dynamics between Kate and her dog, this bond added a lot to the story and dog owners will feel very much at home.
I liked the pace of this story and with its strong character development I felt as though I was there in the middle of this mystery. All the extra details painted a powerful picture in my mind as though I was sitting back enjoying a film.
I liked how the plot unfolded and all the nagging doubts thrown at the reader from the first page. I think Restless In The Grave is another GOOD 4 star read and Dana shows what a consistent author she is with her Kate Shugak series.
I enjoyed reading Restless In The Grave and liked how the atmosphere carried on from previous books in this series. I liked the lifestyle descriptions of Alaskan life and the many cultural references scattered throughout this story. For example…
no one in Bush Alaska ever threw anything away
...There were many local North American words for me to discover like “zaftig” - which added to the feeling of being a long way from the UK. Also there were lots of brand names that British readers will not have come across like Carhartt bibs, Xtra Tufs boots, Arctic Cat snowmobiles and a beer I have not tried before called Alaskan Amber. Sadly the lead character Kate Shugak is teetotal and another character offers her a soft drink but he is clearly not pushing the boat out…
He nodded, his back to her as he filled two glasses with ice and split a Diet Coke between them.
… what a cheapskate! That is one of my pet hates, sharing a 330ml can - get a life!
Mutt, the half husky, half wolf pet dog of Kate Shugak has her role to play in solving the mystery of the fatal crash. I loved the dynamics between Kate and her dog, this bond added a lot to the story and dog owners will feel very much at home.
I liked the pace of this story and with its strong character development I felt as though I was there in the middle of this mystery. All the extra details painted a powerful picture in my mind as though I was sitting back enjoying a film.
I liked how the plot unfolded and all the nagging doubts thrown at the reader from the first page. I think Restless In The Grave is another GOOD 4 star read and Dana shows what a consistent author she is with her Kate Shugak series.
September 30, 2012
Far from the best of the Kate Shugak mysteries, RESTLESS IN THE GRAVE at times suffers from the difficulty author's face in writing a series. One issue is how much information is necessary for a new reader to understand the character and the backstory. RESTLESS IN THE GRAVE is in many ways too depended on Stabenow's previous novels. Too much of this story is lost without the reader having familiarity with the characters. A second issue is how to keep the story fresh from returning readers. A change of location and a focus on new supporting characters are ways that series authors often seem to rely on when grappling with the freshness issue. Series are balancing acts. RESTLESS IN THE GRAVE does not fall but neither does it fly. Instead, the story stumbles at times. For one thing, the dog act is almost too cute for a serious mystery. For another, Kate's survival throughout the story depends on others rather than her own abilities. This tendency makes the main character more of a victim than a victor.
March 9, 2012
Dana Stabenow just keeps getting better. Stunning conclusion, finally tied the first couple of pages into the rest of the story. I'm just dense, I guess.
Loved the descriptions of Alaska...just like small towns everywhere.
Loved the descriptions of Alaska...just like small towns everywhere.
April 5, 2024
Restless in the Grave
I always enjoy Kate Shugak and all things Alaska, this book was no different than the others I have finished.
This is the first time for Liam Campbell to join the cast, but it was nice to meet him. I did like the sort of divergence from the sort of standard plotline.
Great, and exciting read. Anything in Alaska is always great.
4 stars
Happy Reading!
I always enjoy Kate Shugak and all things Alaska, this book was no different than the others I have finished.
This is the first time for Liam Campbell to join the cast, but it was nice to meet him. I did like the sort of divergence from the sort of standard plotline.
Great, and exciting read. Anything in Alaska is always great.
4 stars
Happy Reading!
July 27, 2018
Perhaps I'm getting a bit weary of reading about Kate Shugak's life being threatened three times per novel. Perhaps this one is over the top in its premise. Perhaps I'm just tired of being home recuperating from surgery and taking it out on the book. Who can say? Regardless, I was somewhat disappointed, but only somewhat.
October 22, 2021
I really enjoy this series set in Alaska featuring the reluctant heroine Kate Shugak. I need to go back and fill in the blanks in her story (I read this before some of the others in this series). But I just love her and her dog.
March 11, 2023
Restless in the Grave by Dana Stabenow is a neat story about undercover work and smuggling.
March 3, 2017
on to the last book in this great series!
March 6, 2013
First Sentence: They kept it simple. They could cut off his right hand, or he could use it to learn how to fire the weapon they gave him.
