White Shell Woman

Charlie Moon #7

by James D. Doss

The two sandstone monoliths towering over the southern Colorado landscape are wrapped in ancient mystery. To the local tribes, they are the Twin War Gods, sons of the moon goddess, White Shell Woman. Legends tell of strange happenings in their shadows, of lost treasure and Anasazi blood sacrifice. But it is a much more recent history that troubles former Ute policeman-turned-rancher Charlie Moon, specifically the fresh corpse of a young Native American woman unearthed at an archaeological dig.

Genres: Mystery, Native American, Fiction, Westerns, Indigenous, Crime, Indian Literature

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 8, 2002

About the author

James D. Doss (1939, Kentucky, -17 May 2012) was a noted American mystery novel author. He was the creator of the popular fictional Ute detective/rancher Charlie Moon, of whom he wrote 17 mystery novels. James "Danny" Doss was born and raised in Kentucky and died in Los Alamos, New Mexico. He was also an electrical engineer who worked on particle accelerators and biomedical technology for the University of California's Los Alamos National Laboratory, while writing his novels. After retirement from Los Alamos National Laboratory, he continued to write his popular novels while living in Taos, New Mexico and Los Alamos, New Mexico.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Doss

Reviews

[Janice · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars for this one.

[Nancy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wouldn't have finished this, but it was chosen by my book club. I was hoping to find a series I liked, but this was not one. The characters were unbelieveable and I did not like the writing style. Too many description that were silly or overdone such as we're all alone now like two shunks in a church. Two shunks in a church...??? Or try to remember what you learned in grammar school...don't dip the little redhaired girl's pigtail in the inkwell. ??? What is he 90?
The whole story revolved around a mystery that was solved by the main character with very little support for the reader throughout the story. I'll pass on any more of these.

[Francis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I basically love this series. I really enjoy the characters, the setting, the combination of mystery and mysticism. This book was a bit of a let down for me when it came to the solution. It just seemed like the solution was based on too much conjecture and not enough solid evidence. So you were left with that how did he come to detail the exact circumstances of the crime with the amount of evidence presented in the book?

A little bit of a let down but it was good to spend some time again on the rez, in the high country, with some characters I've grown found of.

[Sonja · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started this book a long...…. time ago but it got lost in the shuffle. I am glad I found it and finally got to finish it. I had never read any of Doss' books but this was a fun little mystery. I do not think I lost any of the plot from not reading the six prior in the series. If you are looking for something light this would be a good choice.

[Laura Knaapen · Rating 2 out of 5]

His writing style annoys me, but I just can't seem to quit reading the series. I guess I must like the stories and the characters. Or I'm just obsessive-compulsive.

P.S. What happened to the girl (Sarah Franks) who was staying with Daisy? She was in the last book, but is absent in this one.

[Debbie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was hoping this would contain more serious treatment of the Native American spiritual beliefs, but to me it only felt like a back drop for the author to create a cast of wacky characters. I was disappointed and could not finish it.

[Darens Bretous]

James D. Doss’ White Shell Woman Book Review:

A book’s characters should breath life into the story. The characters should be able to transport the read into the world of the story all be themselves. One such book with characters that lively is James D. Doss’ White Shell Woman. These characters feel like they could have existed. The characters feel like they are real people instead of some robots whose only purpose is to progress a plot line into a final conclusion. The characters’ attitudes, interactions, and thought processes are one of this book’s strong suits.

The characters in White Shell Woman have great interactions, attitudes, and thoughts; making the book feel lively and real. When two or more characters have a conversation it feels like you’re there, watching the discussion. When someone gives an insult or a complement, there is a serious weight behind it; as if they are two people who have known each other for long enough to make such a comment. Each character has his or her own attitude, making them realistically unique. When a character is upset or overjoyed, their words, thoughts, and actions express it perfectly. Especially when a character is feeling a certain way and then discovers something new that completely changes their mood. The thought processes of the characters are something to behold. They make points and internal commentary that I wouldn’t have ever thought of. And when a idea is shot down, the understanding yet disappointment is very relatable.

The quality of the characters thoughts, attitudes, and interactions are part of what makes this book so great. They are made out to be real people in a fictitious storyline. And even if you don’t pick up this book for the characters, they will certainly improve your reading experience. James D. Doss’ White Shell Woman has been such a great read and I hope you will think so to.

[Ginny Goldberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked this story line. How it played out and how it was all tied together at the end. It was entertaining. I find the interaction between Daisy Perika and her friend, Louise-Marie LaForte, hilarious. Whenever those two are featured you know something completely off-beat and laugh out loud is about to occur. It might not be immediately evident; however, as the story progresses you will be laughing in glee at their antics. I am disappointed by the fact that Scott Parris has devolved into more of a supporting stock character who is there at the end when Charlie Moon describes how the crime happened and how he figured it out. In the beginning Scott's character was as interesting as Charlie Moon's. I am hoping that Doss changes that in the remaining books. Time well tell as I work my way through the series.

[Shelley C · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK, this has to be the best Charlie Moon mystery yet. The only complaint I have about it is that the hallucinations and the repeat of the story was a little too long. I think you could’ve ended it about 50 pages earlier. It is true, however, that with each telling of the story or the myth that the modern details were filled in more completely. I remember what I read my first mystery. I was confused by all of the dreams and visions. But now I understand them more clearly. I might go back and read some of those again because now I get the details and insinuations more clearly. I thought this book had the most humor in it. So even though the hallucinations got a little too repeated often I still liked the book.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sales receipt was still tucked into this paperback so I know I purchased it from the one-of-a-kind Singing Wind Bookshop in Benson, Arizona. The date February 24, 2009. It’s had an undisturbed rest in a bookcase for nearly 11 years.

I’m sorry it took me so long to pickup this Charlie Moon mystery. Would love to read more but I find few available through my libraries and copies are pricy on Amazon. Something to look for the next time I’m lucky enough to visit Singing Wind. The story was more meaningful to me because I did visit the book’s setting, Chimney Rock National Monument, two years ago.

[Jay Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

So CharlieMoon is no longer a cope for the Ute Police. He was given a large ranch and now that is his income source. He is bored but after a visit by the Tribal Council leader he is hired to be a special investigator for the tribe. His first case is a murder on the Ute Reservation. While the FBI has jurisdiction, as a private investigator, he is not restricted. His relationship with his new girlfriend becomes strained and his investigation heats up. It was average up to this point but it becomes really interesting in the last third of the book. I was worried about the series, but I think it definitely has places to go.

[Allyssa Parker · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this is a fun dipping of toes into the intricate culture of the American Southwest (as someone who has lived in different parts of it), the mystery here was very hands-off. We gained no clues and therefore had to wait until the very end for the reveal of who done it.
I do appreciate the inclusion of more than one Native culture into the story- it reminds me of home (NM). Aunt Daisy was by far my favorite character and I would definitely read books starring her!
I have one more of his books on my shelf that I will read before I decide to continue with the series.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another fine book in the series. The characters and the dialogue are humorous against a background of murder and mayhem. I am progressing through the entire series. I do have to say that this book is a bit less well done. The last few pages of the book are dedicated to providing a solution that is a surprise ending, but not one that is really backed up by clues found in the book. Nonetheless, I do plan on reading the rest of the series.

[Marilyn Saul · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was my first, and will be my last, foray into Charlie Moon books. I sincerely disliked Charlie. Arrogant, dismissive of other people's views and opinions, downright mean-spirited when it came to his Aunt Daisy's re-telling of ancient legends and history of her (their) people. With the exception of Aunt Daisy, all of the other women were shallow caricatures, lending a startling misogynistic overtone to the book.

[Emma Jane LaVallie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Charlie Moon's Auntie Daisy!! Always fun for a chuckle. James Doss brings his characters to life as well as the beauty of the natural setting.

Love Charlie Moon's Auntie Daisy!! Always fun for chuckle. She reminds me of my aunts!
James Doss brings his characters to life as well as the beauty of the natural setting.

[Sandy Thorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

White Shell Woman

I thought I had read all the books with Charlie Moon. Then I found this one. Are there more after 7? I really love these stories. Love the characters and the interwoven education about the legends and history of Native Americans. The First People.Thank you to the author.

[Chick Marks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining but not extraordinary

[steve christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't get enough of Charlie Moon

Started with the first book won't stop until the last! Very good reading makes you want more of Aunt Daisy and to see what happens next.

[A.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent "shaman" mystery! I love this series!

[Maureen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love this series….Charlie is a good guy…love his cranky aunt Daisy

[Johan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed it.

He's a better writer than Margaret Coel. Better formatting and editing. Flows better. Great characterization. Recommended reading. Done .done . done

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

good read

[Kelly J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I love all the books in this series. I love the way the author gives the characters great personalities. Very entertaining.

[mandy newell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adventuresome read. Charlie moon and his beloved aunt Daisy Perika are extremely entertaining to read, and their dialogue cracks me tf up. 5 stars across the board!

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ute Tribal Investigator Charlie Moon solves another mystery, this one tied up with myths surrounding sacred rock formations known as the Twin War Gods and secrets left behind by the Anasazi. An archaeologist is found dead at a site in outhern Colorado where a new petroglyph is later unearthed. Charlie and FBI agents come investigate the crime from different angles and a tangled web ensues as more mysterious events and murders ensue. On the way to a very satisfying solution, we are blessed with much wit and humor surrounding the colorful cast of characters Doss puts into play. As usual, Moon's delightfully eccentric Aunt Daisy, a shaman elder, plays a major role in the tale.

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

#7 in the Charlie Moon, Southern Colorado Ute Indian, former tribal policeman and now special investigator for the Ute tribe. This mystery contains the usual Native American beliefs, customs, legends that are woven into the plots of this series.

Plot here involves Anasazi legends and beliefs at an archaeological site where there has been mysterious goings on and eventually murder and attempted murder.

[Cat. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlie Moon is back, no longer officially employed as a cop. He's now a rancher. But he is asked to investigate the death of an archaeologist killed while trying to find further information on old hidden treasure. Pretty good, but I think I missed a book in the series.

[T J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlie Moon is helping out his tribe when a bloody murder is discovered at a dig site not far from his Aunt's place. This one is wrapped in ancient lore and White Shell Women is right in the middle. This will keep you guessing to the very end.

[Serena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the characters, and their world and hope I get the chance to read the story again and/or to read more within the series.

My Rating System:
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has been one of my favorite Charlie Moon mysteries so far. Some of it really gave me the creeps, especially since I'm a bed time reader, but that is part of the fun of being a Doss fan. Anyone who is interested in the many mysteries surrounding the Anasazi might want to read this novel.