Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner
The Night Visitor
Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
James D. Doss
Class/Genre: Mystery Ethnic Police Procedural
Series: Charles Moon # 5
Avon, Sep 1999, $23.00, 392 pp.
ISBN: 0380977214
In many households on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation, modern technology co-exists with tradition. For instance, law enforcement official Charlie Moon uses current methods while his beloved Aunt Daisy Perita is a shaman. When con artist Horace Flye tries to cheat a fellow bar patron, both simply end up in jail. Charlie releases Horace after reading him the riot act.
Accompanied by his daughter, Horace seeks work at the famous Nathan's Dude Ranch site of an archeological dig excavating the bones of a mastodon from a bygone period. Preliminary research indicates that a human apparently killed the beast. This conflicts with modern theory because it places a human on the North American continent several thousand years too soon. One night Horace leaves his trailer, but fails to return. Daisy takes care of his daughter along with another homeless child. Other incidents occur and Charlie begins to investigate. However, Charlie bends the law to make sure justice happens. He also seems to have met his perfect match as he seeks out the truth.
There are numerous mysteries within this Byzantine story line that readers will enjoy as they observe the way the sub-plots add to and flow back into the main tale. Charlie remains tender and tough while the irascible Daisy continues to steal the show even when the little orphans abscond with the readers' hearts. Their loving but often irritating interactions are what makes the relationship fun and special because they feel genuine. James D. Doss tenderly yet intelligently combines and compares the mystical beliefs of Native Americans with modern day problem solving that will leave the audience comparing this author to Hillerman.
Harriet Klausner
Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner
If you enjoy this website, a link would be appreciated. |