This mystery, set in the pueblos of New Mexico and filled with magical realism and Native American mysticism, is a departure from the cozy mysteries reviewed so far in the my #atozmysterytour – and that departure makes for a satisfying read. Take the deep dive, and travel with Jamaica Wild, agent for the Bureau of Land Management, as her journey weaves in and out of the lives of the Tiwa Puebloans who populate the fictional Tanoah Pueblo.

When Jerome Santana dies by apparent suicide in Jamaica’s presence during the Quiet Time when outsiders are not allowed in the Pueblo, Jamaica falls under suspicion and must rely on the teaching and protection of Momma Anna Santana, her medicine teacher, and Esperanza (also known as Telacote), a curandera. And always, the wolf cub Mountain is Jamaica’s companion.

Sandi Ault’s prose is lyrical; you won’t want to skim her depictions of the wild country of the Pueblos. There are two important pieces of information at the beginning of the book: a disclaimer stating that the author purposely combined disparate facts of her Native American research to ensure that this book’s mythology remain fictional, and a dedication to the real-life wolf cub Mountain.

Although the reader may wonder why Jamaica feels entitled to insert herself into Pueblo life over the objections of some, this is the first series in the A to Z Mystery Tour to stand out as an example of a deeper mystery. Five stars. ( )

8.25

I love finding a new to me mystery series, especially the ones set close to home. The book creates a draw that makes me want to visit the area at the soonest.
Sandi Ault has either lived this life or does a helluva fab job of researching all aspects of Pueblo life, herbal and witchcraft lore, federal agency bureaucracy and what it's like to live with a real wolf.
There are some scenes of Jamaica's past and past cases that I hope get addressed in future books in the series. Little cliffhangers abound to keep the reader asking for more info.

Four coming back for more beans..... ( )

The Native American aspect of these stories is a big draw for me. Another excellent read. ( )

good, in the style of Hillerman,wolf named Mountain, characters interesting but not as developed ( )