A Taint in the Blood: A Kate Shugak Novel (Kate Shugak Mysteries) - Hardcover

Stabenow, Dana

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0312306830 ISBN 13: 9780312306830

Publisher: Minotaur Books, 2004

Synopsis

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, 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.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

Award-winning crime writer Dana Stabenow is at the top of her game in her latest spell-binding novel featuring Kate Shugak who's taken on her toughest case yet...

A MOTHER'S CRIME...
Thirty-one years ago in Anchorage, Alaska, Victoria Pilz Bannister Muravieff was convicted of murdering her seventeen-year-old son William. The prosecution convinced the jury that she set fire to her home while both of her sons were trapped inside. William died and the other, Oliver, narrowly escaped. Victoria was sentenced to life in prison, and though she pled not guilty at the trial, she never again denied her guilt.

A DAUGHTER'S DEVOTION...
Now Victoria has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, and her daughter Charlotte, who's always believed in her mother's innocence, wants her free. Kate Shugak is the only P.I. Charlotte can find who's willing to take such a long-shot case.

A FAMILY'S DARK PAST...
Kate figures 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 she begins her investigation, Victoria refuses to cooperate. But it seems she isn't the only one who wants to leave the past in the past as Kate finds herself caught in a web of deception, secrets, and danger...

"Kate Shugak is the answer if you are looking for something unique in the crowded field of crime fiction."
--Michael Connelly, author of The Narrows

About the Author:

Dana Stabenow, award-winning author of thirteen previous Kate Shugak mysteries, three Liam Campbell mysteries, and three science fiction novels, also writes an acclaimed column for Alaska magazine. She lives in Anchorage, Alaska, where she was born and raised.

About this edition

• Publisher: Minotaur Books
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 0312306830
• ISBN 13: 9780312306830
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 320