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Navajo Nation Mystery #2
Boy Made of Dawn
Boy Made of Dawn is the stand alone sequel to the highly acclaimed Navajo Autumn - second in the Navajo Nation Mystery Series.Follow Charlie Yazzi and Thomas Begay as they again meet danger and intrigue on the nation's largest Indian reservation. Old and new characters emerge to unravel ongoing corruption in the upcoming Patsy Greyhorse murder trials. An irascible Ute family and their shrewd ranch-woman neighbor, become caught up in the plot to place certain tribal leaders above the law.
~~~~~~
Man has always felt most vulnerable in that lonely, netherworld between darkness and dawn. Often it is then death takes the sick and weak, they give up finally, unable to bear the weight of another day. A person may - not knowing why - suddenly awaken, if only for an instant, to assure himself all is well.
Charlie woke that morning, in the darkness, with just such a feeling. It was now late afternoon and hunger was finally getting the best of him. In old Navajo, when one was hungry he said, "hunger is hurting me." Hunger was hurting Charlie now.
~~~~~~
Man has always felt most vulnerable in that lonely, netherworld between darkness and dawn. Often it is then death takes the sick and weak, they give up finally, unable to bear the weight of another day. A person may - not knowing why - suddenly awaken, if only for an instant, to assure himself all is well.
Charlie woke that morning, in the darkness, with just such a feeling. It was now late afternoon and hunger was finally getting the best of him. In old Navajo, when one was hungry he said, "hunger is hurting me." Hunger was hurting Charlie now.
161 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
660 people are currently reading
459 people want to read
About the author
R. Allen Chappell
19 books152 followersR. Allen Chappell, the author of eight novels and a collection of short stories, grew up with the Navajo, went to school with them and later worked alongside them, forging enduring friendships along the way. "Those friendships," the author says, "became the inspiration for this series."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
January 11, 2025
I needed a break from foreign language courses and news: an entertaining and relatively short read. An audiobook of "Boy Made of Dawn" turned out to be a perfect choice--I read the first book in the series a few years ago, so I knew what to expect. Once again, my favorite part was the setting (Navajo and Utes reservations) and bits and pieces about native American history, culture and way of life. There wasn't much character development, and some of the plotlines made me raise my eyebrows, especially when I looked back at them upon finishing the book. All in all, solid 3.5 stars, and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series one of these days...
Image credits: compiled by Aces Products under contract for the Indian Health Service, US Public Health Service, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Image credits: Navajoindian, CC BY 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Read in June 2024.
Image credits: compiled by Aces Products under contract for the Indian Health Service, US Public Health Service, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Image credits: Navajoindian, CC BY 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Read in June 2024.
June 30, 2015
If you love Tony Hillerman, you will enjoy R. Allen Chappell's writings of America's Southwest. I have greatly enjoyed all of Tony Hillerman's books; in fact, last year I started to reread all of his Navajo series in order, and they are every bit as good as I remember. Chappell's "Boy Made of Dawn" is the second in his Navajo Nation Mystery Series, and it is every bit as good as his first one. Additionally, his knowledge of local color and his ability to create character lend authenticity to his work. Chappell says that he grew up with the Navajo, went to school with them, and later worked alongside them. His friendships became the inspiration for this series: "A Navajo Nation Mystery."
The reader returns to the Four Corners region of the Southwest with Charlie Yazzi and his friend Thomas Begay; this time we discover that they are literally in the rifle sights of a killer. Now, an abandoned young Navajo Boy helps them unravel a finely woven mystery and narrowly escape with their lives. Throughout “The Boy Made of Dawn” we discover tribal corruption, kidnapped children, and of course, murder; all leads Charlie and Thomas to an irascible Ute family, a shrewd ranch-woman neighbor, and a plot to place certain tribal leaders above the law. The story is excellent and is well worth the journey.
The characters were believable, and the plot was crafted well which kept my interest. Chappell’s characterization creates some complex characters that will draw the reader into the story. The best example is his central character Charlie Yazzi, a law school graduate working for the Navajo Nation, who investigates the disappearance of several people and the strange appearance of a young boy in the wilderness. I often feel that familiarity with an original book in a series helps one understand stories that follow, and this is the case with the "Navajo Nation Mystery" series. Hillerman can't be replaced, but Chappell's place in the genre cannot be denied. If you enjoyed Hillerman, this should be a “MUST” on your reading list.
