Wisdom Corner

Virgil Wounded Horse #2

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, Fiction, Thriller, Indigenous, Mystery Thriller, Native American, Crime

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 26, 2022

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

[Teres · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wisdom Corner on the Rosebud Reservation, once a place where Lakota elders shared stories and teachings, is now defiled with graffiti and where addicts gather.

Virgil Wounded Horse, a Sicangu Lakota, is committed to non-violence. But when his beloved spiritual mentor and revered medicine man is murdered, his commitment shatters.

Devastated, Virgil chases clues to a crooked developer’s office in Rapid City, South Dakota, uncovering a scheme built on the unmarked graves of Native children from the boarding school era.

Wisdom Corner by David Heska Wanbli Weiden delivers a raw look at reservation justice, the weight of historical trauma, and one man’s fight to reclaim his community's traditions and a sacred gathering place.

Weiden is an enrolled citizen of the Sicangu Lakota Nation. His writing is rich with cultural detail from food to ceremonies to reservation slang.

This is the second novel featuring amateur sleuth Virgil Wounded Horse, following Winter Counts (2020), though it can be read as a standalone Native noir thriller.

If, like me, you're a fan of Tony Hillerman's Navajo Mystery Series, featuring Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee, I bet you'll enjoy this new series as well.

[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.

[Fran Hawthorne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm glad to say that in this second book of his Virgil Wounded Horse thriller series, author David Heska Wanbli Weiden goes more deeply into Lakota culture, including the spiritual aspects as well as the food. (Oh, I'd love to try squash salad and bison tacos--even though I don't eat beef!) Those are the strongest and most unique aspects of this series.
In particular, this novel superbly and naturally entwines Native cultural values of community and nonviolence into the plot twists.

The narrative is complex, engrossing, and page-turning, if a bit heavy on punching and blood (which are not necessarily aspects of the thriller genre). Let's face it: It's intrinsically a little difficult to sympathize with a narrator whose career is being an enforcer (as he calls himself) or a hired thug (as others call him).
What saves Virgil is his somewhat bumbling humanity. You gotta love a guy who constantly snacks on Shasta cola, potato chips, and doughnuts--with an appropriate appreciation for those bison tacos.

[Lila]

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

[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.

[Kelly]

I can't wait!!!

[Rincey · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

I really enjoyed the first book in the series, Winter Counts, and was excited to see where Weiden takes things. This book is specifically centered around a lot of the fallout from the first book so definitely read that first if you haven't already.

Watch me discuss this book more: https://youtu.be/lsQ12h7aeCQ

[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.

[Carly Friedman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a powerful and important book. I sincerely appreciate Weiden's insight into contemporary Native communities and the lasting impact of generations of trauma.

This book returns us to the life of Virgil Wounded Horse from Winter Counts. He is trying to get his life back on track after the violence from the previous book. Unfortunately, that gets more difficult as he is pulled into a dangerous situation involving corruption, capitalist greed, and intertribal conflict. Worse, his partner, Marie, is running for a position on tribal council and therefore in danger as well.

I enjoyed the themes of family and heritage, integrity, and overcoming our past. Honestly, though, it was a bit too gritty for my current mood. Like the books by S.A. Cosby, I have to really space out novels like this.

Overall, a heavy but meaningful book by a very talented writer that I do recommend. Now, for something much lighter!

[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.

[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.

[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.

[Manon (mysterymanon) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable action-packed thriller with strong cultural themes and a flawed but compassionate protagonist. Moves along pretty quickly and works well as standalone.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't wait!

[Philip Reari · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t know, I read Wintwr Counts and while the writing was t so strong the story ring true and was original. This second installment felt forced and overall thin, the dialogue especially felt stilted. Still some good ideas but they just didn’t come together into anything that original.

[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!

[Natalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a recommendation from Good Reads for July, and I really liked it! I didn’t realize it was 2nd in the series, so I’ll have to go back and read the 1st. I found myself wanting to pick it up and read more often. The book brought light to a lot of injustices with indigenous people.

[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.

[Adrienne Baugh Donahue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crime fiction set on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. The follow up to Winter Counts, Lakota Virgil Wounded Horse, a former hired vigilante, is trying to escape his violent past but is drawn into finding the truth of who murdered a respected elder and beloved medicine man.

Gritty depiction of violence and life on the modern reservation while evoking intense family and tribal loyalty which ultimately drives the story. Virgil’s transformation from flawed anti-hero protagonist to a morally conscious community protector won me over (using justice as a form of healing vs retribution), as did the seamless incorporation of traditional Lakota spirituality and language. I also really liked the boarding school reparations project and the hopeful, optimistic ending.

The story is fiction but highlights real life current and historical issues:
* Complex boundaries of law enforcement on reservation land, statutory limitations of tribal police and the common indifference of the FBI;
* Corporate exploitation surrounding Native American boarding schools and burial sites;
* Tribal politics;
* Historical criminalization of Native spirituality;
* The Federal Crimes Act requires amendment to better protect indigenous people.

Rating: ⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️4 out of 5 vigilante justice battles to expose corruption

Written by an enrolled citizen of the Sicangu Lakota Nation. The Sicangu Lakota Oyate (Burnt Thigh Nation) has an enrolled population of over 33,000 members.
*The federally recognized name, Sioux, is a colonial adaptation of a derogatory name given by traditional historic rivals.

[Amy M. Mize · Rating 4 out of 5]

Library ebook 📖: Loved the second installment in the Rosebud Reservation series. On its surface, this is a fast-paced crime thriller. But I’m always more interested in the reservation politics and the issues central to Native Americans that the author explores through the crime stories. In particular, this thriller involves land that used to be home to a boarding school for Native American children. Heartbreaking but eye opening. You do, however, have to put up with a lot of fight scenes.

[Sue Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐
Virgil Wounded Horse is attempting to leave his past as vigilante enforcer for justice on the rez behind and move onto a more positive path, mainly at the behest of Marie, his girlfriend. However, a collection of dark forces endanger his community, his mentor and family. While the mystery itself is solid, the descriptions of daily life is illuminating from the extreme poverty to the spirituality with respect to those who came before and to nature itself. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC audio of this book!

This is an important read for white bodied people. I loved learning more about native culture - both the beauty and the struggles. I felt like this book really helped me understand what life living on a reservation is like. And it broke my heart all over again, to how colonizers pushed native people onto the reservations.

I didn’t realize this was book 2 of a series until I had finished it ha ha - planning on going back to read book 1!

[Kim Shelton · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars. A murder mystery on a reservation with lots of Native American culture explained. I didn’t realize it was the second of a series -will have to go back and read the first.

[Emily Andreas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Partially my fault that I wasn’t super into this bc I didn’t realize this was a sequel but I wasn’t crazy about the writing, it was interesting though

[Kylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars for Virgil Wounded Horse… who remains the GOAT

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

So happy to be back in this world. Ultimately, I think I liked the first book a bit more but overall still great.

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need more of these books asap

[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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[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!

[Cathy Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back in 2021, I highly recommended Weiden's first Virgil Wounded Horse mystery, Winter Counts, and I'm happy to say that his second, Wisdom Corner, is every bit as good.

The author puts readers right in the heart of the Rosebud and Pine Ridge Reservations. He weaves fascinating bits of Native American history into his story, like the Carlyle Indian School football team, and shows us all how Indian boarding schools and the proven inequality of the American criminal justice system have made their marks on Native lives. Native American culture and delicious food are also part of this rich tapestry.

But any fictional tapestry is incomplete without an engaging cast of characters, and Wisdom Corner has that, too. Virgil's struggle to have a more acceptable lifestyle is real, and his partner, Marie, does everything she can to help him. Marie's fight for a seat on the tribal council is only one of the ways she shows how much she cares for the people on the reservation. Virgil's nephew, Nathan, is a high schooler trying to have a meaningful life on the reservation-- which is extremely difficult to do for any young person there. I think my favorite new character was Rose Charging Cloud, the chief of police for the Rosebud Sioux tribe. Being Black, Native, and female, she's had a tough road to her job. At first, I didn't like her, but she certainly grew on me.

Once again, as in Winter Counts, the bad guy was very easy for me to spot, but there was some excellent misdirection steering readers toward other suspects. If you enjoy learning about other cultures in a propulsive mystery populated with vivid characters, I highly recommend Wisdom Corner, but I will say that you should really read Winter Counts first. (Why settle for one great read when you can have two?)

(Review copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley)