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Kate Shugak #18
Though Not Dead
The residents of Alaska’s largest national park are stunned by the death of one of their oldest members, eighty-seven-year-old Sam Dementieff…even investigator Kate Shugak. Sam, a lifelong resident, was dubbed the “father” of all of the Park rats—even though he had no children of his own. Kate, his niece, is surprised to discover that in his will he’s left her everything, including a letter instructing her simply to, “find my father.” In the three days after Kate begins her search through Sam’s background, she gets threatened—and worse. Kate struggles to fulfill Sam’s last wish without losing her own life to the people who are following her every move. Long-lost family secrets and fatal consequences are interwoven with the epic history of an unforgiving land.
464 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2011
254 people are currently reading
1438 people want to read
About the author
Dana Stabenow
103 books2,144 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 438 reviews
February 8, 2025
This is book 18 in the Kate Shugak series, but it is the first and only one I have read. Please keep that in mind as this may be more about me missing something that ties between the books and lacking in my enjoyment. This book was ok, I liked the Alaskan history in it, but I thought the mystery moved slowly and felt clunky to me. I did like the characters (especially Mutt, she was a clear favorite) but Kate was also a good protagonist and mystery solver. Kate’s uncle Old Sam has passed away and left her everything with instructions on how to pass out some of it. Amongst this process Kate finds a mystery it seems Old Sam left for her which changes everything she knows about his family history. Coincidently as Kate lost her father figure her partner lost his father and goes on his own journey to figure out the mysteries of his own family.
August 16, 2020
Possible spoilers*
Maybe the title should have been Whack a Mole Kate. Is there anyone not trying to hit her ? Yeah Kate get hit, no spoiler there I promise. Kate is in Alaska dealing with Sam's death and Jim is in CA dealing with his father's death. Each has dark discoveries ahead, and they must deal separately.
Old Sam, oh he will be missed. That crusty old man was a fun hard character. He passed and left Kate as executor of his will. He also left her one hell of a mystery or two or three to solve. To bad there is somebody else out there who wants some of Sam's stuff and is will to take Kate out to get it. While she's trekking back and forth across Alaska trying to find answers, Jim is in So Cal with his mother, ex-girlfriend and his own mystery left by a dead man.
I loved Old Sam's history. Finally we got to know him and where he came from. What a fabulous character, what a tangled life. Jim, his story is heartbreaking and eye opening.
Maybe the title should have been Whack a Mole Kate. Is there anyone not trying to hit her ? Yeah Kate get hit, no spoiler there I promise. Kate is in Alaska dealing with Sam's death and Jim is in CA dealing with his father's death. Each has dark discoveries ahead, and they must deal separately.
Old Sam, oh he will be missed. That crusty old man was a fun hard character. He passed and left Kate as executor of his will. He also left her one hell of a mystery or two or three to solve. To bad there is somebody else out there who wants some of Sam's stuff and is will to take Kate out to get it. While she's trekking back and forth across Alaska trying to find answers, Jim is in So Cal with his mother, ex-girlfriend and his own mystery left by a dead man.
I loved Old Sam's history. Finally we got to know him and where he came from. What a fabulous character, what a tangled life. Jim, his story is heartbreaking and eye opening.
August 27, 2020
“Though Not Dead” was a wonderful, spirit-raising read. This is Kate Shugak at her best, following a quest, solving puzzles, exploring her family’s past, using her wits and her strength and her courage to take on the bad guys with only Mutt at her side.
This is the eighteenth book in this series. Some series start to feel written out at this stage: repeating ideas, keeping relationships so static that they start to feel like caricatures, becoming dull and predictable. None of this is true about the Kate Shugak series. The books keep getting better because Dana Stabenow’s stories are character-driven and she lets her characters, ALL of her characters, grow and change so that my understanding of Kate’s world becomes richer but, just like real life, never feels complete.
The plot of “Although Not Dead” is driven by the bequests of two dead men: Old Sam, who leaves all his property to Kate, along with a one-line instruction that sets her on a path to discover more about Old Sam’s past than she might want to know, and Jim Chopin’s father who leaves him an enigmatic gift that will change Jim’s understanding of his own childhood. Kate’s intense, sometimes combative, sometimes deferential, but always loving, relationship with Old Sam contrasts starkly with Jim’s emotionally barren childhood, the sterility of which is illustrated by the fact that Jim was at a sleep-over with friends before he discovered that parents hugged their children.
In previous books, including “The Singing Of The Dead” and “A Taint In The Blood” Dana Stabenow has made the history of Alaska as much a character in the novel as the dramatic landscape is but it has never worked so seamlessly as in “Although Not Dead”, perhaps because, this time, the history is seen directly through the eyes of Old Sam, one of my favourite characters in the series. We see The Aunties when they were young and had yet to earn the honorific. We learn how Sam came to own the Freya and why he spent so much time away from home. We come to understand his rugged independence and some of his loneliness. In some senses, “Although Not Dead” is like a wake for Old Sam. It gave me a sense of completion, off saying goodbye to him without forgetting him.
Kate and Jim are apart for most of the novel. This has two interesting consequences: it allows Kate to be reminded of her own strength and independence and it confirms to both of them that they are better together than apart.
There was a slapstick element to the book that I also enjoyed. Kate gets hit on the head so many times in this novel that she might as well be in a “Tom and Jerry” cartoon but it stays just this side of credible. I love the scene where she finally confronts her enemies and adds another chapter to the Kate Shugak legend by the way she drags them to justice.
This was such a good read that my only regret is that I have only two books left in the series. I’m rationing myself to one a month so that I can delay the inevitable withdrawal symptoms.
This is the eighteenth book in this series. Some series start to feel written out at this stage: repeating ideas, keeping relationships so static that they start to feel like caricatures, becoming dull and predictable. None of this is true about the Kate Shugak series. The books keep getting better because Dana Stabenow’s stories are character-driven and she lets her characters, ALL of her characters, grow and change so that my understanding of Kate’s world becomes richer but, just like real life, never feels complete.
The plot of “Although Not Dead” is driven by the bequests of two dead men: Old Sam, who leaves all his property to Kate, along with a one-line instruction that sets her on a path to discover more about Old Sam’s past than she might want to know, and Jim Chopin’s father who leaves him an enigmatic gift that will change Jim’s understanding of his own childhood. Kate’s intense, sometimes combative, sometimes deferential, but always loving, relationship with Old Sam contrasts starkly with Jim’s emotionally barren childhood, the sterility of which is illustrated by the fact that Jim was at a sleep-over with friends before he discovered that parents hugged their children.
In previous books, including “The Singing Of The Dead” and “A Taint In The Blood” Dana Stabenow has made the history of Alaska as much a character in the novel as the dramatic landscape is but it has never worked so seamlessly as in “Although Not Dead”, perhaps because, this time, the history is seen directly through the eyes of Old Sam, one of my favourite characters in the series. We see The Aunties when they were young and had yet to earn the honorific. We learn how Sam came to own the Freya and why he spent so much time away from home. We come to understand his rugged independence and some of his loneliness. In some senses, “Although Not Dead” is like a wake for Old Sam. It gave me a sense of completion, off saying goodbye to him without forgetting him.
Kate and Jim are apart for most of the novel. This has two interesting consequences: it allows Kate to be reminded of her own strength and independence and it confirms to both of them that they are better together than apart.
There was a slapstick element to the book that I also enjoyed. Kate gets hit on the head so many times in this novel that she might as well be in a “Tom and Jerry” cartoon but it stays just this side of credible. I love the scene where she finally confronts her enemies and adds another chapter to the Kate Shugak legend by the way she drags them to justice.
This was such a good read that my only regret is that I have only two books left in the series. I’m rationing myself to one a month so that I can delay the inevitable withdrawal symptoms.
February 8, 2025
This is #18 in the Kate Shugak series and it's an Alaskan Crime/Mystery. These are kind of fun, light, and entertaining.
I'll admit that some of the Alaskan names are hard to pronounce. However, when listening to the audios, I expect the narrator to get it right. I've never had that issue with Dana Stabenow's books, until this one. It just takes me out of the story. Now with that said, it wasn't such a big deal because the next time that town was mentioned it was correct. I enjoyed this one and I really liked Mutt. So 4 stars.
I'll admit that some of the Alaskan names are hard to pronounce. However, when listening to the audios, I expect the narrator to get it right. I've never had that issue with Dana Stabenow's books, until this one. It just takes me out of the story. Now with that said, it wasn't such a big deal because the next time that town was mentioned it was correct. I enjoyed this one and I really liked Mutt. So 4 stars.
May 16, 2021
Continuing on from book 17 in this series, Old Sam dies aged 87 and leaves the majority of his estate to his niece Kate Shugak. However, Old Sam also leaves a mystery for Kate to solve. Follow Kate as she tries to solve the secrets Old Sam left behind.
I enjoyed reading Though Not Dead and felt quite at home with Alaska and Dana’s writing style. I liked how this novel had a strong sense of belonging and roots. Much fun is made of tourists and their off-the-rack clothing from REI and the differences between Outside and the Park. Yet more local North American words were used for example - coldcocked - which made me feel like a welcome tourist.
Mutt, the half husky, half wolf dog belonging to Kate had a great role to play in the story. I liked how the relationship between a dog and their owner was fully explored - the bond that is shared is beautiful and very strong. Also, all dogs can make you smile, for example when
Dana writes…
“No,” she said, so violently that Mutt, snoozing peacefully before the fire, was startled awake. When no danger appeared imminent she gave Kate an indignant look and went through her pawing, circling, and flopping ritual, this time punctuating her displeasure with a loud and aromatic fart.
...I enjoyed how the mystery was skilfully solved by Kate who was acutely aware of Occam’s razor. However, I was distracted by the story rolling back and forth between Old Sam’s life before Kate was born and the present day. Very often throughout this novel the reader knew more about what had happened than Kate, the lead character did. Still, I think Though Not Dead is a GOOD 4 star read and I look forward to the next book in this series.
