The Shaman Laughs

Charlie Moon #2

by James D. Doss

Ute policeman Charlie Moon is called out by the game warden to investigate the disappearance of a local rancher's valuable buffalo, Rolling Thunder. What Moon and his visiting friend, Anglo lawman Scott Parris, have on their hands (along with an officious FBI man) is a killer whose victims are animals.
The case is unnerving for Moon and Parris not only because of the owners' financial loss. The bizarre way the animals have been mutilated after death seems to have a connection with the strong atmosphere of evil that has pervaded the area.
Old Daisy Perika, whose powers as a shaman are respected by the most worldly Ute and many of the local Anglos, seeks advice from the pitukupf, the mischievous and unpredictable spirit to who she alone has access. But the pitukupf can't prevent the human killings that follow, and Daisy knows she must take a hand herself.

Genres: Mystery, Native American, Fiction, Westerns, Mystery Thriller, Crime, Indigenous

274 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

James D. Doss (1939, Kentucky, -17 May 2012) was a noted American mystery novel author. He was the creator of the popular fictional Ute detective/rancher Charlie Moon, of whom he wrote 17 mystery novels. James "Danny" Doss was born and raised in Kentucky and died in Los Alamos, New Mexico. He was also an electrical engineer who worked on particle accelerators and biomedical technology for the University of California's Los Alamos National Laboratory, while writing his novels. After retirement from Los Alamos National Laboratory, he continued to write his popular novels while living in Taos, New Mexico and Los Alamos, New Mexico.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Doss

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just discovered this series and am eager to read more. There is a lot going on in this one but it all shakes out evenly in the end. Intriguing characters and a look into the Ute police and reservation. I'm surprised I haven't heard of the series before. Now to track down the books my library doesn't have.

[Laura Knaapen · Rating 3 out of 5]

It might be 4 stars but there was a section near the end that got confusing, switching between six or more different characters, including one or two that hadn’t even been there before.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Charlie Moon series with a setting in the Ute Indian Nation. I liked this book slightly better than the first book in the series (The Shaman Sings). I think Doss almost puts too much into the story until it gets confusing and jumbled. However, I'm not discouraged by the series and will continue reading it.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

For the genre it's fine but I guess I don't love these light mysteries. The descriptions of the people, area, etc were spot on (I lived in the SW and thought the author did an excellent job with the physical locations, attitude, and setting). But the killer was made to be so much more and then the final reveal was just so-so. Nice light read though.

[Bradhernandez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great quick read. #2 in the series. I dig the Charlie Moon character. I will read more. Moon and company solve mystery of serial mutilation killings with the help of Ute reservation shamans.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read my thoughts here

https://bookaroundthecorner.com/2021/...

[Larry Molter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't start with the first book because it was on hold at the library. So, I started with the second one. Enjoyable reading. I liked the emphasis on the Ute mysticism and spirituality. It's interesting to compare how similar their beliefs are compared with the Navajo. Anyway... I don't really know who Charlie is yet... I mean, his character isn't fully formed in my mind. Yes, he does the right things, leaves no tracks, and is a generally nice guy. But I don't feel for him yet. Maybe there were too many characters to keep track of. I disliked Mary Higgins Clark for the same reason. Too many characters (and with her, each had a sub-story).

I'm taking a break and will pick up with the next Margaret Coel novel, then I'll go back to Joe Picket (forgot the author's name), then back to Charlie Moon. This will be my revolving door of Native American-themed mysteries (oh, Picket is an Anglo game warden).

Oh, what I *really* didn't like was the over-the-top FBI agent, Mr. Hoover. I think his character was over-acted and this was not necessary. The other authors (Hillerman included) despised the FBI, although Margaret Coel has injected an FBI agent that actually understands the Native American ways and beliefs and can be counted on as an ally in the various investigations.

[Nigel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. l'd read the first in this series and been a little disappointed based on the reviews I'd read. this one was much better for me with a lovely native American dimension as well as being a good crime story. The characters are strong and interesting with the two main lawmen making a great pair. humour and eerie sequences that made me laugh and shiver - I'll be reading more of these.

[Harry Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found myself comparing this book to those of Tony Hillerman which was not fair. The story centers around Ute policeman Charlie Moon & his friend, Angelo policeman Scott Parrish. Charlie is called out to investigate the disappearance of a valuable tribal buffalo. This is followed by the mutilation murder of a rancher's prize bull & later by the mutilation murder of Arlo Nightbird, a most unsavory character. Both Charlie & Scott feel the presence of someone/something watching them. Meanwhile Charlie's aunt Daisy Perika, a Ute Shaman, starts having disturbing visions concerning both men & tries to find out who or what is behind the murders & visions. Eventually Charlie is able to put together enough disparate clues to identify the mystery killer & save his friend Scott from being a gruesome murder victim.

The descriptions of the landscape are good but not as stirring as those of Tony Hillerman. The references to Ute mysticism seem to not move the story forward as well as they could. All in all a good read & a new series that shows promise of more intriguing mysteries to come.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book that I have read in the Charlie Moon series. I enjoyed it very much. I liked the Ute mysticism that is featured in the book. I also like the down to earth descriptions and language of the characters. Charlie Moon appears as a likeable protagonist. His Anglo sidekick Parrish is also likeable and believable. Like most books of this genre, it is a light mystery. I found it to be well executed. For me, it comparable to the writing of Tony Hillerman and his daughter Anne or Aimee and David Thurlo and slightly better than the early works of Margaret Coel.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the Native American mystery genre. The Ute are an interesting people to center a mystery series around.

[Calvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Charlie Moon series. Charlie is actually in most of it. But, it is his aunt Daisy that is the title character. For those who are familiar with the mysteries of Tony Hillerman, these works are similar. But, there is an addition of the paranormal, in native American form. Aunt Daisy gets messages from the Spirit worlds that somehow connect to the situation in-progress.

Also, Aunt Daisy is not just a passive recipient. She may be older, but don't count her out!

The book kept me guessing until the end. If you like Hillerman, you will like James D. Doss.

[Jay Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlie Moon is one of the great fictional characters. While there are similarities with Leaphorn and Chee, Charlie is a little more laid back. He is a Ute policeman with a Shaman aunt. I think I like her the best. Doss dives into many Ute beliefs and Daisy Perika is the conduit. From a creature that resembles a Leprechaun, to a shadow that turns into an owl, you are inundated with the Ute myths. The book starts with a mutilated bull and leads to like treatment of a despicable insurance agent. Who committed the murder? It takes many twists and turns but you get there. I will continue with this series.

[M. O'Gannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Shauman Laughs – A Charlie Moon Mystery – Published 1995 - **** - Charlie Moon is told by the spiffy, egotistical new FBI agent to stick to non-major crimes. So, Charlie works to solve a ritualistic animal mutilation incident. This leads to a not-so-direct intersection with a murder case. Scott Paris and Aunt Daisy Perika cross through multiple times. Doss’ mix of spiritual Hoo doo and police procedural with routine doses of humor make for a great light read. Be prepared to concentrate toward the end as there are about a dozen red herrings and the conclusion/wrap up is not very clear. Sit back and enjoy the tale with the tall policeman.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

Multiple gruesome deaths aren't to my liking.

There isn't much sense of place. I wouldn't recognize the setting as southern Colorado except for the names of the towns. Even then, it isn't realistic. Parris couldn't get from the Durango area to DIA as quickly as he did if this were accurate.

What do the Utes have to say about the portrayal of their culture?

The story did keep my attention, and I'll tackle another volume in the series.

[L · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second Charlie Moon novel and I must admit that I am addicted. Doss works with traditional beliefs so beautifully; you never really know whether or not these beliefs truly explain goings-on in the mortal world. Oh, sure, mysteries are solved and there are rational explanations. And yet . . .

[Ginny Goldberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compared to the 1st book in the series, this one started out slow; however, as I am rediscovering with the Charlie Moon series, they pick up and again it is another case of one more chapter before I turn out the light and go to sleep. Many chapters later and as dawn is peaking over the horizon I finally put it down.

[Paul O'Grady · Rating 3 out of 5]

Filling, if Not Nutritious

I enjoyed the second entry in this series which gives Charlie Moon a much more prominent role. The story unfolded a bit like a 1980s tv cop show — entertaining but not surprising. The Native American spiritual references are what sets the series apart. A good enough entry that I might seek out the next book in this series.

[Gerry Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who's laughing now?

I chose the highest rating because once again the writer kept me guessing until the very end of the book. His skill with literary twists and turns never let me give up the chase for the identity of the killer. Too bad I have read all of Doss's books.

[Stacie Haden · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm on the fence with continuing with this series. I'll give it some time to fester..I mean, think about it. I want a good "Native American" mystery series, but this one is just a little too "mystical/fantastical" and also a bit disjointed.

From other reviews, looks like I need to try Hillerman.

[Gary Dewolfe · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was like walking through molasses at times reading this book. But a great ending took me to the point where I look forward to reading the next book. Quite a save for “Charlie Moon”. Yes, a great save indeed.

[John Jaffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Danny Doss' second

Builds on first and develops characters. Also has some revealing biographical background from the author. A solid addition to the series

[Marna Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read my first one of James D Ross books in early January and now on my way to reading all of them.

[Chick Marks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again a good story with more symbolism than I will ever understand.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the characters, the setting, and the pace. The mystery was a bit confusing.

[Amanda Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doss does a wonderful job of weaving a story. And of casting suspicion on absolutely everybody. Well, almost everybody.

[A.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent mystery series set on & around the Southern Ute reservation in Colorado. Tony Hillerman fans, here is a new favorite series!

[Maureen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good one…lots of Ute spirits and lots of bad guys, but Charlie Moon figures it all out…

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

good read

[Bob Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked the book a blend of natural spiritualism and native American lore wrapped around a mysterious murder and animal mutilations. While Charlie Moon unravels the plot.

[Roberta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the characters, esp. Moon the Ute policeman. But so bloody!