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Navajo Nation Mystery #5
Magpie Speaks
Dreams tell old man Paul T’Sosi he’s dying. So why is Navajo trickster, Magpie, trying to tell him a far more terrifying secret? Hungry for revenge, Ma’iitsoh Dine’, the Navajo Wolf, is out for blood. Summoning his darkest powers, the Witch of Ganado circles tribal investigator Charlie Yazzie’s young son. Some may survive the witch’s evil vendetta, but others will die to settle an old score. The unexpected happens when a woman from the past re-emerges to take control in this fast paced thriller critics now hail as the best yet of Chappell’s sensational new southwestern mystery series. Critics describe R. Allen Chappell’s writing as “embedded and close to the ground” with an intuitive knowledge of the Navajo people and their land. Magpie Speaks, number 5 in the series, cements Chappell's legacy and puts him in the forefront of modern day Navajo Mystery storytellers.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 12, 2016
625 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
About the author
R. Allen Chappell
19 books153 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 83 reviews
July 31, 2024
Black-billed Magpie in flight (Image credit: Grungaloo, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons)
"Magpie Speaks" is the 5th installment in Navajo Nation Mystery series. Whether it's the mysterious magpie or not, but something definitely tells me I'm completely hooked by now and can no longer judge the series objectively. And this is exactly what good series is about.;)
This time the tribal investigator Charlee Yazee and company have to stand up to magical curses and evil witches, and if the story hold together and worked for an old atheist like me, it must have been pretty well-written. The power of a curse over somebody who believes in curses is just as undeniable as my desire to get back to this series, even if I'm now taking a break before the next book.
Mountain Shooting Way yei navajo blanket(Image credit: Navajo artist, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
June 12, 2016
I have enjoyed reading this series about the Navajo and book five continues to delight. This story is more about Navajo mythology than the prior books. Two of the Navajo tricksters play a key role in the story, the magpie and the coyote.
Paul T’Sosi thinks he might be dying. Paul is a Hatalii, a Singer as the Navajo call their Holy Men. He has been working hard to protect his family and now Charlie’s new son from a curse. Edward Bitsinnii is Paul’s half brother, who also studied to be a Singer. Edward instead turned the power toward evil and is known as the “Witch of Ganado”. He put a curse on Paul and his family including Ponyboy. Paul’s granddaughter Alice has returned, she is dying of a brain tumor. All this is intertwined about a series of murders and the curse. Chappell builds the suspense mixed with the mythology and kept me on the edge of my seat.
The book is well written and researched. The story is a character study of the Navajo culture. Chappell also includes the Navajo attitude and mindset between the old ways and modern life. The author includes many Navajo words in the story as well as Navajo history. The book is fast paced and easy to read. The reader can just enjoy the murder mystery and learn more about the Navajo people in an exciting and easy manner. Chappell creates a surprise ending to the story. I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. Kaipo Schwab does an excellent job narrating the book.
Paul T’Sosi thinks he might be dying. Paul is a Hatalii, a Singer as the Navajo call their Holy Men. He has been working hard to protect his family and now Charlie’s new son from a curse. Edward Bitsinnii is Paul’s half brother, who also studied to be a Singer. Edward instead turned the power toward evil and is known as the “Witch of Ganado”. He put a curse on Paul and his family including Ponyboy. Paul’s granddaughter Alice has returned, she is dying of a brain tumor. All this is intertwined about a series of murders and the curse. Chappell builds the suspense mixed with the mythology and kept me on the edge of my seat.
The book is well written and researched. The story is a character study of the Navajo culture. Chappell also includes the Navajo attitude and mindset between the old ways and modern life. The author includes many Navajo words in the story as well as Navajo history. The book is fast paced and easy to read. The reader can just enjoy the murder mystery and learn more about the Navajo people in an exciting and easy manner. Chappell creates a surprise ending to the story. I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. Kaipo Schwab does an excellent job narrating the book.
March 17, 2016
Really enjoy all the books by R. Allen Chappell, each one seems to be better than the last; well defined characters, interesting story lines, an excellent wordsmith. Highly recommend.
April 20, 2016
Another good, enjoyable book from Chappell. I am enjoying the continuing adventures of the characters. I also like the cultural information that he provides.
May 2, 2016
Fun read
This was a fun read. The author knows much about the Dine and the story was a most enjoyable mystery book.
This was a fun read. The author knows much about the Dine and the story was a most enjoyable mystery book.
January 24, 2019
Good story. I like the narrator too.
July 25, 2019
Another hit
The stories continue as does the feelings for the characters. The author makes the reader feel like they know these people. The author honors the reader for their loyalty to him and his books. The reader knows some characters will not continue, as is the same in life. But the reader cares, thank you R. Allen Chappell
The stories continue as does the feelings for the characters. The author makes the reader feel like they know these people. The author honors the reader for their loyalty to him and his books. The reader knows some characters will not continue, as is the same in life. But the reader cares, thank you R. Allen Chappell
March 31, 2018
Good local murder mystery genre fiction: set in San Jaun county, NM. Navajo. Southwest interest. Hillerman read-alikes.
May 6, 2018
Magpie Speaks - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Singer Paul T'Sosi lives with his daughter Lucy Tallwoman and son-in-law, Thomas Begay in their hogan on the Navajo Reservation in this enchanting book from the wonderful Ron A Chappell.
Paul tends his daughter's flock of sheep and one day hears Magpie - a well-known trickster of unsuspecting people - tell him of impending danger. He also has nightmares about his old uncle and Teacher of the songs and chants Paul will need if he is to become a famous singer and restore the People to the Beauty Way. Although he can't remember much of his dreams, he's sure the trouble will come in the form of his half-brother Edward Bitsinnii, who has corrupted the chants for his own evil purposes and has become a witch.
What did Bitsinnii do to Harley Ponyboy in the past and with what result? Who is Anita and why did she leave Harley? What happens to Anita one night?
What happens when Bitsinni visits his half-brothers?
Who is Alice? Why has she come to see Lucy Tallwoman? What is their relationship? How is Thomas Begay related to Alice?
Why does Alice go to look for Bitsinnii after visiting her grandfather? What happens when she and Paul T'Sosi find Bitsinnii? Is Harley happier now?
The action moves thrillingly across vast landscapes and into the wilderness that surrounds the people in a loving embrace as they greet the sun each morning and run to welcome the new day. It is a story of differences and similarities; how one generation looks to pass on its skills and customs and how the young respect the old ways and their relatives, while moving ever-forward to blend the new with told , as technology develops and the outside world grows ever closer. A must-have read for your bodkhelves...grab a copy today and tell all your friends!
Singer Paul T'Sosi lives with his daughter Lucy Tallwoman and son-in-law, Thomas Begay in their hogan on the Navajo Reservation in this enchanting book from the wonderful Ron A Chappell.
Paul tends his daughter's flock of sheep and one day hears Magpie - a well-known trickster of unsuspecting people - tell him of impending danger. He also has nightmares about his old uncle and Teacher of the songs and chants Paul will need if he is to become a famous singer and restore the People to the Beauty Way. Although he can't remember much of his dreams, he's sure the trouble will come in the form of his half-brother Edward Bitsinnii, who has corrupted the chants for his own evil purposes and has become a witch.
What did Bitsinnii do to Harley Ponyboy in the past and with what result? Who is Anita and why did she leave Harley? What happens to Anita one night?
What happens when Bitsinni visits his half-brothers?
Who is Alice? Why has she come to see Lucy Tallwoman? What is their relationship? How is Thomas Begay related to Alice?
Why does Alice go to look for Bitsinnii after visiting her grandfather? What happens when she and Paul T'Sosi find Bitsinnii? Is Harley happier now?
The action moves thrillingly across vast landscapes and into the wilderness that surrounds the people in a loving embrace as they greet the sun each morning and run to welcome the new day. It is a story of differences and similarities; how one generation looks to pass on its skills and customs and how the young respect the old ways and their relatives, while moving ever-forward to blend the new with told , as technology develops and the outside world grows ever closer. A must-have read for your bodkhelves...grab a copy today and tell all your friends!
