The Shaman Laughs – The second James Doss novel… “The /pituku/pi – were usually good natured but could be grouchy Anne Smith thee Ethnography of the Northern Ute’s. In this book we spend some more time in Granite Creek Colorado with Chief of Police Scott Paris… a great character… I still am waiting in a later book for some kind of mystic awaking on “Paris” part. Some Mystic Celtic something from the western mystic world to tie him with the Native American world. Daisy the Ute Shaman knows of “Paris” and his ability to see as she does. We do get to know “Daisy Perika” and her Nephew Charlie Moon better. I enjoy the friendship of Moon and Paris and the Crustiness of Daisy.
“Daisy drew herself up to her full height which was an inch greater than Arlo’s. “Listen to this you poor imitation of a Ute, you’re not one of the people, you never have been. I’ve got a matukach friend(white guy Paris) that’s three times the Ute you’ll ever be and he is the chief of police until Severo gets back. And you think Charlie Moon’s is going to throw his aunt out of her own house?”
The humor continues to be good dry as the mountain air around them. (Paris talking to Moon) - What is this nonsense about your aunt Daisy only speaking Ute? She speaks better English than half my relatives.’ Charlie Moon grinned but didn’t reply. “I’m beginning to wonder if this job’s worth the pay.” Moon thought carefully before he replied- “The benefits,” he observed thoughtfully, “are mostly spiritual.” The tolerance of people and “town Characters” reminds me of the west it catches the culture. The by play of the generations is great too and shows insight. The racial conversations also have meaning and hope. Of course there is the typical slam of some of the Federal officers. There is lots of clues and foreshadowing if you can pick them up. I last read this over ten years ago and it is better this time. ( )

Enjoyable series. I think the whole series averages out to a four star review. Less serious than Tony Hillerman, more so than Carl Hiaasen. The locale, as with most of these Southwestern mystery novels, is a real part of the draw! If Daisy Perika's old homestead were real and being offered to me, I would be packing my bags instead of pecking away at this computer.

The characters are likeable, the stories interesting (especially the first ten or so) if occasionally a liitle over the top. Mr. Doss includes just a touch of the supernatural, that I usually find attractive. All in all I find the stories wonderfully escapist.. all that I look for in fiction. While not completely necessary, I would recommend reading the stories in order if possible. ( )