Dead Stick

Another new Alaskan writer who has a strong female character. I liked the way the author would mention things in passing like the character noticed something a little different but wasn't sure what. This is so similar to life. There were enough clues to figure out "who" done it and why as things went along. There was enough of the story though, that you didn't see it right at first as with some books. I am looking forward to reading the next one in the series!

This book is great! It is a very exciting book. I am 11 years old and I loved it, my mom did too. I found it very interesting because they go through all the possible scenerios. I would recommend it to any mystery lover. I am looking forward to the rest of the series.

Truly horrible. I was so looking forward to the Alaskan setting, and storytelling. I was sorely disappointed in both aspects. It was not strong in setting: an airport, a mountain, a cabin on a slope outside of town. It was Alaskan in name only, certainly little flavor of it resided between the covers of this book. As to the alleged *storytelling* I can't remember when I have seen writing as poor as this. The extremely stereotypical characters spent more time talking than doing anything. The stereotypical characters were built by cliche lacking all complexity. It was all too predictable. The writing is overly expository with adolescent overtones. I could not believe a book this poorly written would actually be published.

I loved this book. Its set in my own neighborhood and she did a good job or representing the way life really is here. Of all the Alaskan sleuths I've read this one is the most realistic in the small details. At least she is more like the women in my neighborhood and I think more representative of the kind real Alaska women I know. I liked that her romantic relationsip is a cooperative partnership rather than the cliched love/hate thing. I really hate flying especially in smaller planes and especially in Alaska but the story of this medevac pilot had me totally engrossed. And the writer treated me fairly, putting the clues out there for me and giving me a fair chance at finding them and provided enough red herrings alternative suspects and motives to make it a challenge. The story included the standard first novel motives (one of which is so cliched its my pet peeve) but it was written with a unique perspective. I've read books with similar plots, and a similar final scene, but never written this well. It was a nailbiter with a suprisingly creative ending. As soon as I finished it, I bought her second one and I hope she writes a hundred more.

Taylor Morgan's spirit of adventure and independent nature is perfectly suited for the Alaskan frontier and her job as a pilot for the Lifeline Air Ambulance. Even in Alaska, sexism exists. This is especially prevalent in the aviation world where men almost always man the pilot and co-pilot seats. Taylor has been in charge of Erica Wolverfront training program that leads to the woman being certified as a pilot. Taylor hopes the two wommen will bond. However, on Erica's first flight after receiving certification, her King Air plane crashes killing everyone on board. The National Transportation Board investigates the accident and concludes that pilot error due to Erica's inexperience led to the fatal crash. Taylor also inspects the crash site. Based on the evidence she finds, Taylor believes sabotage destroyed the plane, murdering all five on board. She plans to find out who the culprit is or die in the attempt. If readers never wanted to travel to Alaska before perusing DEAD STICK, they will change their mind upon finishing this intriguing novel. The feral descriptions of the vast wilderness are so delightful that readers will feel they are seeing a travelogue. The mystery is also well done because it is believable and well executed. Taylor is an excellent role model who symbolizes strength, courage, and character. Megan Mallory Rust has opened her fascinating new series with a brilliant novel. Harriet Klausner