NORDIC CRIME FROM THE TRUE NORTH...

Cal Meany is a con artist, poacher, abusive father and unfaithful husband. His murder, therefore, unsurprisingly causes such a wave of enthusiasm that private investigator Kate Shugak, who retrieves Cal's corpse from Alaganik Bay, considers whether to arrest the killer or commend him. What is surprising, however, is that the body bears signs of beating, fatal stabbing, strangulation and drowning.

Meany's not-so-grieving wife and his children become the main suspects. However, most of the neighbors would also have a motive for murder. However, after things escalate dramatically, Kate begins to wonder if this unusual case might not be so easily solved...

In addition, the situation is complicated by Kate's aunts, who become involved in their own shady dealings at the fishing camp on Amartuq Creek, and Kate must prove that at least they did not commit any murder.