Play with Fire

A Kate Shugak Novel, Book 5

By: Dana Stabenow

Narrated by: Marguerite Gavin

A mushroom hunting foray turns gruesome when Kate Shugak stumbles across a burnt, decaying corpse amid a grove of morels. Was the deceased the hapless victim of last year's forest fire? Why has no one reported him missing? And why wasn't he wearing any clothes? Absent evidence of foul play, the troopers are inclined to call it death by misadventure; Kate's instincts suggest otherwise, leading her down a path that requires her to confront issues of community, faith, and free will.

©1995 Dana Stabenow (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Not one of my favorites

It was Kate so I liked it as always but it also didn't end in a way that I liked. It made sense and all the lose ends were tied up but......

Marguerite Gavin did her usual wonderful job narrating.

I do wish these were coming out quicker. The last one was last August and now this one in March. Hope we get another in August.

This Review Needs a Title...So, I

I liked this book. It was fast paced, fleshed out some of Kate Schugak's past, enlightened us on some of the characters and on Alaskan culture in general. I particularly enjoyed the scene where the three RVs, the Okies and the Alaskans get in a traffic accident. In another scene, she tours the U of Alaska Fairbanks museum, where I recently visited, to establish the creation vs evolution theme. Fire is, obviously, an important theme in the book and Stabenow herself plays with fire by taking on organized fringe religion. One gets the idea that Stabenow is "taking on" organized religion; I think she's just story telling.

Another fabulous story by Dana

I have read or listened to all of Dana Stabenow and am waiting for Book 22 at Christmas. I will probably go back and read them all again. Excellent series, Dana paints a picture with her descriptions of Alaska, Kate and Mutt!

Z

Well told tale of religious fanaticism in the bush. Well told tale of religious fanaticism in the Alaskan bush country. Well told tale of religious fanaticism in the bush. Well told tale of religious fanaticism in the bush. Al most as fanatic as audible's insistence that I write a lot of words for nothing. Zzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzz zzz zzz zzz zzz zzz zzz

Well written and reasoned.

Would you listen to Play with Fire again? Why?

Yes, because this is the best presented work on this topic that I have seen so far. And it makes a great and inspirational Kate Shugak story.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Kate and Mutt, of course. Sorry, with the audiobook, I may be using the wrong spellings.

What does Marguerite Gavin bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She has a great expressive voice. She makes fewer mistakes in communicating the author's meaning, according to my ear and understanding. I love the authentic sound of the Alaskan words. I have the impression that Marguerite puts a lot of work into these performances.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Very thoughtful. I really appreciate how well Dana Stabenow was able to bring out positive responses to what are naturally depressing truths. I am very glad that she wrote this book. The idea that it is irresponsible to turn ones moral compass over to some other authority, resonates perfectly with my own thoughts on religion.

Any additional comments?

I do plan to listen to this again in a few months.

Opposite View to Other Reviewers.

I liked this Kate Shaguk book better than all the previous ones, which is the opposite view from that held by many other reviewers. Yes, this book can come off as slightly preachy. Yes, it involves religious fanatics in Alaska which isn't a new idea. However, it also explores Kate's character more than any of the previous books. We learned a little about her childhood and how it affected her views as an adult. Character development is always my favorite part of a book and in this installment of the series Kate is fleshed out more than in the previous books.

Also, a big bonus: Bobby is back and I love him.

completely in awe

I don't even know what words to use.
This story was so amazing, at the end I felt so many emotions. I LOVE Kate!!!!
I Want to Be Kate!!!!!
Can't wait until the next book!!!!!

Another great book!

Dana Stabenow has a unique genius of sharing the Alaskan wilderness with the reader. Don't stop until you read every one.s

Good book

I listened on a long trip. The book made the time pass nicely. Very riveting.

Terrible.

Dislike when authors build a story around their dislikes, instead of a decent storyline. attack on all Christianity. If this was first book I had read by this author it would be my last.