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Wind River Reservation #10
Wife of Moon
In Margaret Coel's latest Wind River Reservation mystery, an atrocity from the past has resurfaced with a vengeance.
Two murders-a century apart-are linked to photographs taken of the Arapahos on the reservation in 1907, currently on display at St. Francis' Mission. As they begin their investigation, Father John O'Malley and Vicky Holden unearth secrets best left buried.
Two murders-a century apart-are linked to photographs taken of the Arapahos on the reservation in 1907, currently on display at St. Francis' Mission. As they begin their investigation, Father John O'Malley and Vicky Holden unearth secrets best left buried.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2004
About the author
Margaret Coel
62 books497 followersMargaret Coel is the New York Times bestselling, award-winning author of the acclaimed novels featuring Father John O'Malley and Vicky Holden, as well as several works of nonfiction. Originally a historian by trade, she is considered an expert on the Arapaho Indians.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
November 19, 2022
Father John and Vicky join forces to solve a disappearance and a murder.
October 28, 2018
The Arapaho mysteries with Father John and Vicky have long been a go-to author. I knew I missed one or two books. This is the first time I have read this book and it did not disappoint. Father John has an assistant and then the curator of the Arapaho museum is missing. The Wyoming state senator is planning on visiting the Reservation as he announces he is running for President. The Indians recognize the Indians in the 1907 recreation of an Arapaho village and the death of the last chief daughter. Descendant of the chief are being killed and someone is looking for an object on the Reservation. The twists and turns will hold your attention as Vicky and Father John look for answers to prevent more killings. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND SERIES.
November 21, 2017
Interesting comparing what may have happened in 1907 with current time. You can almost see and feel the poverty and pride of Father John’s parishioners. With some excellent twists, this is another who dunit.
July 7, 2019
This is another mystery in the Wind River series. The early part of the book is well done and one can see how the author matured over time. My main problem with this one was that the most of the mystery was summed up on a brief conversation between the protagonists. This may be due to the constraints on the length of the book coupled with the difficulty for writing two separate stories - present day, and 1907.
This book is below average for this author. It was not terrible, it was just not up to her normal level. I enjoy her writing and look forward to reading more. This particular book seemed like the author had a great idea but was unable to manage the complexity of the format she chose. Any one who is a fan of the series should read this, but not expect that it will be good as some of her other books.
This book is below average for this author. It was not terrible, it was just not up to her normal level. I enjoy her writing and look forward to reading more. This particular book seemed like the author had a great idea but was unable to manage the complexity of the format she chose. Any one who is a fan of the series should read this, but not expect that it will be good as some of her other books.
August 29, 2022
Another good read in this series. The ending was a bit less than satisfying but the good guys can't always win.
November 15, 2018
I read this in 2011, so I won't write a review until I read it again. As I remember, this wasn't one of my favorites.
February 5, 2009
I think this is one of the better ones in the series. I don't know if I agree with the conclusion, but I am a lot more vindictive.
July 26, 2020
I'm reading these books in order, and I just finished this one. I'm not going to review the book, but, rather, I'd just like to say that Margaret Coel's Wind River books are like comfort food for me. I find that I have to read another to settle down after reading a gritty C. J. Box Pickett book, or a political novel, or whatever. It's much like when I had to read Janet Evanovich after digesting a few Spensers or Cormoran Strikes (JK Rowling's private eye). I like detective mysteries.
But, and this is important to me as well, Coel depicts the supporting law enforcement agencies with respect. So many authors of Native American (and game warden) mysteries depict the local sheriffs and FBI agents as either non-caring idiots or complete, over-the-top stereotypes. Not so with Coel. The FBI agent understands the native culture, although he is bound by Federal guidelines. He is not a macho buffoon. Same for the Tribal Police officers and sheriff (Is Sheriff Banner Tribal or local?).
At first I was uncertain I would like her whole premise of a Jesuit priest solving mysteries on the reservation. So much of the Navajo (yes, I know, Wind River is Arapaho) culture was destroyed by the missionaries in the late 1800's. And being non-theistic, I hoped that there would not be a lot of Christianity displayed in the stories. Coel does a wonderful job of mixing the two spiritualities without an overdose of organized religion. Needless to say, I don't mind that a priest is the major player. It all blends perfectly.
But, and this is important to me as well, Coel depicts the supporting law enforcement agencies with respect. So many authors of Native American (and game warden) mysteries depict the local sheriffs and FBI agents as either non-caring idiots or complete, over-the-top stereotypes. Not so with Coel. The FBI agent understands the native culture, although he is bound by Federal guidelines. He is not a macho buffoon. Same for the Tribal Police officers and sheriff (Is Sheriff Banner Tribal or local?).
At first I was uncertain I would like her whole premise of a Jesuit priest solving mysteries on the reservation. So much of the Navajo (yes, I know, Wind River is Arapaho) culture was destroyed by the missionaries in the late 1800's. And being non-theistic, I hoped that there would not be a lot of Christianity displayed in the stories. Coel does a wonderful job of mixing the two spiritualities without an overdose of organized religion. Needless to say, I don't mind that a priest is the major player. It all blends perfectly.
September 15, 2017
Another good mystery in this series. The story starts with a scene from the past and then shifts to events in the present. A man's wife is killed and it is thought he did it. He professes innocence and hires Vicky Holden to defend him. As she looks into the case she is drawn deeper into the mystery.
The mission has opened a museum and has a showing of famous photos from a famous western photographer. The curator goes missing as the same time as the wife's death. Father John looks into it. They are trying to raise funds for the mission and have asked a Senator to come to the reservation for a visit. He is thinking about running for president and figures it would look good to make an appearance. His ancestors are.linked to the tribe and it is this link that is causing all the problems.
There are some old photos that may have shown are murder and the curator and others are looking for them for different reasons. The curator's husband is looking for her also and is not a nice person. Everything is connected and Father John and Vicky are right in the middle of it all. The story describes some of the injustices done to.the plains tribes.
The mission has opened a museum and has a showing of famous photos from a famous western photographer. The curator goes missing as the same time as the wife's death. Father John looks into it. They are trying to raise funds for the mission and have asked a Senator to come to the reservation for a visit. He is thinking about running for president and figures it would look good to make an appearance. His ancestors are.linked to the tribe and it is this link that is causing all the problems.
There are some old photos that may have shown are murder and the curator and others are looking for them for different reasons. The curator's husband is looking for her also and is not a nice person. Everything is connected and Father John and Vicky are right in the middle of it all. The story describes some of the injustices done to.the plains tribes.
August 6, 2021
Another Wind River mystery and another set of high marks for Margaret Coel. Father John O'Malley has a new curator for the St. Francis Mission Arapaho museum, a highly-energetic woman named Christine Nelson. She has been able to bring in a collection of 1907 Arapaho photos by Edward S. Curtis, a noted chronicler of Native Americans. Father John also has a new assistant, Father Damien, who has lots of ideas for the mission. One of them is cozying up to a Wyoming U.S. senator who wants to run for president. Then, the wife of a local Indian activist is found with a bullet in the head, an apparent suicide but her husband T.J. becomes a murder suspect. Father John's friend, attorney Vicky Jordan, takes on T.J.'s case. Running parallel to these events is a separate story of the 1907 photo shoot which may have involved the covered-up murder of a chief's daughter who was married to a white man. Both storylines and their eventual dovetailing are typical of Coel's talented work.
November 21, 2022
Excellent Wind River Reservation mystery. A memorable aspect for me was how the death of a tribal chief’s daughter in 1907 and deaths of a tribal leader and his wife almost 100 years later were both woven into the same mystery. The way that an Arapaho elder handled property in 1907 and the way that a 21st century Arapaho elder handled property in the 21st century resulted in building and healing the tribe each time. Probably just a story around the wise actions of the two tribal elders would have been great, but add Vicky Holden’s and Father John O’Malley’s thoughts, emotions and actions to these stories and the reader gets the whole context about each elder seeing through each of the difficult circumstances to find and fulfill true wisdom. Maybe more than 4 stars would make sense because the text includes 2 instances of cutting through emotion and unknowns to wise action to benefit many. That kind of dedication to others is not common in mystery novels.
April 12, 2019
Two murders-a century apart-are linked to photographs Edward Curtis took of the Arapahos in 1907. Margaret Coel imagines Curtis left in a rush after inadvertently capturing the murder of the chief’s daughter on film. Although Curtis never printed the photos, it looks like someone else did, with terrible consequences. The mystery is set on Wyoming’s Wind River Reservation where an exhibit of Curtis photographs is on display.
I read this after seeing an exhibit of Curtis' extraordinary photographs on display at the James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art in St. Petersburg.
I read this after seeing an exhibit of Curtis' extraordinary photographs on display at the James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art in St. Petersburg.
July 16, 2020
Just not my type of book. I get tired reading about those noble indians (now indigenous peoples) and the bad white folks. Just not my experience having grown up in an area about 1/3 of mixed race indian/white who are all now claiming to be indigenous -- don't blame them given the magnitude of the Government handouts). Can't wait for a time when race is no longer any factor in life but everyone is treated the same with no special status or privilege. Not in my lifetime, I'm afraid. Things on the equality front seem to be getting worse-- not better!
August 18, 2020
This is my first book by this author. While I found the premise of the story to be interesting, the author’s writing is too simplistic for me. The descriptions are trite, lack originality and color. A sense of place was missing for me because the author’s words are overused and common. I will not read any of her further works.
Several years ago I read all of Tony Hillerman’s Navaho tribal police novels and enjoyed them. Hillerman’s work is rich in cultural details. I found that lacking here.
Several years ago I read all of Tony Hillerman’s Navaho tribal police novels and enjoyed them. Hillerman’s work is rich in cultural details. I found that lacking here.
April 16, 2021
This is a novel in a series with Father John O'Malley and lawyer, Vicky Holden. Fascinating story about the Arapaho Indians on the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming and the photos taken of them by photographer, Edward S. Curtis around 1907. Parts are based on documented facts about the sad consequences of the land allotments acts. When Curtis's photos are displayed at the museum on the Reservation, history repeats itself. A current murder is linked to one a century ago. You can't read this story without thinking about the history of the United States and the legacy of Native Americans.
October 9, 2024
Every novel that I have read by Margaret Coel has been amazing. "Wife of Moon" was no exception. From the first page to the last, the plot kept moving. The main characters, Vicki Holden and Father John O'Malley of St. Francis Mission are once again embroiled in an intriguing historical fiction/mystery/thriller. Each novel provides a complete plot. There is no need to read Ms. Coel's novels in order. If you are looking for a well-written novel based on native American history, you will find her novels to be interesting, intriguing and well worth your time!
July 9, 2018
Just discovered this author, even though I’ve had this book on my list to read for several years. I’m very pleased with this story.
Very suspenseful, and kept me guessing.
Her knowledge of the Arapaho culture seems quite genuine.
She held my attention throughout the story. Even her flashbacks to prior times contributed to the story line and was not confusing.
Good book, however, sorry I started with 1 of the last of the series. Will have to go back to number 1!
Very suspenseful, and kept me guessing.
Her knowledge of the Arapaho culture seems quite genuine.
She held my attention throughout the story. Even her flashbacks to prior times contributed to the story line and was not confusing.
Good book, however, sorry I started with 1 of the last of the series. Will have to go back to number 1!
January 5, 2020
This is the first novel I have read by this author, who is considered an expert on Arapaho Indians. This story, while fictional, did include real persons and history. I had a hard time with the characterizations and descriptions of scenery and actions. The writing seemed simplistic to meand I am not a fan of historical fiction. It is unlikely I will read anything else by the author. My favorite mysteries are those written by authors from the U.K.
November 14, 2022
Margaret Coel
I've read and reread the Wind River Series. In this book, she grew her descriptive writing style into a carefully refined work of art. We always loved her characterization but she blossomed here into a more mature, worthy and notable writer. I'm hoping the rest of her books are as carefully and beautifully fleshed out. I am a writer who lives in Wyoming and I appreciate her loving care of our Western culture.
I've read and reread the Wind River Series. In this book, she grew her descriptive writing style into a carefully refined work of art. We always loved her characterization but she blossomed here into a more mature, worthy and notable writer. I'm hoping the rest of her books are as carefully and beautifully fleshed out. I am a writer who lives in Wyoming and I appreciate her loving care of our Western culture.
June 10, 2023
Murder in 1907 influences current deaths and events on the Rez. Curtis, a fabled American West photographer, flees after an Arapaho wife is killed on one of his sets. She was the wife of a White man who walked off with all her property after her supposed death by three Arapahoe warriors, hung for the murder without representation. The current governor, considering a presidential goal, is the grandson of this White settler and his second White wife. Murder ensues.
June 16, 2020
THis is my first book by this author. I liked it very much~ it got my interest right away. I only wish I had started at the beginning of the series, instead of the middle. I love reading detective stories set in rural settings, and I love series. I will now look for the first of the series, The EAgle Catcher. Well written. I found her writing style interesting and pleasing.
July 24, 2020
When I woke up at 1:30 this morning, I knew I'd have to finish the book if I were going to get back to sleep. I had read the climax and had only the last chapter to read, but I just needed those loose ends tied up. This, to me, is the mark of a good book--not good for my sleep, but great as a book.
January 6, 2021
The title is the whole story. Marry a white man and death seems to follow the family for the last 100 yrs. Wife of moon is an old Arapahoe tail of looking at the moon sideways, you see the face of a white man. This mystery was very well put together and it wasn't until the last few chapters that the readers learns who did what.
June 1, 2021
One of her best! The historical tie-in is fascinating and believable--Edward S. Curtis, the photographer of the Western tribes, visits the Arapaho to take pictures of their way of life. Curtis has the tribe re-enact an attack on them from an another tribe. His picture of that attack has echoing consequences down to the present day. Excellent tension and a development in Vickie's life.
November 1, 2021
In book 10, a 1907 killing affects modern life. Coel wraps Arapaho culture around a murder, some history and a presidential candidate. Father O'Malley plays in the plot but not as much as Vicki. The book flashes back to 1907 on occasion and the listener must account for that. I enjoyed the book, plot and characters...some of them were hateful. Onward to book #11
September 9, 2018
Another compelling novel by Ms. Coel! As I have said before, I enjoy spending time with this series and the returning characters, Vicky Holden and Father John O'Malley. I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a twisting "who dun it" story and Native American culture.
March 6, 2019
Another solid entry in the Wind River Reservation series...murders, a century apart and 100 year old photos carry clues bring troubles that have to be confronted by both Father John and Vickie Holden...good stuff!!!
August 12, 2019
This storyline looks back on the untenable practices of treating Native Americans as children who need a white "keeper," and then the abuse of Indian women by white men who married and often murdered them for their land.
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July 5, 2020A series of events happen when an exhibition of photography of Indian life comes to Wind River. An Indian woman was killed during the shots. Years later a descendant is killed and Vicky and Father John must figure out the connections. Read if the do and what it nust be.
August 10, 2017
A little tired of the big bad power guys. This one held my interest because of the Curtis angle--love those photos, even if I know what they cost his family. Still. This series feels a little tired.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews