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Navajo Nation Mystery #3
Ancient Blood
Charlie Yazzie's former archaeology professor becomes the target of a ruthless Indian rights movement, one determined to end an investigation that could change the face of an ancient tribe. Charlie, Harley Ponyboy, and Thomas Begay find themselves involved in one of the canyonlands oldest riddles. Dark secrets are revealed in this fast-paced mystery of a forgotten people.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 21, 2014
710 people are currently reading
359 people want to read
About the author
R. Allen Chappell
19 books149 followersR. Allen Chappell, the author of eight novels and a collection of short stories, grew up with the Navajo, went to school with them and later worked alongside them, forging enduring friendships along the way. "Those friendships," the author says, "became the inspiration for this series."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
July 21, 2024
This third instalment in Navajo Nation Mystery series is similar to the previous two: short, tight and gripping.
Hopi snake dance, Walpi, Arizona, 1909.(Image credits: Miscellaneous Items in High Demand, PPOC, Library of Congress, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)
The story revolves around an archaeological dig of an ancient kiva, aka a subterranean chamber built by Anasazi (the word, which, as Wikipedia enlightened me, means "ancient enemies" in Navajo, and nowadays gives way to The Ancestral Puebloans). Not everybody in the Hopi tribe is happy about the excavation of the ceremonial chamber of their ancestors, especially that it might bring up to the surface some unpleasant truths, and some will stop at nothing to prevent the archaeologists from accomplishing their goals.
Aligned kiva of the third village at the Triple Village Pueblo sites, close to the Navajo Canyon (Image credits: Andreas F. Borchert, CC BY-SA 3.0 DE , via Wikimedia Commons)
Once again, I enjoyed the setting and the historical and cultural information about Anasazi, Navajo and Hopi. The regular characters of the series also felt more fleshed out by the third book. But same as in the previous books, some of the plot developments threw me off as unconvincing. So three stars ("I liked it"), but I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
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Flag of the Hopi Reservation(Image credits: Original: Mario1952 Vector: Jack Ryan Morris, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons)
Hopi snake dance, Walpi, Arizona, 1909.(Image credits: Miscellaneous Items in High Demand, PPOC, Library of Congress, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)
The story revolves around an archaeological dig of an ancient kiva, aka a subterranean chamber built by Anasazi (the word, which, as Wikipedia enlightened me, means "ancient enemies" in Navajo, and nowadays gives way to The Ancestral Puebloans). Not everybody in the Hopi tribe is happy about the excavation of the ceremonial chamber of their ancestors, especially that it might bring up to the surface some unpleasant truths, and some will stop at nothing to prevent the archaeologists from accomplishing their goals.
Aligned kiva of the third village at the Triple Village Pueblo sites, close to the Navajo Canyon (Image credits: Andreas F. Borchert, CC BY-SA 3.0 DE , via Wikimedia Commons)
Once again, I enjoyed the setting and the historical and cultural information about Anasazi, Navajo and Hopi. The regular characters of the series also felt more fleshed out by the third book. But same as in the previous books, some of the plot developments threw me off as unconvincing. So three stars ("I liked it"), but I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
[image error]
Flag of the Hopi Reservation(Image credits: Original: Mario1952 Vector: Jack Ryan Morris, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons)
March 11, 2015
This author's best effort yet. Plot twists had me reading on even when fatigued. I would have finished this book in one sitting if other responsibilities had permitted. Charlie Yazzie and Thomas Begay are becoming as familiar as Tony Hillerman's duo, Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee. Chappell's character development is excellent. In each new book Charlie and Thomas continue to grow individually and as comrades in adventure.
June 2, 2016
This is book three in the Navajo Nation mystery series. You really should read this series in order to fully appreciate all the characters and history of the Southwest.
This story provides the reader with interesting information about southwest archaeology and anthropology. Charlie Yazzie‘s former archaeology professor is the target of the Indian rights movement. They are trying to stop the study of the ancient Anasazi people in one of the area’s oldest canyon sites. Charlie has his own personal problems as Sue gives birth to their child.
Chappell is a good story teller and he makes it enjoyable to learn about the Anasazi entwined in a mystery story. Chappell brings the history as well as the beauty of the Southwest to life while telling a great story. The reader learns about the culture of the Natives Americans in the Southwest and makes one want to go visit the area.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. Kaipo Schwab does an excellent job narrating the story. I always enjoy learning about the narrator. Schwab was born in Hawaii of a Hawaiian/Chinese mother and the German/Irish father. He received his BFA from Boston University. He is an actor of both stage and film as well as a narrator of audiobooks.
This story provides the reader with interesting information about southwest archaeology and anthropology. Charlie Yazzie‘s former archaeology professor is the target of the Indian rights movement. They are trying to stop the study of the ancient Anasazi people in one of the area’s oldest canyon sites. Charlie has his own personal problems as Sue gives birth to their child.
Chappell is a good story teller and he makes it enjoyable to learn about the Anasazi entwined in a mystery story. Chappell brings the history as well as the beauty of the Southwest to life while telling a great story. The reader learns about the culture of the Natives Americans in the Southwest and makes one want to go visit the area.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. Kaipo Schwab does an excellent job narrating the story. I always enjoy learning about the narrator. Schwab was born in Hawaii of a Hawaiian/Chinese mother and the German/Irish father. He received his BFA from Boston University. He is an actor of both stage and film as well as a narrator of audiobooks.
March 28, 2018
Ancient Blood - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Archaeologist Professor George Custer (no relation to the famous General), is working on the Reservation, seeking confirmation of the controversial habits of transitory ancient nomad nation the Anasazi, with the help of Harley Ponyboy. The latter, drunk as he frequently is, comes racing into the town seeking out Charlie Yazzie, [a tribal investigative lawyer] with a frantic tale of how he and the (also drunk) Professor were attacked by unknown assailants at their distant camp.
Charlie's wife Sue, is about to give birth to their first child so Charlie is understandably reluctant to leave her alone and quickly seeks out Thomas' wife Lucy Tallwoman to watch over her, while he, Thomas and Harley go to investigate the situation.
What do the men find when they reach the camp? Who is behind the attacks and why? Why is Charlie suspicious of some of the new student arrivals at camp?
Where do Caleb and Ida stay while their father's away? Who looks after them there? How does this person know the Professor?
What happens to Paul T'Sosi when he's herding his sheep on the mountainside? Who finds him and takes him to the hospital?
Why are the AFPAC anarchists so desperate to kill the Professor? Who destroys the camp - and how? Which people meet a dramatic end on the mountain?
R.A Chappell's fantastically entertaining murder-mystery, the third in the Navajo Nation Mystery series, fulfills every reader's fantasy, with its ancient legends, wonderful descriptions of the habits and habitats of both ancient and modern Native American Tribes, all-action thrills and character interactions.
A guaranteed winner for this talented engaging author that will leave fans eager for the next exciting story...more please!
Archaeologist Professor George Custer (no relation to the famous General), is working on the Reservation, seeking confirmation of the controversial habits of transitory ancient nomad nation the Anasazi, with the help of Harley Ponyboy. The latter, drunk as he frequently is, comes racing into the town seeking out Charlie Yazzie, [a tribal investigative lawyer] with a frantic tale of how he and the (also drunk) Professor were attacked by unknown assailants at their distant camp.
Charlie's wife Sue, is about to give birth to their first child so Charlie is understandably reluctant to leave her alone and quickly seeks out Thomas' wife Lucy Tallwoman to watch over her, while he, Thomas and Harley go to investigate the situation.
What do the men find when they reach the camp? Who is behind the attacks and why? Why is Charlie suspicious of some of the new student arrivals at camp?
Where do Caleb and Ida stay while their father's away? Who looks after them there? How does this person know the Professor?
What happens to Paul T'Sosi when he's herding his sheep on the mountainside? Who finds him and takes him to the hospital?
Why are the AFPAC anarchists so desperate to kill the Professor? Who destroys the camp - and how? Which people meet a dramatic end on the mountain?
R.A Chappell's fantastically entertaining murder-mystery, the third in the Navajo Nation Mystery series, fulfills every reader's fantasy, with its ancient legends, wonderful descriptions of the habits and habitats of both ancient and modern Native American Tribes, all-action thrills and character interactions.
A guaranteed winner for this talented engaging author that will leave fans eager for the next exciting story...more please!
October 1, 2014
Very good mystery and lots of background for context.
January 2, 2015
Read a good book
The third book I have read and found it as good a novel as the prior two. This has been fairly good author to read. The books can be recommended to other readers.
The third book I have read and found it as good a novel as the prior two. This has been fairly good author to read. The books can be recommended to other readers.
February 4, 2015
R. Allen Cappell
I always enjoy reading Mr Chappell's books. Very readable yet I always feel that I have learned something worthwhile about another culture.
I always enjoy reading Mr Chappell's books. Very readable yet I always feel that I have learned something worthwhile about another culture.
March 11, 2015
Another Please
Likeable characters with a good story line. Though I figured out where the author was going.....the journey was worth it. More Charle stories .......PLEASE
Likeable characters with a good story line. Though I figured out where the author was going.....the journey was worth it. More Charle stories .......PLEASE
December 26, 2018
Interesting history of the Anasazi.
February 14, 2025
I never really got invested in the mystery, but I thought the writing was solid and the insights into some Native American history and culture were fascinating.
July 24, 2019
The saga continues
I am really enjoying this series. The characters are strong and believable and stay true in each book. The flow is smooth and like Navaho, spare and to the point. No fillers so no need to skim to move things along.
I am really enjoying this series. The characters are strong and believable and stay true in each book. The flow is smooth and like Navaho, spare and to the point. No fillers so no need to skim to move things along.
June 18, 2019
Ancient Blood adds even more interest to this series with the introduction of Charlie Yazzie's former archaeology/anthropology professor, George Custer and childhood friend Harley Ponyboy.
The professor's most recent dig is a kiva that might help with his theories about the migration of the Anasazi, but even before his team arrives, he is attacked and the site vandalized.
Charlie and Thomas Begay begin looking into the suspects, trying to prevent further vandalism and attacks on the site.
The professor's theories are controversial and some members of an Indian Rights movement would rather not have them published. The violence escalates from damage to the site to more serious and deadly acts.
Harley is now my favorite character because of the humor he adds.
The professor's most recent dig is a kiva that might help with his theories about the migration of the Anasazi, but even before his team arrives, he is attacked and the site vandalized.
Charlie and Thomas Begay begin looking into the suspects, trying to prevent further vandalism and attacks on the site.
The professor's theories are controversial and some members of an Indian Rights movement would rather not have them published. The violence escalates from damage to the site to more serious and deadly acts.
Harley is now my favorite character because of the humor he adds.
February 26, 2016
Continuation of the saga
Like the others in this series, Ancient Blood casts light on both ancient and current traditions in the four corners region of the desert southwest of the U.S. As someone who loves to visit, hike and ride in that area these stories are intriguing. I have learned more about the region and it's history while enjoying well written stories about a group of fictional characters. I'm getting to the point where I don't want the series to end but knowing there are only two more books realize it must. Great character development as well as realistic historic information.
Like the others in this series, Ancient Blood casts light on both ancient and current traditions in the four corners region of the desert southwest of the U.S. As someone who loves to visit, hike and ride in that area these stories are intriguing. I have learned more about the region and it's history while enjoying well written stories about a group of fictional characters. I'm getting to the point where I don't want the series to end but knowing there are only two more books realize it must. Great character development as well as realistic historic information.
December 20, 2015
Another great read from Chappell
This is the third of four Navajo mystery tales from R. Allen Chappell, at least so far, and I have enjoyed each more than the last. Although it's clear that Chappell and Hillerman are two different authors, I think it's fair to say that if you were a Hillerman fan you will quickly become a Chappell fan. Best read in the order of their publication.
This is the third of four Navajo mystery tales from R. Allen Chappell, at least so far, and I have enjoyed each more than the last. Although it's clear that Chappell and Hillerman are two different authors, I think it's fair to say that if you were a Hillerman fan you will quickly become a Chappell fan. Best read in the order of their publication.
October 16, 2015
An Enjoyable Series
I particularly enjoyed reading the three books in this series while traveling through the four corners area as this is the setting for these mysteries. I found that I really liked the main characters and that the stories were compelling. If you are a fan of Tony Hillman mysteries, you will probably like this series.
I particularly enjoyed reading the three books in this series while traveling through the four corners area as this is the setting for these mysteries. I found that I really liked the main characters and that the stories were compelling. If you are a fan of Tony Hillman mysteries, you will probably like this series.
October 19, 2018
Bravo! A good fast read! now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
October 6, 2015
Good read. I enjoyed it.
It has a good flavor of the Southwest. I may have to do some research to find out if the archaeological information has basis in current theories. Interesting, at the very least.
It has a good flavor of the Southwest. I may have to do some research to find out if the archaeological information has basis in current theories. Interesting, at the very least.
April 27, 2016
A interesting read. Informative and entertaining if you are interested. in native American catechism, culture and history of migration.
A interesting read. Informative and entertaining I you are interested in native American catechism, culture and history of ancient migration.
A interesting read. Informative and entertaining I you are interested in native American catechism, culture and history of ancient migration.
October 14, 2016
Quick Read
Reading the series in order, this third book built nicely upon the characters of the first two books. I found myself "fact-checking" along the way about AI social and political orgs, as well as ancient migration.
Reading the series in order, this third book built nicely upon the characters of the first two books. I found myself "fact-checking" along the way about AI social and political orgs, as well as ancient migration.
February 12, 2017
Informative
The story was interesting. I really like learning about Native American culture. I find the Navajo culture especially appealing. I was a little disappointed in the character development. It just seemed a little thin to me.
The story was interesting. I really like learning about Native American culture. I find the Navajo culture especially appealing. I was a little disappointed in the character development. It just seemed a little thin to me.
June 5, 2017
Charlie helped out his old professor brings him into ancient mystery that others want left buried. Anasazi ruins high up in canyonland is the site of a dig of a lifetime if only they can complete it. Mystery that will keep you guessing to the very end.
February 25, 2018
This series is so good. I love the way the characters are portrayed. If your lookin for a lot of gore or sex not for you. Just a story of real people and their lives. The mystery is well done and I think most people will enjoy it.
November 30, 2024
Intriguing story
This was an intriguing story about archeology & ancient history & modern American Indian ethos. The characters are developing with each installment of the series. Not sure I will think about the ancient ruins in this southwest quite the same.
This was an intriguing story about archeology & ancient history & modern American Indian ethos. The characters are developing with each installment of the series. Not sure I will think about the ancient ruins in this southwest quite the same.
February 26, 2015
UPop
Very good book. I did not like the ending very much. Very well researched. Got confused a little bit. Read it
Very good book. I did not like the ending very much. Very well researched. Got confused a little bit. Read it
July 14, 2015
Great series, memorable characters that were a please to follow. Conclusions need work but it was a go enjoyable series. Definitely an author to follow if you enjoy Navajo Nation mysteries.
September 13, 2015
This series continued to be interesting and fun.
July 11, 2016
A must for those who like theories on the mysterious Anasazi -
September 20, 2016
Thoroughly enjoyed - much better editing than an earlier one I had read. Author knows the Navajo people & the area, great sense of place.
January 25, 2017
Review
This book was very interesting with the professor and all the problems he always bring with him along with all the other characters.
This book was very interesting with the professor and all the problems he always bring with him along with all the other characters.
August 27, 2018
Navajo Nation Mystery #3. Interesting story of an archeological dig gone wrong. Charlie Yazzie's former archaeology professor becomes the target of a ruthless Indian rights movement.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews