The Winter Wolf: Wyatt Earp in Alaska

In real life, the aging Wyatt Earp traveled with his third wife, Josephine (Josie) Marcus Earp, to Skagway and Nome, Alaska, trying to strike it rich in the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898. Parry (Ice Warrior) exploits this little-known historical fact in a fast-moving, appealingly offbeat western. The legendary marshall is forced to return to law enforcement to aid Frank Leslie, a friend from his Tombstone days. Haunted by the events of the OK Corral, which left one brother dead and another crippled, Wyatt is also stalked by more immediate danger. Nathan Blaylock, the son he never knew he had, is sent by the dying wish of his vengeful, drug-crazed mother to kill Wyatt. The story follows Wyatt and Josie in Alaska, as well as Nathan as he pursues his deadly mission. Other historical characters include con-man Soapy Smith (""the scourge of Skagway"") and the Spoilers (a criminal ring determined to corner Alaskan gold by any means). The inevitable confrontation between father and son packs genuine emotional wallop. Parry, who lives in Alaska, skillfully evokes both era and place. The novel, which launches a series that will carry Nathan into the 20th century, should please both fans of westerns and of historical fiction. (Oct.)