Media/Reviews

Reader Reviews

Quest for the Ivory Caribou

A selection of reader responses from Amazon. To read all reviews, visit the book’s Amazon page.

Jan O.  ★★★★★
“A beautifully written and engaging page-turner about overcoming loss and finding happiness through an ancestral quest. Romantic without being gushy, educational without being heavy, and deeply reflective.”

djsteve  ★★★★★
“An interesting mystery and human story. The narrator’s internal voice is compelling, and the Canadian Arctic setting rings true. The author’s anthropology background enriches the details of Inuit life.”

Larissa Wang  ★★★★★
“A beautifully written blend of mystery, adventure, and drama. The cultural references add depth, and the story is a relaxing page-turner perfect for a summer read or a cozy evening by the fire.”

Angelica San Diego  ★★★★★
“Character development breaks the mold of young damsels in distress and shows life beyond a certain age. The author’s cultural anthropology background adds depth and thought-provoking moments.”

akhil  ★★★★★
“A deeply satisfying, beautifully articulated tale. Mystery, romance, thrill, and suspense are all wound together in a story with more ups and downs than a roller coaster.”

Sabrina M.  ★★★★★
“A sweet story of loss, love, and discovery. The protagonist defies typical tropes—she’s older, mature, and respectful. The language is lovely, and the cultural anthropology enriches the story.”

Naresh Kumar  ★★★★★
“An engaging and powerful novel full of love, loss, grief, survival, and family. Anne’s uncommon journey teaches the positive way of life even in the saddest moments.”

Paepin Katz Starr  ★★★★★
“A heartwarming story about persevering after the loss of a life partner. A tearjerker early and late, but ultimately uplifting. Highly recommended.”

Michael V.  ★★★★★
“A great novel about love, loss, and renewing the soul. Anne’s perseverance is inspiring as she honors Robby’s spirit by living fully while solving the family mystery they once shared.”

Nikki Warren  ★★★★★
“A powerful story about coping with grief and finding purpose. Anne’s journey from San Diego to northern Ungavaq helps her rediscover peace, joy, and the possibility of love again.”

Geoffrey B. Elliott  ★★★★★
“One of the better reads I’ve had in a while. Authentic older romance, academic detail, humor, and emotional insight. I read the novel in half a day.”

Lily C.  ★★★★★
“A powerful novel about love and loss. The mystery keeps the reader engaged, and the emotional depth feels authentic. A rare and moving depiction of an older woman’s romantic life.”

Twenty-Six Eskimo Words

A selection of reader responses from Amazon. To read all reviews, visit the book’s Amazon page.

A.J. Farshler  ★★★★★
“Curse this book for costing me sleep! I stayed awake an extra hour because I couldn’t put it down. The dialogue drives the story forward while revealing deep emotional undercurrents, especially in the second half. The blend of Inuit cultural identity with the Western world was fascinating — I never knew I’d be interested in taking an Arctic survival course until now.”

Nikki Warren  ★★★★★
“A love story that shows the unbreakable bond between Anne and Jack O’Malley as they face extraordinary challenges. Stretching from Alaska’s North Slope to Quebec, this second book in the series is filled with action, adventure, and romance. The short chapters make the long story easy to follow, and the included map helps orient the reader through the many locations.”

Jan O.  ★★★★★
“A smashing read! Suspense builds from the first pages in this well-crafted tale of intrigue, deception, and oil exploration. The vivid descriptions bring the far northern reaches of the continent to life — you can almost feel the intense cold and see the blinding white snow. A terrific, unforgettable page-turner for anyone who enjoys romance blended with taut suspense.”

Geoffrey B. Elliott  ★★★★★
“I was glad to finally read this follow-on. The maps help orient the reader, and McCullagh provides extensive detail. As a scholar, I appreciate the engagement with academic discourse, even lightly. The dry humor delights, and the action makes for another engaging read. I look forward to the next book in the series.”

Nikki GoGo  ★★★★★
“I loved this book from the beginning. The vivid imagery pulls you fully into the story, and the characters are complex and compelling. Anne is a particularly strong character who continually surprised me. The love between Anne and Jack — and their zest for life — shines throughout. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.”

Kasey Clark  ★★★★☆
“This book offers a lot for readers with diverse interests. A major turning-point event divides the story into two distinct sections, both compelling. Anne and Jack’s chemistry leaps off the page, and the archaeological mystery adds depth. Anne’s ethical dilemmas and fight for survival are nerve-wracking in the best way.”

MT  ★★★★★
“A fun and easy read. The dialogue and well-developed characters made me feel like I knew them. The story mixes romance, adventure, and suspense against the cultural and geographic backdrop of Alaska and Quebec. Mystery and misfortune are foreshadowed early, and the adventure delivers.”

Sabrina M.  ★★★★★
“A rich, cohesively developed story that ropes you in immediately. The precise detail and dense dialogue make the world immersive. I enjoyed the perspective, the character insights, and the cultural and regional information woven throughout. Inuit customs provide a uniquely engaging backdrop for a love story filled with high-stakes suspense.”

Lily C.  ★★★★★
“A thrilling adventure set in the wild Alaskan tundra. McCullagh creates masterful suspense, blending romance, peril, and exquisite descriptions of the natural world and Inuit culture. Anne O’Malley is a compelling protagonist thrust into a web of intrigue and danger. A delightful novel.”

Agnes Musee  ★★★★★
“A wild ride from start to finish. The suspense, love, and chase kept me invested throughout. The journey from Alaska’s North Slope through Canada was an adventure I didn’t expect to enjoy so much. If you like romance with a touch of thrill, this is a novel you won’t want to pass up.”