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Navajo Nation Mystery #6
Wolves of Winter
An ancient, disabled girl holds the key to unlock two modern day murders on the Diné Bikeyah. Archeology and murder entwine in Chappell's latest Canyon Lands thriller. In ancient times hunger drove the search for food and survival. Now greed is the enemy. Ride along as Charlie, Thomas and Harley Ponyboy walk a razor's edge between two worlds, and discover wolves still stalk the ancients.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 6, 2016
759 people are currently reading
199 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 107 reviews
September 26, 2024
In this Navajo Nation Mystery #6 we once again meet the familiar set of characters: as he had promised in the book #5, the aptly named archaeology professor George Custor started a salvage archaeology business, employing Navajo pals Thomas Begay and Harley Ponyboy. They are investigating an ancient site for a construction company, with their friend Charlie Yazzi, a Tribal Legal Services investigator and an archaeology enthusiast, being a frequent visitor at the site. But the crime is never far away from the dig, and the action starts, as usual.
However, what makes this particular book different, is the double story-line: in parallel to the nowadays criminal investigation, we are told about the struggle for survival of the people whose ancient dwelling our modern heroes are excavating. I was a bit skeptical at first, but ended up really liking the ancient timeline part of the story and its interplay with the modern one. Well done.
Anasazi ruins, Canyon de Chelly - Arizona (Image credit: Wikimedia Commons)
However, what makes this particular book different, is the double story-line: in parallel to the nowadays criminal investigation, we are told about the struggle for survival of the people whose ancient dwelling our modern heroes are excavating. I was a bit skeptical at first, but ended up really liking the ancient timeline part of the story and its interplay with the modern one. Well done.
Anasazi ruins, Canyon de Chelly - Arizona (Image credit: Wikimedia Commons)
December 19, 2016
A truly wonderful book
This series just keeps getting better and better. This latest installment has a fully developed mystery, insight into archeology with a glimpse of the dark days of climate change for the Anasazi. But the best part is the insights into Navajo culture and daily life. I look forward to the next installment.
This series just keeps getting better and better. This latest installment has a fully developed mystery, insight into archeology with a glimpse of the dark days of climate change for the Anasazi. But the best part is the insights into Navajo culture and daily life. I look forward to the next installment.
December 12, 2016
Enjoyed the historical part
I've read this whole series and enjoyed it very much. I've enjoyed learning about the Navajo people and especially enjoyed how the historical events tied to the current events. I hope there will be more books in this series.
I've read this whole series and enjoyed it very much. I've enjoyed learning about the Navajo people and especially enjoyed how the historical events tied to the current events. I hope there will be more books in this series.
January 9, 2017
Very good
I was glad to see another book by this author because I have read all the previous Navajo mysteries. This one was as enjoyable as the others. I really enjoy the backstory in his books.
I was glad to see another book by this author because I have read all the previous Navajo mysteries. This one was as enjoyable as the others. I really enjoy the backstory in his books.
June 11, 2020
I really enjoy Charlie, Thomas, Harley and their buddy, George the archaeologist and their escapades on the Navajo reservation.
This story has two separate timelines and really delves into archaeology.
Enjoyable read.
This story has two separate timelines and really delves into archaeology.
Enjoyable read.
May 9, 2018
Wolves in Winter - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Professor George Custer is excavating cave dwellers from the earliest time of the Anasazi people, in this evocative, beautifully engaging winner of a novel about the Navajo People and their lives then and now in a captivating dual timeline by the excellent Ron Allen Chappell.
The first timeline is set in the present day in the same place as the excavation, while the second is set in 1075 AD, and tells how the inhabitants of the canyon came to have their remains left behind in this peaceful isolation.
Helping the Professor are his 'go-to' excavation team on the Reservation, Thomas Begay, his friend and erstwhile drinking companion, Harley Ponyboy and Thomas' father-in-law, singer/Hataalii Paul T'Sosi. When Danny Hat is shot dead, Thomas' nephew Tribal policeman Billy Red Clay is initially suspected and suspended, When another man, James Erdric is murdered the FBI get involved.