I enjoyed reading Though Not Dead and felt quite at home with Alaska and Dana’s writing style. I liked how this novel had a strong sense of belonging and roots. Much fun is made of tourists and their off-the-rack clothing from REI and the differences between Outside and the Park. Yet more local North American words were used for example - coldcocked - which made me feel like a welcome tourist.
Mutt, the half husky, half wolf dog belonging to Kate had a great role to play in the story. I liked how the relationship between a dog and their owner was fully explored - the bond that is shared is beautiful and very strong. Also, all dogs can make you smile, for example when
Dana writes…
“No,” she said, so violently that Mutt, snoozing peacefully before the fire, was startled awake. When no danger appeared imminent she gave Kate an indignant look and went through her pawing, circling, and flopping ritual, this time punctuating her displeasure with a loud and aromatic fart.
...I enjoyed how the mystery was skilfully solved by Kate who was acutely aware of Occam’s razor. However, I was distracted by the story rolling back and forth between Old Sam’s life before Kate was born and the present day. Very often throughout this novel the reader knew more about what had happened than Kate, the lead character did. Still, I think Though Not Dead is a GOOD 4 star read and I look forward to the next book in this series.
March 14, 2023
From my 2013 booklog:
Solid "A", one of the best of the series, reminds me of Ross McDonald's hidden, dysfunctional family histories. Which is high praise.
The short Publisher's Weekly starred review is a good, quick summary:
https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-...
Here's the author's preview, and an excerpt:
https://stabenow.com/novel-details/ka...
"Though Not Dead is my favorite of all the books I have ever written. I got to tell the last hundred years of Alaskan history through the eyes of a single character, something I’ve always wanted to do, and I got to send Kate on a scavenger hunt, which was a lot of fun, and then after I sent Jim off to California to get him out of the way he up and had an unexpected life of his own, which is always a gift from the writing gods. ..."
I'm planning to reread this one in the fairly near future.
Solid "A", one of the best of the series, reminds me of Ross McDonald's hidden, dysfunctional family histories. Which is high praise.
The short Publisher's Weekly starred review is a good, quick summary:
https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-...
Here's the author's preview, and an excerpt:
https://stabenow.com/novel-details/ka...
"Though Not Dead is my favorite of all the books I have ever written. I got to tell the last hundred years of Alaskan history through the eyes of a single character, something I’ve always wanted to do, and I got to send Kate on a scavenger hunt, which was a lot of fun, and then after I sent Jim off to California to get him out of the way he up and had an unexpected life of his own, which is always a gift from the writing gods. ..."
I'm planning to reread this one in the fairly near future.
February 13, 2011
I would rate this a solid 4 1/2 stars. Not quite up there with my beloved Whisper to the Blood but pretty darn close. I was a little frustrated by smart Kate's inability to recognize the danger in her way and I hate when innocent people get hurt but it all tied together in a poetic justice way. I loved the two narratives-it was fascinating to learn so much Alaskan history and the way it linked all of it together.
That said, I can't imagine reading this book without having read the others. I found myself struggling to remember some past novels. Everyone has definitely evolved and it does seem like the second half of the series has been particularly strong. I still remember crying like a baby when Jack died. I also like that the characters come with flaws--some of which can't be fixed.
What I really want now is to go back and reread all of them starting from the beginning....
That said, I can't imagine reading this book without having read the others. I found myself struggling to remember some past novels. Everyone has definitely evolved and it does seem like the second half of the series has been particularly strong. I still remember crying like a baby when Jack died. I also like that the characters come with flaws--some of which can't be fixed.
What I really want now is to go back and reread all of them starting from the beginning....
November 22, 2024
This was by far NOT my favorite of all the Date Shugak books. Yes, it was interesting to learn about Alaska's history (EVERY book she writes and publishes is full of history), but it was too much for me. I also didn't like that seemed to be a puzzle that Old Sam concocted for Kate to solve, and with him leaving out vital information (as you will see if you read the whole book), it becomes an annoyingly frustrating read.
Kate being hit in the head (or shot) AND a car accident was just a little too much for me to stomach-yes I know this is fiction, but the fact is most people wouldn't be able to function with this much head trauma. Having so many different people after Kate and the artifact AND the manuscript was just a little too much for me.
I don't really recommend this book unless you love History and really difficult puzzles!
Kate being hit in the head (or shot) AND a car accident was just a little too much for me to stomach-yes I know this is fiction, but the fact is most people wouldn't be able to function with this much head trauma. Having so many different people after Kate and the artifact AND the manuscript was just a little too much for me.
I don't really recommend this book unless you love History and really difficult puzzles!
July 5, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel set in the largest state park in Alaska in early 1900s and describes the latest exploit of Kate Shugak, a private investigator. The story opens with the death of eighty-nine year-old Sam Dementieff who leaves a will leaving everything to his niece Kate including a note saying, "Find my father". This is difficult to accomplish since Sam's father is a mystery man who disappeared after Sam's birth taking with him a stolen priceless tribal artifact, a Russian icon.
Kate takes the command seriously and begins to investigate Sam's background which results in attacks, including being run off the road and having to spend the night in twenty degree weather. Of course, Kate is up for the challenge and pulls out her survivor kit while he half-wolf Mutt goes for help.
The flashbacks from Sam's life, including scenes from major events in Alaska's colorful history, highlight the story of Kate's attempt to uncover the truth about her uncle despite being struck in the head several times. She finds a book in her uncle's cabin that contains a map denoting nine gold mines, and Kate heads out on her snow mobile with Mutt to find the mines.
The background on a flu epidemic in Alaska that killed over half the tribal community is one of the many historical facts that Dana weaves into her story. Another interesting description is an earthquake that occurred and the Anaqaq Mountains she describes so well that I searched for them to discover they were a figment of her incredible imagination.
Her characters are amazingly delineated and the reader feels as if they also live in the Alaskan environment. This a great read and I will be going back to read more from this prolific writer.
Kate takes the command seriously and begins to investigate Sam's background which results in attacks, including being run off the road and having to spend the night in twenty degree weather. Of course, Kate is up for the challenge and pulls out her survivor kit while he half-wolf Mutt goes for help.
The flashbacks from Sam's life, including scenes from major events in Alaska's colorful history, highlight the story of Kate's attempt to uncover the truth about her uncle despite being struck in the head several times. She finds a book in her uncle's cabin that contains a map denoting nine gold mines, and Kate heads out on her snow mobile with Mutt to find the mines.
The background on a flu epidemic in Alaska that killed over half the tribal community is one of the many historical facts that Dana weaves into her story. Another interesting description is an earthquake that occurred and the Anaqaq Mountains she describes so well that I searched for them to discover they were a figment of her incredible imagination.
Her characters are amazingly delineated and the reader feels as if they also live in the Alaskan environment. This a great read and I will be going back to read more from this prolific writer.
May 4, 2017
This book is great, but Dana Stabenow kills me. I know I should read all series in order....but I don't, I read a book when I come across a copy and so I jump around series. This book is number 18 and I have missed several in the middle where she must have killed off some of my favorite characters. Now this book is detailing the death of Sam (her great Uncle....) but it veers between present day and the past. I loved the Alaskan history and Kate's family history. I loved the "fairness" of Kate and Sam's choices about Sam's property, I can't wait to read more and I hope Mutt gets to tear apart some Banister butt sometime in the future.
March 1, 2012
I won this book in a goodreads.com giveaway. Judging the book by the cover - it looks terrific! I entered on a whim, since I have not read any of this author's books. I am really looking forward to to getting it and reading it.
March 9, 2023
Though Not Dead by Dana Stabenow is in my mind one of the best books in the series so far. Old Sam is dead and Kate is the heiress. She is tasked with finding an icon and his father. This is a great story with many timelines where we get a very large piece of her family history. It is as should be filled with Mutt action and even Chopper Jim gets a piece of family background. I must say that this author has brung me many fun hours of reading and I'm not done yet.
March 28, 2021
As always I enjoy the mystery set in backwoods Alaska and the adventures of Kate. This time she’s been sent on a treasure hunt type investigation through the will of her recently deceased uncle/father figure. Unfortunately Jim is not investigating with her as he’s on his own journey in California due to the death of his father. Another fun read!
March 2, 2011
First sentence: The black death didn’t get to Alaska until November.
Old Sam, a tribal leader and surrogate father to PI Kate Shugak, has died. He has made Kate his executor and primary heir but some of his bequests come as a surprise. Kate hadn’t known how much land Sam owned, including a homestead within gold-mining country. Then there’s the letter simply saying, “Find my father,” and how does this tie to a missing Russian icon which was a tribal artifact? Kate doesn’t know but something thinks she does as they keep trying to kill her. In the meantime, Kate’s lover, Sgt. Jim Chopak, has been summoned home for his father’s funeral. The relationship between him and his mother has always been chilly, but never more so than now that his father bequeathed Jim his locked writing box in which he finds a photograph of his mother and someone Jim has never before seen.
It is nice to see Ms. Stabenow returning to a more serious style. Not that her trademark humor is not longer apparent—it is—but this story is more layered, complex and a bit more serious than previous, recent entries.
Maps are a useful and wonderful way to provide the reader with a sense of location and perspective; I’m glad they are there. Complimenting them is an incredible ability to create a sense of places and people through Ms. Stabenow’s vivid descriptions. “..Kate almost stumbled over a pair of porcelain dogs guarding a high, round, spindle-legged table covered with china figurines dressed like characters out of the Angelique novels.” Okay, I’ll admit being partial to that particular description as I loved the “Angelique” books. The scene of Kate’s wolf/dog Mutt interacting with wild wolves against the snow under a full moon becomes one you are not reading, but seeing.
