Klondike Journal: Sue Lee Mystery

By SORLIE DM

Welcome, dear readers, to the captivating world of "Klondike Journal," a mesmerizing murder mystery that will transport you back in time to the thrilling days of the Klondike gold rush. In this enthralling tale, acclaimed author D.M. Sorlie sets the stage during a time of great adventure and discovery.

Prepare to meet Marie Adele, a remarkable woman hailing from the fashionable social circles of New York. Against all odds, Marie finds herself entangled in a Klondike saloon gunfight, a thrilling turn of events that sets the stage for a story filled with intrigue and danger.

"Klondike Journal" takes place in two distinct timelines, 1898 and 1950, both showcasing the lives of two extraordinary women who were ahead of their time. Marie Adele, once a wayward socialite, discovers prosperity amidst the chaos of the Klondike gold rush. But her newfound fortune also brings with it a dark secret—a treasure that becomes the catalyst for murder in the present day.

Enter Sue Lee, an intrepid investigator from Island Art Inquires, who embarks on a quest to unravel the pieces of Klondike Marie's past in order to find the elusive treasure. However, Sue Lee's journey is not without its obstacles. Hampered by the shooting of her lover, Alex, on a mission in Kathmandu, she must navigate treacherous paths and overcome incredible odds to uncover the truth.

With "Klondike Journal," D.M. Sorlie takes you on an extraordinary adventure that spans the globe. From the bustling streets of New York to the rugged landscapes of the Klondike, and even the mysterious corners of Kathmandu, this tale will sweep you away on a journey filled with suspense, mystery, and unexpected twists.

So fasten your seatbelts, dear readers, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable treasure hunt. D.M. Sorlie invites you to join him on this thrilling expedition, where the past and present collide, and where the true meaning of adventure awaits. Enjoy your trip into the captivating world of "Klondike Journal."

• Language: English
• Publisher: Enchanted Island Publishing LLC
• Release date: Feb 7, 2024
• ISBN: 9791223004821

Book preview

Chapter One

DEATH OF A FRIEND

ALASKA, KLONDIKE, DECEMBER, 24 1898

Two women were kneeling behind a bar on the floor of a makeshift tent saloon, trying to help a wounded man while others fired their guns in the darkness. A gang of claim jumpers looting and killing the gold diggers along the Klondike River surrounded the mining camp.

Klondike Marie pressed her shawl on the open wound to stop the bleeding but knew it wouldn’t help. Soupy was dying.

He was the best of all the miners she met during her singing career in the camps. They had first met on the Canadian side of the Klondike shortly after she ran away from her life as a New York socialite and a marriage arranged by her father. Her name was Marie Adele. Soupy told her names and titles didn’t matter in gold county. Salvador Stevens was Soupy’s real name. Marie knew the Latin name for Salvador meant savior.

Marie pulled Kate’s head down when glass bottles behind the bar shattered from flying bullets. Kate swore, running to the other side of the bar with her pistol to get a better shot at the shooter.

At that moment, Marie decided the Canadian side of the Klondike was more civilized than Alaska.

Canada had the Mounties to keep law and order. In the lawless camps, miners’ committees comprised drinking and arguing, mostly entertainment for the diggers. However, the men needed to be more organized when it came to protecting the camp. The claim jumpers knew this, especially Mallory, their leader.

Marie felt a tug on her sleeve. It was Soupy looking up at her, trying to speak. She bent closer to listen.

That damn kid shot me! I can’t reason with him. You’re my new partner, Marie. Take care of my family, especially my little sister. In my pocket, my claims are inside my journal, he said, coughing. Write what I tell you.

With a shaky hand and tears in her eyes, Marie did as she was told. Soupy might look like any other miner, but he was a lawyer from San Francisco, originally from England. His law firm was Stevens & McLerie’s. Marie knew this after a drinking bout with him in Dawson, where they exchanged life stories. After that, he became a mentor, helping her to continue singing and keeping her away from prostitution. The pay from the diggers throwing nuggets on the stage far exceeded what the whores made.

My Journal, take it with you, give it to my partner Barry McLerie in San Francisco; he coughed harder, his face twisted in pain before continuing. His brother Steve is a mining engineer, your new partner. Hidden inside the cover is a stamp. Show these papers along with the stamp to Barry; it proves your partnership. Do what he says; he’ll make you very rich. I love you, girl. My horse is out back behind your wagon. Run! He coughed one last time; Marie held him closer as the blood dribbled from his mouth across her arm.

More swearing from Kate brought her back to reality. A man laughed while Kate yelled at him before his gun went off.

Marie stood up with the bar shotgun in her hands. Mallory turned, facing both barrels, daring her to shoot. At that moment, he was hit from behind and thrown hard to the floor by Soupy’s lead sled dog, Moon.

Marie watched in horror as Moon’s largemouth clamped on the back of Mallory’s neck. The burly Alaskan Malamute snapped his jaws shut and shook the helpless man like a rag doll. As quickly as it began, it was over.

Miners returned to the saloon, talking loudly about their victories, but became silent when they saw the carnage inside.

Marie was holding Kate in her arms, staring at Moon, who was lying next to Soupy with her massive head draped across the chest of her dead master.

On the other side of the room lay the disfigured body of the gang leader, Mallory.

Chapter Two

GOLD MINES

ALASKA, KLONDIKE 1898

That nightmare of her last night in the Klondike was six months ago.

Marie was casually dressed for travel. The morning wind from the bay was swirling strands of Black hair coming loose from her pulled-back bun tied with a braided scarf. She was thankful she decided not to wear a hat on such a blustery day.

Marie pulled her waist jacket closer together to cover her open-neck blouse. She hitched up her long pale blue skirt with her other hand holding the valise, enabling a longer stride. Eager to get out of the cold weather, Marie was trying not to pay attention to the looks from the men she passed. She knew a beautiful tall woman with dark features and golden eyes, scurrying with a huge white dog by her side, would soon be a topic for discussion.

Marie blew in the door of Barry Mc Lerie’s offices, knowing his attractive brother Steve was not there.

Steve was the promoter and mining engineer who raised the investment money for their three mining operations in the Klondike. He was out today looking at new mining equipment.

Our engineer in Juneau reported in this morning. Our operations have moved a significant amount of gold in this last month. They are continuing to find more! Barry said as she entered his office.

Have you any newer information from the Pinkertons about Soupy’s sister? Marie learned last week that the Pinkertons traced Soupy’s Sister Amelia to the Hawaiian Islands. Amelia was a Doctor, forbidden to practice in London by the Apothecaries Society, and moved to Hawaii, where she was accepted by Queen Liliʻuokalani before a group of sugar planters overthrew the Monarchy in 1893, forcing the Queen to abdicate. Amelia moved her practice to Maui’s outer Island to escape prosecution after participating in reinstating the Queen.

In Pinkerton’s report, Marie read they were unsure if Amelia was alive after the recent flu epidemic. Communications to the outer islands were slow.

Barry passed the newest report across his desktop to her.

Barry, is the information about her husband and son in here?"

"Yes, unfortunately, it’s sad news; Pinkerton’s conclusion is that they both died in the Klondike during the winter of 96.’

Marie had told both brothers yesterday about that brutal winter. Steve’s comment about delicate women screamed with male chauvinism.

They had been spending time together. Marie enjoyed the performances at the Baldwin theater; Steve was her escort. It was convenient since she was living at the Baldwin Hotel.

Marie appreciated Steve’s attention but knew it was an odd match. His urban lifestyle was what she walked away from. He probably never got his handmade leather shoes muddy, let alone sleep in a tent or kill a man...

Her upbringing taught her, not to mention the latter.

Since she left the Yukon, her impeccable manners had returned. Perhaps, Steve thought of her as the debutante she once was, not the flashy saloon singer she had recently been?

Marie liked and trusted the brothers. Barry married Alice; they had two beautiful children, Becky and Allen. Allen, the oldest boy, told Marie it was his job to look after Becky.

She also liked how Steve doted on the children when he claimed to be a confirmed bachelor. It made her lonesome for her family in New York. As wealthy as she had become, she wasn’t ready to face her Father.

Marie reread Pinkerton’s report, confirming the death of Amelia’s husband and their son. It would be sad news to deliver to Amelia. It was time to leave, complete her promise to Soupy, and take care of his sister. Her second reason was Steve. Marie sensed; He was becoming enamored with her.

"Barry, I’ve