The reader returns to the Four Corners region of the Southwest with Charlie Yazzi and his friend Thomas Begay; this time we discover that they are literally in the rifle sights of a killer. Now, an abandoned young Navajo Boy helps them unravel a finely woven mystery and narrowly escape with their lives. Throughout “The Boy Made of Dawn” we discover tribal corruption, kidnapped children, and of course, murder; all leads Charlie and Thomas to an irascible Ute family, a shrewd ranch-woman neighbor, and a plot to place certain tribal leaders above the law. The story is excellent and is well worth the journey.
The characters were believable, and the plot was crafted well which kept my interest. Chappell’s characterization creates some complex characters that will draw the reader into the story. The best example is his central character Charlie Yazzi, a law school graduate working for the Navajo Nation, who investigates the disappearance of several people and the strange appearance of a young boy in the wilderness. I often feel that familiarity with an original book in a series helps one understand stories that follow, and this is the case with the "Navajo Nation Mystery" series. Hillerman can't be replaced, but Chappell's place in the genre cannot be denied. If you enjoyed Hillerman, this should be a “MUST” on your reading list.
February 20, 2015
good Navajo read
This book gives a good feeling of the Navajo ways and cultures. It takes me back in many ways to my childhood on the reservation.
This book gives a good feeling of the Navajo ways and cultures. It takes me back in many ways to my childhood on the reservation.
April 14, 2018
Boy Made of Dawn - a review by Rosemary Kenny
The eponymous Boy is Thomas Begay's son Caleb, separated, like his sister, Ida Marie, from their mother, Sally Clee, as a threat to her not to be a prosecution
witness in the Patsy Greyhorse murder trial. George Jim is hired by his Uncle Hiram Buck to find where Sally has gone to ground and to persuade Charlie Yazzie, [Thomas' friend and a local lawyer/investigator on the Reservation], who's also a witness, to help look for Caleb, with the hidden intent of recapturing Caleb and killing Charlie and hopefully Thomas too. Luckily Jim's murderous plot is foiled and Charlie and Thomas eventually manage to find and rescue both children
Where is Sally Klee hiding? Who helps her and why? Who looks after Caleb and Ida Marie while their father is hunting for their mother?
How did Lucy Tallwoman find out about the children and whose they were, before she met them? What job did Charlie Jim hold down before 'retirement'?
Who did Charlie Jim kill before being killed himself? Where did Charlie Yazzie first meet Aida Winters? What did he buy from her?
Who is Pete Fish and what is his involvement with Councillors Robert Ashki and Donald Benally? What are the trio's intentions towards Charlie and Thomas?
This exciting cat-and-mouse chase across the breathtaking scenic backdrop of the far reaches of the Reservation and the realism of the developing characters gives the enthralled reader the sense of being right there on the mountaintops and in the canyons. The sensation of being part of R Allen Chappell's wonderfully vivid story will stay in your memory for a long time to come, as it's another sure winner - more of the same, please!
The eponymous Boy is Thomas Begay's son Caleb, separated, like his sister, Ida Marie, from their mother, Sally Clee, as a threat to her not to be a prosecution
witness in the Patsy Greyhorse murder trial. George Jim is hired by his Uncle Hiram Buck to find where Sally has gone to ground and to persuade Charlie Yazzie, [Thomas' friend and a local lawyer/investigator on the Reservation], who's also a witness, to help look for Caleb, with the hidden intent of recapturing Caleb and killing Charlie and hopefully Thomas too. Luckily Jim's murderous plot is foiled and Charlie and Thomas eventually manage to find and rescue both children
Where is Sally Klee hiding? Who helps her and why? Who looks after Caleb and Ida Marie while their father is hunting for their mother?
How did Lucy Tallwoman find out about the children and whose they were, before she met them? What job did Charlie Jim hold down before 'retirement'?
Who did Charlie Jim kill before being killed himself? Where did Charlie Yazzie first meet Aida Winters? What did he buy from her?
Who is Pete Fish and what is his involvement with Councillors Robert Ashki and Donald Benally? What are the trio's intentions towards Charlie and Thomas?
This exciting cat-and-mouse chase across the breathtaking scenic backdrop of the far reaches of the Reservation and the realism of the developing characters gives the enthralled reader the sense of being right there on the mountaintops and in the canyons. The sensation of being part of R Allen Chappell's wonderfully vivid story will stay in your memory for a long time to come, as it's another sure winner - more of the same, please!
September 15, 2014
I really like this author; this is the second book that I've read by him, and I plan to read all of his work. It reminds me quite a bit of Tony Hillerman's work.
Boy Made of Dawn in the second book in a series of mysteries that take place in the Navajo Nation. The stories are well thought out and developed, and the setting in the Southwest on the reservation makes a great backdrop. The more books of his that I read, the more I enjoy both the character development and the immersion into Navaho culture.
He just published a third book in this series, which came out last month. It's next on my reading list!! I hope this author keeps up with the series; it's great!
Boy Made of Dawn in the second book in a series of mysteries that take place in the Navajo Nation. The stories are well thought out and developed, and the setting in the Southwest on the reservation makes a great backdrop. The more books of his that I read, the more I enjoy both the character development and the immersion into Navaho culture.
He just published a third book in this series, which came out last month. It's next on my reading list!! I hope this author keeps up with the series; it's great!
October 28, 2017
I'm really enjoying this series. I was a great fan of Tony Hillerman, and these stories remind me of his writing but with a bit more suspense. I lived in the southwest for 7 years and really enjoy the slower pace, the friendly neighbors (as opposed to the self-centered, inconsiderate creeps I live next to here in NY) I used to live on a road that eventually led to the Navajo & Hopi reservations. If you were pulled over next to the road, there were always offers of help, good humor, smiles and graciousness. These books bring me back to those times.
August 3, 2016
Nicely crafted.
First sentences.
Man has always felt most vulnerable in that lonely netherworld between darkness and dawn. Often it is then death takes the sick and weak. They give up finally, unable to bear the weight of another day. A person may - not knowing why - suddenly awaken, if only for an instant, to assure himself all is well. Charlie woke that morning in the darkness with just such a feeling. It was now late afternoon and hunger was finally getting the best of him. In old Navajo, when one was hungry he said, “Hunger is hurting me.” Hunger was hurting Charlie now.
Chappell, R. Allen (2013-12-03). Boy Made of Dawn (A Navajo Nation Mystery) (Kindle Locations 30-35). . Kindle Edition.
First sentences.
Man has always felt most vulnerable in that lonely netherworld between darkness and dawn. Often it is then death takes the sick and weak. They give up finally, unable to bear the weight of another day. A person may - not knowing why - suddenly awaken, if only for an instant, to assure himself all is well. Charlie woke that morning in the darkness with just such a feeling. It was now late afternoon and hunger was finally getting the best of him. In old Navajo, when one was hungry he said, “Hunger is hurting me.” Hunger was hurting Charlie now.
Chappell, R. Allen (2013-12-03). Boy Made of Dawn (A Navajo Nation Mystery) (Kindle Locations 30-35). . Kindle Edition.
April 15, 2017
This is the second of a series and the first one I read: it's a good quick read. The author is finding his way with this book which is obvious but not too distracting; the characters are well-enough sketched that I'd like to know them better and the mystery is well plotted so 'job done' with the basics. Probably not a book I'd ever re-read but it gives me hope for the series overall. Extra points for Chappell knowing something about the Navajo before wading in: the inevitable comparison is Tony Hillerman and much as I enjoyed his mysteries Hillerman had his (wincingly) incorrect moments in his first books which Chappell easily avoids.
March 23, 2014
I have all ready said that I was looking for more like Tony Hillerman. I have no found it. I think his novels are about half the length they shoul be but the price is about the same per word of a full length novel. I am sure after reading all three of his books that it can only get better, at least I hope so.
I really love NM and W Texas so these reads sort of draw me there from frigid MN.
Anxiously waiting for the next book.
