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laura_corsi's review against another edition
4.0
A crime drama set in the Black Hills of South Dakota on the Lakota reservation following Virgil Wounded Horse. Virgil has become an off the books enforcer of “Indian Justice” who helps when the feds refuse to investigate a crime. Virgil is conflicted about his role as enforcer as well as his identity as a Lakota man. However, one day it’s Virgil and his nephew who need the help of an enforcer. But sometimes the only way to get a job done is to do it yourself..I really, really hope this becomes a series.
magicant's review against another edition
Currently not in the mood, will return to it.
reneelewis22's review against another edition
3.0
I was interested in the culture, but it was a bit gory for me.
bookish_emily's review against another edition
5.0
Virgil Wounded Horse is the man people turn to on the Rosebud Reservation when they can't get justice through federal law enforcement, which ignores nearly all crimes short of murder. For a price, he'll provide the punishment the courts won't. When his teenage nephew becomes embroiled in a drug scandal, Virgil makes it his mission to find out where the drugs are coming from and stop them from getting onto the reservation. Along the way he has to confront and come to terms with his Native identity.
Though a work of fiction, Winter Counts is an eye-opening glimpse into life on a Native American reservation in the 21st century. The book is well-plotted with a great cast of characters. The mystery and action pull the reader through the story. A great read for any thriller fans or fans of the movie Wind River.
Though a work of fiction, Winter Counts is an eye-opening glimpse into life on a Native American reservation in the 21st century. The book is well-plotted with a great cast of characters. The mystery and action pull the reader through the story. A great read for any thriller fans or fans of the movie Wind River.
bookph1le's review against another edition
2.0
Definitely need to preface this by saying I gave it two stars because it didn't work for me, not because it's a bad book. It's always hard to write reviews like this and I'm always left with mixed feelings because there is so much in this book that really made me think long and hard about the treatment of indigenous people in the U.S. This is an issue that white people must think about and reckon with.
However, the mystery simply didn't work for me, both because I found the pacing too slow and because I figured out what was coming before the big reveals. I wish the book would have focused more on Virgil and Nathan's relationship and less on Virgil's relationship with Marie.
The anti-fat bias here was really disappointing.
I do want to say, though, that there's no question in my mind that this is well worth a read simply to learn what it's like to be an indigenous person in the U.S.
However, the mystery simply didn't work for me, both because I found the pacing too slow and because I figured out what was coming before the big reveals. I wish the book would have focused more on Virgil and Nathan's relationship and less on Virgil's relationship with Marie.
The anti-fat bias here was really disappointing.
I do want to say, though, that there's no question in my mind that this is well worth a read simply to learn what it's like to be an indigenous person in the U.S.
randinehls's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
glduran's review against another edition
This is the first book by the author. It was so good. The characterizations were so well drawn; for days after I finished it I would find myself thinking about them and where they were heading. I really look forward to anything else the author writes.
saint_eleanor's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
This was really awesome and well written so im logging it at a 4 but my personal rating is probably 3.5 tbh. A classic mystery novel set on a Lakota reservation in which a local justice enforcer is trying to figure out who is bringing heroin etc into his community.
It was definitely super addictive and the writing was great and the characters were believable and i feel its a particularly important story to tell, but crime mysteries just arent my thing I’m realizing.
It was definitely super addictive and the writing was great and the characters were believable and i feel its a particularly important story to tell, but crime mysteries just arent my thing I’m realizing.
pipa_reads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
rebelliousflare's review against another edition
3.0
Virgil Wounded Horse. But alas even he couldn't save the book's meandering for a whole 200 pages. First 100 and last 50 ish pages were gold, and I enjoyed the exploration of Native identity and what justice means when you take it into your own hands. Curious for the next book!