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Meg Harris Mysteries #6
Silver Totem of Shame
While visiting Vancouver, Meg Harris comes across the crime scene of a murdered Haida carver. The young man proves to be the adopted nephew of the estranged sister of Meg's husband, Eric Odjik. The unexpected encounter with his sister forces Eric to confront his painful past and eventually sends Meg and Eric up the coast to Haida Gwaii in search of the boy's family and his killer. As the search progresses, a totem pole carver sets out to carve the ancient story of a long ago chief's treasure and how it incited betrayal and shame. It reaches its nasty tentacles into the present and embroils Meg and Eric in a modern-day story of clan rivalry and betrayal.
- GenresMystery
376 pages, Paperback
Published May 20, 2014
About the author
R.J. Harlick
15 books34 followersCalled "queen of Canadian wilderness fiction", R.J. Harlick writes the acclaimed Meg Harris mystery series set in the wilds of Canada with an underlying native theme. There are currently seven books in the series with the eighth, Purple Palette for Murder, due out in October 2017.
The fourth book, Arctic Blue Death, was a finalist for the Arthur Ellis Best Novel award. Silver Totem of Shame was named one of the top ten summer crime fiction reads by the Globe & Mail and was a recommended beach read by the Seattle Public Library. Cold White Fear was a CBC recommended mystery read.
With Death's Golden Whisper, the first book in the Meg Harris mystery series, RJ introduces protagonist Meg Harris who has fled the urban frenzy of Toronto and her failed marriage to Three Deer Point, a remote wilderness property in West Quebec, that she inherited from her Great Aunt Agatha. She lives in a century old Victorian timber cottage perched on a granite point overlooking the black waters of Echo Lake. Her only neighbour is the reserve of the Fishhook Algonquins, or Migiskan Anishinabeg. She drinks a little too much and is afraid of the dark, yet her only companion in this remote cottage is her wimpy standard poodle, Sergei.
She has fled to this northern paradise to heal her bruised soul. But her sought after peace is invariably interrupted by injustice and murder. Unable to ignore it, Meg becomes enmeshed in a quagmire of murderous intrigue.
After travelling to Baffin Island in Arctic Blue Death, Meg decided that she would love to explore a different Canadian wilderness and visit with its native peoples in every other book. Silver Totem of Shame takes place in Vancouver and Haida Gwaii, the mystical islands of the Haida. Purple Palette for Murder has Meg flying to the Northwest Territories when her husband is charged with murder.
Though the story of each book can stand on its own, there is a backstory about Meg and other characters that evolves from book to book. So avid readers of mystery series might want to start with the first book, Death's Golden Whisper.
Harlick is a member and past president of Crime Writers of Canada and Capital Crime Writers. She is also a member of Sisters in Crime, The Writers Union of Canada and Quebec Writers Federation.
She is a regular panelists at such conferences as Bouchercon, Left Coast Crime, and Malice Domestic. She also does many store signings and library readings. To check out her schedule visit her blog. http://rjharlick.blogspot.ca
RJ blogs every second Tuesday on Criminal Minds - http://7criminalminds.blogspot.ca.
Visit with RJ on Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/RJHarlick
and on her website - http://www.rjharlick.ca
The fourth book, Arctic Blue Death, was a finalist for the Arthur Ellis Best Novel award. Silver Totem of Shame was named one of the top ten summer crime fiction reads by the Globe & Mail and was a recommended beach read by the Seattle Public Library. Cold White Fear was a CBC recommended mystery read.
With Death's Golden Whisper, the first book in the Meg Harris mystery series, RJ introduces protagonist Meg Harris who has fled the urban frenzy of Toronto and her failed marriage to Three Deer Point, a remote wilderness property in West Quebec, that she inherited from her Great Aunt Agatha. She lives in a century old Victorian timber cottage perched on a granite point overlooking the black waters of Echo Lake. Her only neighbour is the reserve of the Fishhook Algonquins, or Migiskan Anishinabeg. She drinks a little too much and is afraid of the dark, yet her only companion in this remote cottage is her wimpy standard poodle, Sergei.
She has fled to this northern paradise to heal her bruised soul. But her sought after peace is invariably interrupted by injustice and murder. Unable to ignore it, Meg becomes enmeshed in a quagmire of murderous intrigue.
After travelling to Baffin Island in Arctic Blue Death, Meg decided that she would love to explore a different Canadian wilderness and visit with its native peoples in every other book. Silver Totem of Shame takes place in Vancouver and Haida Gwaii, the mystical islands of the Haida. Purple Palette for Murder has Meg flying to the Northwest Territories when her husband is charged with murder.
Though the story of each book can stand on its own, there is a backstory about Meg and other characters that evolves from book to book. So avid readers of mystery series might want to start with the first book, Death's Golden Whisper.
Harlick is a member and past president of Crime Writers of Canada and Capital Crime Writers. She is also a member of Sisters in Crime, The Writers Union of Canada and Quebec Writers Federation.
She is a regular panelists at such conferences as Bouchercon, Left Coast Crime, and Malice Domestic. She also does many store signings and library readings. To check out her schedule visit her blog. http://rjharlick.blogspot.ca
RJ blogs every second Tuesday on Criminal Minds - http://7criminalminds.blogspot.ca.
Visit with RJ on Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/RJHarlick
and on her website - http://www.rjharlick.ca
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 30, 2026
This is book 6 in the Meg Harris cozy mystery series. Meg is visiting Vancouver with her husband Eric, who is attending a conference of the GCFN(Grand Council of First Nations). The GCFN is an effort by all First Nations to share common interests and be able to advocate for these interests with both provincial and federal governments. The first chapter of the book opens with the murder of a young Haida man who is just starting to connect to his heritage by learning the ways of the Haida. He was adopted as a baby when his mother died during childbirth.
Eric is surprised when he sees his sister, Chloe, whom he has not spoken to in years. He was adopted by Chloe's parents when he was a child. Not until he was an adult, did he learn of his native heritage. His parents were Migiskan Anishinabeg. He now lives in their reserve in rural northern Quebec.
Meg and Eric learn that the murdered Haida man was Chloe's adopted son. They agree to go with her to the Haida Gwai islands to find out more about his family, and possibly why someone would kill him.
The answer to the mystery lies in incidents in the past, which are not completely revealed until the end.
One quote, about an abandoned Haida village: "A curious name, Llnagaay. Unlike other ancient villages with names like Hik'yah Llnagaay, meaning 'Windy Bay Village,' or SGang Gwaay Llnagaay , meaning 'Red Cod Village,' it was simply called 'The Village."
I rate it 4 stars and recommend the series to cozy mystery fans. I recommend that you read them in order, since there are developments in Meg's personal life throughout the series.
This was an Amazon purchase.
Eric is surprised when he sees his sister, Chloe, whom he has not spoken to in years. He was adopted by Chloe's parents when he was a child. Not until he was an adult, did he learn of his native heritage. His parents were Migiskan Anishinabeg. He now lives in their reserve in rural northern Quebec.
Meg and Eric learn that the murdered Haida man was Chloe's adopted son. They agree to go with her to the Haida Gwai islands to find out more about his family, and possibly why someone would kill him.
The answer to the mystery lies in incidents in the past, which are not completely revealed until the end.
One quote, about an abandoned Haida village: "A curious name, Llnagaay. Unlike other ancient villages with names like Hik'yah Llnagaay, meaning 'Windy Bay Village,' or SGang Gwaay Llnagaay , meaning 'Red Cod Village,' it was simply called 'The Village."
I rate it 4 stars and recommend the series to cozy mystery fans. I recommend that you read them in order, since there are developments in Meg's personal life throughout the series.
This was an Amazon purchase.
October 17, 2015
Before discussing the merits of the book, SILVER TOTEM OF SHAME, the fact of the title must be addressed. Although the totem pole in question is indeed being carved to depict the shame that a long-ago chief brought to his tribe, the title made this a book that I would have been more comfortable carrying around with a plain paper cover, or perhaps if it were an e-book. The title seemed to herald some sort of potboiler, a style of book I am not used to reading. Fortunately, however, the book itself was not melodramatic, but rather a well plotted mystery built on Haida native underpinnings.
As the book opens, a young apprentice is beginning work on a new totem pole in the studio of famed carver, Ernest Paul. His work is interrupted by a killer and, as he lies dying on the floor of the studio, the totem pole is stolen and removed to Haida Gwaii, his ancestral home. Meg Harris and her new husband, Eric, are in a local museum when their guide, the young man’s girlfriend, hears of his death. It soon becomes clear that this same young man was the adopted son of Eric’s sister. Meg, Eric, and his sister, Chloe, all make a pilgrimage to Haida Gwaii to take part in a pole-raising ceremony honoring the new Chief, while allowing Chloe to scatter the ashes of her son on his homeland. When it turns out that the murderer is also on the island, their trip takes on a new purpose as the three search for the killer.
Throughout the book, Harlick weaves Haida culture with modern greed to make plausible multiple suspects. The details of the culture form a rich backdrop for events taking place as a new Chief takes power, moving the matriarchal influence from one clan to another on the island. Not only is Harlick’s writing about the native culture detailed and fascinating, but she brings similar life to the northern rain forest that forms the setting for much of the book. The reader can almost feel and hear the quiet dampness of moss-covered forest floors.
The richness of writing that brings the culture and the landscape to life overshadow the problems that Harlick encounters with dialogue. When interactions between the characters are filtered through Meg’s internal thoughts and feelings, those interactions form a seamless part of the storyline. However, in scenes that involve a good deal of conversation, the reader is jerked out of the book as stilted dialogue overlays the action. Fortunately, these scenes are infrequent, and the book as a whole is well written and rewarding.
In the end, the resolution makes sense and feels right given its cultural implications. It is helpful that the many different names for different characters are all sorted out as the book’s climax arrives, so that some of the confusion that obscured earlier plot developments falls away. This is the sixth of the Meg Harris books, which are set in the Canadian wilderness. It’s the second that I’ve read and enjoyed, the other being the fourth, ARCTIC BLUE DEATH. The books are worth reading for the sense of being transported to the wilderness alone.
This review first appeared at www.reviewingtheevidence.com.
As the book opens, a young apprentice is beginning work on a new totem pole in the studio of famed carver, Ernest Paul. His work is interrupted by a killer and, as he lies dying on the floor of the studio, the totem pole is stolen and removed to Haida Gwaii, his ancestral home. Meg Harris and her new husband, Eric, are in a local museum when their guide, the young man’s girlfriend, hears of his death. It soon becomes clear that this same young man was the adopted son of Eric’s sister. Meg, Eric, and his sister, Chloe, all make a pilgrimage to Haida Gwaii to take part in a pole-raising ceremony honoring the new Chief, while allowing Chloe to scatter the ashes of her son on his homeland. When it turns out that the murderer is also on the island, their trip takes on a new purpose as the three search for the killer.
Throughout the book, Harlick weaves Haida culture with modern greed to make plausible multiple suspects. The details of the culture form a rich backdrop for events taking place as a new Chief takes power, moving the matriarchal influence from one clan to another on the island. Not only is Harlick’s writing about the native culture detailed and fascinating, but she brings similar life to the northern rain forest that forms the setting for much of the book. The reader can almost feel and hear the quiet dampness of moss-covered forest floors.
The richness of writing that brings the culture and the landscape to life overshadow the problems that Harlick encounters with dialogue. When interactions between the characters are filtered through Meg’s internal thoughts and feelings, those interactions form a seamless part of the storyline. However, in scenes that involve a good deal of conversation, the reader is jerked out of the book as stilted dialogue overlays the action. Fortunately, these scenes are infrequent, and the book as a whole is well written and rewarding.
In the end, the resolution makes sense and feels right given its cultural implications. It is helpful that the many different names for different characters are all sorted out as the book’s climax arrives, so that some of the confusion that obscured earlier plot developments falls away. This is the sixth of the Meg Harris books, which are set in the Canadian wilderness. It’s the second that I’ve read and enjoyed, the other being the fourth, ARCTIC BLUE DEATH. The books are worth reading for the sense of being transported to the wilderness alone.
This review first appeared at www.reviewingtheevidence.com.
September 3, 2016
Silver Totem of Shame is initially set in Vancouver, which is where I live, so of course my interest was immediately grabbed. Then R.J. Harlick's wonderful writing style and story kept me glued to the book. This is the sixth in the series but the first I have read. The books in the series are all priced very low for the Kindle on Amazon right now so I bought more already. It is not necessary to read the earlier volumes to be able to follow Silver Totem of Shame; it could easily stand alone.
Meg Harris and her husband, Eric Odjik, are visiting Vancouver for a First Nations meeting. A young Haida carver is murdered. Events start to get really interesting once it is discovered that the murder victim is Eric's adopted sister's adopted son. Both Eric and Alistair the murder victim are of First Nations heritage. The action soon moves from Vancouver to the isolated and rugged Queen Charlotte Islands which are known today by their Haida name: Haida Gwaii.
Things heat up once everyone is in Haida Gwaii. The new chief is holding a totem raising and potlatch which is expected of a new chief. Not everyone is happy with the person is the new chief. Old hurts, old shames fester beneath the surface and erupt as the story progresses.
This is an outstanding mystery that fittingly portrays the current realities of First Nations people in British Columbia. R.J. Harlick has brought Vancouver, the Haida people, and Haida Gwaii to life. The islands are beautiful but desolate and the cold there is such a wet cold that deeply penetrates your bones. I could feel for Meg as the waves were crashing over the boat.
I really enjoyed the Silver Totem of Shame. R.J. Harlick is a wonderful storyteller and able to provide the reader with an authentic sense of place. Be sure to pick up a copy when it is released in April.
Meg Harris and her husband, Eric Odjik, are visiting Vancouver for a First Nations meeting. A young Haida carver is murdered. Events start to get really interesting once it is discovered that the murder victim is Eric's adopted sister's adopted son. Both Eric and Alistair the murder victim are of First Nations heritage. The action soon moves from Vancouver to the isolated and rugged Queen Charlotte Islands which are known today by their Haida name: Haida Gwaii.
Things heat up once everyone is in Haida Gwaii. The new chief is holding a totem raising and potlatch which is expected of a new chief. Not everyone is happy with the person is the new chief. Old hurts, old shames fester beneath the surface and erupt as the story progresses.
This is an outstanding mystery that fittingly portrays the current realities of First Nations people in British Columbia. R.J. Harlick has brought Vancouver, the Haida people, and Haida Gwaii to life. The islands are beautiful but desolate and the cold there is such a wet cold that deeply penetrates your bones. I could feel for Meg as the waves were crashing over the boat.
I really enjoyed the Silver Totem of Shame. R.J. Harlick is a wonderful storyteller and able to provide the reader with an authentic sense of place. Be sure to pick up a copy when it is released in April.
August 2, 2014
I love this series. The characters have great depth and I would like to have most of them as friends. The bad guys not so much. The locations are all places that I would love to visit. The mysteries are very compelling and intriguing. I love how she weaves the First Nation People's beliefs and history into each story. I have read the entire series and can't wait for the next one. I met the author at Left Coast Crime Convention a couple of years ago and hope to see her again at the next LCC. I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves a good mystery and is interested in learning more about the First Nation People of Canada.
February 12, 2021
Meg and her husband Eric go to British Columbia
A young totem carver is senslessly murdered. The couple find out Eric's estranged sister is the murdered boys mother. Altogether, they begin a long journey to return his ashes to his Native Grounds. But, there is a deadly accident, an assault and theft. All of it seems to connect.
Harlick does another wonderful job in describing First Nation traditions and the beautiful lands of Canada.
A young totem carver is senslessly murdered. The couple find out Eric's estranged sister is the murdered boys mother. Altogether, they begin a long journey to return his ashes to his Native Grounds. But, there is a deadly accident, an assault and theft. All of it seems to connect.
Harlick does another wonderful job in describing First Nation traditions and the beautiful lands of Canada.
August 15, 2014
This book took the protagonist away from her rural/rustic Victorian home in Ontario to small islands of the coast of Vancouver, and had an even stronger native Indian element than usual, interesting, but probably more detailed than I needed. Nonetheless, it continues to be a well written series with strong and interesting characters.
June 8, 2015
Living on Vancouver Island as I do I am interested when people write about British Columbia and the native population. I thought this was a well done, sympathetic book and enjoyed the images of the Queen Charlottes since my grandparents were pioneers there in the early 1900's.
June 16, 2014
Really enjoyed this book.
September 21, 2014
Beautifully written and incredibly interesting, this book just wraps you up and sucks you right in to the story. The fascinating information you learn about the Haida is a huge plus!
October 4, 2015
A good mystery with lots of information about Haida culture. In Vancouver, Meg discovers the body of a young Haida carver, who turns out to be the adopted son of her husband's estranged sister.
July 16, 2017
Ebook read during trip, sometimes forget to record them, and end up borrowing them a second time, only later discovering I had previously read it. I enjoyed this story, as with her previous books. This one is mostly a west coast book, both in the lower mainland, and in Haida Gwaii. Although a murder mystery, it also touches on previous Canadian politics and treatment of First Nations people,mfrom residential schools, to adoptions, to the outlawing of potlatches, as well as current changes and the near universality of human motivations.
September 26, 2017
Lots of great information about Haida culture but i felt it could have been woven better into the story.
March 20, 2018
Loved the west coast setting for this installment, and the traditions of the Haida. Haida Gwaii has been on my bucket list for a very long time.
January 6, 2019
Clumsy, unconvincing . Dnf ch 5.
May 26, 2020
I found this book a little confusing at times, and I had problems with some of the solution as well. I did learn something of the culture and history of the Haida.
September 13, 2015
Alistair, a promising young Haida carver is murdered in Vancouver and the totem pole he was working on has been stolen. Meg Harris and Eric Odjik, her new husband and Ojibway Chief from Ontario, are in town for a meeting of First Nations when they hear about the death. Through an unexpected encounter, they learn that the young man was the adopted son of Cloe, Eric’s adoptive sister. This encounter forces Eric to confront his past and eventually sends Meg, Eric, and Cloe to the isolated islands of Haida Gwaii where a totem pole raising ceremony is taking place to commemorate the naming of the new Chief.
Silver Totem of Shame by author RJ Harlick gives a fascinating look at the culture of the Haida peoples on Canada’s west coast as well as the clash of culture between First Nations and whites especially in the case of the adoption of native children by white families while providing a very entertaining mystery. There’s plenty of excitement and action and lots of twists and turns to keep the reader’s attention. One warning though: if you suffer at all from seasickness, you might want to skip over the journey across to the islands.
Silver Totem of Shame by author RJ Harlick gives a fascinating look at the culture of the Haida peoples on Canada’s west coast as well as the clash of culture between First Nations and whites especially in the case of the adoption of native children by white families while providing a very entertaining mystery. There’s plenty of excitement and action and lots of twists and turns to keep the reader’s attention. One warning though: if you suffer at all from seasickness, you might want to skip over the journey across to the islands.
April 25, 2016
I was very disappointed with this novel. The plot was okay but the characters were all flat and the dialogue was terrible. It was not a fun read.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews