by David Heska Wanbli Weiden
Overall: Let’s not beat around the bush: I loved this book. Virgil Wounded Horse, like many a classic noir narrator, lives and works in the gray area between serving justice and being a criminal. He’s the guy folks on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota turn to when they can’t get anyone to help them. While he makes his living through violence, mostly due to a lack of other options, he’s also trying to take care of his late sister’s teenage son, Nathan. When the father of his ex-girlfriend Marie asks him to track down a man who may be bringing heroin onto the reservation, Virgil reluctantly agrees, setting off a series of events that put him, his family, and his circle of friends in danger.
Likes: Virgil’s voice is perfect: at times sarcastic, at times serious, always real. I loved the big cast of characters, each of whom was unique and memorable – I never thought, “now who was that again?” The book balances the bleak realities of life with hilarious bits (I especially loved the description of an oh-so-hip coffee shop in Denver). A budding will-they-or-won’t-they romance between Nathan and Marie struck all the right notes, even for this romance-averse reader. The disparate elements that initially seem like side plots to the heroin mystery or comic relief – a chef advocating a return to native foods, Virgil’s interactions with his friend Tommy, Marie’s difficulties at work, Nathan’s struggles – coalesce into a satisfying ending to this crime thriller. And I appreciated learning about Lakota culture and spiritual beliefs.
Dislikes: really nothing. I can’t wait to see what the author publishes next! There’s a suggestion at the end of the book that perhaps Virgil’s adventures will continue… And I just saw on Goodreads that the sequel is expected in July!
FYI: violence, murder, death of a child, death of family members, death of a parent, drug abuse, racism, anti-Native American prejudice, references to genocide.
Liz Helfrich 