Format: Kindle Edition

This was a great read!

I started to read and right away I was interested to see who dunnit!
The story unfolded at a steady pace that kept me wanting to see what comes next with a few surprising twists. I never would have guessed who the culprit is because the author gave nothing away.

I really enjoyed this book and wish the author every success!

Format: Kindle Edition

This was a great read!

I started to read and right away I was interested to see who dunnit!
The story unfolded at a steady pace that kept me wanting to see what comes next with a few surprising twists. I never would have guessed who the culprit is because the author gave nothing away.

I really enjoyed this book and wish the author every success!

Firstly I received this for free for an honest review.
This was a great fast paced read with some nice twists that were not expected and the end suspect you didn't pick as the author gave no hints. I didn't want to put this down as it grabbed you from the start and didn't let up so for a great read get this.

To the lover of wilderness, Alaska is one of the most wonderful countries in the world." — John Muir

"Alaska is what happens when Willy Wonka and the witch from Hansel and Gretel elope, buy a place together upstate, renounce their sweet teeth, and turn into health fanatics." — Sloane Crosley

I love Alaskan mystery/suspense/adventure tales. There is just something about the landscape, the breathtaking beauty, and unusual characters that calls out to the wannabe homesteader in my soul. The person who could be perfectly happy in a cabin in the woods, surrounded by beauty on all sides, wild creatures, the scent of spruce, cedar and pine, the sound of an eagle’s cry.

Of course, the whole, “damn it’s COLD!”, the snow higher than the eves, and the mosquitoes larger than 747’s, and the idea of breaking a leg and being eaten by bears in the woods is rather off-putting . . . Grin. But I can still get a vicarious thrill from authors like the marvelous Dana Stabenow. And now, Robin L. Barefield. Ms. Barefield’s “Murder Over Kodiak” is her second book, and it holds great promise as a new series for my lists.

There is much to recommend Murder Over Kodiak, and not just my rather obsessive love of Alaskan fiction. Dr. Jane Marcus is a research biologist posted to Kodiak Island. Located off the south coast of Alaska, separated from the mainland by the Shelikof Strait, Kodiak is the largest island in the Kodiak Archipelago. Isolated, often cut off from the continent by fog and vicious storms, Kodiak is a quiet island of oddballs and academics, rather boring but for the gossip. Until, that is, things start to fall apart.

Three people have died from PSP, paralytic shellfish poisoning, a saxitoxin found in shellfish, one of the more popular foodstuffs on the island. As a biologist for The Kodiak Braxton Marine Biology and Fisheries Research Center, it is Jane’s job to not only help develop a test for PSP that can be easily administered by those who dig shellfish for their dinner, but to identify the strain of toxin that killed the victims. When Jane sends Craig, her student and assistant, on his first solo trip to gather shellfish for testing she isn’t worried. Craig is methodical, cautious, and knowledgeable about the dangers inherent in the wilds of the island. Bears and poisonous plants abound, but Craig is more than competent. He can handle anything.

Anything, but the bombing of the airplane he shares with an oddly assorted cast of characters. Though Craig hasn’t an enemy in the world, all of the others, including the pilot, have their own set of enemies, any of which could make them the target for a devastating bomb. A much hated corporate raider, known for destroying companies and their owners. His Senator wife, involved in a hard fought reelection campaign with a possible Mexican drug cartel puppet. The much hated Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge manager, bullying others about the rules of the park but breaking them continuously for his own aggrandizement with his political cronies. And a local cannery owner whose bitter wife may or may not be involved. Then there is poor Bill, the sweet young pilot, whose ‘girlfriend’ is the epitome of a disturbed teenage girl. Any could be the target of the bomb. But who was its intended target?

Things get even more ‘interesting’ in the Chinese manner as Jane’s life is threatened, the press arrives in a voracious hoard, and the suspect list grows. From the decidedly self-centred son of the Senator to possible Mexican cartel hitters, the terror cranks up to an unexpected, highly appealing climax. Barefield uses her knowledge of Kodiak, its people, the ‘Alaskan Mindset’ and the ecology and weather of the island to create a beautifully crafted, and unexpected, novel.

The only thing that really bothered me about the novel, as with so many other self-published books, is the lack of editorial oversight. I am perfectly capable of immersing myself in novels, losing all sense of time. However, though it seems a small thing, improper adverb placement was completely distracting, bringing me crashing out of the story in irritation every few pages. Another issue I often see? Relying on spell check. It is a tool, much like a wrench or a screwdriver. It relies upon the wielder to utilize it correctly. Ms. Barefield could have paid a bit more attention. A few other issues, but minor.

Even given the editorial issues, this book touched the aspiring Alaskan in my soul. I will be reading the first book by Ms. Barefield when I can, and will watch for others by her. If you want to learn more about Kodiak and the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuse, visit Ms. Barefield here.

I received “Murder Over Kodiak” from StoryCartel.com in exchange for a realistic review. All thoughts are my own.

I loved this book. It was a real page turner and all my early guesses at the ending proved wrong. The protagonist was is a strong, yet vulnerable, woman who finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery. The journey to the end is full of twists and turns that are never predictable. The setting in Kodiak, with all the beauty and mystery of the island, is perfect

Well written book. Kept my interest. GREAT ENDING!!!

Murder Over Kodiak has an easy to follow and exciting plot. It is especially fun if you are acquainted with the area. Robin's writing made me feel like I was on the island again. Very entertaining read!

Pulled me in early in the development! Well developed characters. Several unexpected twists and turns!! Looking forward to the next in this series!!!