Sue Henry: Dead North

William Morrow (Hardcover), ISBN: 0-380-097881-4

North to Alaska?

It doesn’t seem the right setting, but the mystery-solver, musher and sled dog trainer Jessie Arnold, rendered homeless by arson in Henry’s last book, Beneath the Ashes, agrees to drive a Winnebago from Idaho to her property in Alaska for her building contractor. It’s too wet to dig the basement for her new house, too wet to exercise the dogs-in-training, and a vacation sounds really good. With her lead dog Tank at her side, Jessie sets out on what she envisions as a calm, relaxing trip.

Meanwhile, in Cody, Wyo., a woman dies a violent death, a redheaded boy flees from his cop stepfather, and a murderous hunt begins. Running scared and with very little money in his pockets, the boy travels toward Alaska. Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on your view, he steals Jessie’s lunch and later tries to hide under her RV to escape a rainstorm. Jessie and her new friends, Maxie McNabb and her dog Stretch, catch the boy, take him in, feed him and help him along they way. The two women soon learn an awful truth: death and terror follow the boy and if they aren’t careful it will be their deaths as well as his.

Jessie Arnold ranks high on my list of intrepid women protagonists. And Henry never fails to entertain, intrigue and teach me a few facts along the way. Learning skillfully mixed with murder makes a smooth and refreshing read. Dead North displays all of Henry’s hallmarks: fully fleshed, totally credible characters (including the canines), the marvelous scenery, the dedication and involvement of the character and superb writing. On all counts, this book provides an exceptional read.

Note: Avon, another Harper Collins imprint, released Beneath the Ashes earlier this month. Dead North stands alone, but if you would like to learn about the arson, then grab this book too — you won’t be disappointed.

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.