Book Review: Yellow Lies

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Yellow Lies     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Susan Slater
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Ethnic
Series: Ben Pecos # 2
Intrigue, Aug 2000, 291 pp.

In New Mexico, Sal Zuni and Hannah Rawlings run a fake prehistoric fossil business where the former collects, dries and places bugs in a special formula for the latter to sell. However Sal has become nervous that someone is on to their scam, but continues to develop the products because he will do anything for Hannah who encourages him.

This latest time in the back woods to collect insects, Sal finds a corpse he thinks is his dealer Ahmed on his car that he thinks is a warning. He flees for a moment, but returns to see the body is gone. Psychiatrist Dr. Ben Pecos has just moved into the area to provide help to the local Hawikuh tribe for the next two years to pay back his education loan. Ben is a half Indian who was raised by Mormons. That night the scalped body of Ahmed appears by Sal’s trailer that is parked near Hannah’s boarding house where Ben stays. Ben assists Tribal Cop Tommy Spottedhorse on the investigation of the homicide.

YELLOW LIES is a wonderful Native American mystery that will provide much entertainment to fans of the sub-genre. The story line is crisp and smoothly flows as readers gain insight into life on and near a reservation. The characters vary yet the key players seem complete as personalities surface. Susan Slater scribes a strong story that will leave readers wanting more Pecos Ben tales.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner