Margaret Coel's Wind River Mysteries

This month, Margaret Coel has two new releases, her Wind River Mystery series, NIGHT OF THE WHITE BUFFALO in paperback, and THE MAN WHO FELL FROM THE SKY in hardcover. Set in beautiful backdrop of the plains and mountains of Wyoming, Ms. Coel takes her readers on a cultural journey into the Arapaho Nation.

About the Wind River Mystery series

Vicky Holden, an attorney, left the Reservation for ten years to attain her education, but now she’s back with an unlikely partner in Father John O’Malley, a recovering alcoholic who’s finally found the peace he couldn’t attain before adopting the Native American ways. The two are a refreshing duo that Ms. Coel has brought to life in an intriguing relationship that crosses the societal boundaries set for life partners. Although not romantic, their bond is set deeply within the character’s souls as they solve crimes together that effect the Arapaho way of life.

Vicky grew up on the Rez, but after leaving to obtain her degree, she’s gained knowledge and habits of people outside her community that make her feel like more of an outcast, than a member of her people. While Father John, with his tall lanky form and red hair seems to fit into the Arapaho society with his inner struggles and quiet thoughtful manners.

In NIGHT OF THE WHITE BUFFALO, Father John is up to his clerical collar in murder when a man confesses to the crime. Although wanting forgiveness, the cowboy isn’t sorry for his actions despite admitting the act was premeditated. When absolution is denied without responsibility being taken, the suspect disappears on the wind before Father O’Malley can identify the killer. But the death discoveries don’t stop at St. Francis Mission, they continue two months later when Vicky discovers a rancher dead along the highway and a sacred white buffalo calf recently born on his land.

In her latest release, THE MAN WHO FELL FROM THE SKY, Coel introduces her readers to more outsiders who were accepted and protected by the community, while members, with Arapaho blood running through their veins, seem left out in the cold—like the widow of a resident who’s body is found in the lake waters of the reservation. Identifying with the widow’s position, Vicky believes her claims that she feels her dead husband’s fear in the waters and on the land, and knows his death was neither accident nor suicide. Robert Walking Bear was killed for his knowledge of Butch Cassidy’s treasure hidden somewhere on the Rez.

In each novel, Ms. Coel steps into the past, touching on myths, legends and history. Intertwining her methodical flair for events and characters with her expertise as a historian in the Arapaho Indian culture. The mysteries develop in a carefully laid out trail of facts and clues that display respect for generations of an oppressed people without making excuses for bad choices made by many of the characters in present day.

These two novels introduced me to Ms. Coel’s Wind River Mystery series. They were intriguing, educational, enlightening and find myself wishing I could have introduced her writing to my father. He would have thoroughly enjoyed them, as I have. Until next time, get cozy and read on!

About Kym Roberts

Kym Roberts is a retired detective sergeant who looks for passion, mystery and suspense in every book she reads and writes. She can be found on the web at kymroberts.com, on Facebook at Kym Roberts (author) and on Twitter @kymroberts911. Look for her latest release, DEAD MAN'S CARVE, A Tickled to Death Mystery on Amazon. (All proceeds will be donated to wounded veterans)

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