The residents of Alaska's largest national park are still stunned by the death of one of its lifelong residents: Eighty-seven-year-old Old Sam Dementieff. Dubbed the "father" of all of the Park rats--although he had no children of his own--Sam was especially close to his niece, P. I. Kate Shugak. Even so, she more than anyone is surprised to discover that in his will he's left her everything--including a letter instructing her simply to "find my father."

Easier said than done. Sam's father scandalously disappeared after his birth, taking with him a priceless tribal artifact, a Russian icon. Now, just three days into her investigation, Kate finds herself being threatened--and worse. The flashbacks from Sam's fascinating life, including scenes from major events in Alaska's colorful history, punctuate a gripping story in which Kate does her best to fulfill Sam's last wish. Meanwhile, an unknown enemy is on her trail...and will stop at nothing to make sure that the truth about Sam's father stays buried.