Colonel Edward Garrett, a well-known
Custer impersonator, and other re-enactors of Custer’s
7th Cavalry parade down Main Street in Lander, Wyoming, surrounded
by local townsfolk. Arapaho and Shoshones from the local reservations
are also there, shouting that they remember Washita. Soon
several young Arapaho on horseback encircle the cavalry, intent
on reminding everyone of who beat Custer. And just like in
the battle of Little Big Horn, “Custer” is killed.
Father John O’Malley from St. Francis Mission hasn’t
missed the parade in ten years. He witnesses the event and,
when Detective Madden tells him he believes the two young
Arapaho leaders are suspects, Father John believes the young
men are innocent and sets out to prove it. I liked his character,
his understanding of the Indian ways and his patient yet dogged
determination.
Colonel Garrett’s widows asks Arapaho attorney Vicky
Holden to represent her regarding an investment her husband
made before his death. Vicky agrees, but regrets that decision
when she is asked to represent the two young Arapaho. She
refuses because to do so would be a conflict of interest,
and her frustration at being unable to represent her own people
is tangible and I could feel her inner turmoil.
As Vicky and Father John follow different paths to find Colonel
Garrett’s killer, the plot took me along several twists
and turns, revealing possible suspects and a mystery that
held me entranced. Margaret Coel is a talented author who
provides a tightly-woven, electrifying plot, while depicting
reservation life and the prejudice Indians still face. The
historical aspects of Washita and Little Big Horn are known
to many, but the pain and suffering that lingers to this day
may not. This was an excellent book, and I will definitely
be reading her previous releases in this series.
Reviews of other titles in this series
Wife
of Moon #10
Eye
of the Wolf # 11
The
Drowning Man #12
Killing
Custer #17
The
Man Who Fell From the Sky #19
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