FBI agent Andrew Thomas has disappeared after interrupting a Navajo ritual being performed by a group of medicine men orhataaliis. Navajo Police Special Investigator Ella Clah is assigned to the case over the objections of Thomas's supervisor, who unfavorably recalls Ella's time with the FBI and believes her to have received special treatment because she is Native American.
Determined to find the missing man, Ella studies Thomas's latest case--a fraud investigation--and finds that evidence is missing or has been tampered with. Clues lead both to the interrupted Sing and to Ella's old friend, FBI agent Blalock. Ella knows Blalock is incapable of assaulting one of his own men--but that leaves the focus on thehataaliis.
The fraud trail leads through a maze of paperwork, banks, government offices, mortuaries, and into the Navajos' most dearly held-beliefs about death. Only by finding the truth--and fast--will Ella be able to save Andrew Thomas.

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Aimée and David Thurlo are the authors of the Ella Clah series, the Lee Nez series of Navajo vampire mysteries, and the Sister Agatha novels, mysteries featuring a nun. Their other works includePlant Them Deep, a novel featuring Rose Destea, the mother of Ella Clah, andThe Spirit Line, a young adult novel.
David was raised on the Navajo Reservation and taught school there until his recent retirement. Aimée, a native of Cuba, has lived in the US for many years. They live in Corrales, New Mexico, and often make appearances at area bookstores.

A hair-raising opening. The Thurlos hit all the right notes: they have an intriguing, growing character at the center of a series that combines fast-moving plots and a wealth of fascinating cultural information.

Realistic, fast-paced, and intense. Action scenes keep the plot moving at a quick pace with some surprises along the way, adding to the excitement.

Thoughtfully and intelligently plotted. An excellent entry in an underappreciated series.

Red Mesais an engrossing mystery as intricately woven as a fine Navajo rug. It kept me guessing to the end.

An intense, spellbinding family drama in which the battle between good and evil affects both modernist and traditionalist Navajo. Prime reading for fans of Tony Hillerman and other Southwestern mysteries.

Gripping. The Thurlo team brings the tensions inherent in Navajo life alive by showing the myriad ways in which the tribe's traditionalists conflict with the progressives. The Thurlos also focus on how modern crime investigation conflicts with the Navajo belief inchindi, or the evil that remains at death scenes and must be avoided. A spirited blend of Navajo culture and police procedure.

Tracking Bear is a great police procedural that gives readers an insightful look into the culture of the Navajo living on the reservation today. The who-done-it is complex, compelling and exciting.

Illustrates the typical strengths of the Thurlos with a solid grounding in Native American traditions and beliefs. Well-constructed plots and a recurring cast of growing characters make this one of the best series featuring a Native American sleuth.

Critical acclaim for White Thunder

A fascinating story. Ella Clah, strong and vulnerable at the same time, is an intriguing character of great depth, and the surprise ending will delight all mystery lovers.

Critical acclaim for the Ella Clah novels

Ella is a wonderful protagonist, a strong yet caring woman who is as smart as she is beautiful. Readers need not be acquainted with earlier installments to enjoy this latest Clah novel.