The Eagle Catcher

The first in the mystery series by Margaret Coel is set on the Wyoming Wind River Reservation of the Arapahos. Father John O'Malley, a mission priest, and Arapaho attorney Vicky Holden labor to discover who killed a tribal chairman. The imperfect sound quality in this recording detracts from Stephanie Brush's poised and lively narration of issues of modern Indian life and tradition, fraud and murder. Nonetheless, Brush dexterously blends details of the vivid countryside, culture, history and conspiracy. B.J.L. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

May 1, 1995
Murder is only one element in this debut mystery, which also takes on interracial romance, the exploitation of Indian lands and the political ambitions of a former county commissioner who's also a gubernatorial candidate. Father John O'Malley has been banished from Boston to the dirt-poor mission at Wyoming's Wind River Reservation to recover from his alcoholism. When the tribal chairman is killed, an obnoxious FBI agent arrests the chairman's nephew. In an effort to help, Father John joins forces with Vicky Holden, a feisty, 40-something Arapaho attorney for whom he stoically suffers an unpriestly attraction. Into this modestly suspenseful tale, Coel (Chief Lefthand) weaves often insightful commentary about Arapaho culture, bigotry and the widespread alcoholism among Western tribes. Likable, well-drawn characters and a lively pace mark this novel--which appears poised for a sequel--for Hillerman fans.