Better to Rest

I am such a huge fan of Dana Stabenow's "Kate Shugak" series that I really wasn't much interested in starting another Stabenow series, I guess out of loyalty or something. But I picked up this book while waiting for somebody, and couldn't put it down. Alaska trooper Liam Campbell is just wonderful, very much like the regulars in the Shugak series. And in fact, there is a very sly reference to Kate herself--not by name, but by inference ("I know somebody who carries a hand-carved otter in her pocket")--that just thrilled me! Campbell's sweetie, Wy the pilot, is a typical Stabenow female: no-nonsense, tough, competent, and deeply in love with her man without wanting to reveal just how much. The plot was a bit thin...a glacier melts enough to expose the remains of a World War II plane and its occupants...and a myserious gold coin. The discover may or may not be related to two terrible murders in town. It's a confusing plot, but as always, the Alaska lore of which Stabenow is a master far outweighs the story itself. I plan to read all of the Liam Campbell books now, and just am happy that Stabenow is so darned prolific!

Better to Rest is a nice addition to Stabenow's Liam Campbell series. The story is light and interesting, as is usually Stabenow's way, and contains a few good twists and gives readers a bit of insight into Alaska's culture and history.

This is a good story, but, there is much in the story that emulates soap opera plotting. The ending seems rushed with the "aha" veiled in a rapid realization of the perp's identity. It would be best read in series since there is so much of the subplot that carries over from previous stories. Not having read the series will not hamper the reading but the reader is likely to feel ill at ease over not knowing the "inside" remarks. The author does a fine telling of Alaska land, climate and socio-economic problems. These elements are under-written but part of the fabric of the story's main plot. (And, the plot is quite interesting as well as thoroughly unique.) The relationships among the people are perhaps entirely within the social norms of the writer's experience. They are somewhat alien to my experience and seem extreme as to both alcohol usage and the sexual undercurrents. I believe that any new reader will wish to read the previous books in this series to flesh out this story. I await the next book in the series to see if it meets the level of the earlier books.

Once Alaska state trooper sergeant Liam Campbell was on the fast track to success but tragedy struck, and he fell down on the job resulting in his exile to the small fishing town of Newenham, population 2000. He quickly distinguished himself by catching a serial killer leading to his superiors wanting him back in Anchorage.Though he would have a more powerful position with more opportunities for promotion, Liam needs to think about the offer because the woman he loves has a home and business in Newenham. He also likes the townsfolk who honor and respect him and his badge. Before he can sort out his personal life, Liam is determined to find the killer of a seventy-four year old woman who he admired and was loved by most of the locals. It's a baffling case because there isn't any suspect or even a motive yet somebody is determined to keep the truth buried as that someone tries to kill Liam before he can unmask he perpetrator.The beauty, the grandeur, and the danger of the Alaskan frontier come vividly alive through the writing of Dana Stabenow. The protagonist is a good person and an exceptional police officer because he believes in justice yet cares about the people depending on his protection. The absorbing and believable mystery is one of the better installments in the meritorious Liam Campbell series.Harriet Klausner