I have read every single Tony Hillerman book and, being raised in the Southwest, loved how he (and later his daughter Anne Hillerman) captured so beautifully the aura of the land and its people. When I heard Hearts of the Missing had won the Tony Hillerman Prize for Best First Mystery Set in the Southwest, I was intrigued enough to read it.
Let me say, I was not disappointed. Potenza’s book is every bit as enthralling as a Hillerman Leaphorn or Chee mystery novel. Potenza’s love for the New Mexico landscape comes through clearly. Additionally, she gives readers Nicky Matthews, a strong female protagonist who is an officer in the police department of the Fire-Sky people. Though not a native, she is trusted by the people she serves. Though tribal members have been disappearing for several years, but Nicky is told to close the investigation—which of course, she doesn’t.
The book combines well-conceived plot twists as native mythology and history conflict with science. Nicky faces a boss who dislikes her, an old lover and his demon of a wife, plus a new love interest who may not be who he seems. People who enjoy a good conspiracy theory will enjoy Heart of the Missing as well. Cant’t wait to read the next one!
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