Thursday, May 12, 2022

Bear Witness by Lark O. Jensen: Book Review & Giveaway!

 Bear Witness

 

About Bear Witness

 

Bear Witness (An Alaska Untamed Mystery) 

Cozy Mystery 

1st in Series 

Setting - Alaska 

Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 320 pages 

Crooked Lane Books

Alaska tour boat guide Stacie Calder faces the deep freeze in this scenic cozy series debut perfect for fans of Paige Shelton.

No nine-to-five cubicle career will suit Stacie Calder—the naturalist much prefers working in the great outdoors. Specifically, the spacious and spectacular Alaskan wilderness, whose rugged charms she shares with sightseers on the top deck of the tour boat where she works. But one May afternoon, Stacie’s passengers see more than glittering glaciers, frolicking harbor seals, climbing bears and soaring seabirds…they also witness a man lying dead in the frigid Alaskan waters. And it seems likely that someone gave him a fatal push.

Stacie didn’t know the unfortunate victim, but he sure wanted to know a lot about her. He spent most of his final afternoon bombarding her with questions quite awkward to answer. And when he wasn’t in her hair, he was arguing incessantly with the boat’s beleaguered crew. Which makes for a suspect list about as long as the passenger manifest. Furthermore, as police helicopters relentlessly circle her boat in search of any clues, Stacie is shaken to find herself on that suspect list.

Before the tour boat reaches shore Stacie—accompanied by her beautiful blue-eyed husky, Sasha—must deduce just who sent the testy tourist tumbling into the turgid waters and have the authorities take custody. Because if she can’t, then the killer might aim a fatal ice-cold stare at Stacie.

About Lark O. Jensen

Lark O. Jensen is the pseudonym of Linda O. Johnston, a former lawyer who is now a full-time writer. Lark has written Bear Witness, the first Alaska Untamed mystery for Crooked Lane. Linda has written A Barkery & Biscuits Mystery series and A Superstition Mysteries for Midnight Ink and the Pet Rescue Mysteries and Kendra Ballantyne, Pet-Sitter mysteries for Berkley Prime Crime. Linda also writes for Harlequin Romantic Suspense, and her stories often involve dogs.

Author Links


Author Links Website: www.LindaOJohnston.com 

My Thoughts


Stacie Calder is a tour guide in Alaska for ClemTours out of Juneau, Alaska.  It is Stacie’s job to point out the wildlife to the tourists as they travel along the route.  Stacie, a wildlife expert, loves her job, but this beautiful May day there is a problematic passenger.  Sheldon Truit, a former deckhand, has decided to open a competing tour business.  He is not on the cruise to look at the local wildlife.  Truit has altercation with Captain Palmer.  At the end of the cruise, Truit cannot be found.  The Initial Response Section of the Alaska State Troopers arrives at the scene with Trooper Liam Amaruq in charge.  The boat is searched, but they only thing they find is Truit’s cap.  The next day, Stacie is pointing at some local wildlife to guests when her dog, Sasha begins barking.  Stacie looks at the shore and sees a man partially in the water.  It appears that they have found Truit.  With Captain Palmer at the top of the suspect list, Stacie is compelled to search for the truth.
Bear Witness by Lark O. Jensen is the debut of An Alaska Untamed Mystery series.  I like the premise of Bear Witness.  I thought it was unique to have the main character in Alaska on day cruises explaining the local flora and fauna to passengers.  The author’s detailed descriptions allowed me to visualize traveling on the boat.  I could envision the beautiful Alaskan countryside along with the wildlife and flora.  I thought Stacie’s dog, Sasha was a sweetie.  Huskies are intelligent and loving dogs.  I enjoyed learning about the various Alaskan wildlife.  I can tell the author did her research for this book.  The mystery has Stacie asking questions and searching for clues.  She feels the need to help because she loves her job and cares about her employers.  The whodunit has several suspects.  There are a limited number of clues to help readers solve the crime before the suspenseful reveal.  I like how Sasha helps Stacie with her investigation.  A romance springs up between Liam and Stacie.  I did feel it was a little rushed for a cozy mystery.  There is mild foul language in this story.  I wonder what adventure Stacie will have in the next An Alaska Untamed MysteryBear Witness is a wild tale with scenic cruises, a dead deckhand, a helpful Husky, a striking trooper, a careful killer, and wandering wildlife.  
Bear Witness is available from Amazon* and Barnes & Noble.  You can find the author's other novels here on Amazon.  Now it is time for the giveaway!!!  One lucky person can win a kindle copy of Bear Witness. You can click here to enter or use the Rafflecopter form below.  Leave a comment on my blog for an extra entry.  Good Luck!  Thank you for stopping by today.  Next time I am sharing my thoughts on Six Graves by Angela Marsons.  It is the 16th A Detective Kim Stone Crime Thriller.  I hope that your day is filled with joy.  We need more happiness and positivity in our days.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

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