Sacred Ground: A Novel

Jennifer Talldeer #1

by Mercedes Lackey

From the New York Times bestselling author Mercedes Lackey comes contemporary fantasy Sacred Ground ―now back in print!

Jennifer Talldeer is Osage and Cherokee, granddaughter of a powerful Medicine Man. She walks a difficult contrary to tribal custom, she is learning a warrior's magics. A freelance private investigator, Jennifer tracks down stolen Native American artifacts.

The construction of a new shopping mall uncovers fragments of human bone, revealing possible desecration of an ancient burial ground. Meanwhile, the sabotage of construction equipment at the site implicates many activists―particularly Jennifer's old flame, who is more attractive and dangerous than ever. Worst of all, the grave of Jennifer's legendary Medicine Man ancestor has been destroyed, his tools of power scattered, and a great evil freed to walk the land.

Jennifer must make peace with the many factions and solve the mystery of her ancestor's grave before the world falls into oblivion.

"Skillfully weaving a tale of fantasy, mystery, and Native American folklore, Lackey has written a unique novel sure to appeal to YAs."-- School Library Journal

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Fiction, Mystery, Magic, Paranormal, Romance

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Mercedes entered this world on June 24, 1950, in Chicago, had a normal childhood and graduated from Purdue University in 1972. During the late 70's she worked as an artist's model and then went into the computer programming field, ending up with American Airlines in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In addition to her fantasy writing, she has written lyrics for and recorded nearly fifty songs for Firebird Arts & Music, a small recording company specializing in science fiction folk music.

"I'm a storyteller; that's what I see as 'my job'. My stories come out of my characters; how those characters would react to the given situation. Maybe that's why I get letters from readers as young as thirteen and as old as sixty-odd. One of the reasons I write song lyrics is because I see songs as a kind of 'story pill' -- they reduce a story to the barest essentials or encapsulate a particular crucial moment in time. I frequently will write a lyric when I am attempting to get to the heart of a crucial scene; I find that when I have done so, the scene has become absolutely clear in my mind, and I can write exactly what I wanted to say. Another reason is because of the kind of novels I am writing: that is, fantasy, set in an other-world semi-medieval atmosphere. Music is very important to medieval peoples; bards are the chief newsbringers. When I write the 'folk music' of these peoples, I am enriching my whole world, whether I actually use the song in the text or not.

"I began writing out of boredom; I continue out of addiction. I can't 'not' write, and as a result I have no social life! I began writing fantasy because I love it, but I try to construct my fantasy worlds with all the care of a 'high-tech' science fiction writer. I apply the principle of TANSTAAFL ['There ain't no such thing as free lunch', credited to Robert Heinlein) to magic, for instance; in my worlds, magic is paid for, and the cost to the magician is frequently a high one. I try to keep my world as solid and real as possible; people deal with stubborn pumps, bugs in the porridge, and love-lives that refuse to become untangled, right along with invading armies and evil magicians. And I try to make all of my characters, even the 'evil magicians,' something more than flat stereotypes. Even evil magicians get up in the night and look for cookies, sometimes.

"I suppose that in everything I write I try to expound the creed I gave my character Diana Tregarde in Burning Water:

"There's no such thing as 'one, true way'; the only answers worth having are the ones you find for yourself; leave the world better than you found it. Love, freedom, and the chance to do some good -- they're the things worth living and dying for, and if you aren't willing to die for the things worth living for, you might as well turn in your membership in the human race."

Also writes as Misty Lackey

Author's website

Reviews

[Jeremy Preacher · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't finish it. Honestly, I couldn't even get a quarter of the way into it. It has much the same flavor as her urban fantasy Burning Water, but without the engaging characters or convincing magic system. It didn't help that it has a ton of cultural references scattered everywhere to make it feel "hip" and "modern" but now scream "eighties." (Also? If you lived in Tulsa in the eighties I'm sure plenty of the offhand references will feel very true-to-life, but since I didn't, I just found them tedious and obtrusive.) (It was published in 1994 but I'd bet money it was written at least five if not ten years earlier.) The groveling "please forgive me for appropriating your culture" author's note at the back didn't help, either.

In the grand scheme of things this is pretty early Lackey, and I wouldn't mind seeing what she did with urban fantasy as a mature author working in a maturing genre, but this? This is not worth reading.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book, though it's basically a continuation of the Diana Tregarde books -- with Jennifer Talldeer and her Amerind ancestry replacing Di and her witch ancestry.

3-27-2011: Well, just re-read this book. The story was still good, fun to read. Except: Can someone explain why, in ONE paragraph, she starts by insisting that they had no cable, but when they got cable (?) they left the antenna up?

[Deb Omnivorous Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book charmed me, Jennifer Taldeer is a mixed Osage and Cherokee and has chosen the challenging path of a PI. Being both a 'minority' and a small woman in this business is challenging enough, but Jennie has other things that challenge her. Her grandfather, Mooncrow is a shaman and is teaching her his trade, she is his only apprentice. Despite training for this her whole life she feels that she is not making the progress she ought to be, this bothers her. Also, her sideline or hobby is locating Native Indian artifacts that were stolen from their original owners and restoring them to their rightful owners, this is one overachiever who has plenty on her plate.

Then, her most recent job unexpectedly tangles all the different threads of her life together: A constitution site in the area has a massive explosion with several people (mostly Indian) killed or injured. The insurance company for the firm engages Jennifer to investigate whether the company had received threats, the site is steeped strangeness emanating from the enraged ancestors and spirits. The book weaves a fascinatingly complex web of interconnected plots and details which I absolutely love and which I re-read on a regular basis.

Now, disclaimers; I am not 'Native Indian' as the book styles it. I am not American, never been there. I know very little about the tribes of North America and Canada -while I am interested in a general sort of way- I do not know enough to pick up if things are incorrect, insensitive or anything else. I merely enjoy the book. More often the author refers to specific tribes but she does use this term. While I have been told that 'First Nations' is the correct term to use these days, perhaps that is a recent development? I really do not know.

I found the setting of the story, as it is in mythology and history of the region fascinating, I really love the characters and I enjoy their dialog and interaction. I love the way the story examines the notion of melding traditional ways with the modern day to make sure the survive in a robust way. The slow relationship between Jennie and David was interesting and I liked the way they developed throughout the story.

Now, for the author. I guess I am a pretty mid-range Mercedes Lackey reader: I have read quite a lot of her books, I have loved and re-read quite a few of her books. But I am not obsessive about it, I have not read all of her books, I think quite a few of them are pretty bad, and even in the ones I really love I can see quite a few flaws. One of the greatest flaws for this author (in my, somewhat un-humble opinion) is that series by her often lack ongoing character development and that they are often way too full of easter eggs. Therefore Sacred Ground is perfect; a single stand alone novel that never needed an ongoing series to make it good. Characters and a plot that start on the first page, finish at the end and give us an excellent, enjoyable adventure. Perfect in itself and not needing any more. I get sick of series and more series never-ending.

In a lot of ways, this very unusual offering by Lackey is my favourite of hers, and is a great testament to her writing skills, which are not always stretched by the never-ending Valdemar (please don't anyone shoot me for saying this).

[Lorrie (Clockworkbookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

2024 Reads #376/250
3.75⭐️

[Bambi Kline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was repetitive at times but over all a good read

[Chelsea || Bibliophelsea || · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a hard one to rate. On the one hand, I enjoyed the story. The overall plot was intriguing and kept my attention, the writing style wasn’t amazing but also wasn’t anything to complain about. I also liked the main character Jenny and enjoyed her character development along the way while solving this mystery. Those are all of the positive notes I have for this novel, if it weren’t for those attributes I would have given this book 1 star, which is very rare for me.

So, on the other hand, I very much was uncomfortable with and did not like the fact that 80s ideals were very much a huge influence in the writing of this novel. I could tell this author was trying to be progressive for her time, and maybe she was - I don’t know I wasn’t born until ‘96 lol - but overall it had many racist and sexist undertones and that really threw off the whole vibe of the novel. I know this can be true for many pieces from older generations, however, it was glaring in this novel due to the author trying to focus on these topics…

Since she focuses on the topics of racism (specifically against Native Americans) and sexism in this novel, she ultimately highlights her ignorance and toxic mindset when it comes to these subjects. She referred to Native Americans as “Indians” the entire novel and even put in a little jibe at the idea of referring to them as “Native Americans” instead of inaccurately and, in my opinion, disrespectfully referring to them as “Indians”…

Also, her lack of education on Native American religious and spiritual practices made this novel feel less of a respectful nod to Native American culture and more like her just appropriating their culture… and honestly the authors note she puts at the end makes it worse, not better, as it basically says “please forgive me for appropriating your culture, I have no idea what I’m talking about and don’t claim to”… like I’m sorry but that little note doesn’t just remove your accountability. The note was cringey and made me dislike her a little more.

I will be honest, I would not recommend you read this book and I will not be reading it again.📚🍄💫

[Luci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picked this up at a local Goodwill not expecting much; just another tale of Shamanism from a lay person, or so I thought.

