Salvador Zuni is a master carver of traditional Native American fetishes. He is also a cheat. He makes synthetic amber that rivals anything to be found in nature, complete down to the insects he places inside. His recipe is worth a fortune, and someone is after it.
When Ben Pecos, the new resident Indian Health Services psychologist, arrives at the pueblo, he finds himself caught up in the investigation of the murder of a trader in native artifacts and fetishes. Someone is willing to kill and use the spirits of the tribes to drive Salvador out of his mind and into prison for the crime. But something smells odd to Ben, and as he begins to investigate, he treads deeper into the mystic and the list of suspects grows longer.
Masterfully plotted and rich with the spirit and characters of the Southwest,
Yellow Lies
shows Susan Slater to be at the top of her form.
Newly edited edition.
Praise for Susan Slater's Ben Pecos mysteries:
"This is a wonderful book with loveable heroes." -
Library Journal
, on
The Pumpkin Seed Massacre
"Take a great plot idea and Susan Slater's skill with language, combine them with her understanding of the religion and culture of a proud and ancient people, and you have a gripping novel.
is her first novel. We hope it's the first of many." -Tony Hillerman
"... Ben Pecos--a half-Navajo medical researcher raised far from New Mexico's Tewa Pueblo--could become as lasting a fictional presence as Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee." -
Chicago Tribune
"Solid characters, fascinating atmosphere, and authentic setting--
is a book you will enjoy. Ben Pecos is a star in the detective firmament. I predict a big future for Susan Slater." -Barbara D'Amato
"Slater's first novel holds the reader's interest with its brisk pace, well-rendered New Mexico landscape and challenging plot ... [T]his promising first novel heralds a series to watch."
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Booklist