The Singing of the Dead

The Singing of the Dead (2001) Dana Stabenow

A native woman is running for state senator, and after multiple threatening notes, the staff decided that she needs security. Despite her better judgment (and in need of money) Kate takes the job, even though she intensely dislikes the campaign manager (and the feeling is mutual.)

I enjoyed the mystery, as well as the events of Kate’s life woven through the story. We also learn dollops about Kate’s past, and her continuing bickering with Jim Chopin. I also enjoyed the glimpses of life in Alaska.

But what I especially liked was the story woven through–the story of the Dawson Darling. That was fascinating–not only the story itself, but the glimpse of life in Alaska in the late 1800s early 1900s. Especially as Dana Stabenow based her Dawson Darling character upon real women who went to Alaska at that time to work as prostitutes. (Don’t worry, the main story does not deal with prostitution, just the secondary story.)

If you have not read a previous Kate Shugak book, you should be able to read The Singing of the Dead without prior knowledge of the characters.
Rating: 8/10

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