It's just a few days before Christmas on Ellesmere Island, a remote area in the Nunavut Territory bordering Greenland, and it's been dark for two months. A body is found in the snow, and what others at first believe to be a drunken accident, Edie Kiglatuk sees as a fight that turned deadly. If it was a fight, everyone thinks only one person could be responsible, and when that person goes into hiding with the victim's three-year-old daughter, Edie knows she has to find them before a vigilante search party does.
I've been reading good things about M.J. McGrath's books White Heat and The Boy in the Snow, so when I had the opportunity to read this short story, I couldn't say no. I've found these digital "extras" to be the perfect way to introduce myself to new books and authors, and "Edie Kiglatuk's Christmas" was no exception. The description of the setting had me appreciating the land's bleak beauty while thinking I had to snap icicles off my earlobes. Edie herself is just the type of character I can get attached to, and with a magical twist at story's end, what can I say? Those two M.J. McGrath novels have moved from my wish list onto a purchase receipt. I definitely want to know more about Edie and the country she calls home.
"Edie Kiglatuk's Christmas" by M.J. McGrath
Digital short story, 66 pages
Penguin Books © 2013
Short Story
Rating: B
Source: NetGalley
Cathy - I'm glad you enjoyed this. And I recommend McGrath's other work, too. It's quite well done and has such a strong sense of setting.
ReplyDeleteGood thing I've ordered those two books, eh? :-)
DeleteI read White Heat, and it was quite good. Lots of action, in addition to getting to know Edie. Make sure you're warm as you'll be freezing reading this book, lots of ice and snow.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing to warn you about is the food, quite unappetizing to those of us who are used to the average fare of the States. Brrr.
I will read The Boy in the Snow someday (sigh) when the TBR piles and library reserves shrink. Oh, if only to give up sleep, bill paying, errands (why do they multiply like rabbits?), etc.
Yes, the food wasn't exactly appetizing in this short story either, Kathy. Thanks for the reminder!
DeleteA good bet to read in the midst of a heat wave then? I like the idea of short stories to introduce me to a new author as well. Otherwise I don't like short stories at all.
ReplyDeleteShort stories haven't been my cup of tea either until some of my favorite authors started publishing these eBook specials. These stories may not be long enough to turn into a full-length novel, but they can be wonderful in adding nuance to the characters I've grown to love.
Delete