Death in Dutch Harbor
by D. MacNeill Parker
4 out of 5 stars
I received an ARC of D. MacNeill Parker’s debut novel, “Death in Dutch Harbor” in exchange for an honest review.
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"Death in Dutch Harbor," the debut novel by D. MacNeill Parker, is an enthralling murder mystery set in the rugged and remote Alaskan fishing port of Dutch Harbor. The story centers around Dr. Maureen McMurtry, a strong and independent veterinarian who finds herself entangled in a complex murder investigation that challenges her both professionally and personally.
From the onset, the novel captivates with its rich and vivid portrayal of Alaska's harsh environment, a setting that becomes a character in its own right. Parker's personal experience in the Alaska fishing industry adds an authentic touch to the narrative, making the descriptions of the landscapes and the dangers of commercial fishing particularly engaging.
The plot is meticulously crafted, with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end. Maureen, as a protagonist, is relatable and compelling – her love for Alaska's tough environment shines through, offering a unique perspective on a life many of us might find daunting. The tension mounts as she uses her forensic skills to unravel the murders, which intricately involve local fishermen, environmentalists, and the shadowy world of illegal activities.
What stood out to me was the depth of the characters, especially Maureen, who, with her retired police dog and a past she prefers to keep hidden, is both formidable and endearing. The interplay between her professional challenges and her personal relationships, particularly with a boat captain who becomes a prime suspect, adds an emotional depth to the narrative.
In conclusion, "Death in Dutch Harbor" is a must-read for fans of murder mysteries and those who appreciate a strong sense of place in their novels. Parker's debut is impressive, offering a well-paced and intricately plotted story that immerses the reader in a world that is both beautiful and perilous. I eagerly look forward to more works from this promising author.
GIVEAWAY
Synopsis
When two murders strain the police force of a remote Alaskan fishing port, veterinarian Maureen McMurtry is tapped by Dutch Harbor’s police chief for forensic assistance. The doctor’s got a past she’d rather not discuss, a gun in her closet, and a retired police dog that hasn’t lost her chops. All come in handy as she deciphers the cause and time of death of a local drug addict washed ashore with dead sea lions and an environmentalist found in a crab pot hauled from the sea in the net of a fishing vessel.When her romantic relationship with a boat captain is swamped by mounting evidence that he’s the prime suspect in one of the murders, McMurtry struggles with her own doubts to prove his innocence. But can she? McMurtry’s pals, a manager of the Bering Sea crab fishery and another who tends Alaska’s most dangerous bar assist in unraveling the sinister truth.
Author Bio
D. MacNeill Parker and her family are long time participants in the Alaska fishing industry. In addition to fishing for halibut, salmon, crab, and cod, she’s been a journalist, a fisheries specialist for the State of Alaska, and a seafood company executive. She’s travelled to most ports in Alaska, trekked mountains in the Chugach range, rafted the Chulitna River, worked in hunting camps, and survived a boat that went down off the coast of Kodiak. Parker’s been toDutch Harbor many times experiencing her share of white knuckler airplane landings and beer at the Elbow Room, famed as Alaska’s most dangerous bar. While the characters in this book leapt from her imagination, they thrive in this authentic setting. She loves Alaska, the sea, a good yarn and her amazing family.
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Praise:
“From the first scene, she evokes the real Dutch Harbor and the dynamic people who call it home. It’s a roaring mystery that braids together oil rigs, fishing, sea lions and the kind ofRussians we love to hate. Death inDutch Harbor is a must read for anyone who wants to vicariously experience a rugged world on the edge of an unforgiving sea”
—Lori Swanson, Former Director Marine Conservation Alliance, Federal Fishery Observer
“Any fan of the Deadliest Catch television show should reach for this book!”
—Captain Sig Hansen, FV Northwestern and a star of theDeadliest Catch TV series
“Death in Dutch Harbor grabbed me at the outset and did not let go. Right away you can tell Ms.Parker knows the issues facing the fishing industry in the Bering Sea. She weaves them into the tale and uses her characters to draw the reader deeper into the murder mystery.”
—Frank Kelty, Former Mayor of Dutch Harbor/Unalaska
“What a banging beginning for this author. Parker successfully tied together the multiple themes with strong characters, especially the women, with a believable and exciting plot. I recommend this book and look forward to Parker’s next novel.”
—Men Reading Books
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