Publishers Weekly
★ 10/01/2018
Potenza’s outstanding debut and series launch is sure to please fans of mysteries that respectfully depict Native American culture and beliefs. Sgt. Monique “Nicky” Matthews works for the Fire-Sky Pueblo police on New Mexico’s Tsiba’ashi D’yini reservation. When a missing person case is resolved as a suicide, the deceased’s relatives and Nicky’s own mysterious visions lead her to suspect murder. Despite resistance from her hostile captain, Nicky and her intriguing—but possibly untrustworthy—new colleague, Frank Martin, investigate a connection to a pair of unsolved killings from two years earlier. Their search puts them into conflict with a powerful casino magnate and brings an old flame back into Nicky’s life with unpredictable consequences. Nicky, a strong, nuanced lead, inhabits a world populated by well-developed supporting characters. Another plus is Potenza’s vivid portrayal of the desert landscape. Readers will look forward to seeing a lot more of Nicky and her friends. (Dec.)
From the Publisher
AudioFile Earphones Award winner
MAY 2019 - AudioFile
Narrator Laura Jennings believably delivers the intonations of a number of Native American characters in this mystery. What appears to be a straightforward missing persons case involving members of a local Pueblo tribe takes on a supernatural twist when police sergeant Nicky Matthews has a vision of an old woman who may or may not be the Wind Mother, or "kachina." Jennings portrays characters who range from deep and serious young men to gravelly and steady old women. She seamlessly transitions to the youthful voice of Matthews, a non-native, who is surrounded by skeptical colleagues and must fight to get to the truth. Overall, Jennings's reserved tone and low pitch give a note of solemnity and respect to a culture that has been historically marginalized. E.E. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine
Kirkus Reviews
2018-09-18
When Sgt. Monique "Nicky" Matthews is asked to investigate the disappearance of a young Fire-Sky Pueblo woman, she finds her search impeded by cultural beliefs, evil spirits, and even members of her own squad.
Despite their beautiful New Mexico surroundings, the Fire-Sky Natives cope with serious problems, to the point that suicide-by-train has become a sadly standard event. However, when one mangled corpse is discovered without its heart, Matthews knows that no train did that. According to Pueblo religious culture, a person's body must be intact at burial so the person can attain spiritual peace. When Matthews and her stalwart cohorts investigate further, they uncover a plot that ranges from cultural rites and abuses to earthly evil and greed. Unfortunately for the reader, the author tries to combine too many elements, creating confusion as she swings from one trail to the next. Also, Matthews, whom the reader will like for her tenacity, has so many physical reactions to events ("Nicky's blood fluttered," "her flesh crawled") that the reader is distracted, wondering what body part will act up next. This detracts from the author's strengths—a good ear for dialogue and an understanding and respect for the places and people in the novel.
A convoluted plot may leave readers respecting Matthews but too tired to appreciate the exploration of tribal culture and customs.
