Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Words can't adequately describe how surprised and delighted I am to have stumbled upon this book, and thus, this author. Chappell R. Allen has just opened up a world of delight for us (my wife and me). We have been fans of Tony Hillerman since the 1970s, and have read all he had written. May he rest in peace. We also have read many of the books of the Thurlos, which were also entertaining. But Chappell writes at a whole new level of intimate knowledge and understanding about the Diné Bikéya and her people that is so professional, so well-presented. It's a whole new world. In fact, Chappell's very way of writing somehow--some way I can't put my finger on--his wordage, his style, his mood--is reminiscent of feelings one could get from earlier, great writers of the Four Corners Southwest: writers like Paul Horgan espcecially come to mind. I'm from pioneer Southern New Mexico-Far West Texas pioneer families, and my wife is descended from tough, good Northern Mexican Campesino stock, and we know and love the Southwest well, and have lived in Farmington and worked at a mine with the Diné, whom we like so well. This story parrallels a lot of the action found in Thurlo and especially in Hillerman mysteries, but it is unique--I think the best way to express it is, it's written "imbedded," close to the ground; close to the people, the action. The plot and its development is also very unique and interesting. It is excitingly and pleasingly realistic! The plots, the action--it's all believable (so many similar books have these dialogs and relationships and developments that are too contrived, require the reader to accept too much too easily. But all Chappell writes sounds right! It really must have happened! We are now instantaneous fans, and we want to read everything Chappell has written. My only question is, Why in the world isn't he better known! He should be. He writes first-class cultural literature.