I know Anne Hillerman has a book but I think I will wait. The publisher has vastly overpriced it for a first book and it will come down. I will try it then.
I really love NM and W Texas so these reads sort of draw me there from frigid MN.
Anxiously waiting for the next book.
I know Anne Hillerman has a book but I think I will wait. The publisher has vastly overpriced it for a first book and it will come down. I will try it then.
February 5, 2019
This is second in a series of mysteries set on the Navajo Nation. It was good to rejoin Charlie Yazzi and Thomas Bagay on their quest to rescue Bagay’s children from the bad guys. This takes them deep into dangerous Ute territory. If you enjoy learning about the differences between the Utes and the Navajo and the distinctive aspects of their respective cultures you will like this book. If you want to know what it is really like to live on the Navajo Reservation you will like this story. Chappell’s stories are Informative and entertaining, fun easy reading.
March 4, 2014
Almost Tony Hillerman but not quite. A more well crafted final chapter would improve it to 5 stars.
February 20, 2019
Similar to T. Hillerman M. Coel
If you like Tony Hillerman or Margaret Coel you will like this. It will be interesting how the characters develop in future books. Easy to follow. It was great having the glossary in the back. I may have changed some. of the wording slightly, but it was a good mystery.
If you like Tony Hillerman or Margaret Coel you will like this. It will be interesting how the characters develop in future books. Easy to follow. It was great having the glossary in the back. I may have changed some. of the wording slightly, but it was a good mystery.
September 1, 2016
Excellent read - a return to the Navajo nation police force and its cases for a newly pinned detective. Really a good story - had me guessing - and really well-thought out characters - made this an easy, fast read. Looking for more!!
January 2, 2015
A must read
Chappell has done it again. He's a gifted story teller that has the Native American customs, mannerisms and language down pat. Fun to read about places I've been. I recommend this to anyone.
Chappell has done it again. He's a gifted story teller that has the Native American customs, mannerisms and language down pat. Fun to read about places I've been. I recommend this to anyone.
December 31, 2014
A good read
The second book by this author I have had the opportunity to read. It was as good a read as the first book. I am looking forward to seeing if the third book is as good as the other books have been.
The second book by this author I have had the opportunity to read. It was as good a read as the first book. I am looking forward to seeing if the third book is as good as the other books have been.
July 3, 2014
very evocative of the southwest and native life. highly recommend.
January 29, 2015
Great read
I hope that the author does not stop with 3. I've been to Albuquerque many times to visit family. Next time up to the 4 corners.
I hope that the author does not stop with 3. I've been to Albuquerque many times to visit family. Next time up to the 4 corners.
August 26, 2020
Interesting series and characters. I enjoyed it. Recently re read this, comparing to Tony Hillerman's Jim Chee/Joe Leaphorn series.
March 27, 2015
Good story!
Love the locations. Reminds me of Hillerman's writings. Characters are interesting and believable. The story is well plotted and easy to follow
Love the locations. Reminds me of Hillerman's writings. Characters are interesting and believable. The story is well plotted and easy to follow
July 4, 2015
Good story, interesting characters. Continue to enjoy the author. I particularly enjoy the Navaho life parts.
November 1, 2015
I usually am reading many books at the same time, and rarely read just one book from front to back in one go. That's how much I enjoyed it!
November 26, 2018
Good story
August 14, 2014
set in Navajo country and culture...
December 26, 2022
A good Travel book enjoyed listening to it as we traveled down the I-40. Has a wonderful detailed description of the proper way to cook for a big feed. The story itself continues an involved tribal council corruption investigation it’s the little round the reservation descriptions and discussions that really make the story work but for me probably since it’s been a couple of years since I read the first book in this series, so this felt a little disjointed I never fully got into the story. Still it was short and sweet a high three stars for this effort
February 22, 2021
Excellent read. I'm working my way through his series and loving them all. Keep it going.
July 20, 2019
Another win
I enjoy this series and was thrilled when I found that the author had a series. I can not read them fast enough, as my backed up house cleaning can attest. Highly recommend. Characters stay true.
I enjoy this series and was thrilled when I found that the author had a series. I can not read them fast enough, as my backed up house cleaning can attest. Highly recommend. Characters stay true.
April 15, 2016
This is book two in the Navajo Nation series. Charlie Yazzie is now working for the Navajo Legal Service as an attorney. He is thinking about asking his girl friend, Sue Hanagari, to marry him.
A Ute man tells Charlie about seeing a young boy about six or so alone out in the wilderness, but the boy would hide from him. Charlie goes out to find the boy and discovers he is his friend Thomas Begay’s son. The story gets more involved as Charlie and Thomas discover someone wants to stop them and others from testifying at the upcoming Patsy Greyhorse Trial.
The book is well written and is very fast moving. As in book one Chappell provides information about the Navajo and Ute culture and history. The characters are interesting and Chappell continues to develop them in this book. The author’s description of the country makes the reader feel as if they are there. Chappell is a great storyteller. The narrator, Kaipo Schwab, does an excellent job narrating the book; his pronunciation of the Navajo words and rhythm of speech is great. The narrator helps to make the story fun to listen too.
A Ute man tells Charlie about seeing a young boy about six or so alone out in the wilderness, but the boy would hide from him. Charlie goes out to find the boy and discovers he is his friend Thomas Begay’s son. The story gets more involved as Charlie and Thomas discover someone wants to stop them and others from testifying at the upcoming Patsy Greyhorse Trial.
The book is well written and is very fast moving. As in book one Chappell provides information about the Navajo and Ute culture and history. The characters are interesting and Chappell continues to develop them in this book. The author’s description of the country makes the reader feel as if they are there. Chappell is a great storyteller. The narrator, Kaipo Schwab, does an excellent job narrating the book; his pronunciation of the Navajo words and rhythm of speech is great. The narrator helps to make the story fun to listen too.
June 17, 2019
Excellent series
Easy, quick read with well told storyline, developing characters & relationships that get deeper with each installment. Chappell gives a fresh look at modern reservation life.
Easy, quick read with well told storyline, developing characters & relationships that get deeper with each installment. Chappell gives a fresh look at modern reservation life.
June 4, 2019
It is always a pleasure to find the second book in a series as good as the first, and in this case, even better. Characters from the first book continue to gain substance, and new and engaging characters are added.
In Boy Made of Dawn, Thomas Begay's children have been taken from their mother to assure that she doesn't testify in the trial of corrupt tribal councilmen.
Thomas Begay and Charlie Yazzie are also on the list, but the solutions to keeping them from testifying are likely to be fatal.
New characters to love--Aida, the widow Sally Clee takes shelter with, and Caleb, Thomas' son.
Another appealing thing about this series is that they are not imitations of Craig Johnson or Tony Hillerman. The style is different and the characters and plots are distinctive. The similarities lie in each author's love of the areas he writes about.
I can't wait to read this entire series!
In Boy Made of Dawn, Thomas Begay's children have been taken from their mother to assure that she doesn't testify in the trial of corrupt tribal councilmen.
Thomas Begay and Charlie Yazzie are also on the list, but the solutions to keeping them from testifying are likely to be fatal.
New characters to love--Aida, the widow Sally Clee takes shelter with, and Caleb, Thomas' son.
Another appealing thing about this series is that they are not imitations of Craig Johnson or Tony Hillerman. The style is different and the characters and plots are distinctive. The similarities lie in each author's love of the areas he writes about.
I can't wait to read this entire series!
August 5, 2015
Ins and outs of New Navajos with traditional ties
This book takes one on a journey of yesteryear and today in Navajo Nation. Chappell did his research well and wrote with fitting descriptions of how the land,itself breathes life. Boy Made of Dawn will not disappoint . Make sure you've read book one before tackling book two. If there is a short end to this stick it is in the fact that this book could have been filled out easily to last longer while developing characters more thoroughly
This book takes one on a journey of yesteryear and today in Navajo Nation. Chappell did his research well and wrote with fitting descriptions of how the land,itself breathes life. Boy Made of Dawn will not disappoint . Make sure you've read book one before tackling book two. If there is a short end to this stick it is in the fact that this book could have been filled out easily to last longer while developing characters more thoroughly
Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews