The Dogs of Winter

By: Kem Nunn

Narrated by: Jim Beaver

Jack Fletcher is hired to take pictures of a dangerous, premier mysto surf spot off the Pacific Northwest. But disaster soon strikes when an Indian boy drowns - and the men from his reservation seek vengeance.

©1997 Kem Nunn (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Surf Gothic

Loved this book. Another gem by Nunn. His respect for character and setting and the sentence level care elevate this book above many others.

Compelled to review

Any additional comments?

Wow, why had I never heard of Kem Nunn before? If not for a passing reference to Dogs of Winter on Instagram, I'd still be ignorant. My library had only one of his titles, not this one, so I took a chance and purchased it. Now I have to buy his others too. Richly dark and moody, it takes you on a slow (my preference) but thrilling ride filled with mystery, place, atmosphere, compelling characters, both major and minor -- what more could you ask for? And when you stumble upon a book like this, you really win the lottery when its narration takes it to another level and enriches it beyond that of a simple reading. Jim Beaver's Drew Harmon is one of the great Audible performances. Now not only do I want to read the rest of Kem Nunn's books, I want to listen to everything Jim Beaver has narrated.

My Favorite Kem Nunn Book....so far....

Where does The Dogs of Winter rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Gritty and absorbing. Fantastic real life characters. Again, the clear insight into a culture I know less than I wish about. This book tells a story that is very satisfying and still leaves me with some questions to ponder.

What did you like best about this story?

The descriptions of the Native American culture and the fine lines between tribes and the trespasser.

What does Jim Beaver bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Great reading voice that identifies the characters; the timing of his storytelling keeps me waiting expectantly as I would listening to a story around the campfire.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The descriptions of surf and of the northwest natural terrain made me feel the spray and drizzle on my skin.

Any additional comments?

I also loved the intimate description of the construction of the surf board, the materials used, the strength of the men who hauled those big boards through thicket and portage to reach an isolated unexplored parcel of beach and wave. Excellent.

Oh Jimmy Beaver, let me count the ways...

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, it's my favorite Kem Nunn novel. I guess...well, it changes every week ;)

Who was your favorite character and why?

Drew Harmon.. have a listen how Jim Beaver narrates this badass... damned the guy is good !!!

Which character – as performed by Jim Beaver – was your favorite?

Ha! I just said it above, Drew Harmon... it sounds like sand in a coffee grinder when Jim Beaver narrates him.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

I believe the book was optioned long ago and I believe the tag line was " Where Legends Die" which is also the name of the german translation, though I don't care for altering book titles in foreign countries.

Any additional comments?

I'm married to the guy who wrote it and I can tell you that a lot of things in that book are true and thoroughly researched.