White Thunder: An Ella Clah Novel

Book Description

FBI agent Andrew Thomas has disappeared after interrupting a Navajo ritual being performed by a group of medicine men or hataaliis. 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 the hataaliis. 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.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist FBI agent Andrew Thomas has gone missing from the vast Navajo reservation in New Mexico. Navajo Police Special Investigator Ella Clah--a former FBI agent herself--is the lead officer on the search. Thomas may have run afoul of some reservation residents when he interrupted a sacred ceremony. Clah understands her culture, and although the participants in the ceremony may have been extremely upset, she doubts they would have kidnapped or killed because of a breach in protocol. As she questions those involved in the ceremony, she uncovers evidence of a scheme to divert Social Security payments from the Navajos. Given the tribe's reluctance to discuss death or any related issues, the reservation would be fertile ground for a scam. This twelfth entry in the Clah series is as thoughtful and intelligently plotted as its predecessors. Ella can handle herself in a violent pinch but prefers to solve crimes through deduction, analysis, and context. Additionally, the Thurlos insert numerous lessons on Navajo culture into each case. An excellent entry in an underappreciated series. Wes Lukowsky Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review Critical acclaim for White Thunder

"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."--Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine

"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."--Romantic Times BookClub Magazine

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

Critical acclaim for the Ella Clah novels "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 in chindi, or the evil that remains at death scenes and must be avoided. A spirited blend of Navajo culture and police procedure."--Booklist (starred review) on Tracking Bear

"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."--Midwest Book Review

"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."--School Library Journal on Changing Woman

"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."--Booklist on Wind Spirit

"Red Mesa is an engrossing mystery as intricately woven as a fine Navajo rug. It kept me guessing to the end."--New York Times bestselling author Margaret Coel

"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."--Romantic Times on Red Mesa

"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."--Library Journal on Red Mesa