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John Tall Wolf #1
Tall Man in Ray-Bans
Out for a day's adventure exploring the dry bed of Lake Travis in Austin, Texas, two young boys stumble upon a skeleton. It might be all that remains of a fugitive named Randy Bear Heart. Wanted for robbing three banks and killing three cops, Bear Heart was never brought to justice. The FBI is called on to determine how the outlaw avoided arrest for twenty-five years and who put him in the lake wearing chains. The BIA - Bureau of Indian Affairs - gets the very same job. Special Agent John Tall Wolf is put on the case because one of the dead cops was a Native American who worked at the Mercy Ridge Reservation. The FBI wants John to "coordinate all your efforts" through SAC Gilbert Melvin. John is having none of that, saying, "I'll conduct my investigation as I see fit." He doesn't even get along with his own boss, Marlene Flower Moon, head of the BIA's Office of Justice Services. While interviewing John for his job, Marlene was amused by his assertiveness, and asked him, "What do you want, a license to take scalps?" John said, "Yeah, that'd be good."
224 pages, Paperback
First published February 28, 2012
1517 people are currently reading
1020 people want to read
About the author
Joseph Flynn
70 books198 followersJoseph Flynn has been published both traditionally — Signet Books, Bantam Books and Variance Publishing — and through his own imprint, Stray Dog Press, Inc. Both major media reviews and reader reviews have praised his work. Booklist said, “Flynn is an excellent storyteller.” The Chicago Tribune said, “Flynn [is] a master of high-octane plotting.” The most repeated reader comment is: Write faster, we want more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
May 19, 2024
Joseph Flynn is one of the newer authors I have discovered, his work catering to genres I quite enjoy. Flynn has penned a number of strong thrillers, including the Jim McGill political collection, which led me to eventually find this series debut. John Tall Wolf is a great investigator, with intuition and the backing of the Federal Government. An Agent with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Tall Wolf has a penchant for seeing things that others miss, not only because of his heritage. In this opening novel, the reader is able to experience John Tall Wolf at his best, with the perfect introduction to what is sure to be a stellar series. Flynn has done it again and now I am on a new binge!
When adventure sends two young boys to explore a dried-up lake in Austin, Texas, what they discover will floor them. While seeking riches, the boys come across the skeletal remains of someone who was wrapped in chains. It is impossible to identify the victim at first glance, but the likelihood seems high that it is wanted bank robber and fugitive, Randy Bear Heart.
With all the commotion, the FBI finds their way to Austin to look into the discovery, especially if it might be Bear Heart. As one of the victims who died at Bear Heart’s hands was indigenous, the BIA—Bureau of Indian Affairs— is along for the ride, with its unique Special Agent John Tall Wolf serving as representative. Tall Wolf is a unique blend of cultures, sentiments, and investigative prowess, all of which play into why he is the perfect addition to any team trying to get to the bottom of the case.
While the FBI hopes to use John to their advantage, he has other ideas. Making it clear that he does not answer to the White Man alone, John forges ahead with the investigation, reined in only by his own boss, Marlene Flower Moon of the BIA’s Office of Justice Services. Armed with intuitive abilities and a thirst for the truth, John Tall Wolf begins a trek across the North American continent for answers and the truth behind the skeleton in the lake. What he finds shocks him, almost as much as his own personal history of struggle in the community of New Mexico he calls home. Joseph Flynn does a great job introducing the reader to John Tall Wolf and sets the scene for a great series with this wonderful opening novel.
Those who have yet to discover the work of Joseph Flynn will have to take my word for it when I say that things get addictive fast and there is no stopping the action. Flynn keeps a great flow to the storytelling, while providing insights into the case at hand. The narrative builds and forks repeatedly, but in a way that is both understandable and well worth the reader’s time. As momentum hits its peak, the reader finds themselves in the middle fo a case that needs resolving, but whose players are anything but straightforward. Much like two of the other mystery/thriller based series I have read under the Flynn umbrellas, this piece begins with a bang and only gets better with the addition of well-placed characters and some strong settings. With a peppering of themes and a great introduction into the backstory of John Tall Wolf, Flynn keeps the reader on their seat until all comes together by the final pages. I am eager to get into the next book to see just how much the protagonist grows on me.
I rely on the plot to provide the reader something alluring. Flynn has been able to do that here, with not only the case at hand, but the mysterious backstory of its protagonist. There is so much to unpack in the book, though not over a long story, so Flynn has to work effectively. He does well to develop a strong sense of mystery and some surprises along the way. With a great story comes wonderful possibilities and Flynn has capitalised on this. I am eager to delve deeper and see just what else Flynn has in store for readers, as well as how Tall Wolf will cross paths with Jim McGill, (in this series or only the one I have read?). Bring on the next adventure and the quirks of John Tall Wolf!
Kudos, Mr. Flynn, for another great opening novel to a series I am sure to binge!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
When adventure sends two young boys to explore a dried-up lake in Austin, Texas, what they discover will floor them. While seeking riches, the boys come across the skeletal remains of someone who was wrapped in chains. It is impossible to identify the victim at first glance, but the likelihood seems high that it is wanted bank robber and fugitive, Randy Bear Heart.
With all the commotion, the FBI finds their way to Austin to look into the discovery, especially if it might be Bear Heart. As one of the victims who died at Bear Heart’s hands was indigenous, the BIA—Bureau of Indian Affairs— is along for the ride, with its unique Special Agent John Tall Wolf serving as representative. Tall Wolf is a unique blend of cultures, sentiments, and investigative prowess, all of which play into why he is the perfect addition to any team trying to get to the bottom of the case.
While the FBI hopes to use John to their advantage, he has other ideas. Making it clear that he does not answer to the White Man alone, John forges ahead with the investigation, reined in only by his own boss, Marlene Flower Moon of the BIA’s Office of Justice Services. Armed with intuitive abilities and a thirst for the truth, John Tall Wolf begins a trek across the North American continent for answers and the truth behind the skeleton in the lake. What he finds shocks him, almost as much as his own personal history of struggle in the community of New Mexico he calls home. Joseph Flynn does a great job introducing the reader to John Tall Wolf and sets the scene for a great series with this wonderful opening novel.
Those who have yet to discover the work of Joseph Flynn will have to take my word for it when I say that things get addictive fast and there is no stopping the action. Flynn keeps a great flow to the storytelling, while providing insights into the case at hand. The narrative builds and forks repeatedly, but in a way that is both understandable and well worth the reader’s time. As momentum hits its peak, the reader finds themselves in the middle fo a case that needs resolving, but whose players are anything but straightforward. Much like two of the other mystery/thriller based series I have read under the Flynn umbrellas, this piece begins with a bang and only gets better with the addition of well-placed characters and some strong settings. With a peppering of themes and a great introduction into the backstory of John Tall Wolf, Flynn keeps the reader on their seat until all comes together by the final pages. I am eager to get into the next book to see just how much the protagonist grows on me.
I rely on the plot to provide the reader something alluring. Flynn has been able to do that here, with not only the case at hand, but the mysterious backstory of its protagonist. There is so much to unpack in the book, though not over a long story, so Flynn has to work effectively. He does well to develop a strong sense of mystery and some surprises along the way. With a great story comes wonderful possibilities and Flynn has capitalised on this. I am eager to delve deeper and see just what else Flynn has in store for readers, as well as how Tall Wolf will cross paths with Jim McGill, (in this series or only the one I have read?). Bring on the next adventure and the quirks of John Tall Wolf!
Kudos, Mr. Flynn, for another great opening novel to a series I am sure to binge!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
November 20, 2023
very interesting
I quite enjoyed this novel of suspense and intrigue. Good to have some folklore introduced as well. I will read the next one.
I quite enjoyed this novel of suspense and intrigue. Good to have some folklore introduced as well. I will read the next one.
December 20, 2018
John Tall Wolf, a Native American working for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), is supposed to be superficially following up on a cold case related to an FBI murder investigation. Tall Wolf quickly loses the “superficially” part and the game is afoot. This is a tightly written murder mystery with more twists and turns than a mountain road! Tall Wolf is an incredibly complex, lovable character that I want to read more of. Clean, no perversion, and great story!!
January 12, 2020
Ultimately, I was underwhelmed by this book. The topic and character offer great potential: a 6'5" Native American investigator for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, who represents the federal government in murder mystery cases that cross over from the reservations into US jurisdictions and has to grapple not only with the cases themselves but interagency rivalries and Washington bureaucracies.
John Tall Wolf is likable enough, and he has the most incredible expense account he uses constantly and unconcernedly (certainly not my experience when I've worked for the government!). He has a memorable back story on his origin and early years in the prologue. However, the book suffers from two regrettable weaknesses. All the discussions of Native American experiences by characters stay on superficial, stereotypical levels. More sophisticated research and embedding of this cultural and historical knowledge is needed. For example, when John goes to Canada to work with Mounties on the case (a complication I looked forward to) the term "First Nations" needed to be explained to him! The second problem is related, all the characters remain shallow. The arch-nemesis, his female boss at the BIA, is feared yet admired as a possible incarnation of Coyote the Trickster, and I get that the tension between the two will drive much of the series going forward. But we get little evidence to substantiate this power on both practical and mystical, metaphysical levels; we are supposed to accept it, intuitively, and because we are reminded constantly.
John Tall Wolf is likable enough, and he has the most incredible expense account he uses constantly and unconcernedly (certainly not my experience when I've worked for the government!). He has a memorable back story on his origin and early years in the prologue. However, the book suffers from two regrettable weaknesses. All the discussions of Native American experiences by characters stay on superficial, stereotypical levels. More sophisticated research and embedding of this cultural and historical knowledge is needed. For example, when John goes to Canada to work with Mounties on the case (a complication I looked forward to) the term "First Nations" needed to be explained to him! The second problem is related, all the characters remain shallow. The arch-nemesis, his female boss at the BIA, is feared yet admired as a possible incarnation of Coyote the Trickster, and I get that the tension between the two will drive much of the series going forward. But we get little evidence to substantiate this power on both practical and mystical, metaphysical levels; we are supposed to accept it, intuitively, and because we are reminded constantly.
January 12, 2020
3-
It is an interesting setup, but there is too much that is not realistic or believable. Just to give an example that will not spoil anything, federal employees can NOT run around, travel, etc., like John does without going through proper procedures. In the story John makes too many leaps without having any apparent reason for them. LOTS of unrealistic events, like having Coy fly to Banf for a confrontation; dramatic, but it would not occur in real life. And the hints of the supernatural that might or might not be at play annoyed me, although some readers might not mind them .
He tells a good enough story that I would like to read more by him but will not because I suspect ant other works by him would be annoying the in the same way: sloppy plotting is a habit, not a one-time occurrence,
It is an interesting setup, but there is too much that is not realistic or believable. Just to give an example that will not spoil anything, federal employees can NOT run around, travel, etc., like John does without going through proper procedures. In the story John makes too many leaps without having any apparent reason for them. LOTS of unrealistic events, like having Coy fly to Banf for a confrontation; dramatic, but it would not occur in real life. And the hints of the supernatural that might or might not be at play annoyed me, although some readers might not mind them .
He tells a good enough story that I would like to read more by him but will not because I suspect ant other works by him would be annoying the in the same way: sloppy plotting is a habit, not a one-time occurrence,
January 10, 2020
I read this in three days. I resented having to put it down. If you are a fan of the Hillerman's books about Leaphorn, Chee, and Manuelito, I think you'll like John Tall Wolf. Tall Wolf is a BIA Agent/cop, with, as he says, "a license to scalp."
The beginning of the book is nice back-story, and a great into to the main characters and his family. An interesting perspective on Coyote, too that will become, I'm confident, a series running sub plot.
Yes, if you're a fan of the Hillermans, you'll love John Tall Wolf. Time to rearrange your bookshelf and bring a new kid home with you. I laughed and chortled all the way through this book. Book 2 is my self-imposed carrot—if I don't get certain chores done, I can't order the book! Excuse me, I have to get to work.
The beginning of the book is nice back-story, and a great into to the main characters and his family. An interesting perspective on Coyote, too that will become, I'm confident, a series running sub plot.
Yes, if you're a fan of the Hillermans, you'll love John Tall Wolf. Time to rearrange your bookshelf and bring a new kid home with you. I laughed and chortled all the way through this book. Book 2 is my self-imposed carrot—if I don't get certain chores done, I can't order the book! Excuse me, I have to get to work.
August 22, 2024
This was a good crime novel. My biggest negative was the use of the "f" word several times in most chapters - other than that, it was good. It has good pacing, some interesting characters, and a bit of a convoluted plot. It also gives background on the main character, John Tall Man Wolf. We see how his life began, a bit about his upbringing and how he began in the FBI's BIA unit which has to do with crimes involving Native Americans and reservations. John Wolf is part Native American and this creates an interesting aspect of his work. This particular case that we follow involves a crime surrounding several Native American individuals and thus, John is basically steering the case. I liked the book and especially John's character well enough that I bought the #2 book after reading the sample introduction for it.
January 22, 2018
In Joseph Flynn's Tall Man in RayBans, the first installment in the John Tall Wolf Mystery series, this mystery is so twisted with surprising turns on every page. If you love Tony and Anne Hillerman and Margaret Coel's mysteries with a Native American Indian lead character, you would be a fan of this series about John Tall Wolf. It all started when two kids found a dead body at the beach in Austin Texas. After the local federal were called in, that's when BIA Agent John Wolf came into the scene. Besides getting to know about his back story, especially why he wear shades, he's on the hunt for a serial cop killer named Randy Bear Heart. As he works with other local enforcement, he gets to know the backstory of Randy's serial crime spree and how he lassoed two women into his life as his "Bonnies." The trial led to Lily Bird White, his current flame, and her sister Annie Forger. Between the two of them, they have a bone to pick with Randy and a visible trail of crime, including the triple homicides that killed her husband and two other hockey players. In the end, it left her rich and ready to start a new life while abandoning her two sons. For John, he became to piece the puzzle that linked together and searches for them in Banff with a shocking and twisted ending, when this good guy would win hands down.
May 14, 2020
Tricky case
I enjoyed the spiritual overtones of the story that ran behind the case that John was handling. Abandoned as a baby and almost eaten by a coyote he was rescued by Haden and Serafina Wolf. There are several instances of possible supernatural occurrences rooted in native american culture. The main one is that the coyote will always try to finish the job and is the trickster who can take many forms. The case was interesting and had many twisty turns.
I enjoyed the spiritual overtones of the story that ran behind the case that John was handling. Abandoned as a baby and almost eaten by a coyote he was rescued by Haden and Serafina Wolf. There are several instances of possible supernatural occurrences rooted in native american culture. The main one is that the coyote will always try to finish the job and is the trickster who can take many forms. The case was interesting and had many twisty turns.
March 28, 2020
I love this author's Jim McGill series so much I expected to love this one not less so I suppose I had way too high expectations before I started this series and am rather dissapointed now. Fortunatelly my dissapointement has nothing to do with plot, characters, writting style - it's still fun, has interesting charactes and good plot.
What I missed in this series was action (very low, almost none) though that makes amends with great location (among other Canada - one of my three favorite countries in the world) and some neat infromation about the Native American culture. So far it sounds great so now to the reason I struggled so much with this book (and expect to do so with the other books in series as well): the huge amount of references to witchcraft and other beliefs comming from naturalistic religions including curses, signs, animal spirits and similar elements. I understand it's part of the Native American world but still it's something I dislike so strongly I'm not willing to buy books centered around these elements and beeing a major plot line that links the books within the series.
This is really sad since I was hoping to have a back-up series when I'm caught up on Jim McGill.
What I missed in this series was action (very low, almost none) though that makes amends with great location (among other Canada - one of my three favorite countries in the world) and some neat infromation about the Native American culture. So far it sounds great so now to the reason I struggled so much with this book (and expect to do so with the other books in series as well): the huge amount of references to witchcraft and other beliefs comming from naturalistic religions including curses, signs, animal spirits and similar elements. I understand it's part of the Native American world but still it's something I dislike so strongly I'm not willing to buy books centered around these elements and beeing a major plot line that links the books within the series.
This is really sad since I was hoping to have a back-up series when I'm caught up on Jim McGill.
December 8, 2013
Four stars, more for the humor than the story line or the dialogue given the characters.
