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meiklejohn's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
psalmcat's review against another edition
4.0
I'm nearly caught up in this series, yahoo!
So, Vicki's back on the reservation, Father John is once again fighting to save the mission from the Church's businessmen. But the crux of the case revolves around the presence of a cult-like reorganization of the Shadow Dancers, founded after the Plains Indians were nearly completely exterminated at the end of the 19th century. The reorg was begun by a local rancher and is fueled by apocalyptic vision and Valium, but it has begun to attract people who only want the white people gone from their lives.
Mixed up in all this is the disappearance of a young man who used to play baseball for Father John's mission team, and the continuing complications of Vicki and John's relationship. Even with the murder of Vicki's ex-husband, a man with so many issues it's hard to know where to start, their friendship is at odds with what people expect.
However, once the case is solved (before a dam is dynamited by cult members, after Vicki kills someone else, and once the mission is saved again) Vicki finally pulls the plug on any hopes for the future of her love for John. She will stay on the rez, but she has to get on with her life without endangering his vocation.
At last, the tension may be lessened in the next book. It was getting positively ridiculous.
So, Vicki's back on the reservation, Father John is once again fighting to save the mission from the Church's businessmen. But the crux of the case revolves around the presence of a cult-like reorganization of the Shadow Dancers, founded after the Plains Indians were nearly completely exterminated at the end of the 19th century. The reorg was begun by a local rancher and is fueled by apocalyptic vision and Valium, but it has begun to attract people who only want the white people gone from their lives.
Mixed up in all this is the disappearance of a young man who used to play baseball for Father John's mission team, and the continuing complications of Vicki and John's relationship. Even with the murder of Vicki's ex-husband, a man with so many issues it's hard to know where to start, their friendship is at odds with what people expect.
However, once the case is solved (before a dam is dynamited by cult members, after Vicki kills someone else, and once the mission is saved again) Vicki finally pulls the plug on any hopes for the future of her love for John. She will stay on the rez, but she has to get on with her life without endangering his vocation.
At last, the tension may be lessened in the next book. It was getting positively ridiculous.
jamread2021's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoy this series and see the possibility of growth in Vicky.
skinnypenguin's review
5.0
Father John is asked to look for the grandson of a couple if his parishioners. Vicky is shocked by the shooting death of her ex husband and is considered a suspect. She starts investigating and it leads her to the Shadow Ranch and a supposed prophet. Father John's search also leads him to the ranch.
Eventually the young man is found murdered and the two cases are connected. They are trying to link it to the goings on at the ranch. Vicky is also dealing with strong feelings about her exhusband and his family. Father John has to deal with the church wanting to close down the Mission.
A good mystery involving religion both Christian and Indian.
Eventually the young man is found murdered and the two cases are connected. They are trying to link it to the goings on at the ranch. Vicky is also dealing with strong feelings about her exhusband and his family. Father John has to deal with the church wanting to close down the Mission.
A good mystery involving religion both Christian and Indian.
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