Navajo Nation Mystery Series by R. Allen Chappell

Thomas Begay is found dead-drunk under the La Plata Bridge . . . not unusual for Thomas Begay. What is unusual, is the beautiful BIA investigator Patsy Greyhorse, found lying beside him . . . not drunk, or even a Navajo, but very dead nonetheless. Long time friend Charlie Yazzi, fresh from law school, risks his career . . . and even his life to help his old schoolmate. The Answer seems to lie with the Yeenaaldiooshii . . . should one choose to believe in such things... moreThomas Begay is found dead-drunk under the La Plata Bridge . . . not unusual for Thomas Begay. What is unusual, is the beautiful BIA investigator Patsy Greyhorse, found lying beside him . . . not drunk, or even a Navajo, but very dead nonetheless. Long time friend Charlie Yazzi, fresh from law school, risks his career . . . and even his life to help his old schoolmate. The Answer seems to lie with the Yeenaaldiooshii . . . should one choose to believe in such things. In the far reaches of the reservation there still are traditional Navajos living their lives with few concessions to modern mores. Guided by their strong sense of cultural heritage these outliers remain a strong anchor for the Navajo Nation. This story follows the lives of such people, caught up in a plot that could have far reaching implications for the entire tribe. less

Follow Charlie Yazzi and Thomas Begay as stolen children and a sniper assassin bring danger and intrigue to the nation's largest reservation. Old and new characters emerge to unravel ongoing corruption. An irascible Ute family and their shrewd ranch-woman neighbor become caught up in the plot to place certain tribal leaders above the law.

Charlie Yazzie's former archaeology professor becomes the target of a ruthless Indian rights movement, one determined to end an investigation that could change the face of an ancient tribe. Charlie, Harley Ponyboy, and Thomas Begay find themselves involved in one of the canyonlands oldest riddles. Dark secrets are revealed in this fast-paced mystery of a forgotten people.

Chappell takes a bold new direction with this thriller, raising storytelling and knowledge of the Navajo culture to an entirely new level. When Mexico's bloodiest predator invades the Reservation it's up to Charlie Yazzie and his friends to take charge the Navajo way. Navajo can track prey, but can Charlie Yazzie catch a killer before the killer catches him? Mojado is a stand alone novel and book number four in the Navajo Nation Mystery Series.

"Beware false prophets in sheep clothes--they can be hungry wolves." (Lay Pastor Eddie Red Horse reading from Matt 7:15) An old silversmith is dead--his body dumped along the highway. Charlie Yazzie refuses to stand by while the FBI and Tribal investigate, not when he sees his friends Thomas Begay and Harley Ponyboy sucked into a tightening web of evil. When a beautiful young woman comes knocking at Harley's door, the game changes... more"Beware false prophets in sheep clothes--they can be hungry wolves." (Lay Pastor Eddie Red Horse reading from Matt 7:15) An old silversmith is dead--his body dumped along the highway. Charlie Yazzie refuses to stand by while the FBI and Tribal investigate, not when he sees his friends Thomas Begay and Harley Ponyboy sucked into a tightening web of evil. When a beautiful young woman comes knocking at Harley's door, the game changes. Will Harley sell his soul, along with old friendships, to a stranger? One thing is clear in this chilling new addition to Chappell's Navajo Nation Mystery Series; a spate of murders and an outlier with a deadly agenda should be warning enough for anyone. "In the first gray light of dawn, the old man crossed the New Mexico state line--the sage flats unfolding desolate and dreary as a misty rain pattered down, at times even obscuring the shoulder of the road. Admittedly, Benny's eyesight was not what it once had been; so when he saw the forlorn person with a thumb out, he didn't hesitate to stop. He would soon be brought to the realization that an old man with a pocket-full of money should be more careful of the company he chooses...but, by that time, of course, it was too late." less