Book Review: In Cold Pursuit

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

In Cold Pursuit     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Sarah Andrews
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Woman Main Character   Amateur Sleuth
St. Martin’s, Aug 2007, $24.95

Geology graduate student Valena Walker is euphoric with the grant that enables her to perform glaciology research in Antarctica. As quick as possible she travels to the American scientific base on the frozen continent McMurdo Station. However, even faster she learns her graduate advisor, renowned rapid climate change scientist Dr. Emmett Vanderzee was arrested for the alleged murder of a journalist who died in his camp site last year. At the station George Bellamy informs her Emmett is heading north to a hearing and she will head north by the end of the week.

Valena needs Vanderzee's oversight or she will not just get kicked off Antarctica, but lose her grant and her chance to obtain employment at the Desert research Institute in the States. After a restless first night, Valena begins investigating by asking questions of Vanderzee’s research team and other scientists and support in hopes of proving her mentor is innocent.

The incredible description of Antarctica steals the show as readers will feel the below zero temperatures of the stark ice continent. Valena is a likable protagonist, but as a sleuth she is strictly amateur compared to geologist-detective Em Hansen. Her solving the case seems implausible as the resolution has nothing to do with her expertise glaciology. Still fans will enjoy Sarah Andrews who gives a powerful tour of the only continent that has no permanent human residents.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner