Murder on the Iditarod Trail

The Iditarod, sometimes called "The Last Great Race," takes mushers, (dog sled racers), and their dog teams over 1150 miles of some of Alaska's roughest, most majestic terrain - jagged mountain ranges, iced-over areas of Norton Sound, frozen rivers, dense forests, desolate tundra and miles of windswept coastline. The temperatures frequently fall well below zero, with winds that can cause complete loss of visibility. Hazards of overflow, long hours of darkness and treacherous climbs and side hills are always present. From Anchorage, in south central Alaska, to Nome on the western Bering Sea coast, each team of 12 to 16 dogs and their musher cover over 1150 miles in 10 to 17 days. The winner takes home a $250,000 purse. But one has to be alive to collect it. This year's race has a major impediment to arriving at the finish line in one piece. It seems as if one of the contestants is eliminating the competition by cruel, unusual and permanent means. Top Iditarod mushers are dying on the trail in the most gruesome and bizarre ways. Three deaths have occurred before the halfway mark is reached in a race that has never claimed a life in its entire history. Jessie Arnold, the top female contender, is determined to win and not allow the terrible deaths/murders of her friends and colleagues to deter or distract her from her goal. State Trooper Alex Jensen, a gifted investigator, as well as a handsome bachelor, meets the attractive Jessie during the race and the two are immediately drawn to each other. Already committed to finding the killer before he/she can do any more harm, Jensen is especially anxious for Jessie, as she is now favored to win, and has thus become a bigger threat to the murderer. As more victims fall prey to mysterious injuries, Jensen realizes that the killer is after more than money and prestige. Although Sue Henry's "Murder on the Iditarod Trail" is filled with suspense, I must admit to being more thrilled/awed/terrified with the description of the race, the weather and its dangers, which seem much more difficult to evade than the threatened actions of a vicious, determined murderer. This excellent mystery really gives one an understanding of what a tough foe Mother Nature can be. The author wisely couples the disturbing details surrounding the murders with the dangers of the climate and the trail to build tension and rivet the reader to the page. The Iditarod is not just a dog sled race. It is a race in which unique men and woman, from all walks of life, compete. Man and animal are pitted against nature, and as each mile is covered, a tribute is paid to Alaska's past. The Iditarod Trail, now a National Historic Trail, had its beginnings as a mail and supply route from the coastal towns of Seward and Knik to the interior mining camps at Flat, Ophir, Ruby and beyond to the west coast communities of Unalakleet, Elim, Golovin, White Mountain and Nome. Mail and supplies went in. Gold came out. All via dog sled. Heroes were made ba

The Iditarod is a well known dog sled race that tests endurance, skill, and courage. Now, suddenly and inexplicably, the top Iditarod contestants are dying one by one in bizarre and gruesome ways. Jessie Arnold, a female "musher," fears she may be the next intended victim, but nothing is going to prevent her from trying to win the race.State Trooper Alex Jensen is determined to track down the murderer anyone else is killed. As the race progresses Jessie and Alex team up and put their clues together as well as work on the attraction that is growing between them. This is a classic book in my opinion if you like to read about Alaska or mysteries. I love Jessie and how independent she is. I also enjoy the author's description about the places in Alaska that are both rugged and beautiful.

Sue Henry sets the first book in her Alaskan Mystery Series in one of the most grueling sporting events in the world, the 1000-mile Iditarod dog sled race. The book details the progress of the race and the unusual "accidents" which take place along the way. State trooper Alex Jensen is highly suspicious that some of the mushers may be sabatoging others in an effort to gain an advantage in the race. Henry creates vivid descriptions of the race course and the brutal conditions which beset those brave enough to participate in the Iditarod. She creates enough red herrings to make the mystery interesting and vividly writes about the dangers, both natural and man-made, which the racers encounter. I highly recommend this book!

I snatched it off the shelf the moment I saw "Iditarod." Sure enough, Sue Henry not only gives us a smashing murder mystery to solve, but the history of the Iditarod race itself. Her writing propels you into the story. You will freeze with the racers, feel their exhaustion, worry over the dogs, and oh, yes, wonder just who done it. Her character development makes for such believable people that one can think, "I know this guy/gal." Not at all surprising that she won the Macavity and Anthony awards with her first book. This is definitely a keeper.

Sue Henry makes the details of the Iditarod Race facinating to even those who do not closely follow the sport. I like the way the book is set up with each day's weather and where on the trail they are so you can follow the map in the front of the book. This is my third Sue Henry book (thought his is the first in the series) and I am hooked on her writing! I am amazed that while snuggled up in bed I can feel the cold and wind of the trail as she describes what is going on. I also enjoy seeing a strong female character (Jessie) that is out to do thing her way and not what someone else thinks she should. I highly recommend this book to all!