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Star Trek: The Next Generation: Death In Winter by Michael Jan Friedman
02/08/2008 . Source: Laura Kayne 
pub: Pocket Books/Simon and Schuster. 355 page paperback. Price: £ 6.99 (UK); $ 7.99 (US); $ 9.99 (CAN). (ISBN: 978-0-7434-9722-0). Buy Star Trek: The Next Generation: Death In Winter in the USA - or Buy Star Trek: The Next Generation: Death In Winter in the UK  check out website: www.simonsays.co.uk and www.startrek.com
Post-'Nemesis' Captain Jean-Luc Picard is back on board the Enterprise, awaiting finishing touches to the Enterprise E and musing on the loss of members of his crew - Will Riker and Deanna Troi to a new posting and a new life together; Data killed in the battle with Shinzon and Beverly Crusher back on Earth as head of Starfleet Medical. As Picard looks to the future he also finds himself looking to the past and especially his friendship with Beverly, even more so now that he realises how much he is missing her. He knows how much he cares for her and has long resigned himself to the knowledge that he is in love with her but will never act on those feelings. First due to Beverly's grief over the death of Jack Crusher, Picard's close friend whom he would never betray, and then due to the risk of ruining their growing friendship and successful professional relationship as Captain and Enterprise's Chief Medical Officer.
As Picard decides he has to move on and leave Beverly on Earth, he receives news that she has disappeared, presumed dead, whilst on a secret mission deep within the Romulan Empire. He is being called on to complete her mission, finding a cure for a plague affecting the inhabitants of one of the Romulan-controlled worlds. This mission re-unites Picard with old shipmates from the Stargazer and adds to the turmoil of changes in his command. Worry over Beverly's situation and the other recent losses in his life, makes him continue to re-evaluate his life and especially his relationship with Beverly, even as he sets out to complete his mission and find and rescue Beverly from the Romulans for he is sure she is still alive.
On the frozen world of Keratas, Picard and his former crew-mates work to evade the Romulans, deal with spies and intrigue, political unrest within the Romulans and the return of an old enemy with a score to settle against Picard and Beverly. Meanwhile, Beverly is fighting her own battle and only wishes Jean-Luc Picard were there to help.
In typical Star Trek fashion, this is a fun and entertaining action adventure, reading much like an extended episode with the addition of extra background information and a glimpse into characters' heads that can only be created through the written word. The story flows at a steady pace, is easily readable and enjoyable, staying true to the cannon and characters, whilst adding to them in a way that is not always possible in a 45-minute television episode. Picard is strong and decisive once given a mission and his inner turmoil, always there despite his commitment to the mission, is real and heartfelt. Beverly Crusher is given a back-story which adds to her character and gives an insight into her dedication to medicine.
There is just enough tension, action and drama in the story and it is well crafted with a strong introduction and thoughtful and realistic ending. Another well-written addition to the stock of 'Star Trek' tie-in books, moving the universe and characters on past the events of 'Nemesis' as well as keeping ties to the television series.
Laura Kayne
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