In early 1853, a mysterious benefactor summons experienced California Trail guide Virginia Reeve to Boston and offers her a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to lead a party of 12 women into the wild, hazardous Arctic in search of the lost Franklin Expedition. Based on true events, Greer Macallister’s The Arctic Fury is an adventurous historical mystery that considers what might have been if a women’s expedition traveled to the Arctic when women weren’t expected to leave the house, let alone explore the corners of the globe.
A year and a half after the expedition, Virginia finds herself on trial for murder when not all the women return. Macallister captures the suspenseful journey from all angles as readers uncover the truth about what really happened out on the ice.
She pulls no punches depicting the grisly, dangerous realities of 19th-century Arctic journeys. The 13 strangers travel by train, canoe, ship, and dogsled to the formidable climate that pushes the characters to their limits. Each character is drawn with care, making their struggles and interpersonal dynamics powerful.
The novel’s structure is particularly interesting, with the prosecutor’s statements often followed by flashbacks to the expedition. Some readers might find the detailed descriptions of the environment lengthy, though they contribute significantly to the setting’s authenticity.
Despite the occasional pacing issues, The Arctic Fury is a bold and engaging tale that mixes historical detail with the thrills of survival fiction and the intrigue of legal drama. While not for the squeamish, it will appeal to those who enjoy historical narratives with strong female leads and a touch of mystery.
Overall, I give it 4 stars. My book club’s average rating was 3.6. It’s a well-put-together epic with tension and surprises that will hold your attention.