Book Review: White Sky, Black Ice

I found this, the  first book in Stan Jones’ Nathan Active series, even more compelling than the second novel which I reviewed in an earlier post.  Three men supposedly commit suicide within a week of each other. Even for winter-time in the isolated Alaskan Northwest, this is excessive, and Active, a full-blooded Inupiat and Alaskan State trooper, decides to investigate.  He is hampered by the fact that most of the village consider him an “half-blood”, since he was adopted by white people and raised in urban Anchorage. He is unfamiliar with the customs that offer clues to the killings. Filled with rich characterizations and fabulous descriptions of the Alaskan wilderness, this is recommended for lovers of mysteries which feature character and place and offer insight into another culture.  Jones, an award winning journalist, offers a very pleasurable read !

Shaman Pass by Stan Jones

I really love mysteries that reflect a different culture/society. Shaman Pass  is a wonderful, character-driven mystery takes place in contemporary Northwest Alaska.  Nathan Active, an Alaskan trooper, investigates the murder of an older Inupiat with an antique, irory harpoon.  Nathan, while Inupiat, was adopted and raised by White people in Anchorage. Therefore, as with many good detectives, belongs completely to neither world.  Like us he is learning about the history, religion and current culture of this remote region.  Jones,  an award winning Alaskan journalist, is an fine writer who brings the region, and its people, to life.