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Navajo Nation Mystery #1
Navajo Autumn
Thomas Begay is found dead-drunk under the La Plata Bridge ...not unusual for Thomas Begay. What is unusual, is BIA investigator Patsy Greyhorse, found lying beside him ...not drunk, or even a Navajo, but very dead nonetheless. Long time friend Charlie Yazzie, fresh from law school, risks his career ...and even his life to help his old schoolmate.
The Answer seems to lie with the Yeenaaldiooshii ...should one choose to believe in such things.
In the far reaches of the reservation there still are traditional Navajos living their lives with few concessions to modern mores. Guided by their strong sense of cultural heritage these outliers remain a strong anchor for the Navajo Nation. This story follows the lives of such people, caught up in a plot that could have far reaching implications for the entire tribe.
The Answer seems to lie with the Yeenaaldiooshii ...should one choose to believe in such things.
In the far reaches of the reservation there still are traditional Navajos living their lives with few concessions to modern mores. Guided by their strong sense of cultural heritage these outliers remain a strong anchor for the Navajo Nation. This story follows the lives of such people, caught up in a plot that could have far reaching implications for the entire tribe.
188 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
2169 people are currently reading
1227 people want to read
About the author
R. Allen Chappell
19 books149 followersR. Allen Chappell, the author of eight novels and a collection of short stories, grew up with the Navajo, went to school with them and later worked alongside them, forging enduring friendships along the way. "Those friendships," the author says, "became the inspiration for this series."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 278 reviews
August 13, 2022
A short, tightly-written mystery with some interesting details about Navajo culture. I was rather enthusiastic at first, but quite a few inconsistencies and "unconvincities" (why isn't unconvicity a word yet?:)) popped up by the end. Also, the ending felt too abrupt.
I might still read the second book in the series though.
I might still read the second book in the series though.
February 20, 2022
I spent a bit of time living on a reservation as a child while my Dad worked as a Doctor for the Indian Public Health Service. I love the Southwest and I find the Indian culture both interesting and sad as it exists on reservations now. This book was well written and obviously by someone who’s spent time with the Navajo and viewed many as friends. The characters were wonderful and the mystery was entertaining. It was a pretty short book but packed a punch. I will definitely read more in this series.
March 29, 2014
Navajo Autumn by R. Allen Chappell is the first of a new mystery series set in New Mexico. Charlie is a Navajo lawyer looking to make it in a white man's world. He's on the periphery of a possibly major case: the murder of a woman high up in the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Charlie knows how to find the prime suspect in the case, Thomas Begay, a man Charlie knew on school who drinks too heavily and despises the white man's way Charlie has embraced.
I can't say more than this without giving away the rather fragile mystery but the plot was not my major interest in this highly readable novel (although it does it's work serviceably). I loved the use of the New Mexican setting and native culture. I love New Mexico and am always looking for books set there but it's raree. That these books really bring the setting into play. Chapel describes the landscape vividly and uses its features to advance the story. I had a wonderful time with this book and have already started reading the second in the series, Boy Made of Dawn.
I can't say more than this without giving away the rather fragile mystery but the plot was not my major interest in this highly readable novel (although it does it's work serviceably). I loved the use of the New Mexican setting and native culture. I love New Mexico and am always looking for books set there but it's raree. That these books really bring the setting into play. Chapel describes the landscape vividly and uses its features to advance the story. I had a wonderful time with this book and have already started reading the second in the series, Boy Made of Dawn.
October 25, 2020
I do not read many crime mysteries and picked this one up for a seasonal challenge. It is the first book in the Navajo Nation series. The plot involves the murder of a Bureau of Indian Affairs investigator. The FBI takes over the case from local authorities. Thomas Begay, a Navajo who lives on the nearby reservation, is arrested, but escapes custody. His friend, Charlie Yazzie, a lawyer, believes Thomas is innocent and they work together to figure out what happened.
I particularly enjoyed the author’s vivid descriptions of the reservation, the New Mexican landscape, and the cultural traditions of the Navajo people. I liked the use of contrasting characters. Yazzie as a tribal investigator who wants to put his law degree to use, and Begay distrusts most authorities, especially the legal system. It appears Yazzie is the main character going forward. There are a few plot holes and an abrupt ending, but this book is primarily intended to setup the rest of the series. I enjoyed it more than expected.
I particularly enjoyed the author’s vivid descriptions of the reservation, the New Mexican landscape, and the cultural traditions of the Navajo people. I liked the use of contrasting characters. Yazzie as a tribal investigator who wants to put his law degree to use, and Begay distrusts most authorities, especially the legal system. It appears Yazzie is the main character going forward. There are a few plot holes and an abrupt ending, but this book is primarily intended to setup the rest of the series. I enjoyed it more than expected.
February 18, 2015
If you love Tony Hillerman, you will enjoy R. Allen Chappell's writings of America's Southwest. I have greatly enjoyed all of Tony Hillerman's books; in fact, last year I started to reread all of his Navajo series in order, and they are every bit as good as I remember. Chappell's "Navajo Autumn" is his first venture into this genre of literature; his storytelling ability brings this book to life. Additionally, his knowledge of local color and his ability to create character lend authenticity to his work. His seeming knowledge of the Navajo people and their customs is revealed by his background. Chappell says that he grew up with the Navajo, went to school with them, and later worked alongside them. His friendships became the inspiration for this series: "A Navajo Nation Mystery."
R. Allen Chappell's writing focuses on the people of the Four Corners region of the Southwest. In "Navajo Autumn," his well crafted plot creates a fast-paced story, and his characterization creates some complex characters who will draw the reader into the story. The best example is his central character Charlie Yazzi, a law school graduate, who investigates the strange deaths of two very different people in New Mexico. The ensuing mystery leads us through twists and turns and into the mystical culture of the Navajo. Whereas Hillerman's books are rich with character, description of native American life and the land where they live, Chappell's writing falls a bit short. Compared to Hillerman, he lacks some of the depth of richness of local color and details of the culture and life; however, this is his first work - and it is still well done. I do recommend this writer; he is good and shows great promise. I will soon order Chappell's next book in the series, "Boy Made of Dawn," and I hope that it shows a continued growth and depth of writing. I think it will.
R. Allen Chappell's writing focuses on the people of the Four Corners region of the Southwest. In "Navajo Autumn," his well crafted plot creates a fast-paced story, and his characterization creates some complex characters who will draw the reader into the story. The best example is his central character Charlie Yazzi, a law school graduate, who investigates the strange deaths of two very different people in New Mexico. The ensuing mystery leads us through twists and turns and into the mystical culture of the Navajo. Whereas Hillerman's books are rich with character, description of native American life and the land where they live, Chappell's writing falls a bit short. Compared to Hillerman, he lacks some of the depth of richness of local color and details of the culture and life; however, this is his first work - and it is still well done. I do recommend this writer; he is good and shows great promise. I will soon order Chappell's next book in the series, "Boy Made of Dawn," and I hope that it shows a continued growth and depth of writing. I think it will.
June 4, 2019
Navajo Autumn is the first of a series set in the Four Corners region of the American Southwest. I've been looking for a series set in this region that appeals to me , and R. Allen Chappell has satisfied that longing. If you have enjoyed Craig Johnson or Tony Hillerman, you might like this series.
What all three authors have in common is a love of the area they write about, well-developed characters, and intriguing plots. Johnson's Longmire books are set in Wyoming, Hillerman's Chee & Leaphorn books are set in New Mexico, and Chappell's books are set in the Four Corners reservations of Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico.
Chappell's main characters Charlie Yazzie and Thomas Begay are Navaho, and while both have been to boarding school, Charlie Yazzie went on to earn a law degree, while Thomas Begay stayed on the reservation. The two were friends in high school, but have gone different ways since.
When Thomas is discovered drunk next to the dead body of BIA agent Patsy Greyhorse, he is arrested, but escapes. Charlie needs to find out who is responsible for the murder of Patsy Greyhorse and for setting Thomas up.
This first in the series does a cracking job of introducing the characters and providing a look at Navaho culture. The book is relatively short, but doesn't feel that way because the story has a sense of depth and dimension.
Points for: good characterization, interesting secondary characters, a visual setting, respectful treatment of Navaho culture and tradition, and an absorbing plot.
I liked it so much, I immediately moved on to the second book!
What all three authors have in common is a love of the area they write about, well-developed characters, and intriguing plots. Johnson's Longmire books are set in Wyoming, Hillerman's Chee & Leaphorn books are set in New Mexico, and Chappell's books are set in the Four Corners reservations of Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico.
Chappell's main characters Charlie Yazzie and Thomas Begay are Navaho, and while both have been to boarding school, Charlie Yazzie went on to earn a law degree, while Thomas Begay stayed on the reservation. The two were friends in high school, but have gone different ways since.
When Thomas is discovered drunk next to the dead body of BIA agent Patsy Greyhorse, he is arrested, but escapes. Charlie needs to find out who is responsible for the murder of Patsy Greyhorse and for setting Thomas up.
This first in the series does a cracking job of introducing the characters and providing a look at Navaho culture. The book is relatively short, but doesn't feel that way because the story has a sense of depth and dimension.
Points for: good characterization, interesting secondary characters, a visual setting, respectful treatment of Navaho culture and tradition, and an absorbing plot.
I liked it so much, I immediately moved on to the second book!
December 23, 2013
Actually, I love Hillerman and feared the Navajo Nation mystery genre had died with him. Not so! I loved this book. I think we may have the new Hillerman though Mr. Chappell has a style and in-depth knowledge very much his own. He deeply knows the Navajo and few other authors I've found hold that weight. You will love the main characters Charlie, Thomas, Lucy and Paul and hate the scarier characters! I did. I'm off to order Chappell's newest, Boy Made of Dawn and will tell if it holds up to book one.
June 19, 2025
As I started to read this book, I felt a very strong kinship to Tony Hillerman. Definitely one of New Mexico's finest, Hillerman left a huge legacy, and how his daughter Anne is picking up where her Dad left off. Chappell left a strong feeling of Hillerman, and I kept thinking that during my read.
With the deserved success of Tony Hillerman's Leaphorn and Chee mysteries, other aspiring authors hustled to find their own place in this new niche. Some were good, many were not. What always makes the difference in this or any other subgenre of crime fiction is the writer's storytelling ability and his knowledge of his setting and his characters. R. Allen Chappell has all this in abundance.
Chappell grew up with the Navajo, went to school with them, worked with them, and built enduring friendships along the way. It shows. He knows the landscape. You're not going to find any of his characters jumping on the interstate outside of Kayenta as I did in a book I read a few months ago. (People unfamiliar with the area can see the glaring error by looking at a map. Those who have been there will roll their eyes, laugh, and keep an eye out for the next mistake.) Most of the action in Navajo Autumn takes place out in the back country of the Four Corners area. It's a land with plenty of nowhere, a land that few people will enter to find someone unless they know the area well themselves.
This first novel (and first mystery) does have a couple of problems. The characterizations of Charlie and Thomas can be a bit inconsistent. Charlie is first seen as a young man totally focused on his career-- in this behavior more white than Navajo. Then he rapidly changes into an altruistic soul willing to risk life and career to help his friend. I have a feeling that this was mean to to show how being in the back country amongst his people brings him closer to the values and traditions he grew up with, but the change was abrupt and a bit jarring. Thomas, too, once he's out in the back country, quickly changes from a full-blown alcoholic to someone who doesn't seem to notice that he hasn't had a drink in days.
Patsy Greyhorse's murder took a backseat for much of the book, and I feel that if her investigation and a few government machinations had been woven throughout the story more, Navajo Autumn would have been even more suspenseful and engaging. As I said earlier though, this is a first book and a first mystery, and the things I brought up can be easily fixed. What's important is that this author kept me engrossed in his story throughout, and he left me wanting more of Charlie Yazzie and Thomas Begay. I'm really looking forward to his next book, Boy Made of Dawn. With the deserved success of Tony Hillerman's Leaphorn and Chee mysteries, other aspiring authors hustled to find their own place in this new niche. Some were good, many were not. What always makes the difference in this or any other subgenre of crime fiction is the writer's storytelling ability and his knowledge of his setting and his characters. R. Allen Chappell has all this in abundance.
In addition to his lyrical description of the landscape, Chappell excels in his straight-shooting depiction of the Navajo people, their customs, their beliefs, and their way of life in this remote area. The setting and the cultural aspects of this novel alone are well worth the price of admission.
With the deserved success of Tony Hillerman's Leaphorn and Chee mysteries, other aspiring authors hustled to find their own place in this new niche. Some were good, many were not. What always makes the difference in this or any other subgenre of crime fiction is the writer's storytelling ability and his knowledge of his setting and his characters. R. Allen Chappell has all this in abundance.
Chappell grew up with the Navajo, went to school with them, worked with them, and built enduring friendships along the way. It shows. He knows the landscape. You're not going to find any of his characters jumping on the interstate outside of Kayenta as I did in a book I read a few months ago. (People unfamiliar with the area can see the glaring error by looking at a map. Those who have been there will roll their eyes, laugh, and keep an eye out for the next mistake.) Most of the action in Navajo Autumn takes place out in the back country of the Four Corners area. It's a land with plenty of nowhere, a land that few people will enter to find someone unless they know the area well themselves.
This first novel (and first mystery) does have a couple of problems. The characterizations of Charlie and Thomas can be a bit inconsistent. Charlie is first seen as a young man totally focused on his career-- in this behavior more white than Navajo. Then he rapidly changes into an altruistic soul willing to risk life and career to help his friend. I have a feeling that this was mean to to show how being in the back country amongst his people brings him closer to the values and traditions he grew up with, but the change was abrupt and a bit jarring. Thomas, too, once he's out in the back country, quickly changes from a full-blown alcoholic to someone who doesn't seem to notice that he hasn't had a drink in days.
Patsy Greyhorse's murder took a backseat for much of the book, and I feel that if her investigation and a few government machinations had been woven throughout the story more, Navajo Autumn would have been even more suspenseful and engaging. As I said earlier though, this is a first book and a first mystery, and the things I brought up can be easily fixed. What's important is that this author kept me engrossed in his story throughout, and he left me wanting more of Charlie Yazzie and Thomas Begay. I'm really looking forward to his next book, Boy Made of Dawn. With the deserved success of Tony Hillerman's Leaphorn and Chee mysteries, other aspiring authors hustled to find their own place in this new niche. Some were good, many were not. What always makes the difference in this or any other subgenre of crime fiction is the writer's storytelling ability and his knowledge of his setting and his characters. R. Allen Chappell has all this in abundance.
In addition to his lyrical description of the landscape, Chappell excels in his straight-shooting depiction of the Navajo people, their customs, their beliefs, and their way of life in this remote area. The setting and the cultural aspects of this novel alone are well worth the price of admission.
August 2, 2014
The action takes place on the Navajo Reservation and there's interesting information about the culture. The mystery is "okay," but the reader pretty much knows who the culprit is and how the story will end. I was distracted by the poor editing: run-on sentences (comma splices), consistently incorrect use of commas, a few phrases in conversation that would be unnatural for an uneducated person to say, but I visualized the setting, as I have been to all the places mentioned.
July 8, 2015
Intrigue and murder involving corruption in tribal council, BIA, FBI and a dead Soux under a bridge with a drunken Navajo in this police procedural set on the extensive Navajo reservation. For a book which has been recently published, there appears too much dated terminology ( for example "Anasazi" is not the currently preferred term). It also comes off as derivative ( Tony Hillerman was an original but those who would slipstream on his unique oeuvre, not so much), belabours the explanations of Navajo customs and mannerisms. I really do not want to read another southwestern mystery which explains pointing with lips: Hillerman, the father explained it, Steven Havill explains it, John Doss explains it, Hillerman, the daughter explains it...enough already. I get it. Chindi, corpse poison and skinwalkers too. I live, work, breathe, play in Dine Bikeyah. Now get some authenticity or write about something else.
September 21, 2023
Surprisingly,I enjoyed this quite a bit. I have never thought mysteries or westerns were my thing, but it might become my new jam. I loved the setting. I loved the use of Navajo and that it was a different culture than in most books. The mystery was practically given away in the first half of the book, but the joy was in the how will it get resolved side, rather than in the whodunit. There were some faults but as a series opener, really good.
June 6, 2015
I guess I expected a lot from this book after having read all of Tony Hillerman's excellent books about the Navahos and in that, I was disappointed. Where Hillerman's books are rich with character, description of native American life and the land where they live, as well as a really strong mystery, this book seemed flat all around.
True, he does give you a background on Charlie Yazzi, a fresh graduate from law school that works as a special investigator for the tribal council, but its not enough to make you care what the heck he does. Yazzi, although not with the police, trails the murder of Bureau of Indian Affairs investigator Patsy Greyhorse, despite warnings from the police, the council and the FBI that he shouldn't do so. But the warnings have no depth to them, no force.
Chappell actually gives you stronger secondary characters: Thomas Begay, who is first suspected of the murder because he is found drunk a short distance from the body. But that seems to be all they have on him. There's blood on his shirt but does anyone test it and find out it is his own? No. Does he have a motive? No one even asks. And in something that is so plain stupid, Begay is left apparently in an empty hallway, handcuffed to a rickety chair and then everyone is surprised that he escapes.
Another interesting character is the woman who is secretary of the tribal council, that Charlie hands all his evidence to and then ignores. She's a strong character and one that I wanted see develop further but beyond her holding the phone and calling Charlie (who doesn't respond), nothing happens.
Charlie washes his gun by dunking it in water (and why he was carrying the thing is a mystery because he probably can't shoot it and never tries, just loses it over and over). Then the mystery -- which was so simple to be laughable with an explanation that is never developed. Sorry, this book just didn't cut it.
True, he does give you a background on Charlie Yazzi, a fresh graduate from law school that works as a special investigator for the tribal council, but its not enough to make you care what the heck he does. Yazzi, although not with the police, trails the murder of Bureau of Indian Affairs investigator Patsy Greyhorse, despite warnings from the police, the council and the FBI that he shouldn't do so. But the warnings have no depth to them, no force.
Chappell actually gives you stronger secondary characters: Thomas Begay, who is first suspected of the murder because he is found drunk a short distance from the body. But that seems to be all they have on him. There's blood on his shirt but does anyone test it and find out it is his own? No. Does he have a motive? No one even asks. And in something that is so plain stupid, Begay is left apparently in an empty hallway, handcuffed to a rickety chair and then everyone is surprised that he escapes.
Another interesting character is the woman who is secretary of the tribal council, that Charlie hands all his evidence to and then ignores. She's a strong character and one that I wanted see develop further but beyond her holding the phone and calling Charlie (who doesn't respond), nothing happens.
Charlie washes his gun by dunking it in water (and why he was carrying the thing is a mystery because he probably can't shoot it and never tries, just loses it over and over). Then the mystery -- which was so simple to be laughable with an explanation that is never developed. Sorry, this book just didn't cut it.
June 21, 2018
A woman investigating corruption in the Navajo Nation is murdered, and a drunk Thomas Begay is found near her. He escapes from custody, and his friend and tribal investigator Charlie Yazzie must find the real killer and why she was murdered.
I've always enjoyed Tony and Anne Hillerman's stories, so when I saw this series I wanted to give it a try. For me, part of the interest is in better understanding Navajo customs; and this story shares some of this.
There are a number of interesting characters, and their interactions with each other are very good. The plot is well constructed. I'm looking forward to reading more of the Navajo Nation Mystery series by Mr. Chappell.
I've always enjoyed Tony and Anne Hillerman's stories, so when I saw this series I wanted to give it a try. For me, part of the interest is in better understanding Navajo customs; and this story shares some of this.
There are a number of interesting characters, and their interactions with each other are very good. The plot is well constructed. I'm looking forward to reading more of the Navajo Nation Mystery series by Mr. Chappell.
February 26, 2024
I picked up this novella as a palette cleanser between a couple pretty heavy sci-fi reads (Blindsight and Hyperion) and enjoyed far more than I expected.
For such a short read Chappell creates some remarkably deep character work as well as a worn, but servicable, plot. The addition of the Native American angle was also pretty unique. I've read some Tony Hillerman which was ok, but enjoyed Chapell a lot more. He developed the characters to a degree Hillerman doesn't manage to do.
This is the first book in a series and I generally avoid series reads but I'd pick up another Navajo Mystery if I come across it.
For such a short read Chappell creates some remarkably deep character work as well as a worn, but servicable, plot. The addition of the Native American angle was also pretty unique. I've read some Tony Hillerman which was ok, but enjoyed Chapell a lot more. He developed the characters to a degree Hillerman doesn't manage to do.
This is the first book in a series and I generally avoid series reads but I'd pick up another Navajo Mystery if I come across it.
February 4, 2019
I was always a fan of Tony Hillerman. It was with a little hesitance that I downloaded this book but I was happy I did. The setting of the Navajo Reservation was familiar but this wasn't a pale imitation. Without copying Hillerman's style or characters, this book had the same authentic "feel." The characters were definitely Navajo but also human with very real flaws and strengths. The plot was also sound and I liked that it ended on a hopeful note. Justice had been done. The cosmic balance restored with the defeat of evil.
August 11, 2024
I really liked this one. I read it because book club was doing a ‘where going on vacation’ month and we had a mission trip to Navajoland planned through my episcopal church. When the author mentioned episcopal missionaries I squealed! This book felt so authentic and I read it before going but now want to read again or read more. I really liked that the outside narrator was still an Indian. The story itself was pretty simple and somewhat predictable but the land and the Navajos are characters in and of themselves and make this a valuable read. Would recommend!
August 2, 2020
It was a good story. Tony Hillerman will always be my favorite for this genre and I’ve got to get over that emotional hurdle before I can truly appreciate another author writing murder mysteries in Navajo country.
May 31, 2019
This is a good story, reminiscent of Tony Hillerman with its setting in the southwest on the Navajo reservation. This was book 1 in the series. I'm interested to move to book 2.
September 4, 2025
OK, but authors like Tony Hillerman and Margaret Coel do the same setting better. This just had too much driving around and not enough plot.
December 25, 2025
Set This book starts in New Mexico, where a body is found alongside a road. So begins this mystery. I wasn't completely convinced, but I was mildly interested and stayed to the end.
September 10, 2016
With the deserved success of Tony Hillerman's Leaphorn and Chee mysteries, other aspiring authors hustled to find their own place in this new niche. Some were good, many were not. What always makes the difference in this or any other subgenre of crime fiction is the writer's storytelling ability and his knowledge of his setting and his characters. R. Allen Chappell has all this in abundance.
Chappell grew up with the Navajo, went to school with them, worked with them, and built enduring friendships along the way. It shows. He knows the landscape. You're not going to find any of his characters jumping on the interstate outside of Kayenta as I did in a book I read a few months ago. (People unfamiliar with the area can see the glaring error by looking at a map. Those who have been there will roll their eyes, laugh, and keep an eye out for the next mistake.) Most of the action in Navajo Autumn takes place out in the back country of the Four Corners area. It's a land with plenty of nowhere, a land that few people will enter to find someone unless they know the area well themselves.
In addition to his lyrical description of the landscape, Chappell excels in his straight-shooting depiction of the Navajo people, their customs, their beliefs, and their way of life in this remote area. The setting and the cultural aspects of this novel alone are well worth the price of admission.
This first novel (and first mystery) does have a couple of problems. The characterizations of Charlie and Thomas can be a bit inconsistent. Charlie is first seen as a young man totally focused on his career-- in this behavior more white than Navajo. Then he rapidly changes into an altruistic soul willing to risk life and career to help his friend. I have a feeling that this was mean to to show how being in the back country amongst his people brings him closer to the values and traditions he grew up with, but the change was abrupt and a bit jarring. Thomas, too, once he's out in the back country, quickly changes from a full-blown alcoholic to someone who doesn't seem to notice that he hasn't had a drink in days.
Patsy Greyhorse's murder took a backseat for much of the book, and I feel that if her investigation and a few government machinations had been woven throughout the story more, Navajo Autumn would have been even more suspenseful and engaging. As I said earlier though, this is a first book and a first mystery, and the things I brought up can be easily fixed. What's important is that this author kept me engrossed in his story throughout, and he left me wanting more of Charlie Yazzie and Thomas Begay. I'm really looking forward to his next book, Boy Made of Dawn.
Chappell grew up with the Navajo, went to school with them, worked with them, and built enduring friendships along the way. It shows. He knows the landscape. You're not going to find any of his characters jumping on the interstate outside of Kayenta as I did in a book I read a few months ago. (People unfamiliar with the area can see the glaring error by looking at a map. Those who have been there will roll their eyes, laugh, and keep an eye out for the next mistake.) Most of the action in Navajo Autumn takes place out in the back country of the Four Corners area. It's a land with plenty of nowhere, a land that few people will enter to find someone unless they know the area well themselves.
In addition to his lyrical description of the landscape, Chappell excels in his straight-shooting depiction of the Navajo people, their customs, their beliefs, and their way of life in this remote area. The setting and the cultural aspects of this novel alone are well worth the price of admission.
This first novel (and first mystery) does have a couple of problems. The characterizations of Charlie and Thomas can be a bit inconsistent. Charlie is first seen as a young man totally focused on his career-- in this behavior more white than Navajo. Then he rapidly changes into an altruistic soul willing to risk life and career to help his friend. I have a feeling that this was mean to to show how being in the back country amongst his people brings him closer to the values and traditions he grew up with, but the change was abrupt and a bit jarring. Thomas, too, once he's out in the back country, quickly changes from a full-blown alcoholic to someone who doesn't seem to notice that he hasn't had a drink in days.
Patsy Greyhorse's murder took a backseat for much of the book, and I feel that if her investigation and a few government machinations had been woven throughout the story more, Navajo Autumn would have been even more suspenseful and engaging. As I said earlier though, this is a first book and a first mystery, and the things I brought up can be easily fixed. What's important is that this author kept me engrossed in his story throughout, and he left me wanting more of Charlie Yazzie and Thomas Begay. I'm really looking forward to his next book, Boy Made of Dawn.
March 31, 2016
I kept expecting Lt. Joe Leaphorn to show up in various scenes. Chappell is a great story teller and I felt the book was almost in the league of Tony Hillerman. This is a modern day story set in the Navajo Reservation I the Four Corners Region. Our protagonist is Charlie Yazzie who has returned to “The Res” with a law degree, but finds few choices for his skills. He is unable to obtain employment in any law firms in off Reservation towns. The Navajo Nation hires him as a special investigator until a position opens up in the tribal legal department.
Thomas Begay, a school friend of Charlie’s from the Indian Bureau’s tribal boarding school days, is charged with the murder of a Sioux Indian woman. It turns out she is an attorney with the Bureau of Indian Affairs investigating a problem with the Tribal watershed rights. Charlie sets out to prove Thomas innocent.
What makes the story interesting is Charlie has lost most of his fluency in the Navajo language and customs. The story provides a look at a people where the young are leaving behind the old ways but the older generation is hanging on tight to their past. Chappell provides an insight into the modern day problems of the Navajo people in a form of a good story. The story has engaging characters, fast action and some humor. Chappell provides explanations of Navajo history, culture and spirituality and how they have survived in such a rugged environment. Kaipo Schwab does a good job narrating the story. I cannot wait for more stories by Chappell.
Thomas Begay, a school friend of Charlie’s from the Indian Bureau’s tribal boarding school days, is charged with the murder of a Sioux Indian woman. It turns out she is an attorney with the Bureau of Indian Affairs investigating a problem with the Tribal watershed rights. Charlie sets out to prove Thomas innocent.
What makes the story interesting is Charlie has lost most of his fluency in the Navajo language and customs. The story provides a look at a people where the young are leaving behind the old ways but the older generation is hanging on tight to their past. Chappell provides an insight into the modern day problems of the Navajo people in a form of a good story. The story has engaging characters, fast action and some humor. Chappell provides explanations of Navajo history, culture and spirituality and how they have survived in such a rugged environment. Kaipo Schwab does a good job narrating the story. I cannot wait for more stories by Chappell.
March 25, 2018
Navajo Autumn (Book 1) - a review by Rosemary Kenny
When unable to find work and pay his way to his own home, Thomas Begay and wife, Lucy Tall Woman are forced to live with his mother-in-law,, increasing his need for alcohol. He's passed out under a bridge and wakes to find himself being arrested for the supposed murder of BSI Investigator, Patsy Greyhorse, whose body lies nearby. Luckily his wife and best friend, now lawyer, Charlie Yazzie rally to his aid and get him released on parole.
Who is the real killer - and why is Thomas afraid of them? Who is the mastermind behind the murders? What did Patsy Greyhorse discover that got her killed?
Where do Thomas and Charlie go for information? What happens at the informant's hogan?
Who is Freddie Chee - and what is his relationship to Thomas and Uncle Johnny?
R Allen Chappell writes convincingly about the lives and issues facing inhabitants on reservations in North America, some of which are as relevant today as they were when the reservations were formed. I was strongly and most favorably reminded of similar stories of the excellent Navajo-based novels by Tony Hillerman, which are long-time favorites of many readers including myself.
Definitely recommended for readers' bookshelves - I loved it and you will too!
When unable to find work and pay his way to his own home, Thomas Begay and wife, Lucy Tall Woman are forced to live with his mother-in-law,, increasing his need for alcohol. He's passed out under a bridge and wakes to find himself being arrested for the supposed murder of BSI Investigator, Patsy Greyhorse, whose body lies nearby. Luckily his wife and best friend, now lawyer, Charlie Yazzie rally to his aid and get him released on parole.
Who is the real killer - and why is Thomas afraid of them? Who is the mastermind behind the murders? What did Patsy Greyhorse discover that got her killed?
Where do Thomas and Charlie go for information? What happens at the informant's hogan?
Who is Freddie Chee - and what is his relationship to Thomas and Uncle Johnny?
R Allen Chappell writes convincingly about the lives and issues facing inhabitants on reservations in North America, some of which are as relevant today as they were when the reservations were formed. I was strongly and most favorably reminded of similar stories of the excellent Navajo-based novels by Tony Hillerman, which are long-time favorites of many readers including myself.
Definitely recommended for readers' bookshelves - I loved it and you will too!
October 26, 2013
What I liked best about the book is the sincere empathy the author has for indigenous people in general, and the Navajo specifically. Even though Mr. Chappell carefully described a number of the cultural differences between the “white” European way and the way of “The People,” he also showed that, essentially, human nature is pretty much the same across the board. Genetic ethnology has no bearing on human character and every ethnic group has its share of the good, the bad, and the ugly.
As a mystery novel, “Navajo Autumn” had a pace which held my interest enough to complete it in one sitting. My only criticism of the book is the abruptness of the ending and a sense of incompleteness. I hope that Mr. Chappell takes heed and either fleshes out his endings, and/or provides an epilog. Nonetheless, I look forward to future books from this author.
As a mystery novel, “Navajo Autumn” had a pace which held my interest enough to complete it in one sitting. My only criticism of the book is the abruptness of the ending and a sense of incompleteness. I hope that Mr. Chappell takes heed and either fleshes out his endings, and/or provides an epilog. Nonetheless, I look forward to future books from this author.
August 12, 2016
Similar to Tony Hillerman's works. Hope to see more from this author.
First sentences.
Spider Woman - Just outside Farmington, New Mexico the San Juan River swings in close to the highway to pick up a tributary at the mouth of a wide, nearly dry, streambed – La Plata, it’s called – not much more than a trickle usually, though it can be more if they get any rain up-country. The day they found Patsy Greyhorse’s body it was just a trickle. Nothing extraordinary in that, Navajos, dead beside the highway, are not uncommon in that country – drunk, some of them, wandering around in traffic at night ... their eyes not reflecting the headlights like a deer or a horse.
Chappell, R. Allen (2013-11-27). Navajo Autumn (A Navajo Nation Mystery) (p. 3). . Kindle Edition.
First sentences.
Spider Woman - Just outside Farmington, New Mexico the San Juan River swings in close to the highway to pick up a tributary at the mouth of a wide, nearly dry, streambed – La Plata, it’s called – not much more than a trickle usually, though it can be more if they get any rain up-country. The day they found Patsy Greyhorse’s body it was just a trickle. Nothing extraordinary in that, Navajos, dead beside the highway, are not uncommon in that country – drunk, some of them, wandering around in traffic at night ... their eyes not reflecting the headlights like a deer or a horse.
Chappell, R. Allen (2013-11-27). Navajo Autumn (A Navajo Nation Mystery) (p. 3). . Kindle Edition.
January 17, 2015
I have enjoyed and read all of Tony Hillerman's books at least twice, as well as other mysteries set on various reservations (or not, such as Craig Johnson's Walt Longmire stories), so I was looking forward to this one, especially since I live not too far from and have been to many of the locations mentioned. Not very long at all, I read it in one sitting, which is an enjoyable thing to do occasionally! It wasn't bad, but I felt it was lacking quite a bit. I never felt as if I got to know any of the characters or anything about them really, and to tell the truth, I didn't care that much about them. The story was okay, and I did enjoy reading what there was about Navajo culture and the area, but I won't hurry to read the next book.
November 24, 2022
I had a great review written and for whatever reason my Kindle decided NOT to upload it.
If you have missed Tony Hillerman's books, try this one. It's not quite the same but close. I started this one day and ended it the next. Had a hard time getting anything done because I wanted to see what happened next.
Like Hillerman author Chappell gives glimpses into the Navajo life on the reservation. I believe ou will like the main character and Chappell manages to give us a important secondary character (the two go on to other books in this same series) that you'd like to give a "Gibb's slap" but you slowly come to like as well.
Again, if you liked Hillerman I believe you will truly enjoy this book.
If you have missed Tony Hillerman's books, try this one. It's not quite the same but close. I started this one day and ended it the next. Had a hard time getting anything done because I wanted to see what happened next.
Like Hillerman author Chappell gives glimpses into the Navajo life on the reservation. I believe ou will like the main character and Chappell manages to give us a important secondary character (the two go on to other books in this same series) that you'd like to give a "Gibb's slap" but you slowly come to like as well.
Again, if you liked Hillerman I believe you will truly enjoy this book.
October 26, 2014
Even though it took me forever to get through it was an interesting read. I had a lot going on while reading this, physical therapy, emergency surgery for one of my sons and more. This book pits traditional against not quite so traditional Navajo and both against federal agents. All face the rugged landscape of the Navajo reservation. I won't go into any more detail because I don't want to spoil it. It is worth checking out.
January 3, 2015
Good
Well......it ended suddenly. All the lose ends were tied up but a few more pages would have helped the on going character development.
I have bought all three. Am looking forward to the next in the series. The author told this Midwesterner things about the Indian culture he did not know.
Well......it ended suddenly. All the lose ends were tied up but a few more pages would have helped the on going character development.
I have bought all three. Am looking forward to the next in the series. The author told this Midwesterner things about the Indian culture he did not know.
January 14, 2015
This is the second book in the series that I have read. I enjoyed this book even more than the first one. The characters were believable and the story kept my interest. This is a part of the country I love very much and I always enjoy good stories that take place here. I loved the author's descriptions of the landscape. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
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