Characters come to life as well: “Judge Singh…had such immense dignity that she always seemed to be attired in her robes…” “At the desk sat Jane Silver, who looked like she out to be hunched over a steaming cauldron chatting in chorus with the other two weird sisters.” The people and relationships are real, including Kate’s relationship with Mutt, which adds, funny, touching and fearful moments to the story. The inclusion of a surprising and unexpected character only adds to the story.
The story itself is very good and very much about relationships. They really are the point from which the various lines of the story evolve. It’s not a perfect story. At times, it felt as if there was one thread too many and it bogged down. I found myself wanted to skip portions, although I didn’t, but it did feel overly long; too many scenes with Mutt, not enough “mystery” or flow to the story as I’d have hoped. Perhaps it’s just a case of my expecting more from an author who is so good.
Don’t misunderstand; I enjoyed the book very much for its characters, humor, sense of people and place, and tense scenes of strength and determination to survive. Although the plot could have been a little tighter, I’ll be right there read to buy the next book in the Shugak series.
THOUGH NOT DEAD (Lic Inv/Kate Shugak-Alaska-Cont) – G+
Stabenow, Dana – 18th in series
Minotaur Books, ©2011, US Hardcover – ISBN: 9780312559113
Old Sam, a tribal leader and surrogate father to PI Kate Shugak, has died. He has made Kate his executor and primary heir but some of his bequests come as a surprise. Kate hadn’t known how much land Sam owned, including a homestead within gold-mining country. Then there’s the letter simply saying, “Find my father,” and how does this tie to a missing Russian icon which was a tribal artifact? Kate doesn’t know but something thinks she does as they keep trying to kill her. In the meantime, Kate’s lover, Sgt. Jim Chopak, has been summoned home for his father’s funeral. The relationship between him and his mother has always been chilly, but never more so than now that his father bequeathed Jim his locked writing box in which he finds a photograph of his mother and someone Jim has never before seen.
It is nice to see Ms. Stabenow returning to a more serious style. Not that her trademark humor is not longer apparent—it is—but this story is more layered, complex and a bit more serious than previous, recent entries.
Maps are a useful and wonderful way to provide the reader with a sense of location and perspective; I’m glad they are there. Complimenting them is an incredible ability to create a sense of places and people through Ms. Stabenow’s vivid descriptions. “..Kate almost stumbled over a pair of porcelain dogs guarding a high, round, spindle-legged table covered with china figurines dressed like characters out of the Angelique novels.” Okay, I’ll admit being partial to that particular description as I loved the “Angelique” books. The scene of Kate’s wolf/dog Mutt interacting with wild wolves against the snow under a full moon becomes one you are not reading, but seeing.
Characters come to life as well: “Judge Singh…had such immense dignity that she always seemed to be attired in her robes…” “At the desk sat Jane Silver, who looked like she out to be hunched over a steaming cauldron chatting in chorus with the other two weird sisters.” The people and relationships are real, including Kate’s relationship with Mutt, which adds, funny, touching and fearful moments to the story. The inclusion of a surprising and unexpected character only adds to the story.
The story itself is very good and very much about relationships. They really are the point from which the various lines of the story evolve. It’s not a perfect story. At times, it felt as if there was one thread too many and it bogged down. I found myself wanted to skip portions, although I didn’t, but it did feel overly long; too many scenes with Mutt, not enough “mystery” or flow to the story as I’d have hoped. Perhaps it’s just a case of my expecting more from an author who is so good.
Don’t misunderstand; I enjoyed the book very much for its characters, humor, sense of people and place, and tense scenes of strength and determination to survive. Although the plot could have been a little tighter, I’ll be right there read to buy the next book in the Shugak series.
THOUGH NOT DEAD (Lic Inv/Kate Shugak-Alaska-Cont) – G+
Stabenow, Dana – 18th in series
Minotaur Books, ©2011, US Hardcover – ISBN: 9780312559113
April 27, 2016
This was a good one, a really good one. Its too bad I didn't have longer reading sessions to help fully enjoy the story. Despite a lack of sleep from a newborn baby this book managed to keep me awake at night, that's quite a feat. Now there are only two more left in the series (that have been published at least), I don't know what I'll do without them! The next book is a crossover with another series so maybe I'll pick that one up then
May 5, 2017
Kate Shugak is such a cool character. Smart, tough & determined she just needs a cape to finish the look. The book is filled with a history of Alaska that is seldom heard & is written in a truly evocative form. For such a smart character, I can't quite figure out why Kate keeps walking into such predictable "mishaps" to be beaten about the head....again!
PS- this is my first book review since year 9
PS- this is my first book review since year 9
October 3, 2015
Alaskan history, Winter survival, family history and Mutt it is all there in this superb Kate Shugak story. Old Sam has died and left Kate as his major heir and executor of his estate. This leads Kate on a journey of the past where she learns a number new things about her family. Jim's father has died and Kate is without his assistance.
June 9, 2021
This was a great puzzle, made even better by the sheer number of motives and bad guys! It began immediately after the ending of the previous series entry, and I'd forgotten just how much that ending had ripped me apart. It was unsettling to be thrust back immediately into such a sad time, but, hey: Kate's back with a vengeance to being her badass self.
So do I plunge into #19 without pause, or take another break? Decisions, decisions!
So do I plunge into #19 without pause, or take another break? Decisions, decisions!
May 14, 2019
Best one yet
I love All of Dana Stabenow's books! Haven't read one yet i couldn't put down. But this one really had me stumped until the end. I am so addicted to Stabenows books!
I love All of Dana Stabenow's books! Haven't read one yet i couldn't put down. But this one really had me stumped until the end. I am so addicted to Stabenows books!
January 16, 2025
4.5 stars
Such an action packed book and so many plots...plots to get to Kate. Very well done.
Such an action packed book and so many plots...plots to get to Kate. Very well done.
February 10, 2017
This was the audiobook version narrated by Marguerite Gavin
Here we are at the 18th Kate Shugak book and I enjoyed it just as much as any of the earlier books: an unusual occurrence for me in any long-running series. This series has done nothing but improve and I liked it to start with. There are all the components you would expect from a Stabenow book: great characterizations, unique Alaskan historical tidbits, a smooth flow of action, character development, amusing dialogue, mystery, and a nice dash of romance.
The story starts with Kate looking into Old Sam's family history at his request and as the book kicks into gear, she and Jim set off on separate explorations of their family's pasts, traveling surprisingly parallel paths in very different locations. The current-day story is interspersed with snippets from Old Sam's (and the tribe's) history and the two storyline merged to a mostly satisfactory conclusion. The ending gives you a hint of the broader story arc we may see in the next book but wasn't really a cliff-hanger. Interestingly enough, I felt we got just as much of a sense of the shape of Kate and Jim's relationship from the void of their interaction as we do from the books when they are in constant close contact.
I did have a couple issues with the narration. Marguerite Gavin has narrated all the books in this series and she does (and did on this one) an excellent job but it was almost as if this was a rush job for her. She has always had a distinct cadence she employs in her narrations but there were a lot of odd pauses in the middle of a sentence as you would have if reading aloud and pausing to turn a page. There were also multiple instances of mispronouncing a word (regular words, not proper nouns) as you have when quickly reading material you haven't seen before and using the wrong pronoun. Not having the text to follow along with, I suppose that last could have been an author error and not a narrator problem. The narration is still very good and the story swept me away but these small irritants did momentarily pull me out of what was a very enjoyable story.
Here we are at the 18th Kate Shugak book and I enjoyed it just as much as any of the earlier books: an unusual occurrence for me in any long-running series. This series has done nothing but improve and I liked it to start with. There are all the components you would expect from a Stabenow book: great characterizations, unique Alaskan historical tidbits, a smooth flow of action, character development, amusing dialogue, mystery, and a nice dash of romance.
The story starts with Kate looking into Old Sam's family history at his request and as the book kicks into gear, she and Jim set off on separate explorations of their family's pasts, traveling surprisingly parallel paths in very different locations. The current-day story is interspersed with snippets from Old Sam's (and the tribe's) history and the two storyline merged to a mostly satisfactory conclusion. The ending gives you a hint of the broader story arc we may see in the next book but wasn't really a cliff-hanger. Interestingly enough, I felt we got just as much of a sense of the shape of Kate and Jim's relationship from the void of their interaction as we do from the books when they are in constant close contact.
I did have a couple issues with the narration. Marguerite Gavin has narrated all the books in this series and she does (and did on this one) an excellent job but it was almost as if this was a rush job for her. She has always had a distinct cadence she employs in her narrations but there were a lot of odd pauses in the middle of a sentence as you would have if reading aloud and pausing to turn a page. There were also multiple instances of mispronouncing a word (regular words, not proper nouns) as you have when quickly reading material you haven't seen before and using the wrong pronoun. Not having the text to follow along with, I suppose that last could have been an author error and not a narrator problem. The narration is still very good and the story swept me away but these small irritants did momentarily pull me out of what was a very enjoyable story.
August 16, 2015
Stunning five star read.... My absolute favorite, even though all the titles in this series are outstanding. I couldn't say this was my favorite though without reading the series in order, but what I loved most was the rich history of Alaska merged with Park Rat characters. Now I was a bit sad that Jim wasn't in the mix of the treasure hunt in Alaska with Kate, but I completely enjoyed his own treasure hunt and a resolution for his past. The leaving of messages via cell phones was cute too. The more I read this title, the more I didn't want it to end. I was quite sad when I arrived at the last page. Thanks Dana for enriching my brain with such culture knowledge because I will be checking into the titles you researched and read for fun along with the historical dates and events of the war. I love history and I love when history and fiction are in the mix of the story. I will sooooo miss Old Sam and his cantankerous soul. But it was definitely fun reliving his life through Kate's eyes. I loved Mutt in this book and that together they worked as a team to bring down those hunting Kate for multiple objects. Greed, money, gold and reputations on the line will make some people do anything I guess... So now I am reading Nothing Gold Can Stay so I can read Better To Rest and then get back to Kate, Mutt, Jim Chopin and the rest of the gang with Liam Campbell. ;o)
January 6, 2011
I am so happy to have won an advanced readers copy of "Though Not Dead".
I'm a huge Dana Stabenow & Kate Shugak (& Mutt) fan.
I have spent a lot of time in Alaska in the past and Dana's books allow me
to travel back to Alaska without the hassle of several long flights,
layovers and airline hassles.
I'll miss Old Sam but love how this book fleshes out Old Sam's life and in doing so
touches on so much of Alaska's history including the war in the Aleutians and
the Russian history in Sitka, the great earthquake and tsunami.
I hadn't known much about the influenza epidemic
that plays such a pivotal role in the story.
I really enjoyed learning about Sam and how complex his life was and seeing
how alaska's history intertwined with Sam's personal history. Sam's story
was very interesting and worth reading.
I look forward to reading Castner's Cutthroats in the near future.
I often don't like books that jump back and forth from the present to the past or
between story lines but Dana does a great job at this and it didn't distract
from my enjoyment of the story at all.
I enjoyed how even though Jim and Kate spend most of this book apart,
their relationship evolves to another level. I can't wait for the next book to to see how their relationship continues to evolve.
In the meantime I think I'll start with the first book and start rereading the
series.
Thanks for another great read Dana!!
I'm a huge Dana Stabenow & Kate Shugak (& Mutt) fan.
I have spent a lot of time in Alaska in the past and Dana's books allow me
to travel back to Alaska without the hassle of several long flights,
layovers and airline hassles.
I'll miss Old Sam but love how this book fleshes out Old Sam's life and in doing so
touches on so much of Alaska's history including the war in the Aleutians and
the Russian history in Sitka, the great earthquake and tsunami.
I hadn't known much about the influenza epidemic
that plays such a pivotal role in the story.
I really enjoyed learning about Sam and how complex his life was and seeing
how alaska's history intertwined with Sam's personal history. Sam's story
was very interesting and worth reading.
I look forward to reading Castner's Cutthroats in the near future.
I often don't like books that jump back and forth from the present to the past or
between story lines but Dana does a great job at this and it didn't distract
from my enjoyment of the story at all.
I enjoyed how even though Jim and Kate spend most of this book apart,
their relationship evolves to another level. I can't wait for the next book to to see how their relationship continues to evolve.
In the meantime I think I'll start with the first book and start rereading the
series.
Thanks for another great read Dana!!
February 9, 2011
Wow. What a great read!
I don't give out many 5-star ratings, even to my favorite authors. They should be reserved for really special books. This one counts.
I doubt that any information about the book itself would be very meaningful to anyone who hasn't read the previous 17 novels, honestly. I just can't imagine starting any series anywhere but in the beginning, but this work, in particular, will be much more enjoyable if read with the full knowledge of all that has come before.
I did enjoy the occasional flashbacks into the past as they occurred. Some authors don't handle that technique well, but Stabenow keeps readers anchored well enough that I never felt whipsawed back and forth.
As with the last entry into the Shugak series, the miscreants weren't obvious this time. That's always such a blessing with any mystery! Too many authors either toss in an entire school of obvious red herrings or beat the reader over the head with the identity of the villain, causing me, at least to wonder how the supposed hero could avoid knowing his or her identity too.
I always look forward to more books from Stabenow. She's a wonderfully reliable author and will always be on my "Yes! But whatever she puts out NOW!" list.
I don't give out many 5-star ratings, even to my favorite authors. They should be reserved for really special books. This one counts.
I doubt that any information about the book itself would be very meaningful to anyone who hasn't read the previous 17 novels, honestly. I just can't imagine starting any series anywhere but in the beginning, but this work, in particular, will be much more enjoyable if read with the full knowledge of all that has come before.
I did enjoy the occasional flashbacks into the past as they occurred. Some authors don't handle that technique well, but Stabenow keeps readers anchored well enough that I never felt whipsawed back and forth.
As with the last entry into the Shugak series, the miscreants weren't obvious this time. That's always such a blessing with any mystery! Too many authors either toss in an entire school of obvious red herrings or beat the reader over the head with the identity of the villain, causing me, at least to wonder how the supposed hero could avoid knowing his or her identity too.
I always look forward to more books from Stabenow. She's a wonderfully reliable author and will always be on my "Yes! But whatever she puts out NOW!" list.
October 8, 2024
I think I am nearing the end of the Kate Shughak series, sad to say! I will miss dear Kate, Mutt, and the aunties along with Ranger Dan and all of the park rats!
But mostly I was sad that Old Sam Dementieff passed. I remember his b b q s , his fishing boat, and all the good things he did for Kate. But missing him does not reduce his impact on the series. He left Kate a great deal, much of it property and many good memories but a hell of a mess as well.
This plot had a mirror effect in that Kate lost old Sam and Jim has gone to the mainland because his father has passed leaving his mystery for Jim to unravel. Both Jim and Kate follow the clues to the end or at least as close as you can get because of the passage of time. Kate's ending includes the allotted number of head injuries one gets in a single lifetime.
One thing I love is the "attention to detail" that Alaska demands from its residents. Where I live, I can go out in the deepest of winter and barely give the idea of freezing to death a consideration, I have never packed a winter preparedness box and I love this aspect of the books... entertaining, thrilling, and educational. Now I know the spot price for gold in 2011!
4 stars
Happy Reading!
June 28, 2016
The Best since Hunter's Moon.
This story is full of history -- of the Park, of Old Sam, of Jim Chopin. It has flashbacks that tell us more about all of them. Jim exits the Park to attend his dad's funeral and we meet his mother as well as an ex-girlfriend. His absence allows both Jim and Kate to become more aware of where they stand with one another and their feelings for one another. And, of course, while he is gone Kate finds herself wrapped up in a mystery. But this one is more personal and therefore more intriguing. She learns so much of her family's history due to Old Sam's death. I loved this book because it allowed me to know Kate and Jim better. Character development is always my favorite part of any book.
Also, life in this small enclave of Alaska is an important part of this story which makes me happy. This series is at its best when Alaska is allowed to shine as its own character. Oh, and though his part was too small for my liking, Bobby makes an appearance too! Adding all those things together makes this reader very happy.
This story is full of history -- of the Park, of Old Sam, of Jim Chopin. It has flashbacks that tell us more about all of them. Jim exits the Park to attend his dad's funeral and we meet his mother as well as an ex-girlfriend. His absence allows both Jim and Kate to become more aware of where they stand with one another and their feelings for one another. And, of course, while he is gone Kate finds herself wrapped up in a mystery. But this one is more personal and therefore more intriguing. She learns so much of her family's history due to Old Sam's death. I loved this book because it allowed me to know Kate and Jim better. Character development is always my favorite part of any book.
Also, life in this small enclave of Alaska is an important part of this story which makes me happy. This series is at its best when Alaska is allowed to shine as its own character. Oh, and though his part was too small for my liking, Bobby makes an appearance too! Adding all those things together makes this reader very happy.
December 14, 2010
I love the Kate Shugak series, but I was a little worried when I read the description on this one. I don't usually like books that go back and forth in time telling two stories at once. I shouldn't have been. I'm about half way through, and I'm loving this one just as much as all the rest. Sure, I miss Jim (and so does Kate), but there is plenty of action without him!
Just finished Though Not Dead. What a great book! I don't want to give anything away, but Kate and Mutt are at their best, and the ending leaves some interesting possibilities for Kate both personally and professionally. If you like this series, you will love this book. If you haven't read any of the Kate Shugak books, do not start here, start with the first one. This is definitely a series you want to read in order.
Just finished Though Not Dead. What a great book! I don't want to give anything away, but Kate and Mutt are at their best, and the ending leaves some interesting possibilities for Kate both personally and professionally. If you like this series, you will love this book. If you haven't read any of the Kate Shugak books, do not start here, start with the first one. This is definitely a series you want to read in order.
May 21, 2024
Dear narrator, the person who sells real estate is not a relAtor. It is correctly pronounced as spelled realtor. Plebian is not pronounced plee' be an - it is ple bee' an. Diaspora is not pronounced dia spore' a it is dye as' por a, accent on the second syllable. . Where is the English language disappearing????? EDITORS WHERE ART THOU???????? You will most likely live to finish this book, but you may end up wishing you had expired. I had not read a Kate Shugak mystery in many years and enjoyed the banter and Mutt. That was all I liked. I lost count of how many times Kate was hit on the head, but definitely felt as though I had felt every blow. The book would have been twice as good if it were half as long. By the bitter end I did not give a rat's patootie about the sacred icon. A big disappointment as a have enjoyed the Shugak series in the past. Kristi & Abby Tabby
April 6, 2017
Though Not Dead moves really well, and the plot is very layered. The author does a great job of description, and helping the scenes come to life. I did find myself skipping over many of the Alaskan names and getting to the dialogue and other descriptions, but that didn't make me think any less of the book.
This was the first book I've read of Dana Stabenow's. It won't be the last, but I would say that probably starting more from the beginning would help explain some of the references in the novel. But Kate is a strong protagonist, very likeable, and I think everyone will want a dog like Mutt by the time they finish.
This was the first book I've read of Dana Stabenow's. It won't be the last, but I would say that probably starting more from the beginning would help explain some of the references in the novel. But Kate is a strong protagonist, very likeable, and I think everyone will want a dog like Mutt by the time they finish.
June 14, 2021
You know your author is getting comfortable with writing when the page count starts to climb. This storyline covered three different lives at different times. Unfortunately Old Sam has passed away leaving his neice Kate Shugak the sole heir to his possessions and past. She must follow a series of clues to put a mystery older than them both to rest. Meanwhile Jim Chopin deals with his own family issues when he is required to attend the funeral of his father. Which in turn leads him on his own quest to understand why his family was dysfunctional.
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