A call from the district fire officer informs Service that a fire has broken out in his beloved Tract. Since it is early in the season, the area still has considerable moisture from the spring rains and melted snow. In addition, the absence of recent thunderstorms negates the possibility that the fire was naturally caused. The fire, coupled with the discovery of a body quickly identified as a well known local poacher, leads Service to suspect someone has a greator interest in the area than poaching a few protected animals.

Ice Hunter can be viewed from several different perspectives. As a mystery novel, it is mediocre at best. It becomes quite obvious early on in the book who the perpetrator is, and why he is interested in the Mosquito Wilderness Tract. Although Service manages to get himself into several tight spots that add a bit of excitement to the plot, the dialogue is uninspired and excessive. Service has the potential to become an interesting individual, but the reader only gets a glimpse at what hints to be a fairly complex, enigmatic man.

What appears to be Mr. Heywood’s forte is his ability to describe the setting and the history of the area in which the story takes place. The history of the terrain, and the land itself play an important role in the plot of the book, and the author patiently and accurately educates the reader equipping him with the knowledge that makes the book both understandable and believable. In addition, one gets a mini tour of how state land in Michigan is managed, complete with the politics therein. Although the characters are not well fleshed out, the author offers a number of worthwhile insights on the human condition.

Unlike most mysteries set in harsh climates, Ice Hunter does not depend upon Michigan’s Upper Peninsula’s notorious winter as an important element in the plot. In fact, all the action takes place in a remarkably short period - their summer. Short though it may be, the summer in this part of the world has distinct qualities all its own.

--Andy Plonka