Nightland

by Owens

In the hot, dry New Mexico wilderness, Will and Billy, two half-Cherokee ranchers, discover a corpse and a suitcase containing nearly a million dollars. As the two friends contemplate what to do with the money, they set into motion a series of events that will cost them more than they want to pay.

Volume 41 in the American Indian Literature and Critical Studies Series

Genres: Fiction, Thriller

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Think "No Country For Old Men" meets "The Milagro Beanfield War".

Two lifelong friends, owners of adjacent ranches in central New Mexico and struggling to survive economically, chance onto a suitcase full of money, obviously from drug smugglers. Add an estranged wife, a mysterious woman who shows up at just the right time, and an ageless grandfather who knows the lore of their Native American ancestors, and you have an absorbing thriller.

The found drug money, and the threat of violence from those wanting it back, are the obvious common elements with "Old Men". The common element with "Milagro" is the magical realism associated with Grampa Siqualmi's words and actions.

This is my first Louis Owens novel, and I'm motivated to check into his other works.

[Beth Maliner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Native American detective - not a typical story - realistic, inside view of native american life - LR book group

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started of really slowly, got really good, and kind of lost me at the end. I think it had some potential, but I found myself wanting more.

[Ericka R. S. · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,6/5