Though Not Dead

Though Not Dead (2011) Dana Stabenow

This book takes place immediately after A Night Too Dark. “Old Sam” Dementieff has died, and he made Kate his executor and heir. Just as she is starting to settle his estate, Jim–who she has been leaning on a bit to get her through this–is called home with the news that his father has died.

Soon both are trying to uncover the mysteries these men left behind for them when they died. Unfortunately for Kate, the mystery she begins to uncover gains the interest of people who seem willing to harm Kate for what she may or may not know.

I really like this series. I like Kate (she’s a kick-ass heroine, how could I not?), and I like the world where she lives.

I noticed something very interesting in this book, that I’ve picked up on other long-running series–for male characters, military service shifts in time, thus removing an obvious link to a character’s age. In this series, it’s Bobby Clark who was initially described (IIRC) as a Vietnam Vet, but in those book, he is described as a veteran of a land war in Asia (a lovely hat tip to The Princess Bride I must say). The same thing happened with Robert B Parker’s Spenser, and I believe, characters in the Elvis Cole (Robert Crais) series. At some point, it seems like authors realize that if they want to keep writing a series in the present, they need to be careful about setting events to specific years.

Aside from that, the writing is what I expect, the relationship between Kate and Jim remains strong, and it’s interesting to see how Kate has grown, specifically in taking care of Johnny Morgan but even more so in taking a place of responsibility in her community. Kate does not want the responsibility, but she also recognizes the importance of someone taking responsibility.

I do agree with another reviewer, however, in that I’m not sure how Kate continues to function with as many head injuries as she’s taken.
Rating: 7/10

Published by Minotaur Books

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