PI Kate Shugak is surprised to receive a call from State Trooper Liam Campbell. An even bigger surprise is being offered a job to investigate a murder; however, one of the possible suspects is Campbell’s wife. Traveling to Niniltana and working undercover doesn’t seem so bad, except someone is taking strong exception to her presence and making that clear in very physical ways. In spite of a handsome actor who is there, is soon becomes clear that the case of murder is only a small part of much bigger, uglier crimes.
As wonderful as are the characters of Kate and Mutt, it was a delight to have Liam Campbell and the cantankerous Moses, seer and master of tai-chi, back in the mix. There is no question but that Stabenow creates wonderful characters; good and bad.
Stabenow’s voice and humor bring humanity and balance to serious mysteries…”Kate marched them [the NNA board members] through old business like Alexander went through Asia…”. At the same time, this book did not, in any way, lack for suspense.
Dana Stabenow is an Alaskan who knows her state and its people. Her descriptions are powerful and create a very strong sense of place. Yet she also recognizes that life in Alaska is not for everyone…”Jim asked her [a perpetrator being extradited to another state] why she had confessed to charges that were five years old and three thousand miles away. “I’m tired of Alaskan winters.” She said.”. She also presents a very good look at the challenges, both in types of crimes and lack of manpower, policing Alaska.
One element which may bother some readers is that she addresses the issue of gun ownership and gun control. Some people might take exception to Kate’s views on guns, war, and those who fight. She does bring up as aspect of which I was unaware, yet is very disturbing.
“Restless in the Grave” is a very good book. It is well plotted. It follows both Kate and Chopper Jim’s cases, even though they are in different locations. One of Jim’s cases very much mirrors a major case currently in the news. It is suspenseful, yet with elements of humor, has great dialogue and excellent characters. For being a 19th book, Ms. Stabenow has definitely not lost her touch.
RESTLESS IN THE GRAVE (Lic Invest-Kate Shugak/Liam Campbell-Alaska-Contemp) – VG
Stabenow, Dana – 19th in series
Minotaur Books, 2012
PI Kate Shugak is surprised to receive a call from State Trooper Liam Campbell. An even bigger surprise is being offered a job to investigate a murder; however, one of the possible suspects is Campbell’s wife. Traveling to Niniltana and working undercover doesn’t seem so bad, except someone is taking strong exception to her presence and making that clear in very physical ways. In spite of a handsome actor who is there, is soon becomes clear that the case of murder is only a small part of much bigger, uglier crimes.
As wonderful as are the characters of Kate and Mutt, it was a delight to have Liam Campbell and the cantankerous Moses, seer and master of tai-chi, back in the mix. There is no question but that Stabenow creates wonderful characters; good and bad.
Stabenow’s voice and humor bring humanity and balance to serious mysteries…”Kate marched them [the NNA board members] through old business like Alexander went through Asia…”. At the same time, this book did not, in any way, lack for suspense.
Dana Stabenow is an Alaskan who knows her state and its people. Her descriptions are powerful and create a very strong sense of place. Yet she also recognizes that life in Alaska is not for everyone…”Jim asked her [a perpetrator being extradited to another state] why she had confessed to charges that were five years old and three thousand miles away. “I’m tired of Alaskan winters.” She said.”. She also presents a very good look at the challenges, both in types of crimes and lack of manpower, policing Alaska.
One element which may bother some readers is that she addresses the issue of gun ownership and gun control. Some people might take exception to Kate’s views on guns, war, and those who fight. She does bring up as aspect of which I was unaware, yet is very disturbing.
“Restless in the Grave” is a very good book. It is well plotted. It follows both Kate and Chopper Jim’s cases, even though they are in different locations. One of Jim’s cases very much mirrors a major case currently in the news. It is suspenseful, yet with elements of humor, has great dialogue and excellent characters. For being a 19th book, Ms. Stabenow has definitely not lost her touch.
RESTLESS IN THE GRAVE (Lic Invest-Kate Shugak/Liam Campbell-Alaska-Contemp) – VG
Stabenow, Dana – 19th in series
Minotaur Books, 2012
December 27, 2014
Dana Stabenow's latest novel combines two of her favorite characters, Aleut private investigator Kate Shugak and Alaska state trooper Liam Campbell. Alaska aviation entrepreneur Finn Grant died in the crash of his Piper Super Club. Someone had sabotaged his engine and everyone in southwestern had a motive: his betrayed wife, bullied children, Liam's wife, and bush pilot Wyanet Chouinard. Liam turns to Jim, his former mentor now stationed at Niniltna as post commander, for help in clearing his wife's name and Jim brings his wife Kate onto the case.
Kate flies with her half woof dog to Newenham to begin the investigation and gets a job as a waitress in Bill's Bar and Grill where she overhears townspeople talking about how Grant's business had expanded meteorically over the last two years. After buying the closed Air Force base south of town from the federal government at a bargain-basement price, he added a fishing and hunting service, flight-seeing business, and air freight business.
The investigation into who killed Finn and why involve Kate in her most challenging case and lands her, literally, into the trash bin, a freezer, and dangerous situations too many to list.
This is my first novel by Stabenow and offers new insight into the wilderness of Alaska. Dana fleshes out her setting so realistically that I looked up a site to view the majesty of the mountains to find out they were not real. The vastness of the locality contrasts with the small close-knit community and the characters become amazingly real. I look forward to reading more from Dana Stabenow.
Kate flies with her half woof dog to Newenham to begin the investigation and gets a job as a waitress in Bill's Bar and Grill where she overhears townspeople talking about how Grant's business had expanded meteorically over the last two years. After buying the closed Air Force base south of town from the federal government at a bargain-basement price, he added a fishing and hunting service, flight-seeing business, and air freight business.
The investigation into who killed Finn and why involve Kate in her most challenging case and lands her, literally, into the trash bin, a freezer, and dangerous situations too many to list.
This is my first novel by Stabenow and offers new insight into the wilderness of Alaska. Dana fleshes out her setting so realistically that I looked up a site to view the majesty of the mountains to find out they were not real. The vastness of the locality contrasts with the small close-knit community and the characters become amazingly real. I look forward to reading more from Dana Stabenow.
January 29, 2015
This is the first book I've read featuring Liam Campbell (though I do own quite a few of them). Well he doesn't actually star in this one, Kate does as usual but Liam is a secondary character. I really liked Liam and will definitely be digging into his series as soon as I finish with Kate's.
In this one, Liam asks Kate to help him with a possible murder in Newenham, Alaska. A pilot died in a crash and Liam's wife is a possible suspect so Liam has to step back and allow Kate to take over. However, Kate uncovers a whole lot more than a murder plot. As usual, I enjoy Kate's adventures and was surprised by some of the mishaps that she gets into as she usually is kicking ass and taking names...not this time. A thrill ride a minute from start to finish though I must say I missed Kate and Jim Chopin's interactions.
In this one, Liam asks Kate to help him with a possible murder in Newenham, Alaska. A pilot died in a crash and Liam's wife is a possible suspect so Liam has to step back and allow Kate to take over. However, Kate uncovers a whole lot more than a murder plot. As usual, I enjoy Kate's adventures and was surprised by some of the mishaps that she gets into as she usually is kicking ass and taking names...not this time. A thrill ride a minute from start to finish though I must say I missed Kate and Jim Chopin's interactions.
March 28, 2013
Darn, I wanted to like it. Heard her speak at DESERT NIGHT RISING STARS conference at ASU in Feb. 2013. Really enjoyed her comments in the panel of authors. But this was my first book in her series (she now has 19) and I was put off by rote passages of description and half-hearted protagonist-jeapordies. There were three times Kate (the Protaganist) was in trouble -- in a freezer, a dumpster and a container on a ship. each time she was rescued by a man on the next page. Not exactly a heroine with survival skills. Sorry, but I will pass on sequels.
August 29, 2018
Super Action
This installment of the Kate Shugak mysteries is full of action from beginning to end. Kate is working a murder whodunit far from Niniltna. This is the first time both Liam Campbell, another great Stabenow character, and Kate (and Mutt, of course) have shared a story. From the description of Liam Campbell, I'm thinking I need to meet some of these gorgeous Alaska state troopers. The story involved lots of new characters and a pretty twisty plot and was a really fun ride.
This installment of the Kate Shugak mysteries is full of action from beginning to end. Kate is working a murder whodunit far from Niniltna. This is the first time both Liam Campbell, another great Stabenow character, and Kate (and Mutt, of course) have shared a story. From the description of Liam Campbell, I'm thinking I need to meet some of these gorgeous Alaska state troopers. The story involved lots of new characters and a pretty twisty plot and was a really fun ride.
February 4, 2015
It's not just a murder mystery ... count the crimes: assault, kidnapping/imprisonment, fraud, theft, weapons violations, domestic violence, conspiracy, blackmail, B&E. You will have to read the story yourself to see which crimes are committed by the bad guys and which are committed by the good guys. Along the way, enjoy the sci-fi, historical, and literary tidbits and epic themes of shamanism, revenge, death and even birth.
December 2, 2016
I didn't like this book. Not the plot, I did not care to know about beds or a pink dress, or food, this is fill a lot and nothing. She is a P.I. and most of this book she was trap or trouble. This audiobook will have work better with less. The book was boring.
Want to read
March 1, 2012Wow! I am excited to read this book...I love the cover.
July 15, 2025
Finally made my way to the next book in the Kate Shugak series and boy I wasn't disappointed. Dana crafts such complex mysteries and I really enjoy that we are now starting to see people from every book appear and the overarching mystery is finally coming to a head after 10 books worth of building. Crazy to think only a decade has passed between this book and Kate's first appearance in Niniltna. I may listen to the first Liam Campbell book, but I disliked how the story ended in Newenham for Wy and Liam. The copy of the book I received from the library also needed a little bit of editing but didn't detract from the overall story too much.
March 25, 2018
Two of Dana Stabenow's great characters team up in this novel with interesting results. The cast of characters contains many very interesting people and the landscape and challenges of living in rural Alaska add lots of interest to the book.
June 20, 2021
Chilling, very well done tale of intrigue and mayhem. Finn was such a bad guy that it was a pleasure to dislike him. Fun to bring Kate and Liam together on a case! Not happy to say goodbye to another beloved character, though, dangit.
September 7, 2020
Shugak is my hero.
May 15, 2017
Although this book takes place in Liam Campbell's town, it's really more a Kate Shugak story. Still, it's fun to have the two leads interacting, and the story was complex enough to keep me searching for clues right up to the end.
May 11, 2017
Excellent read
Great story line. Love the interaction between Kate and Mutt. I can't wait to read the next one to see what Kate gets into.
Great story line. Love the interaction between Kate and Mutt. I can't wait to read the next one to see what Kate gets into.
January 25, 2012
Restless in the Grave is another terrific book by Dana Stabenow, who is one of my favorite authors. This book features both of Ms. Stabenow's Alaskan series characters, Kate Shugak and Liam Campbell.
It is State Trooper Liam who indirectly contacts Kate to go undercover to solve the murder of a wealthy aviation businessman, Finn Grant. Grant had alienated almost everyone in his town by buying them out to turn it into a destination for hunters and other explorers of the Alaskan wilderness. Kate goes to work at the main bar in town, and manages to ask a few questions and is working on answers when things start to get a little too interesting for her. The apartment she is renting is search, and as Kate interrupts that search, she is shoved into deep freezer. She escapes from that, but other situations occur to let her know she is being too nosy. It takes a few more near-misses for Kate to get to the bottom of what is going on and why Finn Grant was killed.
As a fan of Dana Stabenow, it was wonderful for me that she brought Kate Shugak and Liam Campbell together to solve a crime. I consider Kate to be one of the strongest characters in crime fiction; strong of heart and strong physically. She is a hero of mine and I live vicariously through her with every installment of this series.
Another strong character in this series is Kate's dog Mutt. She is part wolf, and all partner to Kate. In Restless in the Grave, Mutt proves time and again that she is an equal partner to Kate in their relationship.
I can't recommend enough that readers start at the beginning of this series, although this is the 19th entry in the series. Learning all about Kate Shugak and her Alaska is wonderful story. That said, Restless in the Grave can stand alone; long time series characters are introduced easily, and the reader should not feel they're missing much by not having read the previous books.
I highly recommend Restless in the Grave by Dana Stabenow, and look forward to hearing other readers' opinions on this excellent book.
It is State Trooper Liam who indirectly contacts Kate to go undercover to solve the murder of a wealthy aviation businessman, Finn Grant. Grant had alienated almost everyone in his town by buying them out to turn it into a destination for hunters and other explorers of the Alaskan wilderness. Kate goes to work at the main bar in town, and manages to ask a few questions and is working on answers when things start to get a little too interesting for her. The apartment she is renting is search, and as Kate interrupts that search, she is shoved into deep freezer. She escapes from that, but other situations occur to let her know she is being too nosy. It takes a few more near-misses for Kate to get to the bottom of what is going on and why Finn Grant was killed.
As a fan of Dana Stabenow, it was wonderful for me that she brought Kate Shugak and Liam Campbell together to solve a crime. I consider Kate to be one of the strongest characters in crime fiction; strong of heart and strong physically. She is a hero of mine and I live vicariously through her with every installment of this series.
Another strong character in this series is Kate's dog Mutt. She is part wolf, and all partner to Kate. In Restless in the Grave, Mutt proves time and again that she is an equal partner to Kate in their relationship.
I can't recommend enough that readers start at the beginning of this series, although this is the 19th entry in the series. Learning all about Kate Shugak and her Alaska is wonderful story. That said, Restless in the Grave can stand alone; long time series characters are introduced easily, and the reader should not feel they're missing much by not having read the previous books.
I highly recommend Restless in the Grave by Dana Stabenow, and look forward to hearing other readers' opinions on this excellent book.
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