Wrong! I absolutely LOVED this book and was astounded by the detail Ms. Lackey presents. As a practitioner of Shamanism (one never calls themselves a Shaman-- it's an honorary title bestowed by others), I found this book fascinating in the lengths she goes to to explain the journeying to Otherworlds, spirit guides, protection, rituals, dress, burials, tools on and on.
Her understanding and empathy of Native American nations, their history and plight is commendable. I've read all the Tony Hillerman novels and this one surpasses his by far. Same genre but different view and detail.

Some will like this novel, basically an intro into the world of Native American Medicine-Shamanism; others who aren't aware that Shamanism exists in reality will hate it or find it incomprehensible and that is as it should be. I for one, totally enjoyed it, understood it and appreciate it. Worth a re-read. Thank you, Ms. Lackey! More Jennifer Talldeer novels, please!

[Ruby Hollyberry · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the folks who luv some Urban Fantasy these days should see if they can find this 15 year old book. It is the classic thing. Private investigator heroine who is small, tough, and a workaholic. Check. She is also a magically/psychically gifted Native American who is being trained as a shaman by her grandfather. Check. She has a love/hate relationship with a mega-hot Native dude who used to treat her bad and by the end comes around and stops being a macho dickhead (one of those things that NEVER happen in real life as far as I know) and basically indentures himself to her as her assistant. Check! The plot is a typically exciting and enjoyable Mercedes Lackey production, with her usual scary-evil bad guys and an unpredictable and fun climax. Enjoy, guys!

[Rachel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Pure smut. Bad plot, everything was repeated a billion times, the conflict was in the background, and the love scene sucked (which is one of the only reasons to read smut lol). I picked it up for 50 cents at the library, because I've heard of her and decided to check her out. Well, now I know. Back to reading good books, hopefully.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lackey takes on American Indian shamans in this quick read. A winning combination of insurance investigation and trips to the spirit world. I don't know what Native Americans would make of it, but I enjoyed it.

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great to read this book set in OK. Wish she would do more, and I enjoyed the Native American aspect!

[Lisa Cohn]

Good book, read it long ago and many times since. If you're looking for something similar, try River Marked by Patricia Briggs (not the first in that series). It had the same flavor to it.

[Drew- Pickleball Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

An budding shaman has to deal with evil spirits when a burial ground is destroyed.

[Kathy Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story stars Jennifer Talldeer who is a private investigator and the granddaughter and apprentice of her grandfather who is a powerful medicine man. She's Osage and Cherokee. While she has many of the usual PI cases, her real joy comes from locating Native American artifacts and returning them to their tribes.

She is hired by an insurance company to determine whether the contractor for a new mall is hiding things that would make him uninsurable. Rod Calligan has a reputation for doing shoddy work. But problems at his latest site which include the explosion of one of his machines the killed four seems to be a step up. And when Native artifacts are discovered on the site, many of his Native American crew are refusing to continue work.

Neither Jennifer nor her grandfather were aware of any Native burial site at that location and think that it was a cache that was discovered - a cache Calligan was planning to sell to the highest bidder. But things quickly take a turn to the paranormal when strange things begin to happen. Calligan had discovered the burial place and medicine bag of an evil spirit and the evil lives on and is trying to find a new place in the world.

Meanwhile, Calligan is trying to accomplish an insurance scam by staging a series of "accidents" that will allow him to declare bankruptcy and get out from under a project he knows will be unsuccessful since he's already skimmed all the profit he can. He wants to cast blame for the failure on his Native American crew which brings in Jennifer's old boyfriend David Spotted Horse who has become an Indian Activist.

This was a suspenseful mystery combined with lots of Native American mythology. I enjoyed it a lot.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story.

Although I know nothing much of Native American history or religious practices, and Mercedes herself warns her readers that she's no expert, either, the whole story gave me a good hint at it all and, if it's not exactly accurate, as she said, it was still a great read.

I loved the characters of Kestrel, and her grandfather, Mooncrow, aka Jennifer and Frank Talldeer, and both laughed, and also felt almost envious, in turn, at their relationship with each other, especially as I never knew any of my grandfathers myself.

I loved Jenny's independence, and strength of character, and the plotline for her story was sufficiently exciting, that I couldn't put the book down!

I enjoyed her love interest, David Spotted Horse, too, and how Jenny got him to see her as a person, at last, too.

All-in-all, this was a great book, and it's a pity it, too, isn't a series - as yet? Lol

[William Bentrim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sacred Ground by Mercedes Lackey
This is a bit different than Lackey’s normal fare. Although I’m not sure there is anything normal about her fare considering it is fantasy. This story takes place in Oklahoma in a reasonably current time frame. Jennifer Talldeer is a Native American and a Medicine Woman. She is also a private investigator to pay the bills. An unscrupulous real estate developer is hurting both his family and her fellow Native Americans. She must stop him.
Having Jennifer living with her grandfather adds an interesting twist to the story. The interplay between him and his granddaughter is one of the highlights of the book. There are Native American spirits both good and bad as well as graves, bombs, and murder in the book.
I enjoyed the book and recommend it.

[Randy Daugherty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jennifer Talldeer is Osage and Cherokee, granddaughter of a powerful Medicine Man. She walks a difficult path: contrary to tribal custom, she is learning a warrior's magics. A freelance private investigator, Jennifer tracks down stolen Native American artifacts.

The construction of a new shopping mall uncovers fragments of human bone, revealing possible desecration of an ancient burial ground. Meanwhile, the sabotage of construction equipment at the site implicates many activists—particularly Jennifer's old flame, who is more attractive and dangerous than ever. Worst of all, the grave of Jennifer's legendary Medicine Man ancestor has been destroyed, his tools of power scattered, and a great evil freed to walk the land.

Jennifer must make peace with the many factions and solve the mystery of her ancestor's grave before the world falls into oblivion.

[Ambre · Rating 1 out of 5]

I should have done my research before getting into this audiobook. I'm just really uncomfortable about a lot of things after having finished this. I feel like there are some folks from whose perspectives white people, me included, just shouldn't write (regardless of the period it was originally written), and a white woman writing about the spiritual practices of an Osage/Cherokee woman while being trained as a shaman by her shaman grandfather and fighting racism against native Americans is one of those. I also found it really weird how sexual her grandfather (by blood!) was with her. The domestic abuse caused by an evil ancient Indigenous spirit taking over the villain was also troubling. This book hasn't aged well at all...

[Emilye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t Touch My Stuff!

Amazing! Hope it’s the first of several!

The effects of racism —really me-ism— are explored against an intriguing backdrop, Tulsa Oklahoma.

Jennifer Talldeer is a PI and an apprentice shaman. Too short to become a state trooper, she has concentrated on building a spotless reputation as an investigator and slowly expanding her business by word-of-mouth.

The mysticism of Native American spirituality also plays a part in the development of the story, on several planes, so that birds are not just birds. In fact no animal is just run-of-the mill when you have someone strong in Medicine in this story.

[Kath · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't expect this to end up in the graveyard. I almost put it down at first as its very dated and really feels like you're in the mid 90s reading it, too many contemporary references and a lack of modern technology. But then I read a review that said the love interest is sexy so I thought I'd keep going with the book... and then accidentally lost it somewhere so now can't finish it! My subconscious must be telling me something.

[Midori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised by this book as its not typical of other books I've read by this author. I had to look at the publish date (1994). It seemed so relevant to today's issues. But I think it's more a twist of irony and accident that it's foreshadowing current events. I would recommend it but do read her one page disclaimer. It is entertainment, as she says.

[Arty A · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like reading about Native American lore so that really helped me like this book. It is well written but I did stop reading it for 2 weeks to read Conan comic books. It just seemed to be spinning it's wheels and didn't seem to really be going anywhere. Then towards the end it turned into a domestic abuse story. Which was fine. Then went into a more fantasy story. I liked it.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic storytelling

Action and adventure. Smart and careful heroine. An effective and fascinating blend of shamanism and reality combining into a suspenseful thriller. A novel premise and not to be missed!

[Shannon O'Leary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this second edition of Sacred ground. It has been edited and slightly changed to make the story flow better, however I am glad to see it reprinted. I sorely wish this series had more novels aside from a short story.

[Allison M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book!

What a great story with a great mix of Native American mysticism and every day thriller. I actually had this book in paperback for years and re-read it every so often. It is falling apart. Great characters.

[Ansley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great action and fascinating history

I always loved Mercedes Lucky - guaranteed intriguing characters and action. Beautiful descriptions and different perspectives on history I never got in school

[Francesca Melis · Rating 1 out of 5]

I think I read this once in the 90s, I didn't know for sure until I started reading it. Cultural appropriation. Yup. Some things do not age well. And it's honestly rather forgettable. If you are a die hard fan of Lackey, sure go ahead but it's not her best. Probably bottom rung.

[Virginia Adi · Rating 5 out of 5]

enjoyed every moment of it.

[Caroline North · Rating 5 out of 5]

Respectful storytelling with an underlying message, if anyone cares to see it. Blessings to those that explore the path, and stay respectful!

[Mo D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this, certain aspects touched really close to home & it was really nice to see a book done from the native perspective. I really hope to see more Talldeer books.