Murder at Five Finger Light

Jessie Arnold is invited to a lighthouse restoration on one of Alaska's small islands. It's amazing how much of the book occurs before Jessie arrives on the island, but all of it does contribute to the plot of the book. As people and possessions begin to die and/or disappear, it becomes clear that one or more of the members of the restoration party are not to be trusted. But which ones? Will Jessie and the others make it off the island alive?

This was my first Sue Henry Alaska mystery, and it will not be my last. I found Henry's writing to be a cut above that of most cozy writers.

Easy reading, fun mystery. Several friends from previous books are stuck on a lighthouse island, murders begin, cell phones disappear, freaky woman on board. Whew, saved by Alex Johnson, state trooper. Characters are familiar, except for the bad guys, plenty of Alaskan atmosphere: eagles, whales, but alas, no dog mushing. The book makes you want to go help restore the lighthouse.

I listened to this book over the span of two Saturdays while driving to and from dog shows. Only six discs long, it's a good one for a fairly short trip. The novel takes place in Alaska, naturally, and mostly on a three-acre island with a lighthouse that is being renovated by Jim and Lori. A murder occurs on the beach, hostages are taken, more hostages are taken, and narrow escapes are accomplished. A few sections seemed rather implausible to me, but overall, it's a good listen.

If you enjoy Alaska-based mysteries, Sue Henry and Dana Stabenow are two must-read authors. Though their styles are very different, I enjoy them both and always am rewarded with new bits of lore, dramatic renderings of our northern neighbor's beauty, and insight into its social and political issues.

Island off the Alaska coast is the setting. Paint party starts disappearing, cell phones disappearing, boat scuttled, who do you trust and lots of suspense. Slow to get started but a page turner once they arrive on the island.

Jesse Arnold (Alaskan Dog Musher)
Alex Jensen (her Alaska State Trooper boyfriend)
Good background on Alaska locales.
Jesse to visit friends from the (previous book) 1997 Yukon Re-enactment of Passage trip
Friends at Lighthouse and need help with renovations.
But, alas was being used by the bad guys.
Fun, easy reading mystery.
Read in 2010.h