Coyote Returns

Sheriff Lansing Mystery #2

by Micah S. Hackler

Sheriff Cliff Lansing returns in this unique mystery involving ancient myths and modern corruption in New Mexico. Officials have painstakingly whitewashed the facts surrounding the murder of a Navajo leader. But Cliff and his deputy, Gabe Hanna, connect the victim to a multi-million dollar timber deal on Navajo land and a high-stakes power struggle.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Westerns, Native American

336 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published June 2, 1996

Reviews

[Randy Daugherty · Rating 4 out of 5]

From a New Mexico arroyo, a bullet-ridden body has been mysteriously dragged to a highway. In a small town, a lawman is swamped by complaints of coyote attacks. On Navajo land, a young man faces the truth about who he is, where he comes from, and where he must go.
COYOTE RETURNS
Investigating the murder of a Navajo leader, Sheriff Cliff Lansing comes up against an official whitewash that has branded the victim a drug dealer. But Lansing's deputy, Gabe Hanna, has already made a connection between the dead man and a multimillion-dollar timber deal on Navajo land. Suddenly, a land torn between ancient spirits and high-stakes power struggles is burning with violence. And as men die, the Trickster, Coyote, runs through the land—demanding justice and revenge
Myth and legend combine to make this an excellent read. Is Coyote real or just a story...

[J.J. Rusz · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Coyote Returns” is the second mystery in Micah S. Hackler’s Sheriff Lansing series and, like the first book, this one has engaging characters and a clever plot. I enjoyed the fact that Sheriff Lansing and his employees must balance the practical politics of their New Mexican community with the mystical elements of Native American life, here represented by the important character of Coyote. My only complaint is that end the story strains credibility. The conclusion might have been more powerful with a little more left to the reader’s imagination.

[Dave Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The central character in the first chapter and near the end is a coyote. Hackler does a brilliant job of combining Navajo mythology/religion with a crime theme. Sheriff Cliff Lansing remains the main character, but in this book we are introduced to his assistant deputy Gabe Hanna and his romantic interest Kimberly Tallmountain. The development of this relationship in parallel with solving the crime captured my interest. I look forward to book three, as I cycle through my Want to Read list of mystery/thrillers.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably not a series I'll read again, but I like the way it's written! The whole series contains a lot of Native American stories and kind of roams around New Mexico. I don't typically like action books, but I'm enjoying the way this one is presented. There's not really an "aha" moment, it's a gradual piecing together from several character's viewpoints.

[Virginia Adi · Rating 4 out of 5]

tall tale, but entertaining characters.

[Linda Pobanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Returns

It was definitely a good book. It was suspenseful, mysterious and intriguing. I couldn't out it down. It was worth reading and now I can't wait to read the next one.

[Arnold A. Mount · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good blend of culture and societies.

Nice story line with multiple tangents that all come together. On par with Hillerman and Zane Grey. More to follow.

[Dianne P. Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tremendous!!!

I truly, truly enjoyed this book. The characters were true, the humor was good and the story a good puzzle.

[Ginny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book I've read by Micah S. Hackler. I really like this series.

[Nancy Giles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book is better than the first. I love the way the author mixes the magical aspects into the novel. The story is weaved around Navajo mythology.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really good and very unusual. You probably don’t need to believe all the otherworldly stuff to enjoy the story. I would like to reach more of Hackler’s books.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great plot, interesting characters. Love this series

[Carien · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it. Devious and full of twisted ideas

[Janet Mahlum · Rating 4 out of 5]

The coyote legend is very interesting! Once again I guessed part of the murder, but not the whole thing.

[Deborah Mansfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

Loved this book. Kept me interested to the point I couldn't stop reading. Am anxious to start the next book.

[M M Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a terrific read! I enjoyed it as much or better than book 1 in this series. I'm so glad to have discovered Micah Hackler. I've already ordered The Shadow Catcher.

[Mary Stenvall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one, and the previous. Love the characters and the settings. Moving on to the third.