Immense, Immersive Enjoyment

Would you consider the audio edition of A Cold-Blooded Business to be better than the print version?

I have read several of the novels, but never listened to one. I don't know that it's better, necessarily, but different, and I enjoyed it a lot. The narrator is perfect for Kate, and Dana Stabenow's writing is always pitch perfect. I liked this audio book immensely.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Kate Shugak, of course. She's smart, witty, and kicks ass! What's not to like?

What about Marguerite Gavin’s performance did you like?

I thought Marguerite's take on Kate was awesome. I will admit, I was a bit apprehensive, but she pulled it off with perfect tone and clarity. Well Done.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Absolutely. As it was, I got through it in about 3 different sittings, but was constantly thinking about the story when I was away.

Any additional comments?

This series is awesome, and now that I've discovered them on audio, I am even more excited to go on many more adventures with Kate, Mutt and Jack. Love it !!!

7 people found this helpful

Another GREAT listen added to the list!

I want to start off by saying I am biased with my reviews of the Kate books. I have read them all and will re-read them at least once a year. I enjoy the fact that Dana is sticking with Marguerite Gavin as a narrator! She does an excellent job of pulling the characters out of the book and putting them in your mind as individuals. I wonder about pronunciation and I was so happy to hear that those two work together to make sure names and locations don't get lost in translation. I always keep a credit on my acct for that fleeting moment where another book is released! Thank you Dana, Marguerite and Audible for giving my busy day a touch of joy, suspense and laughter.

Kate taking on 'the slope'. YUP, it's finally time she wondered up there to see what all the ruckus is about. And she gets more than she ever could have imagined. From long, busy as hell work days with amazingly scrumptious dinners to first-aid calls on and off the field. Turtle races, hot fudge sundays and a swimming pool/sauna... all on the slope. Add a little dope in the mix and it all goes bad and I mean real bad! So bad that even Kate can't wrap her mind around it... not at first at least.

4 people found this helpful

Great story!

I can't believe I missed this when it came out last month. I d/l this morning and just finished it. Love Kate. Now I have to wait for the next one to pop up here. They're good books with good characters and solid plots and I'd read them if that's the only way they came but add in Marguerite Gavin narrating, and it's too good not to wait for them to show up here.

6 people found this helpful

Dana and Marquerite are hard to beat

I have read all of Dana Stabenow's books and have listened to many of them. I like her characters and good stories to go with them. Marquerite Gavin narrates them to a T.

2 people found this helpful

All you ever wanted to know...pipelines in Alaska!

An okay story slogged through because of fondness for the author, the series, and the
narrator. The story is hindered by a too-detailed description of the killing ground oill field and not enough character development of the perpetrators. It did provide more info about
Kate and her private life-- especially poignant since I know what happens in later books. The narrator seems to speak just a bit too fast and I got the feeling I was being rushed.
I did enjoy the brief glimpse into the archeology aspect; if only this part had been more indepth.The story is predictablle but elevated by the respect shown to native peoples.

3 people found this helpful

Such a picturesque mystery

Ms Stabenow paints a picture that makes you feel you’re there, seeing the Alaskan wilderness. She has such great authentic characters that keeps you wanting to hear more about them. There’s always a great mystery/murder to solve. I missed that Mutt didn’t play in this as much but understand why. Great narration by Marguerite Gavin.

Another great story!

Part of the fun of these books is learning so much about wherever the story takes place. By the time I was well into this book, I had learned a ton about the oil drilling business! As always, the writing is superb and the performance almost flawless. The story is engaging and, of course, Kate solves the crime! The only problem with these books is how many times I find myself sitting in the driveway listening instead of going on into the house!

The Cold Hard North

Book 4 and I still love these stories. Now if it seems silly to you that humans live in frigid arctic conditions and have a wonderful time .. What's more they have jobs and lives and crimes which need to be investigated... If this seems odd. Well you're right. It is odd for us flat-landers. Steeped in the tradition of Alaska Kate takes on the job of unraveling mystery on ice. I enjoy the setting of these novels and think that the character is written true to the mark. Bravo to the author and to the reader..

so much REAL information, plus great plot!

Dana kept me up late, AGAIN! A slow build up and then, wham! and suspense.
I do miss Mutt though.

Not enough Character Development.

I have enjoyed this series primarily due to its lovely exploration of Alaskan culture, particularly with respect to its native peoples. I also like the protagonist, Kate Shaguk, who is strong, stubborn, flawed and interesting. But this installment is my least favorite so far. The book spends a lot of time and detail on the workings of the Alaskan pipeline and the oil business. It comes off as a lecture regarding the evils of the oil industry without any suggestions for what would be a better answer. While I agree with the concerns I do not read fun mysteries to deal with political arguments and found this to be very off-putting.