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Wind River Reservation #16
Buffalo Bill's Dead Now
In the latest Wind River novel from New York Times bestselling author Margaret Coel, Arapaho attorney Vicky Holden and Father John O’Malley are witnesses to history—and murder…
After more than 120 years, the regalia worn by Arapaho Chief Black Heart in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show were supposed to be returned to his people. But the cartons containing the relics were empty when they arrived at the Arapaho Museum. Collector Trevor Pratt had them shipped from Germany and believes thieves must have stolen them en route.
Vicki and Father John suspect Trevor knows more about the theft than he’s telling—a suspicion that’s confirmed when they find him murdered in his home. To find the killer, they must first uncover the truth about a blood feud between two Arapaho families—and the original theft of Black Heart’s possessions dating back more than a century…
After more than 120 years, the regalia worn by Arapaho Chief Black Heart in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show were supposed to be returned to his people. But the cartons containing the relics were empty when they arrived at the Arapaho Museum. Collector Trevor Pratt had them shipped from Germany and believes thieves must have stolen them en route.
Vicki and Father John suspect Trevor knows more about the theft than he’s telling—a suspicion that’s confirmed when they find him murdered in his home. To find the killer, they must first uncover the truth about a blood feud between two Arapaho families—and the original theft of Black Heart’s possessions dating back more than a century…
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 4, 2012
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About the author
Margaret Coel
64 books504 followersMargaret Coel is the New York Times bestselling, award-winning author of the acclaimed novels featuring Father John O'Malley and Vicky Holden, as well as several works of nonfiction. Originally a historian by trade, she is considered an expert on the Arapaho Indians.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
March 27, 2020
A good Wind River mystery as Vicky & Father John investigate murder and the stealing of Indian artifacts. The only parts of these books I do not like is the constant sexual attraction between Vicky & Father John. It feels phony and does detract from the series. Coel's mysteries are well plotted and she gives good insight into the Arapaho's current lifestyles.
October 27, 2018
When I was a student I worked every holiday God sent me. One year I got a very well-paid job working nights at an egg pasteurising plant. That's how I found myself, one morning, at about 7am, walking home and crossing the wasteground on Horsedge Street. They were already beginning to demolish the housing on St Mary's in the misguided destruction of Oldham's town centre. I noticed that they were well into the demolition of the old Royal Theatre and stood and watched as the huge iron ball swung and smacked into one of the great load-bearing beams. Suddenly the whole gave way and the walls and metal girders collapsed raising an almighty cloud of dust.
As I stood there, watching the cloud slowly come towards me I thought of all the times my friend and I had sat on the great stone steps, high over the street, watching the world go by. The theatre had been closed for years but I had been in it once, somewhere up in the gods, high up in the dark, watching the circus lit up magically below. It had once been a famous theatre but all I could think of was once, at the turn of the century, Buffalo Bill and his Wild West Show, indians and all, had performed here, in this theatre, in this grimy old cotton town with its mills and cobbled streets and clogs clattering on the stone. A touch of exotica in a grey world.
Reading Margaret Coel's Wind River Reservation books has that sense of loss and nostalgia, but also of tragedy. A noble people lost, abused... I am always left with a feeling of anger, of wanting things to be so different.
The story is a simple one of theft and greed, of exploitation and a lack of respect for a noble people whose past was brutally changed by the unstoppable flow of whites and guns. The only ray of hope lies in the interest shown by people way back, when Buffalo Bill took the Indians to Europe. But, even then, there were those whose lack of respect, and greed, ruined lives.
As I stood there, watching the cloud slowly come towards me I thought of all the times my friend and I had sat on the great stone steps, high over the street, watching the world go by. The theatre had been closed for years but I had been in it once, somewhere up in the gods, high up in the dark, watching the circus lit up magically below. It had once been a famous theatre but all I could think of was once, at the turn of the century, Buffalo Bill and his Wild West Show, indians and all, had performed here, in this theatre, in this grimy old cotton town with its mills and cobbled streets and clogs clattering on the stone. A touch of exotica in a grey world.
Reading Margaret Coel's Wind River Reservation books has that sense of loss and nostalgia, but also of tragedy. A noble people lost, abused... I am always left with a feeling of anger, of wanting things to be so different.
The story is a simple one of theft and greed, of exploitation and a lack of respect for a noble people whose past was brutally changed by the unstoppable flow of whites and guns. The only ray of hope lies in the interest shown by people way back, when Buffalo Bill took the Indians to Europe. But, even then, there were those whose lack of respect, and greed, ruined lives.
May 2, 2015
I have not read any of Margaret Coel's books before but because I like the setting, I decided to give it a try. I was very happy that I did. The story was fascinating and the characters were well developed. The storyline was great. The dignity of the Native American was upheld while their problems were compassionately handled. This was a great mystery.
May 14, 2020
I like the mysteries. I like the history. I like the characters. I don't even mind the stress of unattainable love between Father John and Vicky. But the other men, first Ben Holden then Adam Lone Eagle ,( in the series), drive me batty. Coel does a very good job of making them unlikable even as she describes their good looks, intelligence, etc. After each book I have hoped not to see first Ben, then Adam in the next one. Only 4 more to the series, so we'll see.
March 17, 2020
At one time, I placed Margaret Coel's Wind River series as a poor man's replacement for Tony Hillerman's Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee books, but the stories have really grown on me...Arapaho relics from the era of Buffalo Bill's Wild Show, destined for the Mission's museum have been stolen and Father John and Vicky Holden are on the case...Like Hillerman, Coel treats reservation problems and Native American culture in a most respectful manner and the dignity of the people shine through...Love this stuff!!!
July 22, 2020
This is another fine novel in the series. I found it to focus more on the crime and mystery and less on the relationship between Holden and O'Malley. This was a bit of a relief. I love Coel's sense of history and her knowledge of the Arapaho tribe and her ability to weave a fine story. The unrequited love story sometimes is a bit much as Holden bounces from one idiot guy to another, but generally the books are well done.
April 8, 2018
Awesome mystery/suspense novel. Margaret Coel has created some very interesting characters. The plot is full of mystery and history. I don't usually compare authors to one another; however, Coel's book makes me think of a combination of GK Chesterson's Father Brown and Tony Hillerman's Joe Leaphorn.
December 24, 2021
As always the strength of this series is the description of the South Dakota reservation and the history and culture of the Arapaho. In this case the story revolves around the theft of important artifacts that were worn by an Arapaho chief during performances of Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. The trade of such artifacts, both legal and illegal and their history is portrayed as well as the attitudes of many whites that such items are theirs for the taking. Also, the background on whether Indians were allowed to participate in the Wild West Show was eye opening. On the other hand, I am sick of Vicky's love life. Adam seems like a domineering, controlling jerk and there is no spark between him and Vicky. They are not believable as a couple, or, at this point, ex couple. But Father John! Oh, the yearning! Enough. For me this adds nothing to the mystery and just twangs my nerves. Also, just once I'd like to see Father John or Vicky contact a lawman when they have a piece of potential evidence. when it comes to her law business, Vicky has the stick-to-it-ive-ness of a used Post-It. She's in Denver, she's back on the reservation, she is in a partnership, she's on her own. Round and round. But give her a client that requires her to head out into a dark forest at midnight to catch a murderer (usually with Father John in pursuit) and she is on it like a pit bull.
November 24, 2014
Not a bad read, this is the 16th of Margaret Coel’s Arapaho-themed mysteries, though the first I have read. Featuring an Arapaho lawyer, Vicky Holden, and a reservation-located Jesuit Father John O’Malley, the mystery centers on the contemporary theft of recently recovered Arapaho artifacts that had disappeared while on tour with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show in Germany in 1890.
The premise is original, and the chapters that are told from the viewpoint of one of the Arapahos in the Wild West Show in 1890 are interesting in their own right, in addition to explaining how the artifacts came to disappear in the first place. Buffalo Bill is portrayed quite sympathetically; I don’t know how true to life that is. The title is original too, and indeed makes one want to read a book with such an unusual title.
The other interesting aspect of the book was the way Vicky the lawyer gradually comes to the realization that the profiteers in selling stolen artifacts are not always ruthless rich white men, but can also come closer to home.
But the actual crime story is a little mundane, and not all that interesting. I found Father O’Malley to be pretty boring, stereotypical and in the end unbelievable. The unfulfilled love affair between the two protagonists, well, really, if it’s not happened after 16 books, let’s stop writing about it….
The premise is original, and the chapters that are told from the viewpoint of one of the Arapahos in the Wild West Show in 1890 are interesting in their own right, in addition to explaining how the artifacts came to disappear in the first place. Buffalo Bill is portrayed quite sympathetically; I don’t know how true to life that is. The title is original too, and indeed makes one want to read a book with such an unusual title.
The other interesting aspect of the book was the way Vicky the lawyer gradually comes to the realization that the profiteers in selling stolen artifacts are not always ruthless rich white men, but can also come closer to home.
But the actual crime story is a little mundane, and not all that interesting. I found Father O’Malley to be pretty boring, stereotypical and in the end unbelievable. The unfulfilled love affair between the two protagonists, well, really, if it’s not happened after 16 books, let’s stop writing about it….
March 21, 2019
Oddly enough, this book is more uplifting than I've found Coel's books to be in the past. The look into the history of the Wild West European tour is fascinating, and it's effectively interspersed between the present story when the long-awaited regalia goes missing. There is murder, of course, and danger aplenty, but there is also triumph over evil in this book, more so than in some of the others.
March 10, 2018
Excellent Book
Margaret Coel is a fascinating writer. Her stories about the Arapaho Indians are very entertaining. There is always a mystery involved and I feel as though I am getting to know something about the Indian culture of this tribe from reading her books. It is very hard for me to put one of her books down until I finish it.
Margaret Coel is a fascinating writer. Her stories about the Arapaho Indians are very entertaining. There is always a mystery involved and I feel as though I am getting to know something about the Indian culture of this tribe from reading her books. It is very hard for me to put one of her books down until I finish it.
December 4, 2012
I read one of these occasionally - I like learning more about the Araphoes, but there is something about her relationship with men that wears on me - in the earlier books she was in an abusive relationship and now she longs for the priest in the book. Get over this behavior!
May 13, 2018
Arapaho artifacts were found in Germany near where Buffalo Bill had a show. They are being returned to the nation when they are stolen enroute. Father John along with Vicky look into this event and try to figure out why they were stolen and who had access. Read and see who did it and why.
April 19, 2020
This story moves the reader back and forth in time, tracking the history of Native American regalia that was stolen more than a century ago, and highlighting some of the efforts that have and can be made to return the items to their proper owners.
October 5, 2018
As always Ms. Coel has made the desert a major character in a dramatic tale of the Wild West. She covers a little noted piece of history that for just a couple of years had significant impact in the US and Europe.
October 10, 2019
Indian Artifacts Mystery
Crime mystery solved by an Arapahoe reservation priest. Involves theft of Indian regalia used by an Arapahoe leader who performed in Buffalo Bill's Wild West show in Berlin during the late 1800s.
Crime mystery solved by an Arapahoe reservation priest. Involves theft of Indian regalia used by an Arapahoe leader who performed in Buffalo Bill's Wild West show in Berlin during the late 1800s.
November 2, 2019
All of Margaret Coel's Wind River books are wonderful, but this one was especially poignant.
December 25, 2020
I am a fan of Margaret Coel's mystery novels around Father John O'Malley and Lawyer Vicky Holden. She writes with respect for the Arapaho Nation and weaves in interesting history and cultural information.
This book is written with the backdrop of Buffalo Bill's European Wild West shows during the 1889 - 1890 period. Specifically about the Arapaho Chief Black Heart who led many of the Indians who performed in the Wild West shows. In the story, the Chief's regalia is lost upon his return and has been missing all these years until they were uncovered when new construction in Germany reveal them. A Native American artifact expert and collector acquires the relics and offers to provide them to the Mission Museum. Return them to the tribe, the rightful place.
When the artifacts shipment arrives at the museum, however, the cartons are empty. Somewhere between Germany and the mission in Wyoming, the artifacts have been stolen. The FBI tracing the arrival to Wyoming leaving the crime to be a local one. When the benefactor is found murdered by Father John and Vicky, the cause and suspects widens as the reservation sinks to depression that nothing ever goes their way.
Lawyer and Priest again find themselves on the same path of the same investigation. Through trials and threats and danger to them both, they find there way, once again, to solving the case.
These are fun mysteries while delving into an interesting perspective of reservation life and the roles of whites among them.
I was nearly tempted to drop this to a 3.5 but I still enjoyed it enough to maintain the 4 rating. My "somewhat problem"? I am very tire of Adam Lone Eagle, Vicky's troubled live interest. For some reason, I am better able to accept the troubled relationship between the lonely woman lawyer and the mission priest while they struggle to hold themselves at bay while effectively working together. The other issue I had was I became frustrated at the reluctance to key in on the real character behind the missing artifacts. Minor issues overall, though.
This book is written with the backdrop of Buffalo Bill's European Wild West shows during the 1889 - 1890 period. Specifically about the Arapaho Chief Black Heart who led many of the Indians who performed in the Wild West shows. In the story, the Chief's regalia is lost upon his return and has been missing all these years until they were uncovered when new construction in Germany reveal them. A Native American artifact expert and collector acquires the relics and offers to provide them to the Mission Museum. Return them to the tribe, the rightful place.
When the artifacts shipment arrives at the museum, however, the cartons are empty. Somewhere between Germany and the mission in Wyoming, the artifacts have been stolen. The FBI tracing the arrival to Wyoming leaving the crime to be a local one. When the benefactor is found murdered by Father John and Vicky, the cause and suspects widens as the reservation sinks to depression that nothing ever goes their way.
Lawyer and Priest again find themselves on the same path of the same investigation. Through trials and threats and danger to them both, they find there way, once again, to solving the case.
These are fun mysteries while delving into an interesting perspective of reservation life and the roles of whites among them.
I was nearly tempted to drop this to a 3.5 but I still enjoyed it enough to maintain the 4 rating. My "somewhat problem"? I am very tire of Adam Lone Eagle, Vicky's troubled live interest. For some reason, I am better able to accept the troubled relationship between the lonely woman lawyer and the mission priest while they struggle to hold themselves at bay while effectively working together. The other issue I had was I became frustrated at the reluctance to key in on the real character behind the missing artifacts. Minor issues overall, though.
September 25, 2025
Cowboys, Indians, and Buffalo Bill ... This novel brings the history of the Old West to life through a contemporary mystery that delves into the origins and ownership of relics from Buffalo Bill Cody’s legendary “Wild West Show.” This traveling show captivated audiences around the globe during the final decade of the nineteenth century, and its legacy becomes an intriguing focal point of the story. Readers who appreciate the works of Tony Hillerman, especially his series set in the American Southwest, will recognize similar themes and atmosphere. The narrative weaves together elements of American Indian culture and history, grounding the plot in the landscape of Buffalo Bill’s Wyoming, and offering an experience reminiscent of Hillerman’s celebrated storytelling style. - David B. Crawley, M.D. – Author of “Steep Turn: A Physician's Journey From Clinic to Cockpit” and “A Mile of String: A Boy's Recollection of His Midwest Childhood.”
June 29, 2018
After more than 120 years, the regalia worn by Arapaho Chief Black Heart in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show were supposed to be returned to his people. But the cartons containing the relics were empty when they arrived at the Arapaho museum. Rancher and Indian artifact collector Trevor Pratt had them shipped from Germany and believes thieves must have stolen them en route.
Vicki and Father John suspect Trevor knows more about the theft than he’s telling—a suspicion that’s confirmed when they witness a car speeding from his home and he’s found murdered inside. To find the killer, they must first uncover the truth about a blood feud between two Arapaho families—and the original theft of Black Heart’s possessions dating back more than a century…
Vicki and Father John suspect Trevor knows more about the theft than he’s telling—a suspicion that’s confirmed when they witness a car speeding from his home and he’s found murdered inside. To find the killer, they must first uncover the truth about a blood feud between two Arapaho families—and the original theft of Black Heart’s possessions dating back more than a century…
January 16, 2025
This book is one of the latest in the Wind River novels of the author Margaret Cole.
Vicky Holden an Arapahoe attorney and Fr. John O’Malley are witnesses to history-and murder.
They suspect Trevor Pratt knows more about the theft than he’s telling about the 120 years old of regalia worn by Arapahoe Chief Black Heart in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show. The regalia were suppose to be returned to the Chief’s people, but the cartons containing the relics were empty when they arrived at the Arapahoe Museum.
But the suspect is found murdered in his home. To find the killer, Vicky and Fr. John must first uncover the truth about a blood feud between two Arapahoe families—and the original theft of Black Heart’s possessions dating back more than a century!
Vicky Holden an Arapahoe attorney and Fr. John O’Malley are witnesses to history-and murder.
They suspect Trevor Pratt knows more about the theft than he’s telling about the 120 years old of regalia worn by Arapahoe Chief Black Heart in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show. The regalia were suppose to be returned to the Chief’s people, but the cartons containing the relics were empty when they arrived at the Arapahoe Museum.
But the suspect is found murdered in his home. To find the killer, Vicky and Fr. John must first uncover the truth about a blood feud between two Arapahoe families—and the original theft of Black Heart’s possessions dating back more than a century!
September 25, 2019
I liked this story. The flashbacks were useful rather than obtrusive. The storyline was believable and well articulated. I liked that there were fewer contrived scenes where Vicky or Father O'Malley deliberately place themselves in danger. However, I wish that the author would drop Adam Lone Eagle. He does not add much to the story and is mostly an annoying character. I also wish the author would stop focusing so much attention on the Father O'Malley/Vicky Holden "love" story. I find it a little creepy and am perfectly happy with them having a reasonable working relationship without the sexual tension.
August 11, 2017
A fascinating story of what happened to the regalia of Arapaho Chief Black Heart after the European tour in the Wild Bill Hickok's Wild West Show. Weaving fact and fiction and the now and the past, Margaret Coel draws a colorful story about Native Americans on the reservation and their feelings about their ancestors. Supposedly her Wind River series, are a successor to Tony Hillerman's books, but I find this one , anyway, not having quite the depth of character of Hillerman's books.
February 19, 2019
Stolen Arapahoe artifacts, murder, kidnapping? Father John and Vicky Holden are on the case!
Interesting story and great characters. I love learning about Native American culture and Ms Coel teaches in an exciting and respectful way. The dynamics between Father John and Vicky doesn’t hurt either.Happy reading! 😀
Interesting story and great characters. I love learning about Native American culture and Ms Coel teaches in an exciting and respectful way. The dynamics between Father John and Vicky doesn’t hurt either.Happy reading! 😀
December 17, 2020
How did the artifacts from the past go missing when there were so many precautions in place during their transfer from Europe to Wyoming? These were Arapahoe treasures and were meant to be put on display in a museum. (Also, will Buffalo Bill's European tour be cut short?) It's complicated, but Father John and Vicki want to know.
July 19, 2023
Regalia from an Arapaho chief who was in Buffalo Bill's Wild West show in 1890 is discovered in a vault in Berlin. When the regalia is purchased and donated to the Arapaho Museum at the mission, the diner is killed, museum director abducted and Vicky is run off the road. Who is running the operation?
February 17, 2024
I like these narratives of two stories, one in the present and one in the past. Why did it take over 100 years to discover Chief Black Heart's headress, beaded vest, and other paraphenalia in a safe under a house in Germany? And where are these same items now after being brought back to Wind River. Father John and Vicky Holden are on the case.
August 7, 2017
I was given this book at an event. Marketed mysteries aren't my fav genre, but this was enjoyable enough. A bit predictable...
July 25, 2019
Bad plot holes near end
Slow read compared to others in series. Very slipping plot holes near end and bad final editing. Worth a read though.
Slow read compared to others in series. Very slipping plot holes near end and bad final editing. Worth a read though.
July 9, 2020
I never knew that Buffalo Bill's Wild West show toured Europe.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews