Wisdom Corner

by David Heska Wanbli Weiden

From the award-winning author of Winter Counts comes a new thriller about life—and death—on the Rosebud Indian Reservation.

Virgil Wounded Horse is desperately trying to escape his past as a hired vigilante on the Rosebud Indian Reservation. But when a legendary figure from the reservation is murdered, he’s forced to return to the job. Making matters more complicated, threats are coming from the Pine Ridge 705—a street gang from a neighboring reservation who want to expand their reach into Rosebud—and Mitch Gagnon, a shady politician who will stop at nothing to gain more power.

With a heated tribal council election looming, as well as new revelations regarding past injustices at the local Native boarding school, the stakes grow even higher. Will Virgil find the justice he’s seeking before it’s too late?

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Fiction, Indigenous, Mystery Thriller, Native American, Contemporary

320 pages, Hardcover

Published July 7, 2026

About the author

David Heska Wanbli Weiden, an enrolled member of the Sicangu Lakota nation, is the author of Wisdom Corner (Ecco, 2026). His first novel Winter Counts (Ecco, 2020), was nominated for an Edgar Award and was the winner of the Anthony, Thriller, Lefty, Barry, Macavity, Spur, High Plains, Tillie Olsen, CrimeFest (UK), and Crime Fiction Lover (UK) Awards. The novel was a New York Times Editors’ Choice, an Indie Next pick, main selection of the Book of the Month Club, and named a Best Book of the year by NPR, Amazon, Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, The Guardian, and other magazines. The novel is included in Time magazine’s list of the 100 best mystery and thriller novels of all time. He received the PEN America Writing for Justice Fellowship and is the recipient of fellowships and residencies from MacDowell, Ucross, Sewanee, and Tin House. A professor of English and Native American & Indigenous Studies at Stony Brook University, he lives in New York and Colorado with his family.

Reviews

[Michael Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Clouds on the Red Road

“Wisdom Corner” by David Heska Wanbli Weiden is an engaging thriller set on the Rosebud Indian Reservation. It is clear that Weiden’s goal is to marry the mechanics of a noir thriller with the heavy, unvarnished history of reservation life. Like Tony Hillerman’s Navajo mysteries, it is deeply illuminating and provides a compelling insight into life on the reservation, further distinguished now by the authenticity of a Native American author (#OurVoices).

Picking up where “Winter Counts” left off, this novel follows Virgil Wounded Horse, a former reservation vigilante who has sworn off his violent past to embrace a quieter life. While Virgil is deeply conflicted about his history as an "enforcer"—a role he adopted to deliver justice where the legal system failed—he finds himself repeatedly compelled to take matters into his own hands when a beloved tribal elder and medicine man, Jerome Iron Shell, is murdered. His struggle with his past as an enforcer serves as the lens through which the reader experiences the injustice of the present, explicitly connecting his personal arc to broader themes of land reclamation and the legacy of boarding schools. The tension in Virgil’s life is further highlighted by his relationship with his girlfriend, Marie Short Bear. As she runs for tribal council, Marie has made Virgil promise to amend his ways, yet she steadfastly stands by him even when his investigations pull him back into dangerous confrontations.

Weiden excels at balancing suspense with critical social commentary. The narrative explores systemic neglect, the challenges of tribal versus federal jurisdiction, and the enduring trauma of boarding schools, all without sacrificing the pacing of a gripping crime novel. One of the most moving moments occurs when Virgil confronts the reality of the local Native boarding school. Reading the names of lost young lives off the worn tombstones—HAZEL WHITE FEATHER, CLARA SHORT HORN, CHESTER BAD HAND, NED FALLS APART, EMMA JANIS ROSE, PRETTY HAIR THOMAS, RED NOSE JOHN, TWO BULLS, SOPHIA GUNHAMMER, MARY PENEAUX, FEMALE CHILD, MALE CHILD, UNNAMED CHILD, INFANT…—is a particularly powerful scene that provides concrete evidence of the profound, tragic history he is fighting to uncover.

Virgil remains a deeply relatable, flawed protagonist—a man struggling to protect his community while trying to define his own "Red Road." “Wisdom Corner” is a powerful thriller that skillfully marries genre excitement with profound cultural exploration.

Thank you to Ecco, NetGalley, and Edelweiss Plus for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. #WisdomCorner #NetGalley.

[Lila]

I'm glad we'll be seeing Virgil again.

[Kelly]

I can't wait!!!

[Christina C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Wisdom Corner. The author's descriptive writing brought the reservation to life, making it easy to picture the setting and connect with the characters' experiences. I especially appreciated how Indigenous history and contemporary issues were woven into the story in a meaningful and educational way. It added depth and authenticity to the narrative.

The main reason I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5 is that some of the events felt rushed. Certain plot developments happened so quickly that I didn't have enough time to fully absorb their impact or see them explored in greater detail. Even so, the story was engaging, thought-provoking, and well worth reading.

[Aggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Former vigilante enforcer Virgil Wounded Horse is desperate to escape his violent past on South Dakota's Rosebud Indian Reservation. He’s trying to walk a peaceful path and set a clean example for his teenage nephew, Nathan. But when beloved medicine man Jerome Iron Shell is brutally murdered, Virgil is forced into a devastating corner: protect his pacifism, or pick up his fists to find justice? Compounding the danger, Virgil watches in horror as Nathan begins mirroring his own brutal habits—threatening to pull the next generation into the same bloody cycle.

Marie Short Bear’s tribal council campaign is running on a platform of community healing and positive change—but her alliance with Virgil Wounded Horse has just become her biggest liability. Her corrupt opponent, incumbent Mitch Gagnon, ruthlessly weaponizes Virgil’s brutal vigilante past to smear Marie's character and torpedo her election chances. To protect her political future and shield her family from legal banishment, Marie must navigate a treacherous line between the man she loves and the reservation she is fighting to save.

I loved how the author masterfully paced the narrative buildup, keeping me completely hooked. The gritty criminal underworld and the absolute terror of the reservation's underbelly are described with breathtaking, vivid realism. What resonated with me most was the deep psychological tension; you truly feel the weight of Virgil’s internal torment as he battles between the wisdom of restraint and his raw instinct to unleash his old, violent ways.

[eyes.2c · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deadly happenings!

Life on the Lakota Rosebud Reservation, South Dakota, can be tough and uncompromising. Not much work, the loss of spirituality, culture, and the ghosts of the past.
Virgil Wounded Horse has been trying to reform himself. He has been acting as a local punisher. When medicine man Jerome Iron Shell is killed, a much admired leader, who has been helping Virgil to reform, and then Virgil’s house is burnt down, Virgil knows he must investigate.
A local construction company is going to tear down the old Native Boarding School and build an apartment and shopping complex. It appears the land was illegally sold to developers. Jerome was part of a Lakota group moving to have the sale overturned. Now unmarked graves from the past, of stolen children, including Virgil’s aunt have been discovered.
Is the death of Jerome connected or is something else afoot?
A solid read that makes one think.

An Ecco ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wisdom Corner by David Heska Wanbli Weiden — 4 stars

I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Weiden does something genuinely valuable in Wisdom Corner – he immerses you in the world of the Rosebud Indian Reservation in a way that feels authentic and richly informed. The Native American history and cultural context woven throughout the novel was, for me, the real heart of the book. I found myself genuinely engaged and learning, and that educational layer elevated the story in a meaningful way.

Where the book fell a little short for me was in the plotting. Some conflicts and tensions that had been carefully built up felt like they were wrapped up a bit too quickly or neatly, which undercut the weight of what came before. At times it gave the narrative a slightly lighter feel than the subject matter deserved. I wanted to sit with the complexity a bit longer.

Still, Weiden is a talented storyteller, and I can see why he has earned such a devoted readership. This is a solid four-star read, especially for anyone interested in stories that challenge and expand your perspective on contemporary Native American life.

[Leah]

I can't wait!

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This mystery novel is set on the Rosebud Indian reservation. Virgil Wounded Horse has been an enforcer - hired by others on the rez to enact justice when the tribal police and US law enforcement walk away from an issue. Apparently, this happens often, even with serious crimes. He's ready to walk away from being an enforcer, but keeps getting pulled back to help right wrongs. In addition to important historical disputes, we travel to a former Indian school where young children were taken from their families to be raised without their culture, language, or families. [Many children died from abuse and/or under terrible conditions at Indian schools throughout North America.] And I learned how an Indian college invented football's forward pass to compete (and win) against Ivy League schools. Jim Thorpe and Pop Warner are mentioned. The story is rich in detail about rez life, with sympathetic characters. It builds slowly, but really amps up the suspense at the end. The audiobook narration is very good. 4.3 stars.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @HarperAudio, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #WisdomCorner for review purposes. Publication date: 7 July 2026.

[Anna Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Ecco and NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review. Pub date: July 7, 2026

Virgil Wounded Horse is SO BACK! Based on how “Winter Counts” ended I was anticipating a story about missing Native women, however we’re immediately thrown back into the world of vigilante justice, a broken tribal criminal justice system, “rez” gang activity, and the dark underbelly of politics. We also get a heartbreaking look at the generational trauma of residential schools, one of the darkest parts of North American history in my mind, and I hope that aspect of the book brings about a lot of discussion. I certainly learned a lot.

The character development in “Winter Counts” was so strong it felt easy to dive right back into Virgil’s world in “Wisdom Corner,” I was already rooting for him, Marie, and Nathan from the outset. I love how Weiden provides a full spectrum of morally grey characters… and yet I still can’t help but enjoy and root for basically all of them! I’m 100% a Virgil apologist at this point, even if and when he breaks bad. He never misses in the heat of the moment, and he’s truly a master class in de-escalation any time he’s outnumbered, which is almost always! I enjoyed getting to see him in a father-like role to Nathan in this installment.

Also of note is the immersion into rez life that Weiden gives readers a peak into. Feelings of isolation, hopelessness, and marginalization abound, as does an undercurrent of strong family and community ties. He doesn’t shy away from showcasing the impacts of history - the alcoholism and substance use, the inadequate health services and underfunded institutions. The unfairness of it all, and how each character has responded to it and shaped their life and choices around it, is rife with important opportunities for reflection and discussion. I continue to be a fan of Weiden’s writing, and while this is only my second foray into the Indigenous crime genre I will read as many Virgil stories as he wants to give us!

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Virgil has walked away from his informal job as a vigilante-for-hire, but trouble is brewing on the reservation, including (but not limited to) corrupt politics and the murder of the town's medicine man. A companion novel to Weiden's debut novel Winter Counts, Wisdom Corner is a fast-paced and enticing Indigenous thriller that kept me invested from start to finish! I was also so glad to see more of Virgil, and his family & friends-- I love how integral the whole community is to the narrative. I don't read a lot of thrillers or mysteries, but Weiden has quickly won me over as an auto-read author.

[Brian Shevory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many thanks to Ecco, Harper Collins Publishers, and NetGalley for sharing an advanced copy of David Heska Wanbli Weiden’s exciting entry into the Virgil Wounded Horse novels Wisdom Corner. I have been waiting for this book for a while now, and I was very excited to find it on NetGalley. I read Winter Counts, the first entry into vigilante enforcer of the Rosebud Reservation Virgil Wounded Horse, about 5 years ago, not knowing much about the book. Heska Wanbli Weiden has the skill as a writer to craft page turning chapters that are full of action and intrigue while also being able to incorporate history, philosophy, and traditions of Indians, especially of the Sicangu Lakota people who live on the Rosebud Reservation. I was surprised at how gritty and thrilling the book is, yet there are also these incredibly informative and insightful sections where readers can learn about the traditions and history of the Lakota as well as other Indian people that seems to counter many of the stereotypes and misrepresentations that have been perpetuated throughout history and popular culture. Virgil isn’t the typical tough guy whose all action and no thinking. He’s a thoughtful and considerate guy who tries to avoid fighting, but will throw down when necessary. What I really appreciate about Virgil, though, is his continual growth and development, recognizing that he’s not perfect and that he seeks ways to continue to learn more about his identity, his culture, and his people’s history and ways. It’s these thoughtful moments of introspection that border the action in the book creating a wonderful kind of dwelling that as a reader, I found myself eager to revisit.
Wisdom Corner is a welcome return to the Rosebud Reservation with Virgil as our guide, although he notes that there are some issues that continue to plague the Rez like bootlegging liquor, access to healthy foods, which creates a reliance on convenient snacks and unhealthy, processed foods, crime, and the lack of investigative and preventative forces to fight back against crime. Heska Wanbli Weiden includes some great notes at the end of the book declaring that this is a work of fiction that takes place on a real reservation where he attempts to recapture the fond memories he had of growing up on Rosebud. However, he is also able to identify some of the more systemic and structural problems that have plagued Indigenous communities that have some level of independence from the federal government, but also lack any kind of support or resource sharing from the federal government. The limited access to resources, especially when fighting crime, is where Virgil sees an opportunity to use his skills, although he is trying to reform his ways, especially after the end of Winter Counts.
Although I ended up really enjoying this book, it starts somewhat slower, as Virgil spends about the first fifth of the book recapping the events of Winter Counts. Nevertheless, it’s an important reminder since Marie, Virgil’s significant other, ended up killing her father, who was a tribal council member who was dealing drugs on the Rez. Marie has taken over her parents’ home but still lives with Virgil. This plays an important part in Wisdom Corner, and I appreciated how Heska Wanbli Weiden is able to build on this continuity from book to book. Wisdom Corner has a twisty, surprising plot that will leave readers wondering who is behind the violence that is erupting on the rez. Virgil initially believes that the battle is retaliation from a meeting between his friend, Pudge, a bootlegger, and a rival gang from another rez who want to start selling alcohol on Rosebud. Virgil attends the meeting with his friend to maintain the peace, but has to resort to defending Pudge with his fists, as the rival gang becomes too threatening and imposing. In a later episode during his process serving work, Virgil encounters more resistance from a guy and his Aryan Nation buddies, but ultimately defends himself. Yet, Marie, who is now running for tribal council, has repeatedly asked Virgil to stop the violence as her opponent, Mitch Gagnon, will stoop to mudslinging and possibly some other dirty tricks to win the race.
Virgil also leans about a new development taking place in a city nearby where a Native boarding school stood. The developers took over the land and discovered unmarked graves on the site, which has slowed the construction process. Virgil eventually leans that his aunt was one of the children who died there and is likely buried in an unmarked grave there. Heska Wanbli Weiden uses this plot point to further educate readers about the horrors of these boarding schools that took Indigenous children away from their families in order to teach them the ways of white folks, just as the infamous phrase from Richard Henry Platt, who started the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, advocated for white society to “Kill the Indian, save the man.” While this could be a moment for a kind of preachy and pedantic lecture on injustices done to Indigenous people, Heska Wanbli Weiden skillfully incorporates this history and injustice as something that Virgil has a personal connection to and is trying to learn more about. Furthermore, the battle between the developers and the Indigenous community to preserve the remains of the ancestors highlights some of the current battles between commerce and tradition, corporations and collectives, where we see powerful, paid interests often finding ways to defeat these communities. I really appreciated how he integrates these learning moments throughout the book.
Shortly after visiting the development site to learn more about where his aunt might be, Virgil learns that his mentor and the respected tribal medicine man, Jerome Iron Shell, was murdered. Jerome was Pudge’s uncle, so Pudge and Virgil immediately suspect the rival 705 Gang. However, they have trouble tracking them down and pinning the murder on them. Through his encounters with other indigenous activists and tribal members, Virgil will work to unravel the mystery of Jerome’s murder. Yet, this will also come at a cost for Virgil. Heska Wanbli Weiden has crafted a compelling and exciting crime thriller that takes readers on the Rez and shares aspects of traditional Lakota life and history. Furthermore, he’s able to critique some of the issues that Indigenous people face through Virgil’s thoughtful asides. I also want to mention that the dialogue in this book is great. Heska Wanbli Weiden has crafted some distinct characters throughout the book, and their varied dialects and slang make them stand out in their differences. I don’t remember the dialogue being like this in Winter Counts, but it was definitely a strong element of Wisdom Corner. However, what I appreciated most about this book beyond being a great crime thriller was that Heska Wanbli Weiden shows the Rosebud Reservation to be a community that is supportive and inclusive, where people know each other, are rooting for one another, and come together when they experience hardship or challenges. Highly recommended!

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Ecco for providing me with an advance reader copy of WISDOM CORNER by David Heska Wanbli Weiden. Expected publication: July 7, 2026.

One of WISDOM CORNER's greatest strengths is its ability to immerse readers in contemporary Lakota life while honoring the rich history, traditions, and enduring resilience of the Lakota people. David Heska Wanbli Weiden doesn't merely tell a suspense story—he invites readers into a culture that remains deeply rooted in its past while navigating the realities of the present.

I grew up in South Dakota, bordering the Standing Rock Reservation, home to both the Hunkpapa Lakota and Yanktonai Dakota peoples. Weiden sets this novel on the Rosebud Reservation, homeland of the Sičháŋǧu (Sicangu) Lakota, also known as the Brulé Lakota. Perhaps because of those roots, I especially appreciate how authentically he captures reservation life. His prose is infused with Lakota language, Indigenous vernacular, ceremonies, humor, and spiritual traditions that enrich the narrative without ever feeling didactic. Rather than pausing the story to educate, he allows readers to absorb the culture organically through the lives of his characters.

As in his outstanding debut, Winter Counts, Weiden masterfully balances education and entertainment. Winter Counts illuminated the complicated realities of criminal justice on Native American reservations, where tribal, federal, and state jurisdictions often collide. Wisdom Corner revisits those challenges while shining a light on another painful chapter of American history: the federal Native boarding school system. Through Virgil Wounded Horse's story, readers gain a deeper understanding of the government's policy of forcibly removing Indigenous children from their families, stripping them of their language, traditions, and identity in an effort to assimilate them into mainstream American society.

One of the joys of reading Weiden is that his novels inspire curiosity beyond their pages. While reading, I found myself revisiting the history of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, one of the most infamous federal boarding schools. Students, ranging from young children to young adults, were taken from their homes and immersed in a system designed to erase their culture. Yet Carlisle also became famous for its remarkable football team, coached by Glenn Scobey "Pop" Warner, where the incomparable Jim Thorpe emerged as one of America's greatest athletes. Carlisle's innovative style of play helped transform the sport, and its victories over football powerhouses such as Harvard and Army became far more than athletic accomplishments. At a school built upon forced assimilation, Native athletes repeatedly outsmarted the nation's elite universities, turning football into a quiet act of cultural resilience. It remains one of the most remarkable intersections of sports history and American history.

In this gritty and emotionally resonant novel, Virgil Wounded Horse returns—not simply as the reservation's feared enforcer, but as a man striving to walk the Red Road. What exactly is the Red Road? Weiden answers that question not through exposition, but through Virgil's choices, relationships, and evolving understanding of what it means to live with honor, responsibility, and balance.

Like Winter Counts, WISDOM CORNER is both a gripping crime novel and a profound cultural journey. David Heska Wanbli Weiden possesses the rare ability to weave history, social commentary, spirituality, and edge-of-your-seat suspense into a seamless narrative. I closed the book not only thoroughly entertained, but also with a deeper appreciation for Lakota history, culture, and the ongoing challenges faced by Native communities today.

For readers who enjoy intelligent crime fiction that leaves them both captivated and enlightened, WISDOM CORNER is an exceptional read.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

“(Virgil) was the reservation’s vigilante- the guy you hired when you couldn’t get justice from the courts or the tribal council…I made a promise to the Creator…I’d try to help people in other ways-get on the Good Red Road…” He was encouraged by his spiritual adviser, Jerome Iron Shell, healer and medicine man, to change his ways.

“...the Indian way. We know it takes time to build something that matters…we’ve always judged a person’s wealth by how much they give away, not how much they keep.” These values were held dear by Virgil’s girlfriend Marie who was running for Tribal Council Representative. Her opponent was the incumbent Mitch Gagnon. Gagnon had a reputation for playing dirty…was rumored to have gotten kickbacks for his dealings.

Jerome Iron Shell was a member of an Indigenous group working to reclaim land that was illegally transferred. As a former student of an Indian Boarding School, and along with his status in the Lakota community, he organized a Ghost Dance around a Land Project site. The Spirit Dance would not take place. The Sicangu Sioux community was devastated to learn of the violent attack on Jerome. Virgil vowed to get involved and solve Jerome’s murder and seek Native justice.

Virgil’s quest for justice intensified by the revelation that many children who died at the boarding school Jerome attended, as a child, had not been repatriated to the Rosebud Reservation. The whereabouts of Virgil’s auntie remained unknown. “The dispute over the school land had been heated, but now it would be a war.” “Our people believed that kids were closest to the Creator…In the Lakota tradition- children were wakan-sacred.”

Virgil’s involvement in solving crimes included bootlegging disputes between the Rosebud Rez and the neighboring reservation. Retaliatory measures might be taken when demands were unmet. This included threats to family and property. The tribal police were slow to address gang issues. “I liked to think that most people around here appreciated my work as an enforcer for those seeking justice…a job often needing extra muscle.” Virgil was as reluctant to accept help from the Rosebud Tribal Chief of Police, Rose Charging Cloud, as she was loath to provide it. They would, however, occasionally work in unison to try to unravel the mystery surrounding several deaths and suspicious fires on the Rosebud Reservation.

To err is human and Virgil Wounded Horse was very aware of his shortcomings, however, his determination to safeguard members of his community took precedence even if his methods were not always above board. To many, he was an unsung hero. Author David Heska Wanbli
Weiden propels the reader along with Virgil on his quest for justice. He educates and informs on Native American culture. In the 1800s, holding a sweat lodge or other Indian ceremony was a felony punishable by a year in prison. Indigenous spirituality remained a criminal offense until the late 1970s. Another highlighted issue was the difficulty navigating the criminal justice system. “Serious felony crimes on the rez had to be referred to the FBI, but they declined a large number of cases, which meant that offenders went free…”. It was no wonder that the detective skills of Virgil were needed to discover who attacked Jerome and why the Land Project continued despite the knowledge that unmarked graves of descendants were under the building site.

An excellent thought-provoking thriller I highly recommend.

Thank you David Heska Wanbli Weiden and Ecco for the gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t believe it’s already been five years since I read David Heska Wanbli Weiden's debut novel, Winter Counts. Time has flown by, and at long last, the author is back with a sequel: Wisdom Corner. We return to South Dakota’s Rosebud Indian Reservation and our favorite vigilante, Virgil Wounded Horse. It’s been a year since Virgil gave up his vigilanteism and violence, but after trying to defend a friend against a gang, he falls back into his old ways. While Virgil is trying to fend off gang scare tactics, he’s also looking into who murdered a respected member of his community, helping his girlfriend in her local political ambitions, and trying to find the lost burial site of his late aunt. How could these events be related, and what will Virgil’s role in seeking justice ultimately be?

What I Liked:
- Criminal justice on Indigenous reservations. As in the previous book, in Wisdom Corner, Virgil has taken to meting out punishment to criminals who deserve it. After all, their local police doesn’t have much authority, and the FBI can’t be bothered most of the time, either. If no one else will go after the bad guys, why not Virgil? This book speaks to the larger issue of criminal justice among Indigenous peoples, including the racist treatment they often receive, and urges for reform that can make reservations safe and just for all.
- Native American politics. Much of this book discusses politics in some way. First there’s Virgil’s girlfriend Marie, who is running for local council and hoping to enact positive change for her people. It’s a heated race against a shady man, Mitch, who is running on a questionable platform. There is also valuable discussion about past wrongs to Native Americans, in terms of political representation and land ownership, as well as the horrific practice of forcibly placing Indigenous children into boarding schools. Reparations and modern reform are a place to start, both at a local and national level.
- Vengeance and violence. Virgil has quit smoking, drinking, and getting into fights… and it might be the latter that’s the hardest for him to stay away from now. His sense of justice and revenge are strong, but it’s often at odds with his desire to be peaceful. He doesn’t mean to fall into his old, violent ways, but sometimes the violence comes to him and he feels like he has no choice.
- Spiritual element. One of my favorite aspects of Wisdom Corner is the depiction of ghostly figures. More than once, Virgil is severely wounded and starts to have visions of murdered Lakota men. These spirits offer advice, but whether Virgil is actually seeing these supernatural beings or simply hallucinating is open to interpretation.

