Alice Henderson

Although not as exciting as the first book, learning more about the plight of polar bears, thanks to global warming, was interesting and I enjoyed the descriptions of the Arctic tundra.

Alex was an okay protagonist but she made stupid mistakes and there has been no character growth from the first novel to the second. I did admire her for trying to save threatened species but the action in this novel was over the top. There was one violent event after another, thus making the plot unbelievable and detracting from the story and the serious issue of humans' negative impact on the world’s natural environments. Having read this, I think Alex and I have parted ways and I won’t be bothering with any more books in this series.… (mere)

In need of a book set in the Arctic Tundra for reading challenge, A Blizzard of Polar Bears by Alice Henderson caught my eye. It’s the second book in a series featuring wildlife biologist Alex Carter, though reads well as a stand alone.

In A Blizzard of Polar Bears, Alex has taken an assignment in the Canadian Arctic studying its threatened population of polar bears. Teamed with an assistant and a helicopter pilot Alex’s job involves tracking and sedating the majestic, but dangerous animals, and recording their condition. It’s exhilarating work but soon things begin to go wrong- the pilot quits without notice, equipment goes missing, and then Alex’s research is stolen. Refusing to abandon the study, Alex is relieved when she is able to secure another pilot but when the helicopter catches fire forcing the crew to ditch on the ice in the middle of nowhere, it quickly becomes clear that someone will do anything to stop her.

I enjoyed this fast paced, action packed thriller. Alex finds herself in several dangerous situations after being targeted by thieves, poachers, and an unscrupulous businessman. I thought the mystery was well plotted, with Henderson deftly crafting several red herrings diverting from the true motive of Alex’s most persistent attackers.

Though Alex is capable and resourceful, she doesn’t always make smart decisions, and the odds are often against her, so a little suspension of belief is required as her circumstances worsen. Alex is likeable though and I thought she was a strong lead character.

The appearance of helicopter pilot Casey, who apparently had a brief role in Henderson’s first novel featuring Alex, A Solitude of Wolverines, adds another layer of interest to the novel.

Henderson does a great job of evoking the Arctic landscape. I found Alex’s work with the polar bears to be interesting, and I appreciated the information Henderson included in an Afterword detailing the threats they face. The forecast that all natural populations of polar bears may be extinct by 2080 due to man-made pollutants and climate change is chilling.

A Blizzard of Polar Bears is a quick and easy read offering lots of excitement and a strong eco message.… (mere)

Solid story if a little over the top.

I was a big fan of the Nevada Barr national park series and I’m always on the lookout for similar things and this is the perfect book to scratch that itch.

Wilderness setting, mysterious behavior / crime / adventure, interesting cast of supporting characters, cliffhanger for the next book.

Is it great literature, probably not, but it’s fun to read and a nice change from my usual comfort read of romance (although there is potential for that too!)

… (mere)