Description:

A string of drug-related accidents at an oil company's rig in the Arctic Circle forces Kate Shugak to go undercover to scope out a cocaine connection along the TransAlaskan Pipeline. Reprint. AB. LJ.

From Publishers Weekly

Stabenow's hardcover debut marks the fourth outing for Kate Shugak (last seen in Dead in the Water ), a native Aleut who is building a solid reputation as a tough freelance investigator. Although Kate has no love for the oil companies drilling in Alaska, she accepts a commission from Royal Petroleum Co. to find out who is bringing drugs into the Prudhoe Bay work site where there have been several overdoses and one death. Over the objections of RPetCo's security chief, Lou Childress, Kate goes in as an employee, getting a good look at her surroundings as a driver for Toni Hartzler, who gives PR tours to visiting dignitaries. She gains an instant "in" with the locals when she encounters Jerry McIsaac, an old acquaintance who works there as a medic. Kate spots plenty of drugs at her first party but doesn't observe anyone dealing. Of equal interest to her are the Native American artifacts being unearthed by archeologists at a local dig. While Kate is getting caught up in artifacts, she fails to notice that the dealers themselves are playing sleuth, putting her in danger. Throughout, Stabenow makes effective use of the regional setting, culture and Kate's personal heritage to add depth and color to this brisk and thoughtful tale. Mystery Guild alternate.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

YA-This title finds Kate Shugak investigating apparent drug trafficking among the oil workers of the Royal Petroleum Corporation in the Arctic Circle. She has been recommended for the job for several reasons-her Aleutian roots, her past experience in the Anchorage District Attorney's office, and her outstanding record. Readers will not be overly surprised by the unraveling of the case, but they will find the several story lines to be enjoyable. As Kate locates the source of the illegal drugs, so are the subplots revealed, producing a unified, engaging read.
Diane Goheen, Topeka West High School
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.