Sue Henry: Murder on the Yukon Quest

Avon (Paperback), ISBN 0-380-78864-0

The seventh in Sue Henry’s Alaska mystery series, Murder on the Yukon Quest mixes murder, kidnapping, dognapping, mushing, dogs, racing, dysfunctional love affairs and mystery with flair, excitement, and competence. The Yukon Quest, like the Iditarod, pits dog teams and drivers against one another in a grueling race across Alaska’s frozen wastes. The race requires much of the dogs and the driver, even as it proves their valor and courage.

Jessie Arnold, a veteran racer, prepares her dog team for the race, believing she can win it. When two of her dogs go missing, she thinks they strayed. She never seriously considers that someone might have spirited them away for nefarious reasons. Alone on the course except for her team, Jessie faces unexpected danger. A young female racer whom Jessie met at the start of the race falls prey to abductors. Her terrified father must heed the kidnapper’s warning — no one but Jessie can know of the kidnapping — or the girl dies.

The Yukon Quest, Jessie’s dream race, and the life of a stranger both demand Jessie’s attention. She can win the race or save the girl, but she cannot do both. And whatever she decides, her own life could be the forfeit she pays.

An interesting and exciting book to read on a hot summer day in the Lower Forty-Eight, Murder on the Yukon Quest features a plethora of esoteric information about dogs, racing, and the dangers inherent in the land of ice and snow. Henry, very obviously, researched her subject well. An exciting plot, an intriguing mystery, and some great sub-plots combine to form a fast moving, mentally stimulating mystery.

Any lover of mystery, any fan of Nevada Barr’s or anyone who just wants to meet an intelligent and likable protagonist will want to grab this one.

Patricia Lucas White

Patricia Lucas White’s latest historical novel, To Last a Lifetime, was an Eppie finalist for 2003. To Last a Lifetime and two of her fantasy romances, the Sapphire Award-winning A Wizard Scorned and The Godmother Sanction, can be ordered through Hard Shell Word Factory. Her recent contemporary, PS, I’ve Taken a Lover, is available from Lionhearted Books.