One of the Deputy Tempe Crabtree series, set in and around the Bear Creek Indian Reservation in the San Joaquin Valley of California. The reservation is allowing a low-budget movie to be shot on its land, and although the Indian Council has placed strict rules on where the filming can be done and when, the director has ideas of his own. After discovering about the local legend of the Hairy Man, a big foot-type creature, he quickly changes his script to include a hunt for the being. He decides the off-limit sacred places to be the best places for a sighting of the Hairy Man--but perhaps stirring the ancient spirits isn't such a good idea.
I really need to get busy and read this entire series. I've only read two so far, and they've both been really good reads. Cozy--if you're looking for a lot a violence and car chases, you won't find them here. But if you like mysteries that are character-centered, look no further. Well-plotted, a delight to read.