A Taint in the Blood

By: Dana Stabenow

Narrated by: Marguerite Gavin

Book 14: A Kate Shugak Novel

Thirty-one years ago in Anchorage, Alaska, Victoria Pilz Bannister Muravieff was convicted of murdering her seventeen-year-old son William. The jury returned a quick verdict of guilty, believing the prosecutor's claims that she had set fire to her own home with both her sons inside; William died and the other, Oliver, narrowly escaped. Victoria was sentenced to life in prison without parole, and though she pled not guilty at the trial, she never again denied her guilt.

Now her daughter, Charlotte Muravieff, has hired Kate Shugak to clear her mother's name. Her daughter has always believed in her innocence, and now that Victoria has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, Charlotte wants her free. Kate is the only p.i. Charlotte can find who's willing to take such a long-shot case. Kate, on the other hand, is only willing because she's suddenly a single parent to a teenager, a teenager she hopes will decide to go to college. Besides, it can't be bad to do a favor for the Bannister family, one of the wealthiest and most prominent families in Alaska's short history.

As Kate begins an investigation, Victoria protests, refusing to cooperate. But soon it seems she isn't the only one who wants to leave the past in the past. In this spell-binding novel, A Taint in the Blood, Kate's confrontation with thirty years of secrets and regret-and murder-in one of Alaska's most powerful families shows award-winning crime writer Dana Stabenow at the top of her game.©2004 Dana Stabenow; (P)2004 Books on Tape Inc.

Good but..

The story line is good, but there was something missing and unnecessary somethings added. Thie missing and additional somethings were disappointing. Good story, though.

A fun read!

Stabenow never disappoints! Action, thought, and intrigue with a touch of sexy passion and humor.

Chopper Jim's Amazed

This, the 14th installment in the series, is set in and around Anchorage. Kate's hired to search a 30 year old murder. As always, the book's about Alaska; but, in this case, it's more about Kate. Her relationship with Chopper Jim evolves and becomes quite sexy--one wonders where Stabenow gets this stuff. Also, Mutt plays a big supporting role, almost human. Oh, and there is a plot too. Happily, I move on to #15.

My Favorite Series!

I was late to finding Dana Stabenow and the Kate Shugak series but am completely hooked. I love the stories, how the characters progress...I cheer for her, curse with her and love Mutt as much as my own animal! Highly recommend these books!

Love the Kate stories

The descriptions of the Alaskan scenery and heritage is one of the strong points of Dana’s books,