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Ben Pecos Mystery #2
Yellow Lies
Following on the critical success of her debut Ben Pecos Mystery, The Pumpkin Seed Massacre, Susan Slater returns to the pueblos of New Mexico with Yellow Lies. Salvador Zuni is a master carver of traditional fetishes. He is also a cheat. He makes synthetic amber that rivals anything to be found in nature. He even sticks the bugs inside. His recipe is worth a fortune, and someone is after it. Someone who is willing to kill and use the spirits of the tribes to drive Salvador out of his mind and into prison for a murder he did not commit. When Ben Pecos, the new resident Indian Health Services psychologist, arrives at the pueblo, he finds himself caught up in the investigation of the murder of a trader in native artifacts and fetishes. Sal is arrested for the crime. But something smells odd to Ben, and as he begins to investigate, he treads deeper into the mystic and the list of suspects grows longer. Was it Hannah, the vampish keeper of the boarding house in which they all dwell? Her son, a huge, developmentally challenged boy with the nickname .22 for the size of the firearm used by his father to celebrate his birth? Could it have been Ben’s own boss? Masterfully plotted and rich with the spirit and characters of the Southwest, Yellow Lies shows Susan Slater to be at the top of her form
297 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2000
208 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
Susan Slater
25 books37 followersSusan has lived in the Southwest for 32 years. The enchantment of New Mexico comes alive in her Ben Pecos series - The Pumpkin Seed Massacre, Yellow Lies, Thunderbird, and A Way to the Manger.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 7, 2025
I just read this again, 1/7/25, and I absolutely love it. I read my review from a few years ago and all of it still stands true. This author is an amazing writer and I love her work.
It is extremely hard to know the truth of a person; their intentions, their motives. This is a story about deception on a very deep level and using people. I love that the author uses Karma!!
As I read this book, my thoughts wandered all over the page trying to find some kind of balance of who was doing what and why. I got so caught up in the storyline and thinking that “I understand now what’s going on” only to have that ripped out from underneath me in the next chapter.
I love the mystical and the spiritual essence woven into this story. There were a number of storylines going on at the same time crisscrossing each other creating havoc and plenty of twists in the story.
This was a thrilling read and it was hard to put the book down. This author is a gifted storyteller and writer!!
It is extremely hard to know the truth of a person; their intentions, their motives. This is a story about deception on a very deep level and using people. I love that the author uses Karma!!
As I read this book, my thoughts wandered all over the page trying to find some kind of balance of who was doing what and why. I got so caught up in the storyline and thinking that “I understand now what’s going on” only to have that ripped out from underneath me in the next chapter.
I love the mystical and the spiritual essence woven into this story. There were a number of storylines going on at the same time crisscrossing each other creating havoc and plenty of twists in the story.
This was a thrilling read and it was hard to put the book down. This author is a gifted storyteller and writer!!
April 12, 2018
Native American mystery
This is the second book in this series. The traditions and beliefs of the Pueblos makes the book interesting. The author paints a descriptive picture of the surrounding area. The characters are getting more likable but not quite realisTic. I plan to read the next book in this series.
This is the second book in this series. The traditions and beliefs of the Pueblos makes the book interesting. The author paints a descriptive picture of the surrounding area. The characters are getting more likable but not quite realisTic. I plan to read the next book in this series.
May 15, 2019
This story was very creepy... in a good way! There is a character where you know something is "just not right" and this kept me on the edge of my seat all the way through. The plot was very cleverly developed and I love the way Susan Slater crafts the mystery around teaching us about the southwest pueblo and Native American lore. You will not be disappointed with this one - it's fantastic!
August 8, 2022
There are more plot twists than the Arkansas Pig Trail has curves. I can't put this series down. The best I've read in a long, long time. I'm on to book 3, Thunderbird. I'm not getting much else accomplished this summer but reading this wonderfully exciting series. 🤓
August 24, 2018
Winner
This book was great and a much better read than the first book. I am looking forward to the next
This book was great and a much better read than the first book. I am looking forward to the next
February 11, 2019
great story and I learned alot about amber....
October 4, 2019
Ben Pecos mysteries
Thank you. I thoroughly enjoyed reading these books. You excellent writing and story telling had me spellbound from the first page.
Thank you. I thoroughly enjoyed reading these books. You excellent writing and story telling had me spellbound from the first page.
April 14, 2025
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, "The Pumpkin Seed Massacres", and this one had so much potential, but....
Overall I really liked the premise, but the plot had too many holes for my taste.
Spoiler alert:
* In the beginning Sal is not sure if he is dreaming/getting messages from Indian Gods when he thinks he sees a dead body that disappears then reappears. When he first sees the dead body, all his storage jars are also stolen out of his truck, which should make it clear that it was a real event.
* Hannah installs a very elaborate lab in the cellar of her home, including a ventilation system (that would have to be professionally installed) and pot-o-potty. No one in the community found that odd or saw that activity? Port-o-potties must be delivered from somewhere and are heavy - no mention of how any of this was achieved without attracting attention.
* A secondary story about how the nephew must have been selling the Colorado River Toads and their poisonous secretions is started, but never wrapped up or explained.
* Julie is shot at and dinged, stumbles, falls, is injured, etc. but is laughing in Ben's arms in the next few minutes. Wouldn't happen. Trauma like that would prevent it. Along the same lines, a man is shot dead, another found locked in a cellar, another wounded, etc. and the survivors are eating eggs and laughing moments later.
I gave this book 3 stars because I really appreciated the author's knowledge and inclusion of New Mexico (where I am from), and in general I liked the plot, but I was bothered by what I considered plot flaws.
I was looking forward to this entire series, but I'm not sure I'll continue.
Overall I really liked the premise, but the plot had too many holes for my taste.
Spoiler alert:
* In the beginning Sal is not sure if he is dreaming/getting messages from Indian Gods when he thinks he sees a dead body that disappears then reappears. When he first sees the dead body, all his storage jars are also stolen out of his truck, which should make it clear that it was a real event.
* Hannah installs a very elaborate lab in the cellar of her home, including a ventilation system (that would have to be professionally installed) and pot-o-potty. No one in the community found that odd or saw that activity? Port-o-potties must be delivered from somewhere and are heavy - no mention of how any of this was achieved without attracting attention.
* A secondary story about how the nephew must have been selling the Colorado River Toads and their poisonous secretions is started, but never wrapped up or explained.
* Julie is shot at and dinged, stumbles, falls, is injured, etc. but is laughing in Ben's arms in the next few minutes. Wouldn't happen. Trauma like that would prevent it. Along the same lines, a man is shot dead, another found locked in a cellar, another wounded, etc. and the survivors are eating eggs and laughing moments later.
I gave this book 3 stars because I really appreciated the author's knowledge and inclusion of New Mexico (where I am from), and in general I liked the plot, but I was bothered by what I considered plot flaws.
I was looking forward to this entire series, but I'm not sure I'll continue.
November 23, 2025
Book 2 of this well-written series finds Ben Pecos returning to Tewa Pueblo as the new resident Indian Health Services psychologist. He gets caught up in the investigation of a trader in native artifacts and fetish and in trying to help a master carver who plays a big part in the murder figure out what is real and what is otherworldly.
I just can’t get enough of this series (and thankfully, there are so many more books in it for me to discover). I like the plotting, the pacing, the characters, the tribal politics, the setting (my state), and the dialogue. The characters (even the minor ones) are fully-developed and seem real (as opposed to Native American stereotypes). The author has a great respect for native culture, and spins a darn good story. I particularly like the relationship between Ben and Julie, a local reporter. She takes some potentially stupid chances, but isn’t afraid to make bold choices to get herself out of scrapes. He wants to protect her from, well, everything, but knows that will not lead the way to future happiness. There is a nice balance between mystery, day-to-day life, and a light touch of romance. I will read more in this series.
I just can’t get enough of this series (and thankfully, there are so many more books in it for me to discover). I like the plotting, the pacing, the characters, the tribal politics, the setting (my state), and the dialogue. The characters (even the minor ones) are fully-developed and seem real (as opposed to Native American stereotypes). The author has a great respect for native culture, and spins a darn good story. I particularly like the relationship between Ben and Julie, a local reporter. She takes some potentially stupid chances, but isn’t afraid to make bold choices to get herself out of scrapes. He wants to protect her from, well, everything, but knows that will not lead the way to future happiness. There is a nice balance between mystery, day-to-day life, and a light touch of romance. I will read more in this series.
November 1, 2020
Do no start this book at bed time or when you only have a very limited time to read. You will keep turning pages. It is a beautifully written story with strong characters. The suspense is strong at times. You know how the book must end but you keep rushing to the end. You feel like you are there and living the story with the people involved.
December 16, 2018
Greed and lies
Ben Pecos and his new Fiancé, Julie stumble upon a web of deceitful people unknowingly. There is murder, which morphs into more lies, and danger for Julie and Ben. And, It will not end well for someone by the last few chapters.
Ben Pecos and his new Fiancé, Julie stumble upon a web of deceitful people unknowingly. There is murder, which morphs into more lies, and danger for Julie and Ben. And, It will not end well for someone by the last few chapters.
December 10, 2020
Ben and Julie involved.in another escapade
Another good story by Susan Slater. Ben Pecos and his girl Julie get involved in solving a murder, exposing the truth about a supposedly handicapped guy, and helping Sal get out if his troubles. Recommended reading!
Another good story by Susan Slater. Ben Pecos and his girl Julie get involved in solving a murder, exposing the truth about a supposedly handicapped guy, and helping Sal get out if his troubles. Recommended reading!
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April 12, 2024ENJOYED
I enjoyed this book very much. The Indian lore occasionally confused me, only because of my ignorance on the subject. I just occasionally back tracked to remind myself of the fetishes meaning/power. Interesting!!
I enjoyed this book very much. The Indian lore occasionally confused me, only because of my ignorance on the subject. I just occasionally back tracked to remind myself of the fetishes meaning/power. Interesting!!
June 29, 2022
Mystery
Love Tony Hillerman like the perks into Native American culture story had a few holes in my opinion.Ben is a psychiatrist and yet is blind to what is going on
Love Tony Hillerman like the perks into Native American culture story had a few holes in my opinion.Ben is a psychiatrist and yet is blind to what is going on
December 13, 2022
Loved this book!
What a fun read with interesting and believable characters. Second book I have read by this author and I will read more?
What a fun read with interesting and believable characters. Second book I have read by this author and I will read more?
February 5, 2023
Good read, unpredictable.interesting Indian setting.
March 1, 2024
Wow, great plot! Loved the character of Sal, not so much Julie. But a great twist to the story at the end. Couldn't put it down!
July 15, 2024
Very good
May 18, 2025
kept me tubing
I really enjoyed this book. It was hard to figure out and kept me turning pages. Can’t wait to read the next one
I really enjoyed this book. It was hard to figure out and kept me turning pages. Can’t wait to read the next one
January 10, 2026
Loved 80% of the book, ending was too short and sudden.
November 23, 2019
Loving this series
Slater spins great stories and has taken a fresh look at driving mysteries. Im loving her characters.... Well the good guys... And after reading 2 books in less than 4 days, an thinking about ordering #3
Slater spins great stories and has taken a fresh look at driving mysteries. Im loving her characters.... Well the good guys... And after reading 2 books in less than 4 days, an thinking about ordering #3
October 28, 2014
Ok, it was fun and I tore threw it in two days. But don't expect this to rock your literary world. It's easy to get distracted by the book's various faults.
- Editing bloopers: e.g. "...stood sucking him thumb..." and so many references to renters as "borders" that I had to double-check if it was alternate spelling.
- Over-used and poorly written feminine wiles and whirlwind romances. Yeepers. I'd expect better when the author is also a woman.
- "Indian" exoticism, but little development of the individual beyond their stereotypes.
- A fault of many series, the know-it-all "investigator", in this case a psychologist.
- Editing bloopers: e.g. "...stood sucking him thumb..." and so many references to renters as "borders" that I had to double-check if it was alternate spelling.
- Over-used and poorly written feminine wiles and whirlwind romances. Yeepers. I'd expect better when the author is also a woman.
- "Indian" exoticism, but little development of the individual beyond their stereotypes.
- A fault of many series, the know-it-all "investigator", in this case a psychologist.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews