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Blood Relay
In this richly layered debut mystery reminiscent of the real issue of missing and murdered Indigenous people, a badass Choctaw detective discovers an insidious plot against her reservation while investigating the disappearance of a beloved champion athlete.
Choctaw Detective Perry Antelope has been with her partner, Sophia Burns, for only six months. Perry is a seasoned investigator while the ex-Olympian shot putter Sophia is a former street-smart police officer. Together, they are an intrepid pair with an established record of success. But when Perry and Sophia are called to investigate the disappearance of Dels Billy, a beloved women’s Indian Horse Relay rider, they quickly realize that it’s not as cut-and-dry as anything they’ve faced before.
Piece by piece, they uncover unsettling connections between Dels’s disappearance and a series of unsolved abductions of women from Oklahoma reservations. But the perpetrator always seems to be one step ahead, and Perry soon finds herself—and her family—in the crosshairs of a ruthless killer. Despite her husband’s pleas for her to drop the case, Perry is determined to prevent Dels from becoming another statistic.
As the investigation deepens, Perry and Sophia follow a tangled web of clues that point to a close-to-home plot more chilling than they could have imagined. Torn between her family’s safety and her duty to her community, Perry must race against the clock, and across tribal Nations, to find Dels before her murderous abductor can carry out their sinister plan.
Choctaw Detective Perry Antelope has been with her partner, Sophia Burns, for only six months. Perry is a seasoned investigator while the ex-Olympian shot putter Sophia is a former street-smart police officer. Together, they are an intrepid pair with an established record of success. But when Perry and Sophia are called to investigate the disappearance of Dels Billy, a beloved women’s Indian Horse Relay rider, they quickly realize that it’s not as cut-and-dry as anything they’ve faced before.
Piece by piece, they uncover unsettling connections between Dels’s disappearance and a series of unsolved abductions of women from Oklahoma reservations. But the perpetrator always seems to be one step ahead, and Perry soon finds herself—and her family—in the crosshairs of a ruthless killer. Despite her husband’s pleas for her to drop the case, Perry is determined to prevent Dels from becoming another statistic.
As the investigation deepens, Perry and Sophia follow a tangled web of clues that point to a close-to-home plot more chilling than they could have imagined. Torn between her family’s safety and her duty to her community, Perry must race against the clock, and across tribal Nations, to find Dels before her murderous abductor can carry out their sinister plan.
336 pages, Paperback
First published February 24, 2026
About the author
Devon Mihesuah
4 books42 followersDevon Mihesuah is member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and is a historian by training; she received her Ph. D. in American History from TCU in 1989, and was professor of American Indian History in NAU's history department for ten years; she is now professor of Applied Indigenous Studies, serves as award winning Editor of the American Indian Quarterly and edits University of Nebraska Press' book series, "Contemporary Indigenous Issues"; Mihesuah's research, writing and speaking focuses on the necessary themes of decolonization and empowerment strategies.-- Library of Congress Authorities
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
wow. this book had me hooked!
touched on so many real issues- most importantly disappearing native people, whether police brutality, stolen land but most importantly human trafficking.
Perry and Dels had me sweating the last few chapters desperate to know how it ends.
touched on so many real issues- most importantly disappearing native people, whether police brutality, stolen land but most importantly human trafficking.
Perry and Dels had me sweating the last few chapters desperate to know how it ends.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A well-told contemporary mystery with a tough Choctaw heroine which centers diverse Indigenous traditions, including relay horse racing, and reckons with missing Indigenous people and also land allotments. I believe the 2nd volume of this Oklahoma-based police procedural is in the works!
The author is an enrolled citizen of the Choctaw Nation and a Chickasaw descendant, professor, and historian; she teaches Indigenous Studies at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS.
The author is an enrolled citizen of the Choctaw Nation and a Chickasaw descendant, professor, and historian; she teaches Indigenous Studies at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS.
October 12, 2025
There's not much better than a novel whose main characters are intelligent, kick-ass women. This book has a great story line, excellent characters and for this Northeaster, I learned about a type of horse racing done in the west called Indian Relay Racing - an intense sport requiring great athleticism. If you're looking for a well told plot line, great dialogue, and unexpected twists, this is the book for you.
February 26, 2026
Book Review 🩸
thank you so much partner @bantambooks @randomhouse @storygramtours for the gifted copy!
Blood Relay
by Devon A. Mihesuah
out now!
In this richly layered debut thriller inspired by the real crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people, a Choctaw detective uncovers an insidious plot against her reservation while investigating the disappearance of a beloved champion athlete.
🩸 My thoughts:
I flew through this one. From the first disappearance to the final reveal, the mystery had a tight grip. With a compelling duo, it’s seasoned, sharp, and layered. What really stood out was how much depth the story carries. It’s not just a missing person case. it’s rooted in real issues, history, and community, making the stakes feel heavier and more urgent. The story is detailed and full of information. If you enjoy books that are impossible to look away from, this is crime fiction that hits hard and lingers.
Happy reading 📖
thank you so much partner @bantambooks @randomhouse @storygramtours for the gifted copy!
Blood Relay
by Devon A. Mihesuah
out now!
In this richly layered debut thriller inspired by the real crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people, a Choctaw detective uncovers an insidious plot against her reservation while investigating the disappearance of a beloved champion athlete.
🩸 My thoughts:
I flew through this one. From the first disappearance to the final reveal, the mystery had a tight grip. With a compelling duo, it’s seasoned, sharp, and layered. What really stood out was how much depth the story carries. It’s not just a missing person case. it’s rooted in real issues, history, and community, making the stakes feel heavier and more urgent. The story is detailed and full of information. If you enjoy books that are impossible to look away from, this is crime fiction that hits hard and lingers.
Happy reading 📖
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I very much enjoyed this book. I appreciated the tightly plotted mystery, the wonderful characters, and the scene setting.
I really, really, really liked that the reader was dropped into life in Oklahoma and expected to be able to keep up, and not hand held regarding what words meant that characters use daily or what their life is like.
I recommend this book highly.
I received an election ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really, really, really liked that the reader was dropped into life in Oklahoma and expected to be able to keep up, and not hand held regarding what words meant that characters use daily or what their life is like.
I recommend this book highly.
I received an election ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 24, 2026
A fantastic debut thriller that features a really badass Choctaw detective and her ex-shotput Olympian partner who take on a missing Indian horse relay rider's disappearance only to stumble upon a much bigger MMIWG case. Suspenseful, compelling and utterly relevant. This story will keep you on the edge of your seat and have you rooting for the female protagonists. Steeped in real life Oklahoma history with a moving author's note included at the end, the book is perfect for fans of authors like Vanessa Lillie, Marcie R. Rendon and Laurie L. Dove. Many thanks to @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review.
March 6, 2026
4.5⭐
Exciting mystery set in Oklahoma. When a horse relay rider goes missing on the ride home after a race, her trailer was found damaged and abandoned her male companion was left in serious condition. Fast-moving, yet filled with fascinating information on the Native American culture and law enforcement there. Speaking of law enforcement, three badass women are determined to find and save the horse relay rider. And if you are interested in what a horse relay rider is, you need to read this book. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Exciting mystery set in Oklahoma. When a horse relay rider goes missing on the ride home after a race, her trailer was found damaged and abandoned her male companion was left in serious condition. Fast-moving, yet filled with fascinating information on the Native American culture and law enforcement there. Speaking of law enforcement, three badass women are determined to find and save the horse relay rider. And if you are interested in what a horse relay rider is, you need to read this book. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Did Not Finish
January 20, 2026I really really wanted to like this book. I kept reading until 36% desperately trying to find something to like. I should be the target audience for this book--I love diverse mysteries featuring bad ass female detectives, and I love finding a new debut voice to champion. Unfortunately, this book and I were not meant to be. I’ll take some of the blame for that--I went in expecting a mystery, and this is more of a thriller, so that got us off to a bad start, however, I stand by my other two main critiques.
First, the writing is very, very clunky. The sentence structure does not vary, and once you notice, it grates on you the whole time. This is a debut novel, so I try to be generous with my assessment of craft, but I was ready to put this one down at 20% because the clunky sentences were driving me batty.
Second, the pacing at a micro-level is very inconsistent. We take long detours as characters describe the bike trails around a lake that we are going to spend a few moments finding a body and, at least in the first third, never return to. We have good scenes that establish character relationships without exposition, and then at the end, we get two paragraphs expositing what we just read.
Unfortunately, this book needed a little more time in the oven, and a few more editing passes to hit the level of writing quality I expect in my literature.
I received an advance review copy in exchange for this honest review.
First, the writing is very, very clunky. The sentence structure does not vary, and once you notice, it grates on you the whole time. This is a debut novel, so I try to be generous with my assessment of craft, but I was ready to put this one down at 20% because the clunky sentences were driving me batty.
Second, the pacing at a micro-level is very inconsistent. We take long detours as characters describe the bike trails around a lake that we are going to spend a few moments finding a body and, at least in the first third, never return to. We have good scenes that establish character relationships without exposition, and then at the end, we get two paragraphs expositing what we just read.
Unfortunately, this book needed a little more time in the oven, and a few more editing passes to hit the level of writing quality I expect in my literature.
I received an advance review copy in exchange for this honest review.
March 20, 2026
A bit of a disappointment. I had read a previous book by the author and enjoyed it- The Hatak Witches. Finally she's getting some publicity by the NYT and it's over this slow and boring effort. There's an entire chapter of two detectives reviewing go pro camera footage of a relay race with detailed nuances into the sport that left me pleading - no mas! A mediocre plot too that is all over the place.
The themes of trafficking and murder of indigenous women as well as environmental exploitation were compelling as was the pace of the final third of the story. The two OKC detectives were on a mission to find the missing woman and would not be thwarted by jurisdictional issues. Just a violent cage fight ending. Yes, I will read another one. The tribal diversity of Oklahoma and its history of oppression and exploitation of its resources and people shout to be read and understood.
The themes of trafficking and murder of indigenous women as well as environmental exploitation were compelling as was the pace of the final third of the story. The two OKC detectives were on a mission to find the missing woman and would not be thwarted by jurisdictional issues. Just a violent cage fight ending. Yes, I will read another one. The tribal diversity of Oklahoma and its history of oppression and exploitation of its resources and people shout to be read and understood.
November 1, 2025
4 stars
When I'm reading a mystery/thriller that features a detective as a protagonist, I need a good backstory, a lot of insight into who they are now and why, and the ability to root for them even though that goes against some of my incoming feelings much of the time. In Det. Perry Antelope, this is exactly what I got. Better still? Perry's newish partner is another smart and formidable opponent to the dirtbag individuals who harm and disappear indigenous women (and children). These two work together in a compelling way that made me hope they'll be featured in more stories like this going forward.
Perry and Sophia come together because of Dels, who goes missing, and is an Indian Horse Relay rider (hence the title and cover). I had never heard of this activity previously, so in addition to getting an intriguing mystery with multiple possibilities and great characters, I enjoyed learning. Though I was previously unfamiliar with Mihesuah's work, I wasn't surprised to learn that it includes a good amount of nonfiction relating to indigenous issues and communities. That really comes through here in a way that enriches the story (versus feels didactic). Readers do receive a lot of cultural insight and background, and that really makes this particular mystery standout (positively) from its peers.
This is a satisfying mystery that I will largely recall for its compelling characters and cultural elements. I plan to read some of that aforementioned nonfiction and really look forward to more in this genre from Mihesuah, too.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Bantam for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
When I'm reading a mystery/thriller that features a detective as a protagonist, I need a good backstory, a lot of insight into who they are now and why, and the ability to root for them even though that goes against some of my incoming feelings much of the time. In Det. Perry Antelope, this is exactly what I got. Better still? Perry's newish partner is another smart and formidable opponent to the dirtbag individuals who harm and disappear indigenous women (and children). These two work together in a compelling way that made me hope they'll be featured in more stories like this going forward.
Perry and Sophia come together because of Dels, who goes missing, and is an Indian Horse Relay rider (hence the title and cover). I had never heard of this activity previously, so in addition to getting an intriguing mystery with multiple possibilities and great characters, I enjoyed learning. Though I was previously unfamiliar with Mihesuah's work, I wasn't surprised to learn that it includes a good amount of nonfiction relating to indigenous issues and communities. That really comes through here in a way that enriches the story (versus feels didactic). Readers do receive a lot of cultural insight and background, and that really makes this particular mystery standout (positively) from its peers.
This is a satisfying mystery that I will largely recall for its compelling characters and cultural elements. I plan to read some of that aforementioned nonfiction and really look forward to more in this genre from Mihesuah, too.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Bantam for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
December 1, 2025
As fast paced as any good mystery novel should be, but with more depth and heart than most any I’ve read before.
Dels Billy, a fierce female horse relay competitor, is taken from a rest stop on the team’s drive home following a competition win. The horse trailer and the youngest member of the team, beaten unconscious, are all that are found at the scene. Detective Perry Antelope is called in due to the potential nature of the crime; fear that Dels Billy is the most recent in a historical trend of MMIW (missing and murdered indigenous women). Mihesuah sheds light on an indignant issue within our country (and Canada) through the lens of the women trying to prevent further tragedy.
Perry Antelope, Sophia Burns, and Raquel Hunter are some of the most bad ass female law enforcement characters, while still portraying the realities of their line of work. I appreciated the fact that Antelope was stubborn and determined to find Dels without being a robotic archetype of a “strong female”; she is determined because she cares and is portrayed showing vulnerability throughout the novel.
Similarly, physical pain and exhaustion weren’t glossed over because strong women are still human.
The plot felt well paced and there were moments I’d think I was catching on, just to be met with a twist. There were enough characters that cast suspicion to keep me unsure without feeling like I had to keep my own legal pad of notes to keep track of everyone.
Lastly, I had no idea that places like Picher, Oklahoma existed and I already foresee this leading to further reading/research. Just another example of how much depth Blood Relay contains - much more than your average whodunnit mystery novel.
Dels Billy, a fierce female horse relay competitor, is taken from a rest stop on the team’s drive home following a competition win. The horse trailer and the youngest member of the team, beaten unconscious, are all that are found at the scene. Detective Perry Antelope is called in due to the potential nature of the crime; fear that Dels Billy is the most recent in a historical trend of MMIW (missing and murdered indigenous women). Mihesuah sheds light on an indignant issue within our country (and Canada) through the lens of the women trying to prevent further tragedy.
Perry Antelope, Sophia Burns, and Raquel Hunter are some of the most bad ass female law enforcement characters, while still portraying the realities of their line of work. I appreciated the fact that Antelope was stubborn and determined to find Dels without being a robotic archetype of a “strong female”; she is determined because she cares and is portrayed showing vulnerability throughout the novel.
Similarly, physical pain and exhaustion weren’t glossed over because strong women are still human.
The plot felt well paced and there were moments I’d think I was catching on, just to be met with a twist. There were enough characters that cast suspicion to keep me unsure without feeling like I had to keep my own legal pad of notes to keep track of everyone.
Lastly, I had no idea that places like Picher, Oklahoma existed and I already foresee this leading to further reading/research. Just another example of how much depth Blood Relay contains - much more than your average whodunnit mystery novel.
November 14, 2025
Great Police Procedural and Very OK😉
That is OK as in Oklahoma! We moved from AZ to OK last year and, though AZ is home to numerous indigenous nations, OK was the landing spot for more than 30. Plus, AZ has only 14 countries while OK has 70+. Having relatives in law enforcement in AZ I’m aware of the issues of jurisdictional boundaries that exist between tribal nations and state districting.
Interestingly, there was no mention of the FBI investigating “murders on tribal lands, typically when the victim is an American Indian or Alaska Native and the crime occurred on a reservation.” This was common in AZ and NM (I knew an FBI employee and is was a common thread in Tony Hillerman’s Joe Leaphorm/Jim Chee series). Also no mention of the FBI “Operation Not Forgotten” initiative that “directs additional FBI personnel, analysts, and victim specialists to assist with investigations of violent crimes in Indian Country, particularly those involving missing and murdered indigenous persons.”
The protagonists are real people and amazingly likable (hope there is a sequel) and are all strong women. Plus there are a couple of incidents that occur that are unusual and add color to the story.
Great read and wonderful storytelling.
That is OK as in Oklahoma! We moved from AZ to OK last year and, though AZ is home to numerous indigenous nations, OK was the landing spot for more than 30. Plus, AZ has only 14 countries while OK has 70+. Having relatives in law enforcement in AZ I’m aware of the issues of jurisdictional boundaries that exist between tribal nations and state districting.
Interestingly, there was no mention of the FBI investigating “murders on tribal lands, typically when the victim is an American Indian or Alaska Native and the crime occurred on a reservation.” This was common in AZ and NM (I knew an FBI employee and is was a common thread in Tony Hillerman’s Joe Leaphorm/Jim Chee series). Also no mention of the FBI “Operation Not Forgotten” initiative that “directs additional FBI personnel, analysts, and victim specialists to assist with investigations of violent crimes in Indian Country, particularly those involving missing and murdered indigenous persons.”
The protagonists are real people and amazingly likable (hope there is a sequel) and are all strong women. Plus there are a couple of incidents that occur that are unusual and add color to the story.
Great read and wonderful storytelling.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
📚Blood Relay
✍🏻Devib Nihesuah
Blurb:
In this richly layered debut mystery reminiscent of the real issue of missing and murdered Indigenous people, a badass Choctaw detective discovers an insidious plot against her reservation while investigating the disappearance of a beloved champion athlete.
Choctaw Detective Perry Antelope has been with her partner, Sophia Burns, for only six months. Perry is a seasoned investigator while the ex-Olympian shot putter Sophia is a former street-smart police officer. Together, they are an intrepid pair with an established record of success. But when Perry and Sophia are called to investigate the disappearance of Dels Billy, a beloved women’s Indian Horse Relay rider, they quickly realize that it’s not as cut-and-dry as anything they’ve faced before.
Piece by piece, they uncover unsettling connections between Dels’s disappearance and a series of unsolved abductions of women from Oklahoma reservations. But the perpetrator always seems to be one step ahead, and Perry soon finds herself—and her family—in the crosshairs of a ruthless killer. Despite her husband’s pleas for her to drop the case, Perry is determined to prevent Dels from becoming another statistic.
As the investigation deepens, Perry and Sophia follow a tangled web of clues that point to a close-to-home plot more chilling than they could have imagined. Torn between her family’s safety and her duty to her community, Perry must race against the clock, and across tribal Nations, to find Dels before her murderous abductor can carry out their sinister plan.
My Thoughts:
Dels Billy, a fierce female horse relay competitor, is taken from a rest stop on the team’s drive home following a competition win. The horse trailer and the youngest member of the team, beaten unconscious, are all that are found at the scene. Detective Perry Antelope is called in due to the potential nature of the crime;Perry Antelope, Sophia Burns, and Raquel Hunter are some of the most bad ass female law enforcement characters, while still portraying the realities of their line of work. . She is a tall, athletic, former olympic shot-putter and California street cop. Raquel is a woman of few words, a Lighthorseman (native police) and former marine. She is fearless and quick thinking and admired by Perry. The three women end up working together on the case of a missing Indian horse relay champion who is taken from a roadside despite having a man travelling with her. What follows are several more dead bodies, family drama, and the unravelling of an extensive plot targeting several neighbouring nations. If you're looking for a well told plot line, great dialogue, and unexpected twists then add this to your TBR list
Thanks NetGalley, Bantam Books and AuthorDevon Mihesuah for the advanced copy of "Blood Relay" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#BantamBooks
#DevonMihesuah
#BloodRelay
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️Trigger Warnings: : Confinement, Death, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Medical content, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Murder, Injury/Injury details
✍🏻Devib Nihesuah
Blurb:
In this richly layered debut mystery reminiscent of the real issue of missing and murdered Indigenous people, a badass Choctaw detective discovers an insidious plot against her reservation while investigating the disappearance of a beloved champion athlete.
Choctaw Detective Perry Antelope has been with her partner, Sophia Burns, for only six months. Perry is a seasoned investigator while the ex-Olympian shot putter Sophia is a former street-smart police officer. Together, they are an intrepid pair with an established record of success. But when Perry and Sophia are called to investigate the disappearance of Dels Billy, a beloved women’s Indian Horse Relay rider, they quickly realize that it’s not as cut-and-dry as anything they’ve faced before.
Piece by piece, they uncover unsettling connections between Dels’s disappearance and a series of unsolved abductions of women from Oklahoma reservations. But the perpetrator always seems to be one step ahead, and Perry soon finds herself—and her family—in the crosshairs of a ruthless killer. Despite her husband’s pleas for her to drop the case, Perry is determined to prevent Dels from becoming another statistic.
As the investigation deepens, Perry and Sophia follow a tangled web of clues that point to a close-to-home plot more chilling than they could have imagined. Torn between her family’s safety and her duty to her community, Perry must race against the clock, and across tribal Nations, to find Dels before her murderous abductor can carry out their sinister plan.
My Thoughts:
Dels Billy, a fierce female horse relay competitor, is taken from a rest stop on the team’s drive home following a competition win. The horse trailer and the youngest member of the team, beaten unconscious, are all that are found at the scene. Detective Perry Antelope is called in due to the potential nature of the crime;Perry Antelope, Sophia Burns, and Raquel Hunter are some of the most bad ass female law enforcement characters, while still portraying the realities of their line of work. . She is a tall, athletic, former olympic shot-putter and California street cop. Raquel is a woman of few words, a Lighthorseman (native police) and former marine. She is fearless and quick thinking and admired by Perry. The three women end up working together on the case of a missing Indian horse relay champion who is taken from a roadside despite having a man travelling with her. What follows are several more dead bodies, family drama, and the unravelling of an extensive plot targeting several neighbouring nations. If you're looking for a well told plot line, great dialogue, and unexpected twists then add this to your TBR list
Thanks NetGalley, Bantam Books and AuthorDevon Mihesuah for the advanced copy of "Blood Relay" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#BantamBooks
#DevonMihesuah
#BloodRelay
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️Trigger Warnings: : Confinement, Death, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Medical content, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Murder, Injury/Injury details
March 11, 2026
Brilliant but complicated Perry Antelope has been a detective for sixteen years. Though her husband fears for her and her job is emotionally draining, she can't see herself doing anything else. When Dels Billy, a competitive Indian Horse Relay rider, is kidnapped and her teammate is nearly killed, Perry and her new partner Sophia must navigate a complicated web of jurisdictional issues and familial feuds over land while they fight against time to bring Dels home. But the perpetrators know Perry is on their tail, and this case may become a little too close to home for the Native women investigating Dels's disappearance.
3.5 stars, rounded down. Any book about missing and murdered indigenous women and boys (MMIW) is going to be fraught with emotion, but this book did feel particularly affecting. It delves not only into the police work being done by Native detectives (both in Tribal Police forces and in state police forces), but also into the history of allotments. The story is compelling and is populated by characters you can't help but root for (or against, as the case may be).
My main issue with this book was that it felt... maybe not too lived in, but too over-described? We know exactly what each character eats and drinks in every scene. Brand-names of alcohol and energy drinks and specific types of Gatorade are listed. Outfits are described in detail. None of this advances the plot or brings us closer to understanding the characters.
I also think I just don't like a close third-person perspective which, at random and when convenient, shifts to be omniscient. We spend most of the time in Perry's head, with random thoughts from Sophia and Raquel sprinkled in. Again, it makes the writing feel clunky and poorly-planned.
However, despite those issues, I still think the story and the research are incredibly strong here. Readers unfamiliar with Native history will learn quite a bit and those who are already knowledgeable will not feel as though these elements are overexplained. There is so much specificity in this book that feel vital and necessary and, though it may be a little drowned out by the repetition and unnecessary detail, I still found myself breathless at the end. The landscapes in the last quarter of the book are particularly vivid, and I felt as though I could picture the setting in great detail.
I would love to read some of Mihesuah's nonfiction--I can tell she's a deep researcher and I'd love to learn more about her work around decolonization. As far as her fiction, this is a very solid debut, and I would absolutely read her work again.
My thanks to the author, NetGalley, and Ballantine | Bantam for an ARC of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
3.5 stars, rounded down. Any book about missing and murdered indigenous women and boys (MMIW) is going to be fraught with emotion, but this book did feel particularly affecting. It delves not only into the police work being done by Native detectives (both in Tribal Police forces and in state police forces), but also into the history of allotments. The story is compelling and is populated by characters you can't help but root for (or against, as the case may be).
My main issue with this book was that it felt... maybe not too lived in, but too over-described? We know exactly what each character eats and drinks in every scene. Brand-names of alcohol and energy drinks and specific types of Gatorade are listed. Outfits are described in detail. None of this advances the plot or brings us closer to understanding the characters.
I also think I just don't like a close third-person perspective which, at random and when convenient, shifts to be omniscient. We spend most of the time in Perry's head, with random thoughts from Sophia and Raquel sprinkled in. Again, it makes the writing feel clunky and poorly-planned.
However, despite those issues, I still think the story and the research are incredibly strong here. Readers unfamiliar with Native history will learn quite a bit and those who are already knowledgeable will not feel as though these elements are overexplained. There is so much specificity in this book that feel vital and necessary and, though it may be a little drowned out by the repetition and unnecessary detail, I still found myself breathless at the end. The landscapes in the last quarter of the book are particularly vivid, and I felt as though I could picture the setting in great detail.
I would love to read some of Mihesuah's nonfiction--I can tell she's a deep researcher and I'd love to learn more about her work around decolonization. As far as her fiction, this is a very solid debut, and I would absolutely read her work again.
My thanks to the author, NetGalley, and Ballantine | Bantam for an ARC of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
May 9, 2026
OMG, what a book! I loved it! The writing! The detail and description! The characters! I want more from this writer with some of these same characters, and having said all that...
This is the story of a missing/kidnapped female Indian Relay Racer. Relay racing involves several horses per rider. The rider goes a certain distance, jumps off one horse, gets on another and keeps going. There are races for both men and for women.
First off, I learned A LOT from reading this book. About relay racing. About the allotment system in which indigneous tribes/nations received pieces of land to give to their members. These allotments can be used, bought, sold, etc., and vary in value depending on if they can be used for grazing, hunting, have water on them, can be mined or best of all, are sitting atop oil. I also learned more about this real-life horrible reality: How a lot of indigneous young women have been kidnapped, trafficked or murdered and it's an ongoing problem. (Sometimes young men or boys are also taken.)
That was all backdrop and it only added to the realism of the fictional story, which is about the missing girl who is taken by force from a highway rest stop when her truck's tires blow out. (She's driving home, taking her race horses with her.)
The main characters come from several different indigneous nations - and there is info. about each when and where necessary. I liked the juxtaposition of both: a good story with background involving history, geography and current events. The writer is indigenous - Ms. Mihesuah's background is mentioned at the end of the book, which I also found interesting.
The story takes a lot of twists and turns. We get to see the main detective, Perry Antelope, at work and at home. There is a LOT of detail here, too, in not only the landscape, but in Perry's daily life. In this way Mihesuah reminds me of writer Sue Grafton: we get to know exactly what the MC eats, wears, and how she goes about the investigation into the case of the missing girl. Perry also has a tall Commanche husband - he definitely needs his own book - and there are a lot of strong, well-written female characters here. Anyhow, the detail fits the story - and adds to it. And when Perry gets targeted...
Spoilers! It's just great, from page one to the very end. One of the best books I've read so far this year.
Five stars.
This is the story of a missing/kidnapped female Indian Relay Racer. Relay racing involves several horses per rider. The rider goes a certain distance, jumps off one horse, gets on another and keeps going. There are races for both men and for women.
First off, I learned A LOT from reading this book. About relay racing. About the allotment system in which indigneous tribes/nations received pieces of land to give to their members. These allotments can be used, bought, sold, etc., and vary in value depending on if they can be used for grazing, hunting, have water on them, can be mined or best of all, are sitting atop oil. I also learned more about this real-life horrible reality: How a lot of indigneous young women have been kidnapped, trafficked or murdered and it's an ongoing problem. (Sometimes young men or boys are also taken.)
That was all backdrop and it only added to the realism of the fictional story, which is about the missing girl who is taken by force from a highway rest stop when her truck's tires blow out. (She's driving home, taking her race horses with her.)
The main characters come from several different indigneous nations - and there is info. about each when and where necessary. I liked the juxtaposition of both: a good story with background involving history, geography and current events. The writer is indigenous - Ms. Mihesuah's background is mentioned at the end of the book, which I also found interesting.
The story takes a lot of twists and turns. We get to see the main detective, Perry Antelope, at work and at home. There is a LOT of detail here, too, in not only the landscape, but in Perry's daily life. In this way Mihesuah reminds me of writer Sue Grafton: we get to know exactly what the MC eats, wears, and how she goes about the investigation into the case of the missing girl. Perry also has a tall Commanche husband - he definitely needs his own book - and there are a lot of strong, well-written female characters here. Anyhow, the detail fits the story - and adds to it. And when Perry gets targeted...
Spoilers! It's just great, from page one to the very end. One of the best books I've read so far this year.
Five stars.
March 3, 2026
Blood Relay roots its mystery in two real and ongoing tragedies: the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, and the tangled, painful history of land allotments across Oklahoma. Neither feels like window dressing here; both are woven into the fabric of the story, and Devon Mihesuah handles them with care and weight.
Having two women detectives at the helm adds a layered depth to the investigation. Choctaw detective Perry Antelope is the kind of protagonist you root for immediately. Tough, principled, and genuinely invested in serving her community, she isn't just trying to solve a case; she is trying to bring Dels home alive. Her partnership with Sophia Burns, an ex-Olympian turned investigator, gives the story a satisfying dynamic that never feels forced. Together, they are formidable, and their shared commitment to finding Dels is at the heart of everything.
The mystery itself is layered, and the threads connecting Dels Billy's disappearance to a broader pattern of reservation abductions are chilling because this is not fiction in the broader sense; the disappearance and murder of Indigenous women is very real. Readers who have encountered stories like the Osage murders, whether through Killers of the Flower Moon or elsewhere, will find the allotment history discussed here land with extra resonance and familiarity. That said, no prior knowledge is required; the novel gives you what you need.
This is a solid and promising debut, and I'll be looking out for whatever Mihesuah writes next.
Having two women detectives at the helm adds a layered depth to the investigation. Choctaw detective Perry Antelope is the kind of protagonist you root for immediately. Tough, principled, and genuinely invested in serving her community, she isn't just trying to solve a case; she is trying to bring Dels home alive. Her partnership with Sophia Burns, an ex-Olympian turned investigator, gives the story a satisfying dynamic that never feels forced. Together, they are formidable, and their shared commitment to finding Dels is at the heart of everything.
The mystery itself is layered, and the threads connecting Dels Billy's disappearance to a broader pattern of reservation abductions are chilling because this is not fiction in the broader sense; the disappearance and murder of Indigenous women is very real. Readers who have encountered stories like the Osage murders, whether through Killers of the Flower Moon or elsewhere, will find the allotment history discussed here land with extra resonance and familiarity. That said, no prior knowledge is required; the novel gives you what you need.
This is a solid and promising debut, and I'll be looking out for whatever Mihesuah writes next.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️: 3 / 5
Publication Date: February 24, 2026
I want to thank Bantam and Net Galley for allowing me to get an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
The prologue and first chapter had me hooked. The prologue is full of song references and quick banter that changes dramatically. The first chapter follows the main detective and POV of the story, Detective Perry Antelope.
Some of the coolest aspects of this story, was the way the story tackled difficult topics related to the experiences of Native American people. I loved the power all of the female characters exemplified, even when the believability of it felt far-fetched at times.
As for my reservations, I found some of the meandering thoughts to be distracting. Right as the plot would pick up, there were be an intrusive thought to take the reader to a different time in the detective’s past. I also felt like Del’s POV could have been introduced earlier in the story to help build tension. Instead it felt like the chapters with her POV felt almost like an addition done after the fact to explain details at the end of the book.
Overall I thought this was an interesting book. I would recommend this for anyone looking for a detective mystery with a focus on women and Native American stories. I found the author’s note at the end of the book helped to put everything put the story into perspective.
Would recommend for those who are fans of
- Oklahoma setting
- Character & plot driven stories
- Police procedural stories
- Native American stories
- Women-led stories
⚠️ violence, murder
Characters: 7
Atmosphere/setting: 9
Writing style: 4
Plot: 5
Intrigue: 7
Logic: 4
Relationships: 7
Entertainment: 6
Total: 3.0625
Publication Date: February 24, 2026
I want to thank Bantam and Net Galley for allowing me to get an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
The prologue and first chapter had me hooked. The prologue is full of song references and quick banter that changes dramatically. The first chapter follows the main detective and POV of the story, Detective Perry Antelope.
Some of the coolest aspects of this story, was the way the story tackled difficult topics related to the experiences of Native American people. I loved the power all of the female characters exemplified, even when the believability of it felt far-fetched at times.
As for my reservations, I found some of the meandering thoughts to be distracting. Right as the plot would pick up, there were be an intrusive thought to take the reader to a different time in the detective’s past. I also felt like Del’s POV could have been introduced earlier in the story to help build tension. Instead it felt like the chapters with her POV felt almost like an addition done after the fact to explain details at the end of the book.
Overall I thought this was an interesting book. I would recommend this for anyone looking for a detective mystery with a focus on women and Native American stories. I found the author’s note at the end of the book helped to put everything put the story into perspective.
Would recommend for those who are fans of
- Oklahoma setting
- Character & plot driven stories
- Police procedural stories
- Native American stories
- Women-led stories
⚠️ violence, murder
Characters: 7
Atmosphere/setting: 9
Writing style: 4
Plot: 5
Intrigue: 7
Logic: 4
Relationships: 7
Entertainment: 6
Total: 3.0625
March 5, 2026
Easily a 4, almost a 5 for me but for some reason the last section of the book kind of lost me. Still, definitely one of my most enjoyable reads/listens of the year ao far.
The characters were great. Their interpersonal relationships were refreshing. I loved that there were three female detectives with distinct personalities working well together and getting along. I feel like that never happens in detective fiction! The fact that they were all competent, well-adjusted (more or less), and basically ordinary, believable people was such a treat. And the supporting cast was equally well-written.
I came in unsure about the plot. I'm not a horse person. I couldn't be less interested in equines. But yeah, no, the horse part of the plot actually was interesting. The author did a great job depicting the sport of horse relay and it's culture.
The mystery was solid, even if the solution kind of felt like it came out of nowhere. Looking back, it didn't, the clues were there, but... I think maybe it was the pacing.
All of a sudden, we're in a blockbuster action movie. And I understand ramping up the action and the stakes near the end, but for whatever reason, it had the opposite effect for me? I struggled to concentrate and found myself kind of drifting. That's on me, though. Once I know what's going on/whodunit and why, I'm ready to wrap up, no need for a two hour long chase scene and fight to the finish. Which, again, is a me problem, because it was quite an epic chase and fight.
The author really made the most of the settings, as well, which I appreciate.
Finally, the author used her platform to bring awareness about the disproportionately high incidence of missing and murdered Indigenous persons, and she did it well.
The characters were great. Their interpersonal relationships were refreshing. I loved that there were three female detectives with distinct personalities working well together and getting along. I feel like that never happens in detective fiction! The fact that they were all competent, well-adjusted (more or less), and basically ordinary, believable people was such a treat. And the supporting cast was equally well-written.
I came in unsure about the plot. I'm not a horse person. I couldn't be less interested in equines. But yeah, no, the horse part of the plot actually was interesting. The author did a great job depicting the sport of horse relay and it's culture.
The mystery was solid, even if the solution kind of felt like it came out of nowhere. Looking back, it didn't, the clues were there, but... I think maybe it was the pacing.
All of a sudden, we're in a blockbuster action movie. And I understand ramping up the action and the stakes near the end, but for whatever reason, it had the opposite effect for me? I struggled to concentrate and found myself kind of drifting. That's on me, though. Once I know what's going on/whodunit and why, I'm ready to wrap up, no need for a two hour long chase scene and fight to the finish. Which, again, is a me problem, because it was quite an epic chase and fight.
The author really made the most of the settings, as well, which I appreciate.
Finally, the author used her platform to bring awareness about the disproportionately high incidence of missing and murdered Indigenous persons, and she did it well.
February 24, 2026
This is a terrific crime novel set against the context of the real-world Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women crisis that's been happening for decades across the USA and Canada.
A young Choctaw woman, Dels, who's a successful Horse Relay is taken from her broken down truck in an abandoned rest stop following a race earlier that day. Two Native women detectives, Perry and Sophia, joined later by a third, Raquel, pick up the case and are determined to find her.
What follows is a twisting and turning chase where the detectives battle bias, bureaucratic tape, injury, and exhaustion to get to the bottom of the case. The pacing is fantastic and drags you along in the best possible sense, I finished this in a day.
I love reading novels, especially in a Native American setting, where I learn more about the history, mythology, and culture of the indigenous people and this is one of them. I'd never heard of Horse Relay racing which is described at great length here - maybe a little too much - and there were explanations of how land is passed down through generations and how some protect and others are often forced to sell. I had no idea that owners of the plots of land are contacted to the point of harassment by people/companies wanting to buy it.
The main characters are all well-drawn and engaging and I can only hope that this is the first in a series featuring these three women and their families. Also, if this isn't made into a Dark Winds- or Longmire-like series I'll be very disappointed.
A young Choctaw woman, Dels, who's a successful Horse Relay is taken from her broken down truck in an abandoned rest stop following a race earlier that day. Two Native women detectives, Perry and Sophia, joined later by a third, Raquel, pick up the case and are determined to find her.
What follows is a twisting and turning chase where the detectives battle bias, bureaucratic tape, injury, and exhaustion to get to the bottom of the case. The pacing is fantastic and drags you along in the best possible sense, I finished this in a day.
I love reading novels, especially in a Native American setting, where I learn more about the history, mythology, and culture of the indigenous people and this is one of them. I'd never heard of Horse Relay racing which is described at great length here - maybe a little too much - and there were explanations of how land is passed down through generations and how some protect and others are often forced to sell. I had no idea that owners of the plots of land are contacted to the point of harassment by people/companies wanting to buy it.
The main characters are all well-drawn and engaging and I can only hope that this is the first in a series featuring these three women and their families. Also, if this isn't made into a Dark Winds- or Longmire-like series I'll be very disappointed.
March 1, 2026
Wow! This book came at me like a thundering herd of horses. I jumped on for the emotionally intense ride. I loved every second that I listened to this story. It made my blood run cold, my anxiety spike, and my hatred for some people red hot. Missing and murdered indigenous women is one topic that gets my blood boiling. There is no reason why so many of these women should have to fear for their lives whenever they go out. No one should have to fear that they will be trafficked, assaulted, or murdered because they are considered easy targets. That no one cares. That their disappearances will not be looked into. We need to change that and make them feel safe in their own towns and in their homes. The characters are strong, willing to give themselves to save another. They are determined to find the missing and bring them back to their loved ones. This book needs to be read.
Perry Antelope is a Choctaw Detective in Oklahoma. She has an amazing husband and two children. Perry needs to be reined in every now and then and be reminded that she needs to save herself or she cannot help save others. She is someone you should look up to. When she hears that Dels Billy never made it home from the Indian Horse Relay that she competed in. Her trailer, horse, and the young man that was riding with her were found at a rest area. Dels Billy has vanished. As the investigation picks up, the story becomes darker. I could not believe what I was hearing. There are so many connections within her own community and neighboring tribes. The race is on to find Dels Billy alive.
Each character is written in such a unique way that you want to read this book in one go. It is fast paced, enticing, shocking, tear jerking, and anger provoking. It brings to light issues that indigenous people must deal with on a daily basis. Issues that should not be still occurring in 2026. Thank you to Devon Mihesuah, PRH Audio, and Bantam for this phenomenal read.
Perry Antelope is a Choctaw Detective in Oklahoma. She has an amazing husband and two children. Perry needs to be reined in every now and then and be reminded that she needs to save herself or she cannot help save others. She is someone you should look up to. When she hears that Dels Billy never made it home from the Indian Horse Relay that she competed in. Her trailer, horse, and the young man that was riding with her were found at a rest area. Dels Billy has vanished. As the investigation picks up, the story becomes darker. I could not believe what I was hearing. There are so many connections within her own community and neighboring tribes. The race is on to find Dels Billy alive.
Each character is written in such a unique way that you want to read this book in one go. It is fast paced, enticing, shocking, tear jerking, and anger provoking. It brings to light issues that indigenous people must deal with on a daily basis. Issues that should not be still occurring in 2026. Thank you to Devon Mihesuah, PRH Audio, and Bantam for this phenomenal read.
March 19, 2026
A missing Indigenous relay rider. Tribal lands. And a mystery that latched onto my brain and refused to let me put the book down
The second I saw that Blood Relay by Devon Mihesuah was about the investigation of a missing Indian relay rider across the tribal nations I knew I needed to read it immediately
And WOW I am really glad I did
This story is packed with culture and heritage and honestly that was one of my favorite parts. The respect for Indigenous traditions and community is woven throughout the entire story and it adds so much depth to this already complex and action packed investigation
Also...I don't know what it is about a detective storyline that flips a switch in my brain but the moment the investigation started I was locked in. No self control. I kept telling myself just one more chapter and then suddenly it was way late into the night and I was still reading
When an author combines a gripping mystery with Indigenous culture and community that is a massive win in my book.
What really stuck with me though is the spotlight this story shines on Indigenous abductions and how they can be connected to drug and human trafficking. That is something far too many people dont know about or talk about hardly enough. So genuinely. Thank you to Devon for using storytelling to bring attention to an issue that deserves much more awareness
A mystery that pulls you in, meaningful cultural representation and a story that actually has something important to say. YEAH This one was a win for me.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and Devon for the advanced readers copy
The second I saw that Blood Relay by Devon Mihesuah was about the investigation of a missing Indian relay rider across the tribal nations I knew I needed to read it immediately
And WOW I am really glad I did
This story is packed with culture and heritage and honestly that was one of my favorite parts. The respect for Indigenous traditions and community is woven throughout the entire story and it adds so much depth to this already complex and action packed investigation
Also...I don't know what it is about a detective storyline that flips a switch in my brain but the moment the investigation started I was locked in. No self control. I kept telling myself just one more chapter and then suddenly it was way late into the night and I was still reading
When an author combines a gripping mystery with Indigenous culture and community that is a massive win in my book.
What really stuck with me though is the spotlight this story shines on Indigenous abductions and how they can be connected to drug and human trafficking. That is something far too many people dont know about or talk about hardly enough. So genuinely. Thank you to Devon for using storytelling to bring attention to an issue that deserves much more awareness
A mystery that pulls you in, meaningful cultural representation and a story that actually has something important to say. YEAH This one was a win for me.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and Devon for the advanced readers copy
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
5 out of 5.
The investigation into the disappearance of Dels Billy, a beloved Indian Horse Relay rider, uncovers a disturbing series of unsolved abductions of Native American women from various tribal lands in Oklahoma. it's up to Oklahoma City homicide detective Perry Antelope and her partner Sophia Burns to navigate the dangerous threats to themselves and their loved ones in order to find the truth before it's too late.
This ARC is courtesy of NetGalley and Bantam, an imprint of Random House. The anticipated publication date is February 24, 2026.
I was captivated from the start, both with the mystery and the many strong female characters. The author did an excellent job introducing both the characters and the situation without an overwhelming data dump. This ticked all my boxes, an engrossing mystery, strong characterizations, realistic depictions of Native American cultures, relatable professional and personal relationship, and remarkably badass women all made this book a massive winner for me.
Sadly there is no indication of a sequel (or a possible series), at least at the time of this review. Still I will continue to hope for more with Perry, Sophia, and Rachel sometime in the future. Highly recommended to fans of mysteries, particularly those with an interest in Native culture. Fans of Tony Hillerman should also enjoy this.
The investigation into the disappearance of Dels Billy, a beloved Indian Horse Relay rider, uncovers a disturbing series of unsolved abductions of Native American women from various tribal lands in Oklahoma. it's up to Oklahoma City homicide detective Perry Antelope and her partner Sophia Burns to navigate the dangerous threats to themselves and their loved ones in order to find the truth before it's too late.
This ARC is courtesy of NetGalley and Bantam, an imprint of Random House. The anticipated publication date is February 24, 2026.
I was captivated from the start, both with the mystery and the many strong female characters. The author did an excellent job introducing both the characters and the situation without an overwhelming data dump. This ticked all my boxes, an engrossing mystery, strong characterizations, realistic depictions of Native American cultures, relatable professional and personal relationship, and remarkably badass women all made this book a massive winner for me.
Sadly there is no indication of a sequel (or a possible series), at least at the time of this review. Still I will continue to hope for more with Perry, Sophia, and Rachel sometime in the future. Highly recommended to fans of mysteries, particularly those with an interest in Native culture. Fans of Tony Hillerman should also enjoy this.
February 15, 2026
3.5 stars, rounded up
There was a lot to like in this debut fiction novel by Devon Mihesuah, and I thought that the book really shone the brightest when teaching the reader about Native customs and culture. It is clear that the author enjoys sharing this information, and she does it well, with a great level of detail and enthusiasm.
The story focuses on missing Indigenous women, a topic that always deserves more attention, and the premise of a missing relay race rider immediately captured me. The characters were also very well done, and they felt fully fleshed out and relatable - I'm always here for a group of badass female leads, and these ladies didn't disappoint!
Where the book suffered, however, was in the overall storyline. The plot structure was rather basic and straightforward, and it never felt twisty or veered away from exactly where you imagined it would go next. Don't get me wrong, it was NOT a bad story, but all in all, it felt a little underwhelming, and I found myself starting to skim through the last 1/4 of the book just to get to the end point. The dialogue also felt a bit unnatural and forced at times, which came off a little clunky.
Still, this was a promising debut from the author, and I am looking forward to seeing what she writes next!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
There was a lot to like in this debut fiction novel by Devon Mihesuah, and I thought that the book really shone the brightest when teaching the reader about Native customs and culture. It is clear that the author enjoys sharing this information, and she does it well, with a great level of detail and enthusiasm.
The story focuses on missing Indigenous women, a topic that always deserves more attention, and the premise of a missing relay race rider immediately captured me. The characters were also very well done, and they felt fully fleshed out and relatable - I'm always here for a group of badass female leads, and these ladies didn't disappoint!
Where the book suffered, however, was in the overall storyline. The plot structure was rather basic and straightforward, and it never felt twisty or veered away from exactly where you imagined it would go next. Don't get me wrong, it was NOT a bad story, but all in all, it felt a little underwhelming, and I found myself starting to skim through the last 1/4 of the book just to get to the end point. The dialogue also felt a bit unnatural and forced at times, which came off a little clunky.
Still, this was a promising debut from the author, and I am looking forward to seeing what she writes next!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
April 13, 2026
Actual Rating 3.5
I've read quite a few mysteries by Indigenous American authors focusing on MMIW because it is a very real issue, and the author did a good job with this theme. The author incorporated relevant cultural and historical information that added depth to the mystery. It was especially interesting to learn about the land allotments, and this aspect was included in a meaningful way.
There were instances when the pacing was a bit on the slower side, including a chapter of two detectives watching camera footage, but the pace picked up in the last quarter which led to a good ending. And sometimes there were just too many details - exactly what kind of drink (brand name and flavor) the characters are drinking, the number of stitches on a character's pair of pants (not quite, but close), etc.
One thing that put me off right from page one was the nonstop pop culture references, especially the name drops of songs. This is a personal preference, and I don't mind when it happens a couple times, but they were constant.
Overall this was a good mystery with solid characters, but there were aspects of the writing that kept it from being as strong as it could've been. Definitely still recommendable though. My thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I've read quite a few mysteries by Indigenous American authors focusing on MMIW because it is a very real issue, and the author did a good job with this theme. The author incorporated relevant cultural and historical information that added depth to the mystery. It was especially interesting to learn about the land allotments, and this aspect was included in a meaningful way.
There were instances when the pacing was a bit on the slower side, including a chapter of two detectives watching camera footage, but the pace picked up in the last quarter which led to a good ending. And sometimes there were just too many details - exactly what kind of drink (brand name and flavor) the characters are drinking, the number of stitches on a character's pair of pants (not quite, but close), etc.
One thing that put me off right from page one was the nonstop pop culture references, especially the name drops of songs. This is a personal preference, and I don't mind when it happens a couple times, but they were constant.
Overall this was a good mystery with solid characters, but there were aspects of the writing that kept it from being as strong as it could've been. Definitely still recommendable though. My thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
May 5, 2026
Read a great review of this book, though they had me at “Choctaw police detective Perry Antelope.” A fiery native on the Oklahoma City police force that is driven to solve the crime of a missing young woman, taken after an Indian Relay event.
While that is the gist of the story, it layers in human trafficking, native history and language, and the high rate of missing indigenous women. Perry is a character that you root for but also envy her persistence and physical abilities.
Being native Chickasaw, much of the language is similar so it was fun to recognize words known. And having traveled through much of the area in Oklahoma the author painted it descriptively true. There was a bit of overkill in the “show” of detailed meals and what seemed like product placements, and this dragged the pace of the story.
The language though…granted, not wildly used, but it did show up in cursory moments that did not punctuate the dialog but demean it. Sometimes it works, but other times it looks like a plug in for the sake of writing it.
Yakoke, Ms. Mihesuah, for a good story telling with a native theme. It is likely Perry Antelope is not adverse to a sequel.
While that is the gist of the story, it layers in human trafficking, native history and language, and the high rate of missing indigenous women. Perry is a character that you root for but also envy her persistence and physical abilities.
Being native Chickasaw, much of the language is similar so it was fun to recognize words known. And having traveled through much of the area in Oklahoma the author painted it descriptively true. There was a bit of overkill in the “show” of detailed meals and what seemed like product placements, and this dragged the pace of the story.
The language though…granted, not wildly used, but it did show up in cursory moments that did not punctuate the dialog but demean it. Sometimes it works, but other times it looks like a plug in for the sake of writing it.
Yakoke, Ms. Mihesuah, for a good story telling with a native theme. It is likely Perry Antelope is not adverse to a sequel.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A Native American woman goes missing. Dels Billy is a champion Indian Relay rider, which is a brutal sport that is part of the warrior culture of Native Americans; the rider circles a track twice, switching horses halfway through, while riding bareback. Collisions and chaos rule. Detective Perry Antelope and her partner, former Olympic shot-putter Sophy Burns, are called into investigate when Dels' truck and horse trailer are found abandoned at a closed highway rest stop. The young man who was riding with Dels is found beaten up and almost does not survive. The investigation soon reveals a large amount of tension in the Billy Family over their lot procurement, left over from the days of the colonization of Indian lands. But, also running through the novel is the story of the thousands on Native men, women and children who go missing every year. And no one seems to able to stop it. A fascinating look at law enforcement among Native Americans. I learned a lot about many aspects of Native life. Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Detective Perry Antelope and her colleague Sophia Burns are summoned to a closed truck stop following the sudden disappearance of Dels Billy. Dels was on her way home after competing in a horse relay. As Perry and Sophia conduct their investigation, they uncover connections to other unresolved abductions of women from Oklahoma reservations. But it seems the perp is always a step ahead, with danger hitting close to home and putting Perry's family's safety in jeopardy. It's a race against the clock and across tribal nations to solve this case. Will they be able to find Dels before it's too late?
This was definitely an interesting read with an intriguing mystery. It was dark, gritty, and suspenseful. It was full of information about tribes in Oklahoma, their land, and jurisdictional boundaries. It dove into the very heavy topics of MMIWG and human trafficking. There were even some edge-of-the-seat moments. There was drama and strong female characters. I loved Det. Perry Antelope's determination, pushing forward even after her injuries. Reading about Picher, OK still fascinates me; the first time I heard about it was in Vanessa Lillie's *Blood Sisters*. Also, the horse relays are another compelling topic. This was a riveting, engrossing police procedural/crime thriller that I really enjoyed and would definitely recommend!🩷 PS. - Make sure you read the author's notes!
This was definitely an interesting read with an intriguing mystery. It was dark, gritty, and suspenseful. It was full of information about tribes in Oklahoma, their land, and jurisdictional boundaries. It dove into the very heavy topics of MMIWG and human trafficking. There were even some edge-of-the-seat moments. There was drama and strong female characters. I loved Det. Perry Antelope's determination, pushing forward even after her injuries. Reading about Picher, OK still fascinates me; the first time I heard about it was in Vanessa Lillie's *Blood Sisters*. Also, the horse relays are another compelling topic. This was a riveting, engrossing police procedural/crime thriller that I really enjoyed and would definitely recommend!🩷 PS. - Make sure you read the author's notes!
February 27, 2026
I didn’t mean to spiral, but my bookshelf had other plans. 🩸📚
Apparently, my recent reading theme was: blood, belief systems, and international chaos. I accidentally built the most intense stack, and honestly? I couldn’t look away.
The Lineup:
End of Days by Chris Jennings: A sobering, sharp look at apocalyptic obsessions and American extremism. ⛈️
The Blood Countess by Shelley Puhak: Part true crime, part feminist reckoning. Was Elizabeth Báthory a monster or a political scapegoat? 🏰
Blood Relay by Devon Mihesuah: A tense, emotional mystery rooted in the Choctaw community. Perry Antelope is a top-tier lead. 🔍
The Devil's Bible by Steve Berry: Conspiracy-fueled adrenaline involving the actual Codex Gigas. Pure chaos. 📜
Altogether, these reads made me double-check every official version of history I’ve ever been told.
✨️Thank you, Little, Brown and Company, Bloomsbury Publishing, Bantam, Grand Central Publishing, Chris Jennings, Shelley Puhak, Devon Mihesuah and Steve Berry for sharing these books with us!
Apparently, my recent reading theme was: blood, belief systems, and international chaos. I accidentally built the most intense stack, and honestly? I couldn’t look away.
The Lineup:
End of Days by Chris Jennings: A sobering, sharp look at apocalyptic obsessions and American extremism. ⛈️
The Blood Countess by Shelley Puhak: Part true crime, part feminist reckoning. Was Elizabeth Báthory a monster or a political scapegoat? 🏰
Blood Relay by Devon Mihesuah: A tense, emotional mystery rooted in the Choctaw community. Perry Antelope is a top-tier lead. 🔍
The Devil's Bible by Steve Berry: Conspiracy-fueled adrenaline involving the actual Codex Gigas. Pure chaos. 📜
Altogether, these reads made me double-check every official version of history I’ve ever been told.
✨️Thank you, Little, Brown and Company, Bloomsbury Publishing, Bantam, Grand Central Publishing, Chris Jennings, Shelley Puhak, Devon Mihesuah and Steve Berry for sharing these books with us!
April 19, 2026
When Dels Billy goes missing after an Indian horse relay race, Choctaw detective Perry Antelope and her new partner, Sophia Burns are called in as part of the investigation. The investigation has just started, but as the detectives start looking into concerns about Billy's land allotment, someone tries to kill one of the detectives and the pace picks up. The two detectives want to find Billy and ensure that she doesn't end up as one of the many Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women that disappear every year. I was unfamiliar with the horse relay races and found them fascinating. I appreciated the way Mihesuah wove real issues facing Indigenous peoples into the storyline, including the challenges of jursidiction. Also - the women in this novel were badass - strong, independent, and in healthy relationships - something I'm always up for in a novel. There were a few places early on where I think a little editing would have brought the storyline together a little more quickly -- but overall a really solid read and I'd love to see more by this author.
February 13, 2026
Perry, Sophia, and Raquel won’t rest until they find Dels Billy, a horse relay racer who goes missing after winning a race.
This book, while fiction, shines light on the real issue of missing and murdered indigenous women (MMIW).
The dialogue was short and choppy, but I figured in a real investigation as a detective you would have to be that way, short and to the point. And then I got used to the cadence of it.
I honestly don’t know how Perry kept going after all she’d endured, but I admired her for it and understood her drive. I liked seeing her interact with her family, too. I’d totally be up for more books with Perry, Sophia, and Raquel investigating!! Maybe even having Sophia or Raquel being the ones telling the story. I feel we got a really good sense of who Perry is, and I’d like to know more about Sophia, and Raquel especially.
* I received an eARC from the publisher and NetGalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
This book, while fiction, shines light on the real issue of missing and murdered indigenous women (MMIW).
The dialogue was short and choppy, but I figured in a real investigation as a detective you would have to be that way, short and to the point. And then I got used to the cadence of it.
I honestly don’t know how Perry kept going after all she’d endured, but I admired her for it and understood her drive. I liked seeing her interact with her family, too. I’d totally be up for more books with Perry, Sophia, and Raquel investigating!! Maybe even having Sophia or Raquel being the ones telling the story. I feel we got a really good sense of who Perry is, and I’d like to know more about Sophia, and Raquel especially.
* I received an eARC from the publisher and NetGalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
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