The Tall Man is John Tall Wolf an agent of the BIA, Bureau of Indian Affairs. According to him, he has a license to take scalps.
Later in the novel one of the characters is killed. His body is discovered by two Korean hikers who spread Kimchi around the body to keep it from being disturbed by wolves, bears, etc. Anyone who is familiar with Kimchi will understand.
All in all, Tall Man in Ray Bans is quick paced and an entertaining read. I do have to say, the reader needs to pay attention to the date markers that Flynn puts on the chapters. In early chapters of the book it bounces around quite a bit while Flynn sets the stage with back stories.
The Tall Man is John Tall Wolf an agent of the BIA, Bureau of Indian Affairs. According to him, he has a license to take scalps.
Later in the novel one of the characters is killed. His body is discovered by two Korean hikers who spread Kimchi around the body to keep it from being disturbed by wolves, bears, etc. Anyone who is familiar with Kimchi will understand.
All in all, Tall Man in Ray Bans is quick paced and an entertaining read. I do have to say, the reader needs to pay attention to the date markers that Flynn puts on the chapters. In early chapters of the book it bounces around quite a bit while Flynn sets the stage with back stories.
April 7, 2012
With Tall Man in Ray-Bans, author Joseph Flynn has introduced a new character which I hope he continues as a series. John Tall Wolf is an intriguing character; a BIA investigator with an independent streak, Tall Wolf combines strength of character, excellent investigative skills, a respect for the mysticism of his forebears, a sharp intellect and a quick wit. Flynn's writing shines — the dialogue crackles and rings true. The ending is perfect. I want more.
November 25, 2013
Overall a good book, with enough loose ends to pursue in future books in this series. I would have liked to see just a bit more depth in some of the criss-crossing story lines in this book, but nonetheless I liked the arrangement - with enough twists and turns to make the book compelling and a fast read.
February 3, 2014
An unexpected good read, picked up free or cheap on Amazon for Kindle
February 10, 2021
This was surprisingly good for a relatively short novel. It never felt rushed or skimpy on details, although not much time was spent getting to know the characters, other than the protagonist. It didn't feel like a negative, though, because we got enough information to understand what was going on. I did find the mystical stuff a little limited. If you're going to include that aspect, why not make it a more important part of the story? It feels like the author is either working up to something and dropping barely relevant hints, or they're trying to include these practices for the sake of attracting like-minded readers without integrating them fully. He wouldn't be the only author to do this, and it's always disappointing. I'm hoping for the former because I'm intrigued enough to read the next book.
The mystery starts with the discovery of a dead body in the drought-dry Travis Lake bed. The body is though to be that of a Native American Bonnie and Clyde enthusiast who murdered three people, including a Native American police officer, following a series of bank robberies 20ish years ago and then disappeared.
Enter John Tall Wolf, of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The book spends a lot of time looking at his history, and mentions his mother is a witch, with curses and all. John's job, complicated by his boss and the FBI, is to verify the identity of the body and find the woman and child he kidnapped. Sounds complicated, right? It is, but the pieces come together beautifully at the end, with just enough left unexplained to make me want to read the next book (the specific story in this book is complete).
The mystery starts with the discovery of a dead body in the drought-dry Travis Lake bed. The body is though to be that of a Native American Bonnie and Clyde enthusiast who murdered three people, including a Native American police officer, following a series of bank robberies 20ish years ago and then disappeared.
Enter John Tall Wolf, of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The book spends a lot of time looking at his history, and mentions his mother is a witch, with curses and all. John's job, complicated by his boss and the FBI, is to verify the identity of the body and find the woman and child he kidnapped. Sounds complicated, right? It is, but the pieces come together beautifully at the end, with just enough left unexplained to make me want to read the next book (the specific story in this book is complete).
May 11, 2022
A string of crimes and people that all lead back to the same place
Two young boys out exploring find a body (skeleton) partially buried in the mud of a dried up river bed in Texas. One of the boys calls his dad works for the local police. The body looks to belong to a bank robber-murderer that disappeared long ago. He killed 3 cops one of which was a Native American on a Reservation. John Tall Wolf, who works for BIA, Bureau of Indian Affairs, is called in to work with the local police and FBI to solve the case. John Tall Wolf follows the leads which eventually lead to Canida, now it involves the Canadian police. It's not as complicted as it sounds. It's actually quite interesting how things unfold and the peices come together. It's different then any other murder mystery I have ever read and I can't wait to read more of the series. I like the way John Tall Wolf thinks and the collaboration of the agencies (as well as the distrust). It's very interesting and I couldn't put it down.
Two young boys out exploring find a body (skeleton) partially buried in the mud of a dried up river bed in Texas. One of the boys calls his dad works for the local police. The body looks to belong to a bank robber-murderer that disappeared long ago. He killed 3 cops one of which was a Native American on a Reservation. John Tall Wolf, who works for BIA, Bureau of Indian Affairs, is called in to work with the local police and FBI to solve the case. John Tall Wolf follows the leads which eventually lead to Canida, now it involves the Canadian police. It's not as complicted as it sounds. It's actually quite interesting how things unfold and the peices come together. It's different then any other murder mystery I have ever read and I can't wait to read more of the series. I like the way John Tall Wolf thinks and the collaboration of the agencies (as well as the distrust). It's very interesting and I couldn't put it down.
May 11, 2024
Tall Man in Ray-Bans is an exceptional book, weaving Native American folklore into a crime/mystery story. John Tall Wolf is a highly intelligent investigator for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). He is becomes involved in cases where a crime has occurred on an Indian reservation.
This is the first book of a series, that describes John's origins, and how he is connected to Coyote, the trickster. John maintains an awareness of Coyote throughout his investigation. By carefully examining the suspects, and other investigators he must work with, John is able to navigate his way through deceptions to resolve the case.
Joseph Flynn does an amazing job of integrating Native American folk-lore and practices into a current day criminal/mystery story. John Tall Wolf is a unique protagonist who is able to capture the imagination of the reader.
I totally enjoyed this book and plan to read the next in this series.
This is the first book of a series, that describes John's origins, and how he is connected to Coyote, the trickster. John maintains an awareness of Coyote throughout his investigation. By carefully examining the suspects, and other investigators he must work with, John is able to navigate his way through deceptions to resolve the case.
Joseph Flynn does an amazing job of integrating Native American folk-lore and practices into a current day criminal/mystery story. John Tall Wolf is a unique protagonist who is able to capture the imagination of the reader.
I totally enjoyed this book and plan to read the next in this series.
April 9, 2022
Mixed up people, only solve by murder.
When I first saw this book I wasn’t sure I wanted to read it, but I’ve read some very good books by this author, so I gave it a chance. It turned out very good. The bad women in this book are the type you hope you or your kids never meet. They didn’t have a good bone in them. Now, John’s mother was sweet on sweet. Randy didn’t have any good in him, he just killed anybody that got in his way, including his son. Now don’t think everybody is evil in the book, there good guys. The little traps John sets to get the bad women keeps the mystery going and keeps you thinking to the end. Does he catch them and does he get the lady cop from Canada. Read and enjoy.
When I first saw this book I wasn’t sure I wanted to read it, but I’ve read some very good books by this author, so I gave it a chance. It turned out very good. The bad women in this book are the type you hope you or your kids never meet. They didn’t have a good bone in them. Now, John’s mother was sweet on sweet. Randy didn’t have any good in him, he just killed anybody that got in his way, including his son. Now don’t think everybody is evil in the book, there good guys. The little traps John sets to get the bad women keeps the mystery going and keeps you thinking to the end. Does he catch them and does he get the lady cop from Canada. Read and enjoy.
July 28, 2022
My reading gravitates to high action entangled in interesting mystery. This book is the unwinding of mysteries and the exposure of interaction between the American, Canadian and particularly native American cultures. At least these inner workings are on display enough to make the reader ponder the life of various actors. Most books avoid thinking that is not straight to the point of the action for expediency and clearness of main theme. The coyote and Coyote themes give an interesting thread to consider throughout.
I found the learning of these cultural interactions under different stresses more interesting than the who done what bad guy story. Together, these threads make a good book and a nice change from straight adrenaline reading material.
I found the learning of these cultural interactions under different stresses more interesting than the who done what bad guy story. Together, these threads make a good book and a nice change from straight adrenaline reading material.
January 3, 2019
I Don't Yet Know
I think I liked it. It works in spite of the feeling of metafiction lurking on every page. The story is clever but perhaps a little too detailed (I like detailed). I like the central character and I like the Canadians who feature and I like their sense of humour which lightens the somewhat dark story but is there too much humour? Is there too much self-awareness?
I've given four stars because I think it is worth it I think it's a good read with excellent characterisation so I should say positive stuff. How about: I am looking forward to reading the next to see what becomes of John Tall Wolf?
Well I am. There. Done.
I think I liked it. It works in spite of the feeling of metafiction lurking on every page. The story is clever but perhaps a little too detailed (I like detailed). I like the central character and I like the Canadians who feature and I like their sense of humour which lightens the somewhat dark story but is there too much humour? Is there too much self-awareness?
I've given four stars because I think it is worth it I think it's a good read with excellent characterisation so I should say positive stuff. How about: I am looking forward to reading the next to see what becomes of John Tall Wolf?
Well I am. There. Done.
January 13, 2020
Lots of twists and turnss
Though this book easily stands alone, I can see the makings for a great series. The tale begins when two boys in the southwest US find a skeleton in a dried up lake bed. The FBI, BIA, RCMP and local cops all become involved, and the setting goes from the Southwest to Boston, LA, South Dakota, and Banff and places between. The main character, John Tall Wolf, is very likeable, yet complex. His backstory is well woven into the plot, and adds an interesting dimension. I also appreciated the clean language, which is sometimes hard to find in crime mysteries.
Though this book easily stands alone, I can see the makings for a great series. The tale begins when two boys in the southwest US find a skeleton in a dried up lake bed. The FBI, BIA, RCMP and local cops all become involved, and the setting goes from the Southwest to Boston, LA, South Dakota, and Banff and places between. The main character, John Tall Wolf, is very likeable, yet complex. His backstory is well woven into the plot, and adds an interesting dimension. I also appreciated the clean language, which is sometimes hard to find in crime mysteries.
March 13, 2020
A really fun read. For sure, this will be added to my collection of other Native American novels, hopefully with some siblings, as Flynn has added at least five other books to this series. John Tall Wolf, though, takes his BIA credentials further than the southwest, or even any part of the lower part of North America, by taking us all the way into Canada. Criminal Indians don't just have a Special Agent from the Bureau of Indian Affairs to contend with, on or off the res, they've got local law enforcement, the FBI and even Mounties joining the Tall Man in Ray Bans. And he stands taller than any of them when it comes to catching the bad guy.
May 12, 2021
Review of A John Tall Wolf Series
First book in The John Tall Wolf series is about a very interesting character. Tall Wolf is a native American who was abandoned by his birth mother. In fact his mother took him out to the desert, put him on a stake and watched as a coyote was about to destroy him, when another Native American couple rescued the boy. The couple who saved him adopted him and raised him up as their own. The author does a great job explaining Native American culture and also the in fighting done by The different Law Enforcement Agencies of The United States Government
First book in The John Tall Wolf series is about a very interesting character. Tall Wolf is a native American who was abandoned by his birth mother. In fact his mother took him out to the desert, put him on a stake and watched as a coyote was about to destroy him, when another Native American couple rescued the boy. The couple who saved him adopted him and raised him up as their own. The author does a great job explaining Native American culture and also the in fighting done by The different Law Enforcement Agencies of The United States Government
July 8, 2021
Fast and captivating reading
John Tall Wolf of the BIA is introduced in this novel and his background explained. Kids fooling around in a drying river bed discover a skeleton with chains on it. They inform one’s father, a homicide detective. The local police, the FBI and BIA are called in because each are involved in separate aspects of crimes that may be part of this murder. The plot is complex and incredibly well developed. The characters, both good and not so good, are well rounded. All in all, readers will become involved with Tall Wolf and want to spend more time with him. Thanks to the author and publisher for an e-galley for an honest review.
John Tall Wolf of the BIA is introduced in this novel and his background explained. Kids fooling around in a drying river bed discover a skeleton with chains on it. They inform one’s father, a homicide detective. The local police, the FBI and BIA are called in because each are involved in separate aspects of crimes that may be part of this murder. The plot is complex and incredibly well developed. The characters, both good and not so good, are well rounded. All in all, readers will become involved with Tall Wolf and want to spend more time with him. Thanks to the author and publisher for an e-galley for an honest review.
November 2, 2025
Tall Man in Ray-Bans is a smart, engaging mystery that introduces John Tall Wolf, a Native American FBI agent with grit and quiet charisma. The story begins with a decades-old skeleton found in a dry lakebed, unraveling a cold case with surprising twists. Flynn’s writing is lean and effective, and Tall Wolf’s cultural perspective adds depth to the procedural plot. While some investigative leaps feel a bit intuitive, the character-driven narrative keeps the pages turning. It’s a strong start to a promising series—thoughtful, fast-paced, and refreshingly original. Four stars for a compelling lead and a well-crafted mystery.
February 8, 2020
Wow
I loved the unhurried drawing together of the characters and plot line. I could not put this book down. This is a particularly well constructed story, tracking down the perpetrator of a crime . On the face of it , it seems straightforward but is anything other than that. The wisdom of John Tall Wolf and the tribal knowledge came across as very believable. I would thoroughly recommend this book and can’t wait to read the rest in the series. I want to know more about John Tall Wolf.
I loved the unhurried drawing together of the characters and plot line. I could not put this book down. This is a particularly well constructed story, tracking down the perpetrator of a crime . On the face of it , it seems straightforward but is anything other than that. The wisdom of John Tall Wolf and the tribal knowledge came across as very believable. I would thoroughly recommend this book and can’t wait to read the rest in the series. I want to know more about John Tall Wolf.
February 22, 2020
Excellent story with humor
The title is misleading in that the story is not a tongue -in-cheek narrative. The main character is a Indian whose name is John Tall Wolf. John is a BIA Federal Officier (you will have to read the story for the full name) who investigates the murder of a recently discovered skeleton found in a drying lake bed. The story is an excellent mystery written in a good hearted style. I'm sure you will enjoy reading a refreshing crime mystery with no foul language of sex. Just enjoy the ride.
The title is misleading in that the story is not a tongue -in-cheek narrative. The main character is a Indian whose name is John Tall Wolf. John is a BIA Federal Officier (you will have to read the story for the full name) who investigates the murder of a recently discovered skeleton found in a drying lake bed. The story is an excellent mystery written in a good hearted style. I'm sure you will enjoy reading a refreshing crime mystery with no foul language of sex. Just enjoy the ride.
August 12, 2024
Native American investigates...
I am a big fan of Hillerman's Leaphorn and Chee (and Bernie, of course). I was intrigued by the blurb of this book and its possibilities. It took me a bit to really get into it. I liked John's backstory, but again, I at first didn't see all of its relevance to the overall storyline. However, once it became a detective tale, everything fell into place. It will be interesting going forward to flesh out hie and his boss' real story. Very entertaining with great characters. Will definitely read the next. A 4.6 out of 5 rating.
I am a big fan of Hillerman's Leaphorn and Chee (and Bernie, of course). I was intrigued by the blurb of this book and its possibilities. It took me a bit to really get into it. I liked John's backstory, but again, I at first didn't see all of its relevance to the overall storyline. However, once it became a detective tale, everything fell into place. It will be interesting going forward to flesh out hie and his boss' real story. Very entertaining with great characters. Will definitely read the next. A 4.6 out of 5 rating.
January 18, 2020
"Well-crafted thriller"
I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Great characters in a solid story line. Well-written with just the right amount of detail. I'm not always a fan of chapters that flip-flop between different time periods; but on this occasion it worked just fine, filling in the history and backgrounds of the various characters. Looking forward to the next book in the series. John Tall wolf is a character I could get to like a lot.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Great characters in a solid story line. Well-written with just the right amount of detail. I'm not always a fan of chapters that flip-flop between different time periods; but on this occasion it worked just fine, filling in the history and backgrounds of the various characters. Looking forward to the next book in the series. John Tall wolf is a character I could get to like a lot.
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