October 23, 2018
"Magpie Speaks," the fifth in R. Allen Chappell's Navajo Nation Mystery series, focuses on the Navajo trickster, the Magpie, who is trying to tell - perhaps warn - Paul T’Sosia about a terrifying secret? Dreams, on the other hand, tell old man T’Sosi he’s dying. This story is heavier in Navajo mythology than some of the earlier works. As with life, some are believers and some are not - or at least are less sure.
In "Magpie Speaks," Paul T’Sosia is a Hatalii, a Singer as the Navajo call their Holy Men. He has been working hard to protect his family and now Charlie’s new son from a curse. Evil is lurking, and Ma’iitsoh Dine’, the Navajo Wolf, is out for blood. Hungry for revenge and summoning his darkest powers, the Witch of Ganado Edward Bitsinnii (Paul’s half brother) circles tribal investigator Charlie Yazzie’s young son and close friends. Who will survive the witch’s evil vendetta, and who will die to settle an old score. Woven into all of this is a questionable figure from the past who re-emerges to take control in this fast paced thriller.
As did Tony Hillerman, R. Allen Chappell’s writing reveals a close relationship and an almost intuitive knowledge of the Navajo people and their land of the Four Corners region. Chappell grew up with the Navajo, went to school with them, and later worked alongside--forging enduring friendships along the way. These friendships became the inspiration for this series: "A Navajo Nation Mystery." Navajo spiritual beliefs and supernatural myths almost come to life in this well crafted mystery. If you are a fan of Hillerman, you must try this series . . . and best to do them in order to enjoy the interplay of characters.
In "Magpie Speaks," Paul T’Sosia is a Hatalii, a Singer as the Navajo call their Holy Men. He has been working hard to protect his family and now Charlie’s new son from a curse. Evil is lurking, and Ma’iitsoh Dine’, the Navajo Wolf, is out for blood. Hungry for revenge and summoning his darkest powers, the Witch of Ganado Edward Bitsinnii (Paul’s half brother) circles tribal investigator Charlie Yazzie’s young son and close friends. Who will survive the witch’s evil vendetta, and who will die to settle an old score. Woven into all of this is a questionable figure from the past who re-emerges to take control in this fast paced thriller.
As did Tony Hillerman, R. Allen Chappell’s writing reveals a close relationship and an almost intuitive knowledge of the Navajo people and their land of the Four Corners region. Chappell grew up with the Navajo, went to school with them, and later worked alongside--forging enduring friendships along the way. These friendships became the inspiration for this series: "A Navajo Nation Mystery." Navajo spiritual beliefs and supernatural myths almost come to life in this well crafted mystery. If you are a fan of Hillerman, you must try this series . . . and best to do them in order to enjoy the interplay of characters.
May 15, 2018
An Enjoyable Quick-Read Novel
Navajo spiritual beliefs and supernatural myths come to life in this easy-read mystery set in New Mexico, where traditional Navajo ways rub along with the new ways of the college-educated young.
Navajo elder Paul T’Sosi must confront his younger, evil brother—who is known as “the Witch of Ganado”—and somehow coerce/force his brother to undo a powerful curse he’d cast years ago. Paul’s friends help, because if Paul fails, his friends and their families, including babies, are at risk. During this story, three murders are committed on the reservation—all integral to this storyline, as are the traditional Navajo cultural beliefs in trickster magpies, shamans, witches, spirits, skin walkers and the dead.
Whilst reading this interesting supernatural storyline, the murderers and their motives are organically revealed, and retribution (of sorts) exacted. Police investigation is lacking except for informational meetings involving the FBI, Navajo Tribal Police, the county sheriffs and the state police.
I enjoyed this book and recommend it as a easy-read mystery, especially if you like learning about Navajo culture.
Navajo spiritual beliefs and supernatural myths come to life in this easy-read mystery set in New Mexico, where traditional Navajo ways rub along with the new ways of the college-educated young.
Navajo elder Paul T’Sosi must confront his younger, evil brother—who is known as “the Witch of Ganado”—and somehow coerce/force his brother to undo a powerful curse he’d cast years ago. Paul’s friends help, because if Paul fails, his friends and their families, including babies, are at risk. During this story, three murders are committed on the reservation—all integral to this storyline, as are the traditional Navajo cultural beliefs in trickster magpies, shamans, witches, spirits, skin walkers and the dead.
Whilst reading this interesting supernatural storyline, the murderers and their motives are organically revealed, and retribution (of sorts) exacted. Police investigation is lacking except for informational meetings involving the FBI, Navajo Tribal Police, the county sheriffs and the state police.
I enjoyed this book and recommend it as a easy-read mystery, especially if you like learning about Navajo culture.
March 16, 2016
Chappell's, Navajo Nation Mystery series, continues to hold my interest. As I have found the other four books in the series, this is more than an entertaining mystery story. It is so much more. There are no super hero characters. There are no wild, improbable car chases or shoot outs. This book, as well as the others in the series, use the Navajo culture and folklore as the backdrop for the plot. The plots are not unrealistic or farfetched but rather they are extremely believable. I know that it is corny to say this but the author's descriptions of landscape of the Navajo territory make you feel that you are there.
The only drawback is that the author has a tendency to end his stories very abruptly but this is just a minor detraction from an otherwise great series about the Navajo nation.
The only drawback is that the author has a tendency to end his stories very abruptly but this is just a minor detraction from an otherwise great series about the Navajo nation.
May 9, 2018
The Navajo Nation Mystery Series keeps getting better and better. This one takes Charlie Yazzie and his friends from one end of Navajoland to the other, chasing the answers to murder and mysticism and how bad family back sheep's secrets really are. The bad news is I reached the end of the series' fifth book too fast, so much I still want to know! The good news is there are more books ahead in the series for me ... including a brand new one (Day of the Dead, book 8) just out! Whether you start with it or with Magpie Speaks or back at the beginning with Navajo Autumn (I like going in order, getting to know characters and watching them grow and their lives proceed), you're in for a lot of good reading here. Just be wary what you do or say around big black birds ...
March 21, 2019
Once again Chappell’s stories are fun, easy, informative reading. You get a good mystery and little mayhem, while you learn about customs and peculiarities of the Navajo people. I hope to visit the Navajo nation so this series is part of my research. I want to rise early and walk in the beauty way!Lost Angel Walkabout: One Traveler's TalesLost Angel Walkabout: One Traveler's Tales
April 18, 2019
Great - This is the third book of this series I have read and every time I finish one I find that I am missing the characters in the story for days.. Allen manages to weave a very good story with just ordinary people who happen to be Navajo going about their lives living and mostly abiding by their century old customs. If you don't know very much about the Dine you will come away learning about the language, customs how they make their living on the reservations and how they deal with each other. Only certain people are story tellers and can hold your interest. Be prepared not to put down the book even to eat and sleep.
July 28, 2018
The author's portrayal of the Navajo culture makes this book more than just a murder mystery. I couldn't put it down and felt a real connection to the characters. I will definitely be reading more of his books and consider him a worthy brother to Tony Hillerman! I especially appreciated the glossary of Navajo terms in the back. I will certainly recommend this author to my friends.
This is a well-written successor to that master of Navajo fiction, Tony Hillerman! The characters were finely drawn and sympathetic. I couldn't put it down!
This is a well-written successor to that master of Navajo fiction, Tony Hillerman! The characters were finely drawn and sympathetic. I couldn't put it down!
June 24, 2017
Another tale of murder and witchery among the Navajo
I regret I now have caught up with all of Chapelle's adventures of Charlie, Harley and Thomas. It's been fun watching them as they fight to bring things to balance, often despite the worst efforts of the FBI or local sheriff's office.
Here, I got to watch as Thomas' ex, Lucy's daughter, Paul's granddaughter works to make her life meaningful.
Enjoy.
I regret I now have caught up with all of Chapelle's adventures of Charlie, Harley and Thomas. It's been fun watching them as they fight to bring things to balance, often despite the worst efforts of the FBI or local sheriff's office.
Here, I got to watch as Thomas' ex, Lucy's daughter, Paul's granddaughter works to make her life meaningful.
Enjoy.
July 3, 2017
R Allen Chappell has written another great tale in book 5 of the Navajo Nation Mysteries. Old Man T'Sosie has been having nightmares and he knows it is up to him to break the curse that has been plague his family and friends. Charles Yazzie and friends are pulled into this mystery when and a young women from their past shows up. This is suspense of kind that keep you reading to the very end. You won't want to put it down.
December 7, 2018
Fast paced, well written.
Another well written mystery, set in the four corners, that include enough history and customs to keep it entertaining. At the end, you realize this has all occurred in a very short time frame, it keeps moving along. Also nice to spend more time with "old friends" , characters I had grown to like in previous books. Hope there will be more in this series.
Another well written mystery, set in the four corners, that include enough history and customs to keep it entertaining. At the end, you realize this has all occurred in a very short time frame, it keeps moving along. Also nice to spend more time with "old friends" , characters I had grown to like in previous books. Hope there will be more in this series.
March 12, 2017
Mr. Chappell please write faster. I'm old and I don't want to miss your next Navajo story
Since the demise of Tony Hillerman I didn't think I'd find a series as enjoyable. I'm now a devoted unabashed fan of RA Chappell. No book reports. Love the American Southwest? These stories are for you!
Since the demise of Tony Hillerman I didn't think I'd find a series as enjoyable. I'm now a devoted unabashed fan of RA Chappell. No book reports. Love the American Southwest? These stories are for you!
August 14, 2018
An excellent Navajo mystery
I encourage you to enjoy any of the books
in this series. If you are new to the genre or are a long time fan of the Hillerman's, Margaret Coel, James Foss or any of the top western/native American mysteries. Great plot, great characters and many insights into Navajo beliefs and culture. Oh, also a fast read. Try it, you'll like it
I encourage you to enjoy any of the books
in this series. If you are new to the genre or are a long time fan of the Hillerman's, Margaret Coel, James Foss or any of the top western/native American mysteries. Great plot, great characters and many insights into Navajo beliefs and culture. Oh, also a fast read. Try it, you'll like it
January 10, 2019
Another right on target!
Mr. Chappell continues with his character set and Navajo cultural influence on the storyline. I have read the entire series thus far and find them hard to put down! You will likely find yourself in that dilemma...
Mr. Chappell continues with his character set and Navajo cultural influence on the storyline. I have read the entire series thus far and find them hard to put down! You will likely find yourself in that dilemma...
February 23, 2022
Love the characters!
After reading 5 of these books, I feel as though the characters are friends! I love their antics, and just wish there was more in the series, even tho I have a few more to read. They all end too soon!
After reading 5 of these books, I feel as though the characters are friends! I love their antics, and just wish there was more in the series, even tho I have a few more to read. They all end too soon!
August 27, 2016
Love DIne stories
A new favorite author. Very authentic Indian story line. You learn about Navaho tradional thinking as well as an interesting mystery story!
A new favorite author. Very authentic Indian story line. You learn about Navaho tradional thinking as well as an interesting mystery story!
March 22, 2017
Resolved a lot of the story lines. A good place to stop, but I hear there's a sixth book coming.
March 26, 2017
A new read
I found Magpie Speaks an interesting read and is the first book I have read in the Navajo Nation Mystery Series. I'm looking forward to reading more.
I found Magpie Speaks an interesting read and is the first book I have read in the Navajo Nation Mystery Series. I'm looking forward to reading more.
June 4, 2017
Beware the magpie's cry
An enlightening trip to the land of the Navajo. The magpie may be bringing disturbing news. But the Singer is preparing.
An enlightening trip to the land of the Navajo. The magpie may be bringing disturbing news. But the Singer is preparing.
July 8, 2017
More indepth info about parts of life for Navajo people
Story telling is good by this author
Thirteen more words are required to make sure this author is happy with my review
Story telling is good by this author
Thirteen more words are required to make sure this author is happy with my review
January 26, 2018
An enjoyable read in the series.
January 14, 2019
Evokes the land of the Navaho Nation well. The book should be read quickly to keep the characters and threads of the story together.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews