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John Straley

Biography

John Straley

Novelist John Straley has worked as a secretary, horseshoer, wilderness guide, trail crew foreman, millworker, machinist and private investigator. He moved to Sitka, Alaska in 1977 and has no plans of leaving. John's wife, Jan Straley, is a marine biologist well-known for her extensive studies of humpback whales.

John's first book,  THE WOMAN WHO MARRIED A BEAR was published in 1993 and won the Shamus Award for the Best First Mystery of that year. His third book,  THE MUSIC OF WHAT HAPPENS won the 1997 Spotted Owl Award for Best Northwest Mystery.

John Straley

Books by John Straley

by John Straley - Fiction, Mystery

Diagnosed with terminal cancer, retired marine biologist Delphine is on the brink of throwing in the towel. She has outlived her PI husband and worries she’s become a burden to her son and his growing family. One night, while contemplating how to go on, Delphine witnesses a violent argument between a man and his girlfriend. When Delphine discovers the woman has gone missing along with her young child, Delphine embarks on a quest to find them. What begins as a chance encounter balloons into a rescue mission across the Pacific Northwest. Along the way, Delphine encounters the dregs of humanity --- grappling with schemers, kidnappers and murderers --- as well as its joys. With the help of a few friends, a retired PI and a queer biker gang, Delphine is determined to see her mission through...knowing full well it may be her last.