by Howard Blum
First published 2012
The 1897 Klondike Gold Rush transforms Alaska into a new frontier after the Wild West dies out. Howard Blum follows three men whose paths will intersect in this frozen territory. Charlie Siringo trades his cowboy life for detective work with the Pinkerton Agency. George Carmack, a former Marine adopted by an Indian tribe, lives with his Taglish wife when he makes the gold discovery that ignites the rush north. Jefferson "Soapy" Smith builds a criminal empire with 300 followers in this lawless land. Their stories collide when thieves steal gold bars from the heavily guarded Treadwell Mine in Juneau. Siringo must track the criminals across icy waters and wilderness to confront Smith's gang. The detective's pursuit threatens not only his life but also Carmack's newfound wealth. Blum weaves these three narratives into a single story that captures both a pivotal moment in American history and the courage of those who shaped the nation's character.
Genres: 20th-century, adventure, 19th-century, american-history
Vibes: fast-paced, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: cat-and-mouse, enemies-to-lovers
Setting: Alaska, Juneau, Klondike
Period: 1897
448 pages · Paperback · Crown