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Naomi Manymules #2
Bear Witness
Witnessing a barroom scuffle was not what Navajo paralegal Naomi Manymules expected, but the chaos in Sage Landing was just getting started. A famous Hollywood producer has brought in truckloads of outsiders to make his next blockbuster. As if her movie-dazzled kids and her criminal dog aren’t problems enough, Naomi worries that her boss, attorney Grant Carson, won’t take on enough legal work to keep the office going.
Things look up when a lucrative Hollywood lawsuit comes their way, but familiar mobsters are part of the deal. Then the movie’s gorgeous leading man goes missing, and Naomi and Carson barge into the investigation as they defend a mutual friend. Meanwhile, one of Naomi’s hottest old flames shows up in town, and so does Carson’s ex-wife. It looks like a hell of a summer.
Things look up when a lucrative Hollywood lawsuit comes their way, but familiar mobsters are part of the deal. Then the movie’s gorgeous leading man goes missing, and Naomi and Carson barge into the investigation as they defend a mutual friend. Meanwhile, one of Naomi’s hottest old flames shows up in town, and so does Carson’s ex-wife. It looks like a hell of a summer.
279 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 12, 2021
292 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
Jena Burges
4 books57 followersCoyote Alibi was a 2019 Public Library Association regional winner for fiction. In the 2020 New Mexico-Arizona Book Awards, it was named Best Arizona Book and Best Mystery.
J. & D. Burges are a husband-and-wife writing team. Having lived for many years on the edge of the Navajo Nation, they write with cheerful authority about open spaces, big lakes, and the unique mix of cultures captured in their Sage Landing stories.
Their mysteries are now hatched in a cottage in the woods near a lake. It’s a great place to plot light-hearted homicides, capers, scams, and other fictional mischief. .
They can’t resist tinkering with each other’s work. It’s often hard for them to remember which story idea originated where and whose words made it into the final draft. Each of them claims that the best lines belong to the other.
J. & D. Burges are a husband-and-wife writing team. Having lived for many years on the edge of the Navajo Nation, they write with cheerful authority about open spaces, big lakes, and the unique mix of cultures captured in their Sage Landing stories.
Their mysteries are now hatched in a cottage in the woods near a lake. It’s a great place to plot light-hearted homicides, capers, scams, and other fictional mischief. .
They can’t resist tinkering with each other’s work. It’s often hard for them to remember which story idea originated where and whose words made it into the final draft. Each of them claims that the best lines belong to the other.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
November 28, 2021
A fun read
Have enjoyed both Naomi Manymules mysteries. The plots are fast moving and intriguing and witty. I hope there will be many more adventures with Naomi and Carson in the future.
Have enjoyed both Naomi Manymules mysteries. The plots are fast moving and intriguing and witty. I hope there will be many more adventures with Naomi and Carson in the future.
July 12, 2022
Bear Witness is the second in the Naomi Manymules series. I really like the characters. Naomi works as a paralegal for the only attorney in town who doesn't much care whether he has clients or not. Naomi cares because they need clients to pay her salary. In this novel a movie crew has come to the small town and Dee, one of Naomi's close friends, has an ugly encounter with one of the stars in a bar. He later turns up missing and Dee is the number one suspect. Of course, Carson, Naomi's boss ends up representing her. He also represents some of the investors in the film. (Carson has a nasty habit of conflicts of interest, but Naomi worries more about income than legal niceties.) Pretty soon several other people become suspects, including Carson himself. Naomi's children also get involved as interns on the set and they learn that show business people are weird. As I said, I like the characters of these novels; they are funny, down to earth and invested in every investigation they encounter. In fact in this one, Naomi steps over the legal line to pursue a suspicion she has. The plots are pretty light weight; it becomes pretty clear early on who the bad guys are. What prevented me from giving this one four stars, however, was the ending. It may be a cliff hanger for the next book, but the authors introduced a whole new mystery in the last couple of pages with no sense of resolution which I didn't like.
October 3, 2022
lots of fun
I love Naomi and her pals. Even her kids give me chuckles! Good mysteries, interesting characters, and always a good laugh!
I love Naomi and her pals. Even her kids give me chuckles! Good mysteries, interesting characters, and always a good laugh!
July 18, 2022
“Bear Witness” by J.&D. Burges is an over-the-top mystery set in the (fictional) town of Sage Landing near where Utah, Arizona, and the Colorado River meet. A questionably funded movie company has settled into the resort area, and it’s not long before both locals and Hollywood types need the services of Carson Law—where Naomi Manymules works. The not-quite paralegal assistant to Grant Carson, Manymules is the soul of Carson’s operation and, fortunately, the narrator of the book. She is sensible, funny, sarcastic, and a reasonably competent single parent.
