Though Not Dead

A Kate Shugak Novel

By: Dana Stabenow

Narrated by: Marguerite Gavin

The residents of Alaska’s largest national park are stunned by the death of one of their oldest members, 87-year-old Old Sam Dementieff...even private investigator Kate Shugak. Sam, a lifelong resident, dubbed the “father” of all of the Park rats - even though he had no children of his own - was especially close to Kate, his niece, but even she is surprised to discover that in his will he’s left her everything, including a letter instructing her simply to, “find my father”.

Easier said than done, since Sam’s father is something of a mystery. An outsider, he disappeared shortly after learning about Sam’s existence, taking with him a priceless tribal artifact, a Russian icon. And in the three days after Kate begins her search through Sam’s background, she gets threatened - and worse.

The flashbacks from Sam’s fascinating life, including scenes from major events in Alaska’s colorful history, punctuate a gripping story in which Kate does her best to fulfill Sam’s last wish without losing her own life to the people who are following her every move, though what they are searching for Kate doesn’t even know.

In Dana Stabenow’s breathtaking new novel, Though Not Dead, the 18th to feature Kate Shugak, Kate’s search for the long-lost family secrets that have been interwoven with the epic history of an unforgiving land leads to an extraordinary treasure hunt with fatal consequences.

©2011 Dana Stabenow (P)2011 Macmillan Audio

My first Stabenow

Took a chance on a new author and was pleasantly surprised. I understand there is a Kate Shugak series and I'll read some more of it. It was a fun crime thriller but the setting in Alaska, learning some of its history and hearing how the natives deal with the what I would consdier harsh elements was just as entertaiining.

Loved it!

One of our favorite Kate S novels. Thanks, Dana!
We absolutely love your Alaska books — all of them!

Though Not Dead: A Kate Shugak Novel

In the beginning it was difficult to get used to the Alaskan words, once I caught on to the "lingo" I ran with the book. It is a complex story, just like real life is. I will read it again, and have recommended it to several of my reader friends.

I love Kate Shugak!

I discovered Dana Stabenow's Kate Shugak series by sheer accident when I bought Midnight Come Again. I loved Kate & Mutt so much I actively sought out all the other 'Shugak' books that Audible had & then hunted down the rest of the series from other sources. I even resorted to READING some of the books when I couldn't find audios!! Kate, Mutt & Jim Chopan make an excellent team of investigators but I don't think it's fair that Kate ends up with all the black eyes this time around. Marguerite Gavin is the perfect voice for all the action, Alaskan history, murder, mayhem, "Good Time Girls" & crazy families. I can't wait for the next one!

Super story, well narrated!

Would you listen to Though Not Dead again? Why?

Maybe - I rarely listen to stories a second time, but I enjoyed Marguerite Gavin's narration so much, I just might, since I was so let down by what I started to listen to after finishing this book.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I always love Kate best and appreciate that Stabenow doesn't make her too good or too much without flaws, she grows and learns in a realistic way from her experiences, makes mistakes, all that.

Have you listened to any of Marguerite Gavin’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, but I certainly will after this one!

Any additional comments?

I've read all of Dana Stabenow's Kate Shugak books and have loved each one. They always feel fresh, the interactions of the characters never feel forced, and the developments always seem natural and realistic but still quite fascinating. I"ve never felt she's just trying to crank the next book out or tie up loose ends, but keeps crafting each book, start to finish.