Audiobook:
Shane Ghostkeeper narrates Wisdom Corner, told almost entirely from Virgil’s point of view. I enjoyed how he captures Virgil’s character, as well as the South Dakota accent and pronunciation of Indigenous words. It felt like I was inhabiting Virgil’s world for the duration of this audiobook.

Final Thoughts
Wisdom Corner is a smart and thoughtful novel that combines a slow-building mystery with commentary on family, politics, and doing right. It’s gritty and candid, but it’s full of heart, too. I’ll be looking out for more books from David Heska Wanbli Weiden.

Special thanks to Ecco, HarperAudio Adult, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book!

* Please read my full review on my blog, Amanda's Book Corner! *

[Linda]

There is something sacred in shared pain.

David Heska Wanbli Weiden returns with another outstanding novel depicting life on the
Rosebud (Sicangu Nation) Reservation in South Dakota. His first novel, Winter Counts (2020), introduced us to Virgil Wounded Horse. Virgil has a high sense of justice even though his means to an end are not always the socially accepted way.

On the reservation, justice was not served fairly.....or perhaps not at all. The tribal police were limited in what they could do. Weak laws stood in the way as well as tightened finances. The U.S. government was not allowed to enforce its power on tribal land unless called in by the FBI. The FBI seldom took cases. That's where Virgil stepped in. Native American families and individuals paid Virgil a fee to strong-arm those who had committed crimes against them. Business was profitable.

Weiden does feature Virgil's steeled fist in this one, but he also showcases a different side to Virgil. Virgil visits the land where an Indian school had been operating long ago. His aunt attended there. Her grave was never found. Hundreds of young children were buried in unmarked graves. It's here that Virgil meets Val, a self-employed hacker. Val is determined to find the grave of Virgil's aunt.

This endeavor will lead to uncovering a deep, dark secret that has transpired on the Rosebud Reservation itself. It is up to Virgil, Val, and Virgil's girlfriend Marie to dig deeply into the shady goings on there. Weiden widens the scope and involves a construction company building on former tribal land, the power wielded by the Pine Ridge 705 gang, and the devastating murder of the holy man Jerome Iron Shell. Weiden keeps the action mounting.

While Wisdom Corner can be read as a standalone, your best bet is to pick up Winter Counts (2020) first to get a feel for these characters and their situations. Wisdom Corner doesn't appear to be showcased as part of a series, but it does come off that way. Weiden leaves possibilities in the closure. I certainly hope that Virgil steps out front and center once again.

Wisdom Corner is densely written. Weiden fills it with the injustices suffered by the Native American population living on reservations. There are tangled threads of the need for criminal justice administration on reservations. Weiden brings to light the tragedies of Indian boarding schools that tried to wipe out the Native American culture. Hundreds and hundreds of children died without acknowledgement. The most famous was the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania. Add to this the U.S. government's violation of tribal land treaties. Be sure to read the Author's Note. It's an eye-opener.

Wisdom Corner shines a light on the superb talents of David Heska Wanbli Weiden. Broaden your horizons and delve into one of his novels. Bravo, once again, just bravo.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Ecco Books and to the talented David Heska Wanbli Weiden for the opportunity.

[Amy D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Initial review. May change a bit once my thoughts are better formulated.)

I have been eagerly awaiting another book by David Heska Wanbli Weiden after devouring Winter Counts a few years ago, so was excited to receive an ARC from Net Galley. I did a re-read of Winter Counts to remind myself of the characters, but Wisdom Corner could be read as a standalone. The plot does not rely on the previous book.

Rosebud nation vigilante Virgil Wounded Horse has been trying to stay out of trouble, sticking to delivering legal papers for an attorney. However as his community faces threats from both a gang from the Pine Ridge nation and developers in Rapid City, South Dakota trying to develop deluxe condominiums on the property of a former residential "school," he keeps getting pulled back in. Because of this, there is a lot of action, suspense and some physical violence between individuals. Wanbli Weiden does not shy away from tough topics.

While Winter Counts revolved around drug trafficking and the resulting problems, Wisdom Counts revolves around illegal alcohol sales and white collar crime within tribal leadership and property builders. Both topics were interesting.

The reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is what I thought to be some inauthentic dialogue. There were situations where readers could have been educated through Virgil's thoughts, but instead the education came through dialogue that seemed phony to me. For example, when Virgil meets someone advocating to not place condos on top of gravesites at the residential school, the individual educates Virgil on the history of residential schools. I understand why the author would want to provide the background knowledge to readers, but instead the dialogue makes it seem as though Virgil is just learning of this, which is hard to believe considering he belongs to and lives within the Rosebud Nation. The advocate to Virgil, "The children weren’t allowed to hold on to their culture at all— no spirituality or traditions. If they were caught doing anything Native, they were punished." All true, but hard to believe that would be news to Virgil. And there were also times the dialogue seemed too formal, and not how I believe people speak to people they know well.

That small complaint aside, I loved the characters, their inner turmoil, and the educational value to me. I love learning of communities just a few hours from me, but also completely different than my own. Not to mention, I value learning about cultures that were vastly ignored in my own education decades ago. And for any Winter Counts readers, yes, best pal and humorous sidekick Tommy returns in Wisdom Corner.

I will be eagerly awaiting the next story of Virgil and his family and friends.

[Allison Speakmon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Virgil Wounded Horse is desperately trying to escape his past as a hired vigilante on the Rosebud Indian Reservation. But when a legendary figure from the reservation is murdered, he's pulled back into the job. This time with threats coming from a neighboring street gang looking to expand their territory and a shady politician who will stop at nothing to gain power. With a tribal council election looming and new revelations about past injustices at the local Native boarding school, the stakes keep climbing and Virgil has to find justice before it's too late.

Winter Counts was one of my favorite reads the year it came out and I've been waiting for Weiden to release another book. So I went into this one with sky-high expectations and unfortunately it just didn't deliver for me. First and most importantly: this is a sequel. It's not labeled as one anywhere obvious without digging, but so much of this book relies on what happened in Winter Counts that you really need to read that one first. There are constant references to the first book and without that context you'd probably be lost. I read Winter Counts back in 2020 and even I was a little fuzzy on some of the connections.

I was excited to be back with Virgil and I didn't mind his character arc of trying to stay on the straight and narrow. That felt like a natural progression. What I struggled with is that it felt like I was being told everything instead of being shown it. The pacing was off in a way that was hard to pin down. Some parts felt rushed while the book overall felt long, which is a strange combination for something that's only 320 pages. It was repetitive in places and I never felt entirely invested the way I did with Winter Counts.

What I do love is the exploration of rez life and the inclusion of the boarding school history and the abuse those children faced. I think that's such an important conversation and I love that these stories are making it into mainstream fiction. I don't really claim to be Native as it's too far removed from my generation, but my great great grandparents were Native so I feel a small connection to Indigenous stories and love to explore them. That element of the book was meaningful to me and I wish the rest of the story had matched the weight of those themes.

It hurts me that I didn't love this one because I wanted to so badly. It reads fine and the subject matter is important, but it just didn't live up to my expectations. The pacing was too slow, the storytelling leaned too heavily on telling over showing, and I never felt that pull to keep turning pages the way Winter Counts had me completely hooked. Three stars. If you loved Winter Counts, definitely read it, just make sure you reread or refresh yourself on book one first because you'll need it. And if you haven't read Winter Counts yet, start there. That one is absolutely worth your time.


Wisdom Corner is out now! Huge thank you to Ecco Books for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.  If you liked this review please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting my Instagram @speakingof.books.
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[BookByBook karenreadslotsofbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

BOOK REVIEW
Wisdom Corner by David Heska Wanbli Weiden
Indigenous / Native American Contemporary Fiction
Mystery / Crime / Thriller
⭐⭐⭐⭐
PUB DATE: July 7, 2026

Synopsis: MMC Virgil Wounded Horse is the Rosebud Indian Reservation’s vigilante seeking justice for the Lakota community when the legal system fails. For the past year, Virgil has been making changes and trying to live life on the up and up. Although this lifestyle change makes Virgil’s girlfriend Marie happy, life on the reservation presents challenges that make this commitment difficult, especially when a well-respected member of the community is murdered. Knowing he can’t count on the local government to bring the killer to justice, Virgil takes matters into his own hands.
My Thoughts: This well-paced crime thriller provides a gripping plot and multi-layered characters while the author calls attention to the lack of efficiency and fairness in the criminal justice systems usually found on Native American reservations and the numerous treaties and agreements between the US government and Native American communities that have been repeatedly violated over the years. As the MMC in the story searches for the killer, a second problem factors into murder investigation - the discovery of buried bodies belonging to children that attended a former boarding school currently being developed by “big business”. The boarding schools housed Native American children that were forced to give up their culture, abused, neglected and malnourished.
I feel fortunate and thankful to have been gifted a physical ARC of Wisdom Corner by @eccobooks because this is not a book I would typically be drawn to read. David Heska Wanbli Weiden writes a gripping crime thriller that vividly portrays the hardships of life on the modern day Native American reservation. The characters’ life choices weigh heavily on the culture, local traditions and beliefs of the Lakota People. The author’s notes include a detailed explanation of these important issues that are the central themes in this engaging and informative work of fiction. I really enjoyed reading this book!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperAudio Adult | Ecco for the audio ARC. It hasn't affected the contents of my review.

Virgil Wounded Horse is back. It's been six years for us, but only a year for him. In the time since we left him in Winter Counts, he's given up being an enforcer/vigilante on the Rosebud reservation and tried to go straight, but after two inciting incidents, he's found himself questioning why he misses the violence, and what it means for him going forward, if he can avoid it at all and still have a clear conscience. First, he goes with a friend as protection to a meeting with a gang that has been bullying him about his business, and things turn violent. Second, his friend and mentor and father figure, Jerome, is murdered. And there is a third running thread throughout the novel; a local Indian school on Wisdom Corner has been excavated, and they have found that many native children's bodies were buried there in secret, but the company that has claimed the land (illegally) is refusing to stop construction on the apartments they are building over the graves.

All of this, plus Virgil's signature narrative style (in which the author has stated he wants to portray his experience of living on a reservation and what life is like there) makes for once again a bit of a contradictory reading experience, which interests my brain very much. The slow consideration, gentle intentions of the characters, and often inexperience with the world outside of the reservation makes such a weird contrast with the violence and harshness of what is going on in this book's pages.

Also, Virgil's girlfriend, Marie, is still a cook trying to invent a new form of Indian cuisine that is both healthy and inexpensive, and now I really want to try both an Indian taco and some of her three sisters stew.

Shane Ghostkeeper narrates the audiobook, and he does a fantastic job.

I hope we don't have to wait another six years for the next one.

SUMMERWEEN 2026 👻

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Heska Wanbli Weiden takes us into the dark side of life on South Dakota's Rosebud and Pine Ridge reservations in this sequel to his debut novel, Winter Counts. We see some of the impact of bootleg alcohol, gang violence, corrupt officials, arson and the legacy of native boarding schools. On top of that, respected Lakota medicine man is brutally murdered.

At the center of the story is Virgil Wounded Horse, a sometime vigilante/enforcer. He says he has given up settling scores, but trouble keeps finding him from the beginning when he gets crosswise with a gang from Pine Ridge for trying to help out a bootlegger friend. The novel lays bare the problems that arise with the haphazard nature of law enforcement on reservations, where jurisdictional issues tie the hands of tribal police and serious crimes may not even be investigated much less punished.

With some help from his friends, Virgil sets out to solve the murder and to get to the bottom of the controversy over a real estate development on the site of a former boarding school. Soon someone is targeting him. Is the development connected to the murder? Which tribal official(s) is working with the developer? Is gang revenge part of this?

Weiden weaves aspects of Native culture and history throughout the book, with varying degrees of success. The fact that he does this makes the book special, but the way that he does it in lecture form sometimes slows down the pace of the book. People tell Virgil things I would expect him to already know by virtue of living on the Rosebud reservation. In addition, Weiden gets sidetracked sharing Native history he finds interesting--such as the story of the football team at the Carlisle Indian School--even though it has nothing to do with the Lakota and the plot of the book.

I look forward to the next installment of Virgil's adventures.

I received a copy of the book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wisdom Corner reunites us with Virgil Wounded Horse about a year after the end of Winter Counts and his near death experience. He is still with his girlfriend Marie, and he has made a promise to her that his hired vigilante days are over. The problem is convincing everyone else that he's no longer available to be their heavy. Virgil still feels obligations to help people, especially those connected to Jerome Iron Shell, the local medicine man and a father figure to Virgil.

When Virgil tries to help Jerome's nephew during a disagreement with a street game from a neighboring reservation, things go bad and keep going down hill, especially after Jerome Iron Shell is found dead on his porch. Virgil is trying his hardest to fight against his instincts to step in and get revenge, especially because Marie is running for tribal council and the tribe's perception of him is rubbing off on her. But those old instincts run deep, and it has never before felt more like justice can only come from Virgil's hands.

Weiden has given us a really interesting and complex character in Virgil Wounded Horse. He wants nothing more than to do good and be helpful, but feels like the ways he can do that are limited. I also love how Weiden writes, weaving in tidbits of information about Native American history and tribal politics and the way reservations work and run without it feeling like a textbook or lecture. He has a similar light tough with the mystical elements, which I really appreciate because I unfortunately find that my brain gets a bit bogged down when a book is heavily reliant on folklore.

Wisdom Corner is a companion novel to Winter Counts, and you should really read Winter Counts first in order to understand the history and the relationships. But you're in luck, because it is also an excellent read!

[Sarah-Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Heska Wanbli Weiden is on my list of authors who are an automatic "yes" when I spot something new they're written. Wisdom Corner is a follow-up to his Winter Counts—and he written a solid boy of works beyond these.

Wisdom Corner and Wisdom Counts are a bit like some of Tony Hillerman's work—except *not* because they're completely different—in that the central characters are Indians, most of the action takes place on a reservation, and there's both a solid arc of character development and a good mystery at the core of each one.

Virgil Wounded Horse, the central character, was an independent "enforcer" on the reservation. When the normal channels of justice don't serve, which is frequently, he could provide appropriate punishment. At this point, Virgil is remaking himself as a process server. He now feels less connected to justice, but also less connected to violence. And as is the case in a whole range of such fiction, he keeps stumbling into situations that wind up requiring both of his skill sets.

The plot in Wisdom Corner involves
a) a power struggle among hooch sellers
b) a proposed development on the site of a former Indian Boarding School
c) just life

Not surprisingly, these elements may be more connected than is apparent on the surface.

The author includes us in much of Virgil's inner monologue, which provides historical and cultural context, as well as a better sense of who he is.

If this sounds like the kind of mystery you would enjoy ready—I can recommend both books. I would, however, suggest starting with Winter Counts, since that's the first opportunity readers have to meet these characters—and getting to know them over time is one of the pleasures of reading these works.

I received a free electronic review copy of Wisdom Corner from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was provided an ARC and ALC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.

I didn't realize this was a follow up to Winter Counts, but I'm so glad I picked this up. I wouldn't necessarily call it a sequel, because it reads as a complete standalone. But both books follow the same main character as he attempts to solve a crime on the Rosebud Indian Reservation.

In Winter Counts Virgil Wounded Horse was more of an enforcer who took the law into his own hands when the Native Police and the FBI ignore the crime on the reservation or take too long to investigate. Vigilantes like Virgil mete out justice as needed when someone steps out of line or wrongs his tribe. In Wisdom Corner, Virgil has given up the enforcer life, but it hasn't quite let him go. He is trying to do honest work, be a good role model, and help the tribe where he can. When his mentor is found murdered he is determined to find out what happened and his former lifestyle and skill will come in handy. His girlfriend, who doesn't love the enforcer lifestyle is always supportive of him, but she is running for the tribal council and is stressed as the election nears. Virgil may not be better at enforcing than he is at detective work but he slowly gathers all of the pieces and puts everything together.

This was a great read. It hits on the social commentary aspect of Native American culture and treatment historically and in today's society. It also speaks to the Native boarding schools that tore families apart in the United States and Canada giving a historical and educational element to the book as well as educating the reader on the rampant drug and alcohol problems within Native society today. The author does a wonderful job of weaving all of the elements of the story together in a seamless way while taking you on a thriller journey to find out who is at the center of the crime. I was immersed in the story, location, and connected to the characters. While I enjoyed the fictional plot I also learned real things from this book as well, it is rare that an author can keep you entertained while teaching you something at the same time.

[Igor DelRey · Rating 5 out of 5]

First and foremost, I gotta say this: Wisdom Corner has most of the characters that appear on this author's previous novel, Winter Counts. Even though this book is not being recognised as a sequel to Winter Counts I'd say IT IS. Considering that this new story starts a few months after the events of Winter Counts, and there are many mentions of scenes from that book in this new one, yes, to ME, this book is a sequel to Winter Counts.
Now, I do believe it is possible to read Wisdow Corner without having read Winter Counts. However, I do recommend reading that one before getting to this 'sequel'.
Having said that, I really liked this new book. More than I did Winter Counts, actually.
Because I already know the cast of characters in this new book, it was easier for me to care for what is going on with each one of them this time.
Just like Winter Counts, we follow Virgil and his violent way of life (he is trying to change...but he keeps being teased to coming back to his usual violent way of life), and this time the stakes are higher and more people from his community are being threatened and harmed.

I'll admit the pacing here may bother some readers, especially considering that this book should be a thriller. However, I have no complaints. Probably because I was already invested in the narrative and storyline since chapter 1. I really enjoy Weinden's writing and descriptions and the discussions he brings to the plot on native American culture.
I loved it! If he writes a 'third' book with these characters I'll be looking forward to it.

I can easily recommend this book to anyone who has read Winter Counts and enjoyed.
Thank you, NetGally and Ecco, for provindig me with a free eARC of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Chloe Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wisdom Corner! I received the audiobook version of this arc from netgalley. The story follows Virgil, a former Rosebud reservation vigilante turned straight laced legal document deliver-er. As Virgil works with his community to clean up his own reputation, nefarious plots begin to surface from outsiders to the Rosebud rez. Virgil and his community work together to thwart a shady politician, and bring justice for a friend mysteriously attacked within his own home. The author really highlights issues pertinent to indigenous communities included but not limited to residential schools, food and housing insecurity on reservations, drug and alcohol abuse etc. The topics are heavy but worked seamlessly into the story, which felt quite authentic to me, an outsider to life as a native person in the U.S.

This story is a thriller, but I will say the pacing was just a bit too slow for me to ever feel truly thrilled or get sucked in. Wanbli Weiden is a good writer to be sure, but there were a lot of repetitive bits and bobs and oddly specific details about side happenings, while main plot points of the story felt halfhearted and rushed at the end. I would say 90% of the drama and thrilling storyline occurred in the last quarter of the book, which does not work for me. I like the story and the characters, but I don't know if I'd stick with this series if more came out. It just didn't give me the shock and suspense I was craving.

In terms of narration, I did really like the narrator and his tone. It felt fitting for Virgil's voice and internal monologue, honestly I don't think I'd enjoy reading this if I hadn't opted for the audiobook. Overall I rate this 3/5, not awful just not for me. Thank you to netgalley for this arc!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful mystery that is set on Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota and all of the main characters are Native Americans. It's a real page-turner mystery but it also gives us a picture of the poor living conditions on the reservations and a lot of history about the Lakota tribe and the wrongs that were done to them in their history. There is also a lot of information on the history of the Indian schools where children were removed from their families as the schools attempted to take their language and culture away from them.

Virgil Wounded Horse has been working as an enforcer to help people in his tribe. After a close call with death and the pleas of his girlfriend, he tries to change his ways. But when a friend is killed by an unknown person and another friend is threatened by a gang from a neighboring tribe, he finds it impossible to get things done legally. When his house is burned down, he realizes that it’s time to go back to his old ways to protect the people that he loves – both friends and family.

I don't want to give away the plot but I will tell you that once you start this book, you won't want to put it down. The main character is a flawed person and a hero at the same time. He wants to help his people but he is trying to maintain a different life than he had as a vigilante for the tribe. He desperately wants to listen to the words of his ancestors and live a good life but it’s really difficult as he is faced with terrible events happening to his family and friends. Even though he is a very conflicted man, he stays protective of his nephew, girlfriend, and all of his friends. He is a complex character who is very driven to protect those around him.

[Mandie Owings · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an advanced reader copy of Wisdom Corner by a local bookstore. I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this story as this wasn’t my first choice in genre. There was a good mixture of history, storytelling and mystery.

Wisdom Corner takes place on the Rosebud Indian Reservation. Our main character, Virgil Wounded Horse is desperately trying to make a new name for himself, escaping from his past of being a known enforcer.

Virgil has really come into his new life of working in the legal sector of his community. All while supporting his girlfriend, Marie as she’s running for a spot in the tribal counsel against Mitch Gagnon, who is known to be a shady political figure in the community.

Wisdom Corner used to be an important spot in their community. One of past stories and a place where respected elders would spend their time. As the years went on it became a breading ground for trouble. Drug dealers, bootleggers and gangs would spend their time here, taking away from the true meaning of this spot and turning it into a place where most feared to go.

One night, Virgil was asked by a friend to accompany his nephew Pudge to Wisdom Corner to meet with a gang from a neighboring community. While doing this favor Virgil gets into a physical altercation. This seems to be the start of Virgil taking a deep look into past injustices involving the local Native boarding school.

Virgil becomes very involved in this investigation. He is determined to get answers for himself and his community. Can he do this without falling back into his enforcer role and without harming his relationships with others?

[Erricka Hager · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love books that challenge the sanitized version of history we are often taught in American schools. David Heska Wanbli Weiden’s latest is exactly that—a thrilling, immersive, and educational listen. Huge thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ALC!

The Plot: We follow Virgil Wounded Horse, a badass, semi-retired hitman on the Rosebud Indian Reservation trying to keep his hands clean. But when a prominent tribal healer is murdered, Virgil’s investigation forces him to confront a corrupt council member, local gangs, and the historical atrocities of a nearby Native boarding school.

What I Loved:

-The Community: Virgil’s loyalty to his people is the heartbeat of this book. Watching him try to guide a younger family member away from a life of crime while honoring his ancestors was incredibly moving.

-The History: Weiden masterfully integrates crucial historical truths into the narrative. I learned so much about the cultural erasure of the boarding school system, the history of American sports, and the spiritual importance of Indigenous healers.

-The Extras: The author included an additional reading section at the end, which earned a permanent spot on my physical wishlist so I can expand my TBR.

The Audio & Writing: Shane Ghostkeeper’s narration is phenomenal, perfectly capturing Weiden’s vivid, atmospheric prose.

The only reason this wasn't a 5-star read is that it left me desperate for more page time with these characters. If you are a fan of S.A. Cosby’s gritty noir and want a crime fiction novel that actually teaches you something vital, put Wisdom Corner on your radar immediately.

[friday reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5⭐ - I learned A LOT while reading this book, and I think if you enjoy the works of something like S.A. Cosby or Jack Reacher then this book is for you.


(Thank you ECCO for the free copy, all opinions are my own)

Wisdom Corner is apparently an interconnected standalone with another book, but I went in blind and personally felt I was told everything I needed to know to connect to the characters. To continue the positives, the writing was high quality and kept me reading even if the pacing slowed.

Like I mentioned there is a huge almost historical fiction element to this book when it comes to the info-dumping about Native American history, specifically around the Native boarding schools, government intervention and lack there of, and the complexities and inner workings of the community on the reservation. While I absorbed a lot of this information and found it interesting (and heartbreaking), it took me out of the ‘thriller’ aspect of this novel quite a few times, and caused the pacing to slow and the plot to be broken up in a slightly chunky manner.

I just think this book isn’t a thriller, it's a literary suspense/action novel with a dash of history. That genre is great and for many people, but when you go in expecting a thriller… yeah.

That being said, overall I was impressed by the writing and enjoyed learning about Native history. When the action was happening it was exciting, and I became invested in the characters.