Though Not Dead

A Kate Shugak Novel

De: Dana Stabenow

Narrado por: 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.

State of suspense: listen to more Alaskan mysteries in the Kate Shugak series.©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.

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.

Always wonderful yarns

I listened to this for the second time and found it as entertaining as the first. Closing in on 80, everything is almost new again.

Good, but too much history

Murder Mystery with a little romance:
Good narration
Starts out with the death of a long time well loved local.
The story surrounds his history and also his beneficiary, Kate's history.
A good story, but too much history about Alaska. Admittedly, I am not a history fan. So if you are, you'll enjoy all the extra info on the history of Alaska.
I would have rated 4 out of 5 if the history part had been abbreviated.

Hmmm…

Everything about this series is remarkable. Entertaining, educational and full of mystery. The characters’ back stories align so perfectly with the history of the region, the sate and even the world.
My one complaint is that I did not like the enactment of both Jack and Jim. Their voices don’t sound right for the narrative. Their voices both needed to be deep, smooth and melodious. They should sound like the male idols that the other characters have made of them.

Stabenow weaves wonderful tales

I love learning about Alaskan history in the Kate Shugak stories. Kate and Mutt are a great duo and I enjoy the extended family relationship ❤

Love Kate and all around her!

I have read or listened to all of the "Kate" books. I have a Kindle, but love this reader so much, I paid a little more to "listen". These books made me take a cruise to Alaska. I loved learning about "Old Sam" in his youth. Dana Stabenow ROCKS! Now I have to wait another year or so for more.

Another winner for Stabenow

What did you love best about Though Not Dead?

As always, great character development (this book sat in my account for almost 2 years because I found it hard to say goodbye to Sam) and the wonderful Alaska setting portrayed so wonderfully by Stabenow, not to mention the always intriguing mystery. I loved the interweaving of the 3 stories in this volume (that of Sam in the past, of Kate delving into Sam's mystery and Jim's own journey.)

What did you like best about this story?

the complex, interwoven mysteries

Which character – as performed by Marguerite Gavin – was your favorite?

Kate -- great strong protagonist and love her interaction with the other characters (and Mutt)

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

not one in particularly, a lot of moving scenes (and I love EVERY scene with Mutt)