What does the Professor find in the woman's burial plot? What happens to it afterwards? Who is the thief? How did the cliff house dwellers protect their home?
Who are the Wolves of the title - and why are they called by this appellation? What is their prey? How did the people from long ago survive the winter?
Who else is buried in the canyon? Why is Jimmy John a suspect? Who's really guilty? What secret is Sue Yazzie keeping from her husband Charlie and why?
What was physically wrong with the girl in the tribe? What other gift did she have and why was this treasured? How did her brother find the girl who was his wife?
If you love Tony and Anne Hillerman or Mark Reps, you'll be in Seventh Heaven with this series of Navajo Reservation tales of life and the realities of the Native American life now and then as the history and development of archaeology, mystery, myth - and murder are related alongside the everyday life and times of these fascinating people. Go straight as an arrow to your nearest bookseller and be sure to get your copy today -then tell all your friends!
Professor George Custer is excavating cave dwellers from the earliest time of the Anasazi people, in this evocative, beautifully engaging winner of a novel about the Navajo People and their lives then and now in a captivating dual timeline by the excellent Ron Allen Chappell.
The first timeline is set in the present day in the same place as the excavation, while the second is set in 1075 AD, and tells how the inhabitants of the canyon came to have their remains left behind in this peaceful isolation.
Helping the Professor are his 'go-to' excavation team on the Reservation, Thomas Begay, his friend and erstwhile drinking companion, Harley Ponyboy and Thomas' father-in-law, singer/Hataalii Paul T'Sosi. When Danny Hat is shot dead, Thomas' nephew Tribal policeman Billy Red Clay is initially suspected and suspended, When another man, James Erdric is murdered the FBI get involved.
What does the Professor find in the woman's burial plot? What happens to it afterwards? Who is the thief? How did the cliff house dwellers protect their home?
Who are the Wolves of the title - and why are they called by this appellation? What is their prey? How did the people from long ago survive the winter?
Who else is buried in the canyon? Why is Jimmy John a suspect? Who's really guilty? What secret is Sue Yazzie keeping from her husband Charlie and why?
What was physically wrong with the girl in the tribe? What other gift did she have and why was this treasured? How did her brother find the girl who was his wife?
If you love Tony and Anne Hillerman or Mark Reps, you'll be in Seventh Heaven with this series of Navajo Reservation tales of life and the realities of the Native American life now and then as the history and development of archaeology, mystery, myth - and murder are related alongside the everyday life and times of these fascinating people. Go straight as an arrow to your nearest bookseller and be sure to get your copy today -then tell all your friends!
June 13, 2019
A WONDERFUL BALANCE OF TIME
All the books in this series have been enjoyable reading but Wolves of Winter outdid itself in weaving two vastly different eras and their stories together. A fascinating read and one I did in one sitting!
All the books in this series have been enjoyable reading but Wolves of Winter outdid itself in weaving two vastly different eras and their stories together. A fascinating read and one I did in one sitting!
February 2, 2017
Fabulous book...
This was as outstanding as the other books in this series. Mr. Chappell has a real feel for the Four Corners and the Dine' people that is found in very few authors; Tony Hillerman and his daughter come to mind. His feel for the Dind' (Navajo) makes his characters very real and seem like they are friends you look forward to visiting again soon. I hope this series will continue for a very long time. I'm sure the Dine' and their beautiful country has many stories to tell us and mysteries for Charlie, Thomas and Harley to solve. I know all the fans of these books will be eagerly waiting for them. Highly recommended.
This was as outstanding as the other books in this series. Mr. Chappell has a real feel for the Four Corners and the Dine' people that is found in very few authors; Tony Hillerman and his daughter come to mind. His feel for the Dind' (Navajo) makes his characters very real and seem like they are friends you look forward to visiting again soon. I hope this series will continue for a very long time. I'm sure the Dine' and their beautiful country has many stories to tell us and mysteries for Charlie, Thomas and Harley to solve. I know all the fans of these books will be eagerly waiting for them. Highly recommended.
May 27, 2018
Excellent 6th book in Chappell's ever-improving Navajo Nation Mystery series. This one tells two different stories set nearly 1,000 years apart, and shows that many things change little in a millenium -- mainly in fighting for family, friends and precious possessions. Always a pleasure to catch up with main character Charlie Yazzie and his people. Luckily I can move right on to the next book in the series ... and an eighth book, Day of the Dead, is newly released and on down my reading road. Keep them coming, Mr. Chappell. I love these trips back to the Four Corners region and the people I used to live with and know!
February 9, 2017
We are the culture we were raised in.
I am very interested in the culture of the Navajo and the Hopi. I am drawn to the mysteries that are woven into the modern day life on the reservations. The author does an excellent job of weaving the lives of characters from long ago with those of the present. Along the way he tells an interesting tale which kept me guessing 'til the very end!
I am very interested in the culture of the Navajo and the Hopi. I am drawn to the mysteries that are woven into the modern day life on the reservations. The author does an excellent job of weaving the lives of characters from long ago with those of the present. Along the way he tells an interesting tale which kept me guessing 'til the very end!
July 24, 2017
This one excellent story, actually 2 stories interwoven together, to make one exciting read. Charlie Yazzie is called in when his friends Archeologist George Custor, Thomas Begay and Harley Ponyboy uncover a unknown buriel site in the Dine Bikeyah. Interwoven is the story of an ancient culture trying to survive in a harsh world, showing us how life is always evolving. Love this story and can not wait for what R Allen Chappell will give us next.
January 15, 2019
The series continues...
Using the "flashback" approach, Chappell feeds enough background to the reader to relate ancient events to current-day flow of the story, typing the plot elements together. The characters have been so well developed through the series that the reader is comfortable with the cast from the first page! While each book in the series stands alone, I would encourage you to read them in order... enjoy! I sure have.
Using the "flashback" approach, Chappell feeds enough background to the reader to relate ancient events to current-day flow of the story, typing the plot elements together. The characters have been so well developed through the series that the reader is comfortable with the cast from the first page! While each book in the series stands alone, I would encourage you to read them in order... enjoy! I sure have.
February 27, 2017
Heir to Hillerman ?
His characters are likable though a female protagonist would be nice. Intricate plots are not what I look for in these stories but the tone and feel of the land and it's demands on the characters. If your familiar with the terrain, you want to return again and again.
His characters are likable though a female protagonist would be nice. Intricate plots are not what I look for in these stories but the tone and feel of the land and it's demands on the characters. If your familiar with the terrain, you want to return again and again.
March 3, 2018
Review - Wolves of Winter
The book was a difficult read for me because of the subject of archaeological digging of Navajo graves. As a general rule, most, most of us American Indian people feel that remains need to be left intact out of respect for our dead. Others raised with different value systems feel differently.
The book was a difficult read for me because of the subject of archaeological digging of Navajo graves. As a general rule, most, most of us American Indian people feel that remains need to be left intact out of respect for our dead. Others raised with different value systems feel differently.
March 5, 2018
Loved This Book
The story of the wolves of winter alternating with the tale of present day was most entertaining. Love the characters and the intriguing plot. Held my attention from beginning to end.
The story of the wolves of winter alternating with the tale of present day was most entertaining. Love the characters and the intriguing plot. Held my attention from beginning to end.
May 1, 2019
Excellent Cast and an intriguing locale
I have read these books many times. Happy to see the latest come out as I was missing the people. Yes, like old friends that move away. The best thing to be said of a story is that I wish I lived there and was a part of the bunch. Well Done, Mr Chappell.
I have read these books many times. Happy to see the latest come out as I was missing the people. Yes, like old friends that move away. The best thing to be said of a story is that I wish I lived there and was a part of the bunch. Well Done, Mr Chappell.
December 28, 2016
now and then
Two stories which are only one. One being the history of what's found a thousand years after. This is a novel of a history of a people we pretend we know about.
Highly recommend you reading this if you likethe Four Corners area.
Two stories which are only one. One being the history of what's found a thousand years after. This is a novel of a history of a people we pretend we know about.
Highly recommend you reading this if you likethe Four Corners area.
April 7, 2017
Enjoyable and informative
I enjoy reading books about Native Americans that are filled with customs and information about their history. I will be reading more books by Chappell now that I have discovered his writing!
I enjoy reading books about Native Americans that are filled with customs and information about their history. I will be reading more books by Chappell now that I have discovered his writing!
January 27, 2018
Chappell keeps getting better
This book was more empathetic than Chappell usually writes, with two parallel story lines told a millennium apart. There is a fine line between archeology and grave robbing...the yin and yang of disturbing sleeping cultures.
This book was more empathetic than Chappell usually writes, with two parallel story lines told a millennium apart. There is a fine line between archeology and grave robbing...the yin and yang of disturbing sleeping cultures.
May 20, 2018
Quick read. Well written and enjoyable.
☺ In the style of Hillerman and Doss. Southwest mystery. Simple but satisfying. I enjoyed it and have it a higher rating due to the believability of the story. Not as mystic as Does a d not as well researched as Hillerman.
☺ In the style of Hillerman and Doss. Southwest mystery. Simple but satisfying. I enjoyed it and have it a higher rating due to the believability of the story. Not as mystic as Does a d not as well researched as Hillerman.
June 11, 2018
Very very well researched. I had to finish. It. The ending was not expected. I can't wait to read the next one.
I would recommend this book to those who like writers like Tony and Anne Hellerman and other authors of the Navajo Nation.
I would recommend this book to those who like writers like Tony and Anne Hellerman and other authors of the Navajo Nation.
May 26, 2019
Pretty good mystery.
I have begun to really like the characters in Chapells books. Well written, interesting, not easy to solve mysteries and always entertaining. I do like the perspective from the Navajo characters also. I'm going to continue the series.
I have begun to really like the characters in Chapells books. Well written, interesting, not easy to solve mysteries and always entertaining. I do like the perspective from the Navajo characters also. I'm going to continue the series.
December 20, 2016
Best one yet!
Best one yet. The interplay between the ancient story and the current one is really well done. I'm looking forward to the next one.
Best one yet. The interplay between the ancient story and the current one is really well done. I'm looking forward to the next one.
January 23, 2017
Review
This was a good story. Lots of action and told you how the ancient beliefs affect some people and a little supernatural was thrown in.
This was a good story. Lots of action and told you how the ancient beliefs affect some people and a little supernatural was thrown in.
January 26, 2017
Thoroughly entertaining. I enjoyed the interplay of the ancient and modern story lines. Definitely a good continuation of the series.
May 13, 2017
this was the best one so far. The characters and plot are evolving
June 4, 2017
A tribal history
The early Indian had a very difficult life even before the white man added to the troubles. Very interesting story worded around some history
The early Indian had a very difficult life even before the white man added to the troubles. Very interesting story worded around some history
July 17, 2017
Felt a bit unfinished
Side story of the ancients wrapped up well but felt the need for a bit more detail in main mystery
Side story of the ancients wrapped up well but felt the need for a bit more detail in main mystery
August 31, 2017
Loves it
Prehistory woven in with the regular cast of characters. Great action and suspense with a Navajo flavor. My favorite so far.
Prehistory woven in with the regular cast of characters. Great action and suspense with a Navajo flavor. My favorite so far.
September 2, 2017
A good, fast read. The principal characters are engaging and colorful. I've read all the books in the series and look forward to the next, The Bible Seller.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews