Mississippi Library Association

Winter Study

Barr, Nevada. Winter Study.
New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2008.
370 pp. $24.95 (hardcover)

Nevada Barr’s novel, Winter Study, follows Park Ranger Anna Pigeon as she studies wolves on the Isle Royale in Lake Superior. Soon after her arrival, strange and troubling events begin to disrupt the study; these events eventually culminate in the death of one of her colleagues. While trying to solve the mystery she finds herself embroiled in, Anna clings to her logic and scientific knowledge as fear and superstition threaten to dissolve the research group and turn them against each another. As Anna discovers who – and what – is responsible for the tragedies that plague the study, she learns that not all monsters are supernatural and that humans are the most vicious of predators.

Winter Study is the fourteenth novel in Barr’s Anna Pigeon mystery series. While Barr does allude occasionally to Anna’s previous adventures, readers who have not read the other books in the series will not be inconvenienced by their lack of familiarity. Barr’s descriptions of the harsh landscape, and even harsher weather, that Anna and her colleagues must contend with instantly pull the reader into the story. Similarly, her portrayal of the daily minutia of the researchers’ lives as they strive to collect and analyze data about the island’s wolf population is fascinating and helps the reader sympathize with characters that are often otherwise unlikeable.

Due to some graphic language and descriptions of violent and sexual acts, this book might not be suitable for some younger or more sensitive readers. The plot twist toward the end is especially disturbing. However, Winter Study is an enthralling mystery that would make an excellent addition to any public or university library.

Jessica Minihan
Electronic Resources Librarian
University of Mississippi

Entry Filed under: Book Reviews
Posted on: June 29th, 2009