Though Not Dead

Wow. What a great read!

I don't give out many 5-star ratings, even to my favorite authors. They should be reserved for really special books. This one counts.

I doubt that any information about the book itself would be very meaningful to anyone who hasn't read the previous 17 novels, honestly. I just can't imagine starting any series anywhere but in the beginning, but this work, in particular, will be much more enjoyable if read with the full knowledge of all that has come before.

I did enjoy the occasional flashbacks into the past as they occurred. Some authors don't handle that technique well, but Stabenow keeps readers anchored well enough that I never felt whipsawed back and forth.

As with the last entry into the Shugak series, the miscreants weren't obvious this time. That's always such a blessing with any mystery! Too many authors either toss in an entire school of obvious red herrings or beat the reader over the head with the identity of the villain, causing me, at least to wonder how the supposed hero could avoid knowing his or her identity too.

I always look forward to more books from Stabenow. She's a wonderfully reliable author and will always be on my “Yes! But whatever she puts out NOW!” list.