The tale opens with the local college president accused of murdering an actor she’d decked in a bar brawl and moves on from there. “Bear Witness” is not always a convincing read, but Naomi Manymules is irresistible.
The tale opens with the local college president accused of murdering an actor she’d decked in a bar brawl and moves on from there. “Bear Witness” is not always a convincing read, but Naomi Manymules is irresistible.
May 24, 2022
Good at small ball, but no large ball
I really enjoy the small everyday descriptions of life for Naomi and her family (much like Diana Gabaldon can describe every day challenges of common folks who lived over 200 years ago in her Outlander series). In the Outlander series, the ordinary becomes extraordinary through a masterful suspense-telling that becomes intense. The climax of this story, Bear Witness, is the attempted mass murder, however, there is no intense nail biting since the reader is not aware of the danger to the victims until the bomb goes off. It's the difference between a suspenseful mystery and a mystery novel.
I really enjoy the small everyday descriptions of life for Naomi and her family (much like Diana Gabaldon can describe every day challenges of common folks who lived over 200 years ago in her Outlander series). In the Outlander series, the ordinary becomes extraordinary through a masterful suspense-telling that becomes intense. The climax of this story, Bear Witness, is the attempted mass murder, however, there is no intense nail biting since the reader is not aware of the danger to the victims until the bomb goes off. It's the difference between a suspenseful mystery and a mystery novel.
November 5, 2021
Laugh out loud moments
Life in a small town always has humorous moments, but some of Naomi Manymules’ adventures almost made me tear up from hilarity. Naomi, a part-time paralegal and full time single mom, spends most of her time worrying about what her friends, boss and children are up to, in addition to trying to keep all of them on the right side of the law. This second book in a “cozy” mystery series was fun to read, and gave me a look at Navajo life on the edge of the reservation. Can’t wait for the next book!
Life in a small town always has humorous moments, but some of Naomi Manymules’ adventures almost made me tear up from hilarity. Naomi, a part-time paralegal and full time single mom, spends most of her time worrying about what her friends, boss and children are up to, in addition to trying to keep all of them on the right side of the law. This second book in a “cozy” mystery series was fun to read, and gave me a look at Navajo life on the edge of the reservation. Can’t wait for the next book!
September 26, 2021
Really good second visit
r good read , perhaps not as light as "Alibi", but a thriller with plenty of giggles. Naomi learns a little lesson, makes new friends and gets her feet wet Moore ways than one.
r good read , perhaps not as light as "Alibi", but a thriller with plenty of giggles. Naomi learns a little lesson, makes new friends and gets her feet wet Moore ways than one.
February 12, 2022
I started this book early this morning and read all day. Excellent. Wonderful characters. I want to go live in Sage Landing and know these people. I am even willing to take up knitting. I strongly recommend this book.
December 31, 2025
I really, really, really enjoy this series. I’m so sad there’s only two books available! It’s funny but in a dry, slightly acerbic way, yet it’s not at all cynical — the story and prose are infused with warmth and good spirit, making it a pleasure to pick up. This instalment was interesting and the main mystery and B plot equally captured my attention. The climax was unexpected and my only critique was that the tone didn’t quite match how serious the circumstances were. But… it’s a lighthearted legal mystery so if that’s an authorial choice, then cool. The way the B plot wrapped up totally caught me off guard. The pieces all fit but didn’t expect it! Kudos to the writers for making it interesting to the last page.
Naomi and Carson have great chemistry (not necessarily in a romantic way, at least not yet?? Honestly I wouldn’t be fussed either way. Their friendship is strong and enjoyable without romance). They play off each other so well with genuine affection making their interactions amusing. Naomi’s interactions and relationship with her teens feel extremely authentic … I think this husband and wife team are writing from experience, which I loved to read.
My wish for 2026 is that the next book is published!🤞
Naomi and Carson have great chemistry (not necessarily in a romantic way, at least not yet?? Honestly I wouldn’t be fussed either way. Their friendship is strong and enjoyable without romance). They play off each other so well with genuine affection making their interactions amusing. Naomi’s interactions and relationship with her teens feel extremely authentic … I think this husband and wife team are writing from experience, which I loved to read.
My wish for 2026 is that the next book is published!🤞
October 3, 2021
Well Written Navajo Land Mystery
Excellent writing, engaging main character, a nice supporting cast of regulars, several great red herring bad guys and gals, and a stunning location.
I had really enjoyed the first book in this series, Coyote Alibi, and was delighted to find this new book.
While the setting is fictitious, I see the town as Page and the Lake as Lake Powell.
The characters are a mix of ethnicities, but there are several Interesting examples of Navajo culture included.
Excellent writing, engaging main character, a nice supporting cast of regulars, several great red herring bad guys and gals, and a stunning location.
I had really enjoyed the first book in this series, Coyote Alibi, and was delighted to find this new book.
While the setting is fictitious, I see the town as Page and the Lake as Lake Powell.
The characters are a mix of ethnicities, but there are several Interesting examples of Navajo culture included.
May 15, 2023
What a fun ride!
This is even better than the first book! This is a wonderful series with interesting characters and storyline. It will keep your attention all the way to the end. Its a light mystery with interesting twists. The characters have logs of personality. I don't want to give any of the story away, but there's more than one mystery that will be unraveled that keeps our main characters on their toes. I hope the series continues, I'm looking forward to the next volume in the series to see what happens next.
This is even better than the first book! This is a wonderful series with interesting characters and storyline. It will keep your attention all the way to the end. Its a light mystery with interesting twists. The characters have logs of personality. I don't want to give any of the story away, but there's more than one mystery that will be unraveled that keeps our main characters on their toes. I hope the series continues, I'm looking forward to the next volume in the series to see what happens next.
Read
May 3, 2022A great book.
I loved the the plot. There is a great interplay between the characters. The characters are well developed and more interesting than in some crime novels I have read. One thing that I really appreciate is that it is a good crime novel without having too much of the sensational blood, gore, and explicit sex in it. Good crime novels that are written without being disgustingly smutty are hard to find. I love reading about some of the Navajo traditions.
I loved the the plot. There is a great interplay between the characters. The characters are well developed and more interesting than in some crime novels I have read. One thing that I really appreciate is that it is a good crime novel without having too much of the sensational blood, gore, and explicit sex in it. Good crime novels that are written without being disgustingly smutty are hard to find. I love reading about some of the Navajo traditions.
July 7, 2022
I think I liked this book more than the first book, although it wasn't what I expected. The plot was a little bit forced -- "Hollywood types" invade rustic Sage Landing to make a movie using the dramatic high desert setting and bring all kinds of vice and Badness with them. However, the characters continued to grow, especially Naomi. The dialogue at times reminded me of John Sandford (a good thing) and Naomi is turning out to be pretty bad-a**s. Highly recommend.
February 23, 2024
A richly entertaining novel
What an enjoyable cast of quirky characters! I loved both books in this series and hope the talented authors write more soon! Set in the late 80’s it’s a refreshing break from our present day technologically driven social scene.
I love stories that blend in Navajo & other Native American traditions, and these books blend in those traditions just lightly enough to add to the richness of the story telling.
What an enjoyable cast of quirky characters! I loved both books in this series and hope the talented authors write more soon! Set in the late 80’s it’s a refreshing break from our present day technologically driven social scene.
I love stories that blend in Navajo & other Native American traditions, and these books blend in those traditions just lightly enough to add to the richness of the story telling.
November 11, 2021
Another Really Great Cast of Characters In This Second Book
I had been waiting for this book for ages and now that I've read it, I wish I woukd have paced myself a bit but I finished it in a couple of nights. Now I have to wait for Naomi Manymules #3! Hopefully, not as long this time!
I had been waiting for this book for ages and now that I've read it, I wish I woukd have paced myself a bit but I finished it in a couple of nights. Now I have to wait for Naomi Manymules #3! Hopefully, not as long this time!
December 5, 2021
Fun and adventure abound when Hollywood movie makers come to small town Sage Landing. Soon Naomi is dealing with an old boyfriend, kids who want to intern on the movie set, and a good friend accused of murdering the leading man. A good mystery, coupled with crazy laughs that spell out a single working mother and part time paralegal’s everyday life. Can’t wait for book 3.
January 15, 2022
Enjoyable
I enjoyed this book because it was easy reading And just enough drama to make it interesting and not alot of unnecessary description of the setting. Some books go into too much detail and I have a tendency to skim over several paragraphs to get to the gist of what is going on. I like these authors & will definitely read more of their books.
I enjoyed this book because it was easy reading And just enough drama to make it interesting and not alot of unnecessary description of the setting. Some books go into too much detail and I have a tendency to skim over several paragraphs to get to the gist of what is going on. I like these authors & will definitely read more of their books.
July 13, 2022
Great series with a different twist
I very much enjoyed Bear Witness. Naomi Manymules is a very likeable character, as are her boss, her kids, and her varied circle of friends. The inclusion of Native American culture enhances the story without being pedantic, and the setting in the eighties provides a different twist. Both the mystery and the humor are well written.
I very much enjoyed Bear Witness. Naomi Manymules is a very likeable character, as are her boss, her kids, and her varied circle of friends. The inclusion of Native American culture enhances the story without being pedantic, and the setting in the eighties provides a different twist. Both the mystery and the humor are well written.
November 4, 2022
Another Winner
I love this quirky mystery series. The main characters are movably flawed....people you might want to hang out with. The plot of Bear Witness had unexpected plot twists even after the main mystery was solved. I loved it as much as the first one, Coyote Alibi. I'm looking forward to the next one.
I love this quirky mystery series. The main characters are movably flawed....people you might want to hang out with. The plot of Bear Witness had unexpected plot twists even after the main mystery was solved. I loved it as much as the first one, Coyote Alibi. I'm looking forward to the next one.
November 12, 2022
Fun to Read
I liked the fact this book was written in the first person of native descent. I liked the humor and the honesty of a working single mother raising two teenagers. She's of strong character and not a whiner. She portrays herself in a realistic light. She does her best with what she has. She puts her heritage in a positive light.
I liked the fact this book was written in the first person of native descent. I liked the humor and the honesty of a working single mother raising two teenagers. She's of strong character and not a whiner. She portrays herself in a realistic light. She does her best with what she has. She puts her heritage in a positive light.
December 15, 2022
Enjoyable Read
I really liked the characters and the flow the book. Being from the southwest, the setting for the story felt familiar and added to its appeal.
I would recommend it to anyone who likes stories about the southwest and enjoys a decent mystery.
I gave this book a rating of 5 stars because it is a good read and I enjoyed it immensely.
I really liked the characters and the flow the book. Being from the southwest, the setting for the story felt familiar and added to its appeal.
I would recommend it to anyone who likes stories about the southwest and enjoys a decent mystery.
I gave this book a rating of 5 stars because it is a good read and I enjoyed it immensely.
May 1, 2023
Very entertaining. Funny. I really enjoyed the characters and story line in this novel, and also in Coyote Alibi.
The main character is Naomi Manymules, a single mom, a Navajo woman and legal secretary. Things happen that ensure the tiny law office she works for stays busy.
Hoping there will be more Naomi Manymules adventures to come.
The main character is Naomi Manymules, a single mom, a Navajo woman and legal secretary. Things happen that ensure the tiny law office she works for stays busy.
Hoping there will be more Naomi Manymules adventures to come.
September 21, 2021
Absolutely great
I've been eagerly waiting for the next installment. It was even better than the first one. Please tell me you are working on the third one. The characters are great. The twist at the end was unexpected and I couldn't put it down
I've been eagerly waiting for the next installment. It was even better than the first one. Please tell me you are working on the third one. The characters are great. The twist at the end was unexpected and I couldn't put it down
October 18, 2021
Fun, fast-pace mystery
A pleasant, amusing mystery set in the Arizona desert. Enough potential perpetrators to keep the reader guessing. Throw in enough Navajo cultural references to interest those of us who care bout such things.
A pleasant, amusing mystery set in the Arizona desert. Enough potential perpetrators to keep the reader guessing. Throw in enough Navajo cultural references to interest those of us who care bout such things.
November 11, 2021
Humor mystery is a great escape!
Humor is difficult for a mystery book. The book is well written, interesting, and humorous. Loved it. The heroine is well developed and I can emphasize.
Humor is difficult for a mystery book. The book is well written, interesting, and humorous. Loved it. The heroine is well developed and I can emphasize.
November 23, 2021
Love everything about this and the previous book!
Characters are rich; dialogue believable and the setting is perfect. Awaiting the next installment in this series. These are really good writers!
Characters are rich; dialogue believable and the setting is perfect. Awaiting the next installment in this series. These are really good writers!
January 7, 2022
Great new mystery series (hopefully there will be more).
Light in tone and fun. Nice involvement of elements from Navajo culture. Good assortment of interesting characters. Well worth reading.
Light in tone and fun. Nice involvement of elements from Navajo culture. Good assortment of interesting characters. Well worth reading.
January 17, 2022
Wonderful overview of Navajo life
Very readable, great plot, crisp characters. Gives an inside look at Navajo culture without clunking you over the head with it. Am holding my breath waiting for book 7. (right after 3-6)
Very readable, great plot, crisp characters. Gives an inside look at Navajo culture without clunking you over the head with it. Am holding my breath waiting for book 7. (right after 3-6)
February 23, 2022
Really like this series
I enjoy the setting of this series and the main characters. It's well written and holds my interest. Usually I quit a series after a couple books but I am continuing on with this one.
I enjoy the setting of this series and the main characters. It's well written and holds my interest. Usually I quit a series after a couple books but I am continuing on with this one.
March 22, 2022
Just enough info to keep you wondering what's next!
The story is very believable and the characters add to the story! Tying the kids into the mix keeps you on edge enough to keep reading!
The story is very believable and the characters add to the story! Tying the kids into the mix keeps you on edge enough to keep reading!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews