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Kate Shugak #17
A Night Too Dark
In Alaska, somebody disappears every day. Hunters who head into the wilderness… Fishermen who brave the great rivers…Tourists who attempt to do both. In Aleut detective Kate Shugak’s Park, people have been falling off the grid quite a bit lately. And as she and state trooper Jim Chopin are about to realize, it’s got something to do with the recent discovery of the world’s second-largest gold mine in their very own backyard.
A hostile environmental activist organization has embraced Alaska’s Suulutaq Mine as its reason for being, attracting more attention than many of the locals can tolerate. So it’s almost a relief when Kate finally finds a body—this, more than politics, she can handle. Until the identity of the body vanishes, too… Now it’s up to Kate and Jim to dig deeper into the mining controversy and find the truth about what’s going on in her homeland. Even if that means facing down an enemy who will kill to keep certain secrets buried…
A hostile environmental activist organization has embraced Alaska’s Suulutaq Mine as its reason for being, attracting more attention than many of the locals can tolerate. So it’s almost a relief when Kate finally finds a body—this, more than politics, she can handle. Until the identity of the body vanishes, too… Now it’s up to Kate and Jim to dig deeper into the mining controversy and find the truth about what’s going on in her homeland. Even if that means facing down an enemy who will kill to keep certain secrets buried…
322 pages, Hardcover
First published February 16, 2010
152 people are currently reading
1058 people want to read
About the author
Dana Stabenow
104 books2,146 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 271 reviews
July 12, 2020
Something about this book in the series was off for me. I just never got into it, never cared about the characters (who died). There wasn't much change for Kate either, things felt a bit stagnant or it was me. Hard times, I read this during Covid19 isolation/stress/uncertainty. Still love the series but every book can't be fore every person
March 6, 2018
I would give this book a 4.5 rating if I could. Another very good Kate Shugak novel, as she investigates a killing connected to a gold mine, and she also kills a charging grizzly. The killing of the grizzly alone is worth the price of the book. Of course Jim Chopin is present. The only thing I didn't understand: the title. The book takes place mostly in the summer when it is rarely ever dark. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys mysteries and police procedureals.
August 2, 2020
4.5 stars.
Solid mystery, with a surprising twist reveal as part of the series arc at the end.
When you've been reading a series a long time, characters die. I get that, but it makes it no easier, or less heartbreaking.
Solid mystery, with a surprising twist reveal as part of the series arc at the end.
When you've been reading a series a long time, characters die. I get that, but it makes it no easier, or less heartbreaking.
November 20, 2024
A Night Too Dark by Dana Stabenow
Things in the Park are changing, and not always necessarily for the better. Gold in huge quantities has been found as we know from the book,”Whisper to the Blood” I just don’t think anyone knew or ever will know exactly how huge a discovery this is. However, for now it’s enough.
Now people are missing, disappearing but that’s not to say that people don’t go missing from Alaska every day. We know from our reading that this happens more than some Alaskans would like to admit, it’s just that this time it is a little different.
One day Mr. Smith is walking back to his homestead,…he finds a truck with a note taped to the steering wheel. Someone is going to walk into the woods and let Alaska take them ‘home’. The only thing wrong with this is that once Kate gets there she finds a little more than she bargained for. Old
Sam is using human remains (what there is left of them) to bait a bear and to make a long story short we need to find out if these remains are of the person we think they belong to. On the other hand, is something else going on?
Knowing how Ms Stabenow writes I shouldn’t have been so surprised as to how convoluted this particular mystery worked out to be. While I could figure out somewhat of who killed whom for one of the murders, I would never have in a million year have guessed as to who from the NNA was supplying info to the ‘enemy’.
We do, unfortunately lose a beloved character at the end of this novel, but it was a good passing one that didn’t leave me weepy like Jack’s death did.
Kate and crew are at their best in this novel and I was floored that this is the first book I can remember that Kate didn’t end up getting knocked out. I for one am glad since she was almost becoming a caricature/joke instead of a strong kick-butt heroine. Kate sure does manage to kick-butt during on of NNA meetings—watch for it, it’s a great scene. I was a little disappointed at seeing the Aunties act the way they did considering just how important tribe and custom is to them.
All in all this was a good read, but a huge divergence from what we are accustomed to in Kate’s life.
Things in the Park are changing, and not always necessarily for the better. Gold in huge quantities has been found as we know from the book,”Whisper to the Blood” I just don’t think anyone knew or ever will know exactly how huge a discovery this is. However, for now it’s enough.
Now people are missing, disappearing but that’s not to say that people don’t go missing from Alaska every day. We know from our reading that this happens more than some Alaskans would like to admit, it’s just that this time it is a little different.
One day Mr. Smith is walking back to his homestead,…he finds a truck with a note taped to the steering wheel. Someone is going to walk into the woods and let Alaska take them ‘home’. The only thing wrong with this is that once Kate gets there she finds a little more than she bargained for. Old
Sam is using human remains (what there is left of them) to bait a bear and to make a long story short we need to find out if these remains are of the person we think they belong to. On the other hand, is something else going on?
Knowing how Ms Stabenow writes I shouldn’t have been so surprised as to how convoluted this particular mystery worked out to be. While I could figure out somewhat of who killed whom for one of the murders, I would never have in a million year have guessed as to who from the NNA was supplying info to the ‘enemy’.
We do, unfortunately lose a beloved character at the end of this novel, but it was a good passing one that didn’t leave me weepy like Jack’s death did.
Kate and crew are at their best in this novel and I was floored that this is the first book I can remember that Kate didn’t end up getting knocked out. I for one am glad since she was almost becoming a caricature/joke instead of a strong kick-butt heroine. Kate sure does manage to kick-butt during on of NNA meetings—watch for it, it’s a great scene. I was a little disappointed at seeing the Aunties act the way they did considering just how important tribe and custom is to them.
All in all this was a good read, but a huge divergence from what we are accustomed to in Kate’s life.
March 2, 2010
Writing that's both perfectly burnished yet smoothly casual, Stabenow has such a great voice--the reader seems to be seated on Kate Shugak's shoulder listening to her inner thoughts. And man oh man, I feel that I know precisely how it feels to be charged by a large, angry bear. Wow!
November 13, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this story in the Kate Shugak series. Lots of new characters due to the new gold mine, some murders, some intrigue, and lots of love.
May 2, 2021
An abandoned car is found containing a suicide note. But where is the driver in this remote location of Alaska? Don’t worry because Private Investigator Kate Shugak is on the case and she will solve this mystery.
I was looking at the Amazon Kindle daily deal one day and saw this author’s books reduced to 99p. I have not come across Dana Stabenow before and as her books are in the crime/mystery/thriller genre, I thought I would try one of her novels. The Kate Shugak series runs to 21 novels, so which should I choose? Well I thought at 99p a go, lets have a Fiver’s worth of her most recent. This is why I chose book 17 as my Kate Shugak starting point.
A Night Too Dark can be read as a stand-alone and I believe that all her novels in this series are stand-alones. I did not think that anything was missing by jumping in at book 17. There is not tonnes of back story to study, just find the driver.
I enjoyed reading A Night Too Dark, it is lovely being able to travel in your mind to another country during the current coronavirus pandemic. I loved all the descriptions of remote areas in Alaska and the explanations of the culture with the diverse ethnic mix of the population. There were lots of local North American words and consumer brand names that I am not familiar with but British readers are still able to enjoy and understand this book. The local lingo and brands added to my feeling of being away - a cosy escape from Covid-19.
I liked the lead character Kate Shugak and her dog, a half husky, half wolf called Mutt. The plot of A Night Too Dark is complex and quite involved. I liked the way the story developed and how Kate’s private life was included. I liked how the reader was getting the bigger picture about everything that was going on at the same time and not just a simple, find the missing driver quest. Kate started digging and there was a lot more to this story than an abandoned car. I thought this novel had a good plot and I was pleased there was a little romance too.
I think A NIght Too Dark is a GOOD 4 star read and I will be more than happy to read some of the other books in this series.
I was looking at the Amazon Kindle daily deal one day and saw this author’s books reduced to 99p. I have not come across Dana Stabenow before and as her books are in the crime/mystery/thriller genre, I thought I would try one of her novels. The Kate Shugak series runs to 21 novels, so which should I choose? Well I thought at 99p a go, lets have a Fiver’s worth of her most recent. This is why I chose book 17 as my Kate Shugak starting point.
A Night Too Dark can be read as a stand-alone and I believe that all her novels in this series are stand-alones. I did not think that anything was missing by jumping in at book 17. There is not tonnes of back story to study, just find the driver.
I enjoyed reading A Night Too Dark, it is lovely being able to travel in your mind to another country during the current coronavirus pandemic. I loved all the descriptions of remote areas in Alaska and the explanations of the culture with the diverse ethnic mix of the population. There were lots of local North American words and consumer brand names that I am not familiar with but British readers are still able to enjoy and understand this book. The local lingo and brands added to my feeling of being away - a cosy escape from Covid-19.
I liked the lead character Kate Shugak and her dog, a half husky, half wolf called Mutt. The plot of A Night Too Dark is complex and quite involved. I liked the way the story developed and how Kate’s private life was included. I liked how the reader was getting the bigger picture about everything that was going on at the same time and not just a simple, find the missing driver quest. Kate started digging and there was a lot more to this story than an abandoned car. I thought this novel had a good plot and I was pleased there was a little romance too.
I think A NIght Too Dark is a GOOD 4 star read and I will be more than happy to read some of the other books in this series.
March 3, 2023
I have now spent a couple of month to get up to date before book 23 and still I am not bored with what happens in the park. A Night Too Dark by Dana Stabenow continue the story about Kate Shugak and what happens in Alaska. People disappear in the wild , sometimes they are found and sometimes not. The bodies keeps dropping but who are they? Is the mine a good thing or not? well some of these questions are answered in this book and some are not but it's another marvellous tale of the antics in the wild.
September 3, 2017
This is the second book in this series (Kate Shugak) that I've read, even though it is actually the 17th novel in the series. These mysteries are set in Alaska, where I was born and raised. I always enjoy hearing familiar names and places. I listened to the audio and it is always a wonderful experience when all of the names and places are pronounced correctly.
I completely enjoyed this one. There were many things I liked. The humor was the most enjoyable. It had me smiling in some places and laughing in others. Her descriptive strokes were well placed and accurate for the Alaska mentality. The author gave specific details that highlighted the setting. I also liked the MC and the other characters. Kate, the MC, is a strong female character and is known to get the job done. I have one more of her books, so I hope to get to it soon.
I completely enjoyed this one. There were many things I liked. The humor was the most enjoyable. It had me smiling in some places and laughing in others. Her descriptive strokes were well placed and accurate for the Alaska mentality. The author gave specific details that highlighted the setting. I also liked the MC and the other characters. Kate, the MC, is a strong female character and is known to get the job done. I have one more of her books, so I hope to get to it soon.
July 17, 2015
Dana never fails to bring an interesting topic from her home state and create a fascinating story while weaving a continuous love for her characters. I love them all, I want to visit this beautiful state each time I read another book in the series. I love the rich history that Dana brings to her novels and I appreciate the culture of a native Alaskan so much more. This story was about gold and a company coming into the fold after buying out the mine rights. It's bringing jobs to the locals and changing those around Kate. While the jobs are a needed commodity, there is a price to pay. Yes, a bit of political awareness is always lurking beneath the subject at hand. I like that too. This title had a touch of a lap over from the last title. That was nice... I will say I love the day to day community activities and found this title a bit different as months passed within the pages. Several holidays were celebrated, some national to all and a couple just to Alaska. I shed some major tears when I realized where Dana was headed with one character as I just wasn't ready to let this person go. Reality sucks, even in books... I still miss Emaa and Jack. There was murder but the pieces didn't fall into place until the end... Several key clues took time to develop. Greed was the prime suspect with environmentalists looking to score. Yeah, I need to get the next book in the series. I'm biting at the bit to get back into Niniltna to see where Kate and Mutt's next adventure takes them.
December 10, 2014
I liked this one but didn't love it. No Johnny in it at all. :( Though lots of sex between Jim and Kate since Johnny was out of the way. The Suulutaq Mine has radically changed the dynamics of the Park and will continue to do so for many, many years to come. Rebel-rousing, excessive drinking, skirt chasing and even murder keep Jim and Kate hopping. It wouldn't surprise me to see Jim getting some kind of assistant and/or staff at some point to handle to overflow. Hmm Niniltna is heading into the 21st century - finally getting cell phones and internet. Thanks Suulutaq Mine. Regardless of what it's going to do to the land, the environment, the animals and the people, the mine is a financial godsend to everyone in the Park (and the rest of Alaska too). I don't see anyone getting rid of the mine so the natives are just going to have to bite the bullet and adapt.
November 10, 2015
I feel this book is one of Stabenow best. The park is starting to changes due the the start of the mine. Money is coming into the park in droves. The demand for cell phone service is growing. There are some really funny scenes as we learned more about the park rats.As chair of the NIA Kate is busy with its affairs. Father Smith finds a car park in his driveway with note saying the driver is going to end his life. The body has been eaten by a grizzly bear so there is not much to identify it. The story takes several different paths before Kate finds answers.
February 6, 2017
This is my second read in this series. I don't usually
read out of order, but needed the book for a challenge.
Since the series is new to me, I don't know the characters
as a lot of the others commenting, but I like the fact that
the main character is a strong woman, scarred and a little
rough around the edges, deep feeling, but not maudlin.
I liked the book a lot, and will continue to read the series.
read out of order, but needed the book for a challenge.
Since the series is new to me, I don't know the characters
as a lot of the others commenting, but I like the fact that
the main character is a strong woman, scarred and a little
rough around the edges, deep feeling, but not maudlin.
I liked the book a lot, and will continue to read the series.
August 14, 2017
Love this series set in Alaska with a female investigator and the native "park" residents. I read the newest one and realized that I had somehow missed one, in which one of my favorite characters leaves the series. So I had to track it down and fill in the blank spot.
I love the characters and Stabenow is great at bringing you the landscape and as for action -- well it doesn't get much better than this.
I love the characters and Stabenow is great at bringing you the landscape and as for action -- well it doesn't get much better than this.
June 2, 2017
I didn't realize I was in the middle of a series when I found this, so some of the references in the book left me in the dark. Overall, this didn't prevent me from enjoying the story. Suspenseful mystery, with the unique setting of Alaska almost as a character itself made for an interesting read. I would like to find book one of the series.
July 1, 2019
A good mystery with a strong taste of life in small town Alaska.
October 19, 2020
I'm late to the Dana Stabenow reader pack. My first, A NIGHT TOO DARK, kept me on the seat of my chair from the beginning through to the end. Great characters, wonderful setting, tight plot. Good to know about a writer who loves Alaska and who can render it in minute detail.
September 12, 2025
More hyperbolic, irreverent & chatty than most
June 26, 2016
I keep returning to these books despite the fact that they are up and down in quality and at times I have been completely disappointed. Why? Because I love the premise. I love the small group of characters who live in the park featured in the series. Old Sam, the Aunties, Jim, Johnny, Dinah, Katya and especially Bobby. These characters are unique, funny, stubborn, loyal, mysterious and intriguing. I also love the setting. Alaska has its own life and stands as its own character... and the books in the series that warrant an above average rating are those that focus on the craziness of life in the park. This installment does some of that -- not enough for my liking, but enough to give her 3.3 stars.
May 17, 2024
A Night too Dark (17)
Well, two in the right order, and it made a bit of a difference because I was following the timeline. I think this one was really exciting and had a better-than-5-star plot.
In this one the new gold mine is really becoming a reality and things are heating up in the park. Everyone is on pins and needles and the lines are being drawn in the sand. I love, love, love when the Aunties get all involved.
5 starts
Happy Reading!
Well, two in the right order, and it made a bit of a difference because I was following the timeline. I think this one was really exciting and had a better-than-5-star plot.
In this one the new gold mine is really becoming a reality and things are heating up in the park. Everyone is on pins and needles and the lines are being drawn in the sand. I love, love, love when the Aunties get all involved.
5 starts
Happy Reading!
May 2, 2010
I have enjoyed Alaska in this series through Kate Shugak's eyes, through Jack's eyes, Jim Chopin's eyes, the aunties, Johnny's, Old Sam's eyes, and each person's story and perspective is unique as interpreted through Dana Stabenow's eyes and heart.
This book, even more than some of the others, resonates with a love of the place and history and the inhabitants, human and otherwise that enriches and tears at your heart and soul. When is change the right thing, when is progress too much and too costly?
I so admire the character of Kate Shugak!
This book, even more than some of the others, resonates with a love of the place and history and the inhabitants, human and otherwise that enriches and tears at your heart and soul. When is change the right thing, when is progress too much and too costly?
I so admire the character of Kate Shugak!
April 24, 2017
Dana Stabenow is, so far, the only author whom I can forgive for making me love a character then killing off that character, and Kate Shugak is, one of my top female private investigators. Kate is smart, tough, in charge, and won’t back down from anyone. In this installment. Kate is investigating a killing of a young man whom everyone believes to have committed suicide when the evidence points to murder. A Night Too Dark didn’t wow me but I enjoyed it nevertheless.
February 27, 2019
W-O-W! This is an AMAZING book!!!
I actually struggled a bit to keep up with everything happening in this book. Usually at the end I'm right there in step with the story but this one I felt like I was racing to keep up with Kate's brain! :-D
This is a great read, as are the others in the series. I'm excited, as usual to start the next in the series.
I really have to buy all of these! LOL! 😄
I actually struggled a bit to keep up with everything happening in this book. Usually at the end I'm right there in step with the story but this one I felt like I was racing to keep up with Kate's brain! :-D
This is a great read, as are the others in the series. I'm excited, as usual to start the next in the series.
I really have to buy all of these! LOL! 😄
January 5, 2018
The changing landscape of "the park" in Alaska where Kate Shugak resides is featured in this book. A huge gold mine is poised to bring in big money and jobs to the area, but unwanted modernization is sure to follow. Meanwhile Kate is hired to investigate an apparent suicide, which leads to more discoveries.
March 22, 2011
really enjoyed this one. I like the Shugak mysteries. This one told a lot about the history of the families, especially Old Sam.
October 13, 2016
A night too dark
Another brilliantly written book by Dana Stabenow. A new gold mine is opening, this means many things to the Park and it's residents. A special friend dies.
Another brilliantly written book by Dana Stabenow. A new gold mine is opening, this means many things to the Park and it's residents. A special friend dies.
February 22, 2017
the whole sereies is Great!!
July 9, 2017
Another great book of the series. Now I have to read the next one!
December 31, 2017
I always love a Kate Shugak novel! Once again we say goodbye to a beloved character!
February 4, 2018
Another great Kat Shugak book. I love reading about Alaska -- but I sure wouldn't like to live there.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 271 reviews