Drawing on her familiarity with life in the frozen north, Dana Stabenow wields the pen behind several fictional series known for their courageous, independent female protagonists. Beginning her writing career in 1991 with the first installment in a science-fiction series about space pioneer Star Svensdotter, Stabenow has also earned a large fan following among mystery buffs for her series detailing the exploits of likeable Alaskan P.I. Kate Shugak. Both series have been praised by critics for their author's deft characterizations, insightful use of detail, and briskly unfolding plots. In a review of Stabenow's debut novel, Second Star for Booklist, Roland Green cited the author's "almost cinematic vividness" in describing her futuristic setting. With her third novel series, a sequence of mysteries featuring an Alaskan state trooper and his high-flying love interest, critical reaction has proven once again that a fast-moving story and interesting settings are characteristic Stabenow.

Stabenow...