Forgotten: A Navajo Nation Mystery

by R. Allen Chappell

When Old Paul T’Sosi’s long-lost brother finally gets in touch with the family, it is with a tale of woe to sadden any heart. Lucy Tallwoman and her husband Thomas feel obligated to take the man in. Not long after, several mysterious disappearances are brought to the attention of Legal Services investigator Charlie Yazzie. He quickly becomes convinced, there's more to the disappearances, than meets the eye. Who is this old man who claims to be Lucy's uncle? And, what has brought him back to the reservation after all these many years.

It appears there is only one person who can answer these questions...and Harley Ponyboy isn't talking.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction

327 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 21, 2024

About the author

R. 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."

Reviews

[Bonnye Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forgotten is the 14th of the Navajo Nations series, and published 12/21/24. I sure hope R. Allen Chappell is busy on the next one - I can hardly wait. This is a series you can sink your teeth into - I can honestly recommend it as among the best in more modern Western literature.
In Forgotten we have all of our regular characters, with the serious addition of Marvin T'Sosi, older brother of Lucy's recently deceased father Paul. Marvin left the reservation 50 or 60 years ago and never got in touch with any of the family or clan over all that time. He did recently call his niece Lucy and told her he was coming home. Didn't give her a chance to say yea or nay before hanging up. And in a few days here he came, riding a pretty pony, leading a burro packed with his few worldly goods, and moving into the original T'Sosi family hogan where his brother Paul had lived his whole life. Situated behind the modern house Lucy and Thomas Begay had built when they married, Marvin, like Paul before him, will only see them in the 'new' house for bathroom breaks and meals unless otherwise invited, but Lucy is pleased to get to know that Uncle she has only heard about, and he's old and wants to be near family in his final years. Thomas, Harley Ponyboy, Billy Red Clay, Charley Yazzie, and their ladies keep us on our toes as they do their best to welcome Uncle Marvin back to the reservation - and try to find out what he's been up to for the last 50 years. Things get interesting when the Navajo Reservation police, the FBI, and the New Mexico State Police have no idea what he has been doing for all those years, either...
REVIEWED on February 6, 2025, at Goodreads, and AmazonSmile. Not yet available for review at other retailers.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

As I had read and enjoyed the previous Chapell Navajo Nation novels, I was looking forward to reading "Forgotten" when released. The plot lines and story-telling were pretty much as I expected, perhaps a bit far-fetched, and definitely disjointed. Still the read was enjoyable except for..

-Numerous grammatical errors
-Several repetitions of the same point or description
-Letters standing alone that did not fit anywhere
and a few other minor annoyances.

This might be because of the digital format on Kindle or perhaps because of AI assistance in the development and writing of the story. Definitely not the best of the series. R. Allen might have been struck by writer's block prior to the deadline and may have taken a few shortcuts. The digital version was certainly not proofed properly. An unusual premise by the author and I'm hoping that some of the questions that remained unanswered upon completion of the book will be addressed in the future.

[Jim Augeri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great yarn by Mr Chappell. I enjoy these stories every bit as much as I have the ones by the Hillerman "dynasty" - Tony & daughter Anne. The characters have become just as familiar to me as the Hillerman characters. And say what you might, but as a resident of New Mexico, I thoroughly enjoy relating so well to the location settings and the attention to detail provided. My only gripe about this particular story is (mild spoiler alert here!) what I consider the unsettled issue of the death of one of the lesser characters in the storyline. HOW he dies is never explored or explained! You are left to your own devices to try to determine if this unexplained death is a significant part of the overall plot or simply a MacGuffin. Oh well, a minor criticism I suppose. If you like this genre, you will certainly not find any serious fault with this installment.

[Daniel W. Hamilton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining, but...

I always enjoy Chappell's books having worked on the reservation at one time. Love the characters and the story line. But why in the world would an author or a publisher sell a novel that is riddled with grammatical errors? Are there no more editors or proofreaders in the literary world? Out of control commas, fragmented sentences, awkward paragraphs. I am not a grammar prude but there has to be standards so the reader is not distracted from the story. I still recommend the book but in the future I hope more care is taken to make sure it is right before release.

[Fred A. Hines · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forgotten

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this Navajo Nation Mystery as it reintroduced me to the families I have followed over the years. What struck me about this book was the title "Forgotten". The definition of forgotten is something that is overlooked, disregarded or erased. I submit the author is informing us that almost everyone in the book has a portion of their life with such poignant forgotten moments that shape their lives whether it is Marvin, Lucy, Thomas, Irene (even Billie Moon). I suggest reading the book for all the people involved in the storyline whether it involves forgotten people or circumstances. Brought a tear to my eye.

[Monnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Pleasure to Read

R. Allen Chapppell's Navajo Nation Mystery series caught my attention and interest from the get go. Forgotten is no exception, being well written and enjoyable. Mr. Chappell's series reminds me of Alexander McCall Smith's excellent No. 1 Lady Detective Agency series. It is obvious that both authors have personal knowledge and respect for the nations they grew up with. Their love and appreciation come through their words, as they spin tales with their delightful and memorable characters. Thank you, Mr. Chappell.

[Philip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return of the Prodigal

Mr. Chappell weaves a great story about a long lost relative of Lucy Tallwoman Begay! It has quite the impact on the main characters and also.explains the contributions that Navajos have made to the success that America has had in the world. A very compelling story to read!

[Linda Gettig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Long awaited and well worth it

Like many other readers I have eagerly waited for this book. Although it is somewhat different from the others in the series, it's still a story about the friends I've missed. How is it different? I can't really explain it, but that's just how I feel. Perhaps the next book will make it clear.

[Jessica Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

First disappointment

I bought this book even though I am very broke. The first not available in kindle unlimited, something I always admired from the Author. I found it to be less than the other books in the series, all of which I have read several times and purchased three others when times were better. I think I have quit the purchasing.

[Jim Bean · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fitting end

Nothing out of the ordinary from the authors other books in the Navajo Nation Mystery series. This book ended the series nicely. Some of the previous characters were missing in this last tale but they make nice memories.

I hope you enjoy this last book of the series. They were a very entertaining.

[Kathleen Walczak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forgotten...not at all

I was so pleased to find a new book in the series being released. It was like revisiting old friends. I I highly recommend the whole series and I hope that Mr Chappell will write more.

[Francis X DuFour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great plot

This story of a Navaho sniper who can’t escape his past is a great read. It has just the right amount of suspense and mystery and the ending is totally unexpected. I enjoy the details of Navaho culture and customs, common to all Chappell’s novels.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful story

All of R. Allen Chappell's Navajo Nation books are great. This story keeps you wondering what exactly is going on & the reason for a lost, forgotten Uncle's visit.

[Rankin Galen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Navajo

I've loved this series from the very first one and through this last one - Forgotton. I feel a connection to the Dine' through these books and having some experience with them in person. Great series.

[Susan Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

More please

Hoping you will be inspired to continue the fascinating and engaging saga. I have enjoyed each installment and have grown fond of most of the characters and intrigued by others, like Marvin!

[William M. Stone III · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always a great story - however.......

Always a good story with a little education about the Navajo culture - however some things were left unanswered. I guess maybe things will be answered in the next story.

[Mary Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy reading this series: A Navajo Nation Mystery. Lucy Tallwoman long lost uncle returns.
No one has heard from him in years. Everyone is wondering why return now. While I did enjoy this book, I just felt a little underwhelmed.

[Dianne P. Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual.....

I could not put this book down. Finished it in one day. Very interesting in all its twists and turns.
I truly enjoy delving into how others think and arrive at their conclusions.
The human mind is a true mystery.

[Deborah Mansfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the series

I have read all the books in this series. Love all the characters and how these story play out. Looking forward to more reading adventures for this group of characters.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chappell continues to make interesting and complex characters for his books. A worthy successor to Tony Hillerman. Hope there are more to come!

[Mitzi Allison]

Chappell never disappoints

Such twists and turns. Loved it! Just when you think you figured out the mystery, you're not even close. Awesome!

[Jean Abshire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another

Another great book in a wonderful series. I feel a little closer to understanding the Dine' with each book read.

[Nancy Trent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frgotten

This was a really good story. I was afraid it was a little off track but it came back together really well. I hope there are more in this series.

[Gretchen Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so suspenseful it had me reading page to page..could not put it down

[Barbra · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author is at the top of his game, loved this story, it had the usual cast of characters .

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved It!

Another good one from R Allen Chappell. Had me hooked all the way thru the book. Another one for my library.

[Laverne · Rating 5 out of 5]

love the series

I love this series and truly hope there will be more books coming. The characters are fascinating, and intriguing! I sure hope there’s a book 15 coming soon.

[Virginia Adi · Rating 5 out of 5]

always enjoyable characters.

[Beverly Kee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting story!

This was definitely equal to the books before it! Hopefully the author will bring a few more to follow them!

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book does not disappoint readers of Mr. Chappell. I wish the ending was a little clearer. The protagonists work together to help a relative with a thorny issue.