Customer Reviews

Changing Woman

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Life on the Navaho reservation in New Mexico is never easy but this winter is particularly hard. The weather is abnormally cold, unemployment is up, and many people are forced to choose between eating and heating up their homes. The Tribal Council, responsible for the welfare of the people on the reservation, debates whether to legalize gambling as a way of bringing in revenue.

Navaho Special Investigator Ella Clah knows that the Indian Mafia is behind the wave of vandalism that is concentrated in the Shiprock area. The thugs hope to intimidate the people and the Tribal Council to vote for gambling and they are willing to escalate the level of violence to achieve their goals. Between tracking down the leaders of the criminal element and avoiding snipers and other assaults on her life, Ella has a thirty-six hour day just staying alive.

Amy and David Thurlo have created a mystery series that gets better with each book written though the previous novels are all top quality. Ella Clah is a fascinating character who endears herself to the audience by adhering true to her values even defending the rights of those who disagree with her. Fans of Tony Hillerman and Southwest mysteries will appreciate CHANGING WOMAN.

Harriet Klausner

Ella Clah is one of my all-time favorite mystery series because the authors know their subject material and respectfully omit and/or change the details of Navajo traditions and/or ceremonies without missing a beat in the story line. For those who aren't familiar with the Navajo nation, this is a wonderful introduction, better than Tony Hillerman IMHO. (Yes, I love Hillerman's work, too) Protagonist Ella is someone you want to know and someone you can't help but cheer for, hurt for and want the best for each time you enter into her world of life on the Rez. I'm lucky that my library carries most books in this series but there's always a waiting list for new books so I've ended up buying a few hardbacks-this is one of them. I really wanted to see how they would treat the casino issues since they're very sensitive to traditionalists and to get the scoop about Ella's X. This book is one of my favorites in the series.

If you want to just jump into the series I recommend this book. But I think you'll enjoy it so much more if you start from the first book and get to know Ella as an FBI agent then follow her as she grows, deepens, and explores who she is, human nature and the beautiful and rich Navajo culture.

I love all of Aimee and David Thurlo's books. Excellent writing and knowledge of the subject area. The Ella Clan books are all wonderful mysteries written around the Navajo traditions. Great books!