Settings & Atmosphere - Fiction, Native American Peoples - Fiction & Literature, Multicultural Detectives - Fiction, Police Stories
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Overview
Matteesie's back, with a case that hits even closer to home. When he hears about a brutal double murder in the tiny Arctic village of Sanirarsipaaq, Matteesie knows that he'll soon be on his way to investigate, as it's a natural case for him to pursue. But once he finds out that the "old Inuit woman" found injured at the scene is his mother, tracking down the killer becomes more than just his professional duty. As a native Northerner, Matteesie knows that small communities have many secrets and there are many places to hide. It will take all his knowledge of Inuit ways - and the help of the local shaman - to find the killer.In this riveting new thriller Inuit Matteesie Kitologitak, a Royal Canadian Mounted Police inspector, investigates a brutal double murder in a tiny Arctic village. He finds that to solve the murder he must come face to face with the "old ways" and a native holy man whose help may hold the key. Young is the author of more than 30 books, including several Canadian bestsellers.
Editorials
Publishers Weekly -
In his second appearance (after Murder in a Cold Climate ), RCMP Inspector Matteesie, that captivating ``great brain of Arctic crime,'' investigates a brutal double murder in an Inuit settlement on Victoria Island. He has a personal interest in this particular crime: his 90-year-old mother, matriarch of the settlement's extended ``kin group,'' was accidentally knocked down by the murderer and suffered a concussion. Since she is the only witness to the crime, Matteesie believes her life is in danger. A handcarved falcon on the handle of a knife belonging to the local shaman, which he says is missing, a fact which Matteesie's mother had mentioned, appears to be the pivotal clue, and the community fears that shamanistic magic played a part in the murders. Matteesie uncovers past incidents of rape, incest and arson, as well as evidence of contemporary drug dealing and loan sharking, before a spring festival--complete with throat singers, knuckle hopping and drum dancing--provides the stage for a violent climax. Detailing village life in vivid images as richly carved as the most intricate ice sculpture, Young has found his niche with this startlingly original variant of the regional crime novel. ( May )School Library Journal
YA-Set primarily in the Northwest Territories of Canada, this mystery provides insight into Eskimo culture. Matteesie, a police inspector and full-blooded Inuk, is called in to investigate the brutal stabbing of a teenaged native and his aging mother. Shortly after being assigned to the case, he finds out that his 90-year-old mother, who was visiting clan in the area, was also seriously injured in the incident. In the course of interviewing suspects and witnesses, tracking down clues, interacting with his convalescing mother, and considering motives, Matteesie leads readers through a fascinating and detailed exploration of the Eskimos' lifestyles, religious beliefs, psychology, and relationships with the ``white'' culture. There's plenty here to involve YAs.-Jessica Lahr, Edison High School, Fairfax County, VABook Details
Published
May 26, 1994
Publisher
Penguin Books Ltd
Pages
288
Format
Paperback
ISBN
9780140143539