An American author of such acclaimed works as Second Star, A Cold Day For Murder, and Though Not Dead, she is best known for her science fiction and mystery novels. Her serial works include the Star Svensdotter sci-fi trilogy and the Kate Shugak mystery books.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of Alaska in 1973. She published her first novel, Second Star, in 1991.
Her mystery novel, A Cold Day for Murder, won the Edgar Award for Best Paperback Original in 1993.
She grew up in Alaska and was raised by a single mother. Many of her novels are set in her home state.
She and Michigan-born author Linda Barnes have both been recipients of the Edgar Award.
