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Death in the Tallgrass
The author of the Walter Award–winning Man Made Monsters and the Caldecott Medal–winning Chooch Helped delivers a thriller that reads like Holes for a new a murder mystery interwoven with Cherokee history and culture.
Diane and her family have moved onto their grandfather's ranch in the hills of Oklahoma. There's any number of problems she can see with her new situation, but the main one is Grandfather Wilson is not a good man. But with her sisters and her parents, and the opportunity to reconnect with her Cherokee heritage, it's at least manageable.
Until a strange girl shows up on the ranch and Diane's life is changed forever. For she soon realizes that death lurks within the beautiful prairie grass around them … and a terrible secret that will tear their family apart if she lets it.
Diane and her family have moved onto their grandfather's ranch in the hills of Oklahoma. There's any number of problems she can see with her new situation, but the main one is Grandfather Wilson is not a good man. But with her sisters and her parents, and the opportunity to reconnect with her Cherokee heritage, it's at least manageable.
Until a strange girl shows up on the ranch and Diane's life is changed forever. For she soon realizes that death lurks within the beautiful prairie grass around them … and a terrible secret that will tear their family apart if she lets it.
Audible Audio
First published September 14, 2026
About the author
Andrea L. Rogers
14 books180 followersAndrea L. Rogers is a writer from Tulsa, Oklahoma and a citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. She graduated from the Institute of American Indian and Alaskan Arts with an MFA in Creative Writing. Currently, she is splitting time between Fayetteville, Arkansas, where she is a Ph.d. student at the University Arkansas and Fort Worth, Texas, where her family lives. Her book Mary and the Trail of Tears: A Cherokee Removal Survival Story was named an NPR Best Book of 202) by both NPR and American Indians in Children’s Literature.
Ms. Rogers is on the Board of the Fort Worth Public Library.
A member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, she is currently revising a middle grade mystery, writing an adult literary horror novel, and working on a series of picture book manuscripts.
All text and images © Andrea L. Rogers 2018 – 2021, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.
Ms. Rogers is on the Board of the Fort Worth Public Library.
A member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, she is currently revising a middle grade mystery, writing an adult literary horror novel, and working on a series of picture book manuscripts.
All text and images © Andrea L. Rogers 2018 – 2021, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
September 18, 2026
Thanks to NetGallery, the publisher and author for the advanced audiobook.
I read this book because I love Historical Fiction and Indigenous stories. I have 12 year old children, we are Indigenous and I wanted to do a pre read before recommending it to them. At the beginning it’s a bit difficult to follow all the characters but once it gets going it becomes more clear.
The themes or racism, colonialism, and death are dark and heavy. They are important issues to explore however, the way they are written about in the story subtly and with little explanation or unpacking, I am not sure the YA reader would fully grasp and understand what was happen, or more importantly why. I really enjoyed the story but I think the YA audience would need to read it in a guided classroom setting to unpack the dark and complicated themes and relationships.
I found myself having to work hard to unpack some of the details and piece the mysterious parts together. I felt it started to move too fast toward the end and I wish the author would have slowed the ending down and unpacked things a bit more.
I also struggled with the passive roll the children’s father and mother took, it angered me that they were not stronger, more vocal and assertive with the grand parents or more communicative with their children.
But I still really enjoyed the story, good stories bring up all sorts of feelings and have us questioning and looking for answers. This story really does that well.
I read this book because I love Historical Fiction and Indigenous stories. I have 12 year old children, we are Indigenous and I wanted to do a pre read before recommending it to them. At the beginning it’s a bit difficult to follow all the characters but once it gets going it becomes more clear.
The themes or racism, colonialism, and death are dark and heavy. They are important issues to explore however, the way they are written about in the story subtly and with little explanation or unpacking, I am not sure the YA reader would fully grasp and understand what was happen, or more importantly why. I really enjoyed the story but I think the YA audience would need to read it in a guided classroom setting to unpack the dark and complicated themes and relationships.
I found myself having to work hard to unpack some of the details and piece the mysterious parts together. I felt it started to move too fast toward the end and I wish the author would have slowed the ending down and unpacked things a bit more.
I also struggled with the passive roll the children’s father and mother took, it angered me that they were not stronger, more vocal and assertive with the grand parents or more communicative with their children.
But I still really enjoyed the story, good stories bring up all sorts of feelings and have us questioning and looking for answers. This story really does that well.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
In the summer of 1968, Cynthia and her family are spending the summer with her father's parents, whom they have never seen because a fight their father had with his own father. The change from Dallas to Snake, Oklahoma is stark, and dealing with the strict and unapproving grandfather has Cynthia walking gingerly and doing a lot of work around the farm. Her older sister Diane is busy hanging out with teens in town, especially Will, and her younger sister Wren is not expected to do as much, although she does see the chickens as pets and cares for them. The parents are fighting, and trying to figure out how to get the family moved to Tulsa in time for the father to start a new job, although the mother's health is an issue as well. Cynthia is interested in her family's Cherokee heritage, but no one wants to talk much about it. She also gets drawn into a historical mystery when she finds a bracelet and journal belonging to a young girl, Violet, who died under suspicious circumstances in the 1920s. As the summer progresses, tensions rise, and Cynthia and her family must figure out their next moves.
Strengths: This is a good look at life in the late 1960s; there's a lot of unrest among the teenagers, and a lot of tension between generations. Cynthia's attitude is one that modern children might find new, because she doesn't complain about the work on the farm. She knows that doing it will make her grandfather less volatile, so takes it up on herself, even though her sisters slack a bit. I loved that she was reading Snyder's 1965 The Velvet Room. I loved that book! Nothing like reader about the desperate plight of families in the Great Depression to make one think that taking care of the chickens isn't that hard. There is a good bit of Cherokee history included, especially in interludes between chapters.
Weaknesses: The title of this led me to believe that this would be a murder mystery (which my students crave!), and it is, but it moves very slowly and has little information about the "death in the Tallgrass".
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who want historical fiction that includes Native Amerrican culture and reconnecting with grandparents, like Johnson's The Blossoming Summer or Sneve and Littlebird's The Summer of the Bone Horses.
In the summer of 1968, Cynthia and her family are spending the summer with her father's parents, whom they have never seen because a fight their father had with his own father. The change from Dallas to Snake, Oklahoma is stark, and dealing with the strict and unapproving grandfather has Cynthia walking gingerly and doing a lot of work around the farm. Her older sister Diane is busy hanging out with teens in town, especially Will, and her younger sister Wren is not expected to do as much, although she does see the chickens as pets and cares for them. The parents are fighting, and trying to figure out how to get the family moved to Tulsa in time for the father to start a new job, although the mother's health is an issue as well. Cynthia is interested in her family's Cherokee heritage, but no one wants to talk much about it. She also gets drawn into a historical mystery when she finds a bracelet and journal belonging to a young girl, Violet, who died under suspicious circumstances in the 1920s. As the summer progresses, tensions rise, and Cynthia and her family must figure out their next moves.
Strengths: This is a good look at life in the late 1960s; there's a lot of unrest among the teenagers, and a lot of tension between generations. Cynthia's attitude is one that modern children might find new, because she doesn't complain about the work on the farm. She knows that doing it will make her grandfather less volatile, so takes it up on herself, even though her sisters slack a bit. I loved that she was reading Snyder's 1965 The Velvet Room. I loved that book! Nothing like reader about the desperate plight of families in the Great Depression to make one think that taking care of the chickens isn't that hard. There is a good bit of Cherokee history included, especially in interludes between chapters.
Weaknesses: The title of this led me to believe that this would be a murder mystery (which my students crave!), and it is, but it moves very slowly and has little information about the "death in the Tallgrass".
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who want historical fiction that includes Native Amerrican culture and reconnecting with grandparents, like Johnson's The Blossoming Summer or Sneve and Littlebird's The Summer of the Bone Horses.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When I first saw the title, I thought this would be a sad middle-grade story, and I was immediately drawn to it. But I was blown away by what was actually in this book.
I struggled a little at the start because there were many characters, and I found it difficult to keep track of them. However, I think this was partly because the story is told from the perspective of a 12-year-old girl.
The book brings out the crimes and injustices committed against Native Americans, and the story becomes extremely scary as it progresses, especially because everything is seen through the eyes of a child. I am not very familiar with American history, and this book opened my eyes to a part of it that I had not known much about. This is also the first time I have read a book that presents these issues so directly. This story is going to stay with me for a very long time.
I feel everyone should read this book because it shows the loss of culture, the sense of powerlessness, and some of the harsh truths about the world.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Summary:
I struggled a little at the start because there were many characters, and I found it difficult to keep track of them. However, I think this was partly because the story is told from the perspective of a 12-year-old girl.
The book brings out the crimes and injustices committed against Native Americans, and the story becomes extremely scary as it progresses, especially because everything is seen through the eyes of a child. I am not very familiar with American history, and this book opened my eyes to a part of it that I had not known much about. This is also the first time I have read a book that presents these issues so directly. This story is going to stay with me for a very long time.
I feel everyone should read this book because it shows the loss of culture, the sense of powerlessness, and some of the harsh truths about the world.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Summary:
September 18, 2026
★★★★☆
Death in the Tall Grass is an atmospheric and engaging mystery that skillfully weaves Cherokee history and culture into a story about family, identity, and long-held secrets.
The Oklahoma prairie setting is particularly effective, with the tall grass and isolation of the family ranch creating an increasingly unsettling atmosphere as the mystery develops. Rogers also gives the characters room to breathe. Diane is well developed, and her relationships with her sisters, parents, and grandfather add emotional complexity to the thriller elements.
I especially appreciated how naturally Cherokee history, culture, and Diane’s connection to her heritage are integrated into the larger narrative. They are integral to understanding the characters, their family history, and the place itself.
The mystery builds with a persistent sense of unease while leaving room for the character development at the heart of the story. Rogers makes the Oklahoma prairie feel beautiful, haunted, and full of stories that refuse to stay buried.
Thank you to Levine Querido and NetGalley for the early copy.
Death in the Tall Grass is an atmospheric and engaging mystery that skillfully weaves Cherokee history and culture into a story about family, identity, and long-held secrets.
The Oklahoma prairie setting is particularly effective, with the tall grass and isolation of the family ranch creating an increasingly unsettling atmosphere as the mystery develops. Rogers also gives the characters room to breathe. Diane is well developed, and her relationships with her sisters, parents, and grandfather add emotional complexity to the thriller elements.
I especially appreciated how naturally Cherokee history, culture, and Diane’s connection to her heritage are integrated into the larger narrative. They are integral to understanding the characters, their family history, and the place itself.
The mystery builds with a persistent sense of unease while leaving room for the character development at the heart of the story. Rogers makes the Oklahoma prairie feel beautiful, haunted, and full of stories that refuse to stay buried.
Thank you to Levine Querido and NetGalley for the early copy.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Wow. This book made me think. There was so much going on, and so much that I just kept thinking about after the book was over (but I can't tell too much since it would spoil it for others). This is a powerful story. I liked it a lot. I was distracted by how the ARC downloaded to my kindle (but that is not the fault of the story or the book, just is what it is). Cynthia is a great character. I wish I could have seen more of what she thought or did (she is the main character and we see everything from her perspective...but sometimes it jumped to another day and I just wanted more). That being said, golly. This was a powerful story that I just couldn't stop thinking about. I'm wishing that more people had read this already so that I can talk to someone about the ending and if what Cynthia's relatives did were right or not (I'm looking at her parents and her sister...I know the other relative did something that wasn't okay). And I wish I knew more about what happened to the friend after the story. So yeah. A story that talks about hard, ugly things that made me think long after I put the book down.
September 18, 2026
I would give this middle grade historical fiction a solid 3.5 stars.
The story is compelling, loved the setting (Oklahoma) and the era (late 1960's).
I think my critiques of the book are:
1-It was too long before something really interesting happens.
The set up and background of the family are important, but given the book length, it needed to get there a bit faster. It was a solid 2/3 into the book before we really have a "hook", but by then, the book is nearly over, and the ending felt hurried and I wanted to know more!
2-The ending.....no spoilers, but as this is categorized as a middle grade (age 8-12) read, I'm not sure that many kids would understand the nuance and undertone of what was actually taking place. Like, what actually happens at the end.
I would recommend this more for ages 10-14, and if you are a reading with the 10-12 age group especially, would definitely recommend reading it with them, and having a discussion about the subject matter and the ending.
If you are an adult that read The Killers of the Flower Moon, you know this history.
The author tells some of this history from the perspective of a 12 year old girl whose family is now staying on her white grandfathers and grandmothers farm on stolen Osage land, and discovering some things that happened there in the past. (Her father is white and her mother is Cherokee).
Things to be aware of: abuse, alcoholism, animal death, death of people (past tense) and racism.
The story is compelling, loved the setting (Oklahoma) and the era (late 1960's).
I think my critiques of the book are:
1-It was too long before something really interesting happens.
The set up and background of the family are important, but given the book length, it needed to get there a bit faster. It was a solid 2/3 into the book before we really have a "hook", but by then, the book is nearly over, and the ending felt hurried and I wanted to know more!
2-The ending.....no spoilers, but as this is categorized as a middle grade (age 8-12) read, I'm not sure that many kids would understand the nuance and undertone of what was actually taking place. Like, what actually happens at the end.
I would recommend this more for ages 10-14, and if you are a reading with the 10-12 age group especially, would definitely recommend reading it with them, and having a discussion about the subject matter and the ending.
If you are an adult that read The Killers of the Flower Moon, you know this history.
The author tells some of this history from the perspective of a 12 year old girl whose family is now staying on her white grandfathers and grandmothers farm on stolen Osage land, and discovering some things that happened there in the past. (Her father is white and her mother is Cherokee).
Things to be aware of: abuse, alcoholism, animal death, death of people (past tense) and racism.
Read
September 24, 2026In the late 1960’s, Cynthia’s family has moved from Texas to their grandparents’ ranch in Oklahoma. Her older sister, Diane, gets involved with a neighbor boy, and her younger sister, Ren, is Cynthia’s sidekick for researching things. Right away, there is tension between the grandparents and Cynthia’s family, which doesn’t get any better as the story continues.
I have mixed feelings about this one. On the one hand, this is an interesting story that does a great job of conveying the issues of the time–Vietnam war, prejudices against Native Americans. What didn’t work so well was that parts of the plot were really flushed out well, but others weren't and left me wondering how that part ended. Overall though I think Cynthia’s voice is spot on for the age level of this story and would recommend this for middle school readers.
I have mixed feelings about this one. On the one hand, this is an interesting story that does a great job of conveying the issues of the time–Vietnam war, prejudices against Native Americans. What didn’t work so well was that parts of the plot were really flushed out well, but others weren't and left me wondering how that part ended. Overall though I think Cynthia’s voice is spot on for the age level of this story and would recommend this for middle school readers.
September 11, 2026
This middle grade historical fiction caught my attention not only because of its compelling title, but also because of its unique social issues and setting in Oklahoma during the Vietnam War. I especially loved how Native American traditions and history were woven into the storytelling, giving the book a lyrical and atmospheric quality.
When Cynthia and her family move to their grandparents’ ranch in rural Oklahoma in 1968, it is a temporary and uncomfortable arrangement. For reasons unknown, her parents have not had contact with her grandparents for many years, and the girls have never met them. Cynthia experiences a growing sense of unease in the presence of her grandfather and begins to uncover a troubling history surrounding the treatment of Native Americans on their land and within their community. The story takes a turn toward murder mystery as Cynthia and her sister Diane delve deeper into their Native American family history.
I did find it somewhat difficult to get into the story initially because of the number of characters introduced early on. I had to go back and listen a couple of times to keep everyone straight. I also found myself wishing we could delve a little deeper into some of the characters and that the story had a bit more room to fully develop and resolve. The ending felt somewhat hurried and left a few questions feeling intentionally—or perhaps unintentionally—ambiguous.
Overall, I appreciated the book’s unique setting, historical context, and incorporation of Native American traditions and family history. While I didn’t connect with every aspect of the story, I found its premise and atmosphere compelling and thought it offered an interesting perspective for middle grade readers.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with a free copy in exchange for my honest review.
When Cynthia and her family move to their grandparents’ ranch in rural Oklahoma in 1968, it is a temporary and uncomfortable arrangement. For reasons unknown, her parents have not had contact with her grandparents for many years, and the girls have never met them. Cynthia experiences a growing sense of unease in the presence of her grandfather and begins to uncover a troubling history surrounding the treatment of Native Americans on their land and within their community. The story takes a turn toward murder mystery as Cynthia and her sister Diane delve deeper into their Native American family history.
I did find it somewhat difficult to get into the story initially because of the number of characters introduced early on. I had to go back and listen a couple of times to keep everyone straight. I also found myself wishing we could delve a little deeper into some of the characters and that the story had a bit more room to fully develop and resolve. The ending felt somewhat hurried and left a few questions feeling intentionally—or perhaps unintentionally—ambiguous.
Overall, I appreciated the book’s unique setting, historical context, and incorporation of Native American traditions and family history. While I didn’t connect with every aspect of the story, I found its premise and atmosphere compelling and thought it offered an interesting perspective for middle grade readers.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with a free copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
death in the tall grass
I began this book expecting a sad story and was very pleased to see where the story progressed. This is a great mystery novel from the perspective of a child narrator. I would have loved to read this growing up, I think it is a fantastic read for kids growing up to experience.
I wish that this had been longer since it was fast paced and there are so many characters that I would have liked to hear a little bit more of, but I really liked the characters we met through the book.
I listened to the audiobook for this and I think the narrator did an amazing job bringing this story to life.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the ARC for this book. I am glad to have gotten the chance to read as it is not a story i would’ve likely found on my own due to the recommended age range.
I began this book expecting a sad story and was very pleased to see where the story progressed. This is a great mystery novel from the perspective of a child narrator. I would have loved to read this growing up, I think it is a fantastic read for kids growing up to experience.
I wish that this had been longer since it was fast paced and there are so many characters that I would have liked to hear a little bit more of, but I really liked the characters we met through the book.
I listened to the audiobook for this and I think the narrator did an amazing job bringing this story to life.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the ARC for this book. I am glad to have gotten the chance to read as it is not a story i would’ve likely found on my own due to the recommended age range.
September 15, 2026
Death in the Tall Grass surprised me in a good way! I was expecting to read a crime thriller about a singular death, but this book delivered so much more than that. After reading David Grann’s, Killers of the Flower Moon, I was educated about The Reign of Terror. I am not Native American myself, but I do live in Oklahoma and I do care very much about the history of the land and its people. Death in the Tall Grass is an important historical fiction account of one family’s painful truth. These stories need to be told and just as importantly, they need to be read by all of us.
This book is an excellent read for young adult and teen readers, as well as mid-life adults like myself! It handles adult topics from a young person’s perspective in an appropriate way.
Thank you to NetGalley and RBmedia for the free ALC in exchange for my honest review.
This book is an excellent read for young adult and teen readers, as well as mid-life adults like myself! It handles adult topics from a young person’s perspective in an appropriate way.
Thank you to NetGalley and RBmedia for the free ALC in exchange for my honest review.
September 16, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and RBMedia/Recorded Books for the advance audio version of this story. All thoughts are my own.
Death in the Tallgrass is billed as middle grade fiction, and though the overall story is fictional, it draws from a terribly dark era of U.S. history and Native American 'relations.' It touches on everything from the Vietnam War, the Osage murders, the mistreatment of Native Americans by law enforcement in Oklahoma, racism in general, and murder for monetary gain, amongst other subjects.
Five-Second Story Pitch
A city Cherokee girl and her family get multiple dark lessons when they temporarily move to her father's white parents' farm in Oklahoma.
What I Loved
Growing up mixed white and Choctaw, away from the Choctaw culture, I identified with Cynthia's yearning to learn more about her people, as well as her family. The running storyline in this is quite dark, and it was surprising to me that it would be marketed toward middle grade readers. But, I started reading Stephen King when I was 10-11, so there's that. I also got tickled at Cynthia's relationship with Ren, the youngest of the bunch. It reminded me of me and my brother, though I was Ren.
What I Thought Could Have Been Better
I had hoped that, with this being a middle grade novel, the ending would be more satisfying. But, just when you think things are leveling off, we get one or two more dark lessons. That can be real life sometimes though, so maybe that's a good launchpad for a discussion with a kiddo who reads this.
The Audio Narration
Candice Byrd did the narration here, and I thought she was excellent. I especially enjoyed her pronunciations of the Cherokee words, and she did a good job exuding both the naivety and yearning for adulthood that 12 year olds go through.
Overall
I really did enjoy this one. Though darkness overshadows the majority of this story, it is most successful to me in its quiet moments where Cynthia and her sisters could just be kids.
Death in the Tallgrass is billed as middle grade fiction, and though the overall story is fictional, it draws from a terribly dark era of U.S. history and Native American 'relations.' It touches on everything from the Vietnam War, the Osage murders, the mistreatment of Native Americans by law enforcement in Oklahoma, racism in general, and murder for monetary gain, amongst other subjects.
Five-Second Story Pitch
A city Cherokee girl and her family get multiple dark lessons when they temporarily move to her father's white parents' farm in Oklahoma.
What I Loved
Growing up mixed white and Choctaw, away from the Choctaw culture, I identified with Cynthia's yearning to learn more about her people, as well as her family. The running storyline in this is quite dark, and it was surprising to me that it would be marketed toward middle grade readers. But, I started reading Stephen King when I was 10-11, so there's that. I also got tickled at Cynthia's relationship with Ren, the youngest of the bunch. It reminded me of me and my brother, though I was Ren.
What I Thought Could Have Been Better
I had hoped that, with this being a middle grade novel, the ending would be more satisfying. But, just when you think things are leveling off, we get one or two more dark lessons. That can be real life sometimes though, so maybe that's a good launchpad for a discussion with a kiddo who reads this.
The Audio Narration
Candice Byrd did the narration here, and I thought she was excellent. I especially enjoyed her pronunciations of the Cherokee words, and she did a good job exuding both the naivety and yearning for adulthood that 12 year olds go through.
Overall
I really did enjoy this one. Though darkness overshadows the majority of this story, it is most successful to me in its quiet moments where Cynthia and her sisters could just be kids.
September 27, 2026
What a book! I really liked this book, but I did feel the synopsis and genre tags were a bit misleading. It is touted as a middle grade mystery, and that was a subplot, but the main plot focused on Cynthia and her family adjusting to life in rural Oklahoma, dealing with racism and learning Native American history, all while dealing with family drama. I actually loved all the parts of the story, but as an audiobook, the multitude of characters and subplots was a little confusing at first. But the time I figured it out, I was already 75% done with the book. I did enjoy the narration, but I do feel that reading the actual book would have been better for comprehension. In fact, most of the reviews I have read all have different summaries of the book, and the Goodreads synopsis wasn’t even correct on the character names 😂 so yea, that’s all a little convoluted.
Cynthia (the middle grade MC) moves to Snake, Oklahoma with her mother and father and her 2 sisters, Diane and Wren, to live with her grandparents while her dad waits to start a job in Texas. Their grandpa is a jerk, and they are working on the farm, which they aren’t accustomed to, when Cynthia finds mysterious relics from a young girl named Violet. Diane, the older sister, starts spending a lot of time with the Native protestors (Vietnam war) while Wren and Cynthia are trying to figure out what happened to Violet. Through this, they learn a lot about the mistreatment and racism surrounding Native Americans. All the while, her mom is mysteriously ill. This all comes to an ambiguous ending, albeit this is when it really began to catch my attention! Overall, I really liked this book, but I would definitely recommend reading over listening.
Cynthia (the middle grade MC) moves to Snake, Oklahoma with her mother and father and her 2 sisters, Diane and Wren, to live with her grandparents while her dad waits to start a job in Texas. Their grandpa is a jerk, and they are working on the farm, which they aren’t accustomed to, when Cynthia finds mysterious relics from a young girl named Violet. Diane, the older sister, starts spending a lot of time with the Native protestors (Vietnam war) while Wren and Cynthia are trying to figure out what happened to Violet. Through this, they learn a lot about the mistreatment and racism surrounding Native Americans. All the while, her mom is mysteriously ill. This all comes to an ambiguous ending, albeit this is when it really began to catch my attention! Overall, I really liked this book, but I would definitely recommend reading over listening.
September 25, 2026
Gifted by Libro.fm and Recorded Books
Every now and then, I love throwing a middle grade book into my reading. They’re usually quick listens, and I genuinely enjoy seeing what’s available for younger readers.
Set in 1968, Death in the Tall Grass follows Cynthia as she moves to her grandfather’s Oklahoma ranch and begins reconnecting with her Cherokee heritage. But when a strange girl appears and something sinister seems to be lurking in the prairie grass, Cynthia finds herself caught up in a mystery.
There were definitely things I appreciated about this book. I enjoyed learning more about Cherokee heritage and family traditions, and the Oklahoma setting gave the story a strong sense of place. I also liked getting a glimpse of life during the late 1960s and the historical context surrounding Cynthia’s story.
Unfortunately, I had a difficult time getting into the actual plot.
Based on the premise, I went in expecting more of a murder mystery, and that wasn’t quite what I got. The story took a different direction than I anticipated, and while that’s certainly not a bad thing, it ultimately wasn’t the story I was hoping for.
Candice Byrd’s narration was well done and helped bring Cynthia and the Oklahoma setting to life.
I can absolutely see younger readers enjoying the combination of history, Cherokee culture, family, and mystery—especially those who enjoy slower, atmospheric stories. For me, though, the historical and cultural elements ended up being more memorable than the mystery itself.
I appreciated what this book had to offer, but in the end, it just wasn’t really for me.
Every now and then, I love throwing a middle grade book into my reading. They’re usually quick listens, and I genuinely enjoy seeing what’s available for younger readers.
Set in 1968, Death in the Tall Grass follows Cynthia as she moves to her grandfather’s Oklahoma ranch and begins reconnecting with her Cherokee heritage. But when a strange girl appears and something sinister seems to be lurking in the prairie grass, Cynthia finds herself caught up in a mystery.
There were definitely things I appreciated about this book. I enjoyed learning more about Cherokee heritage and family traditions, and the Oklahoma setting gave the story a strong sense of place. I also liked getting a glimpse of life during the late 1960s and the historical context surrounding Cynthia’s story.
Unfortunately, I had a difficult time getting into the actual plot.
Based on the premise, I went in expecting more of a murder mystery, and that wasn’t quite what I got. The story took a different direction than I anticipated, and while that’s certainly not a bad thing, it ultimately wasn’t the story I was hoping for.
Candice Byrd’s narration was well done and helped bring Cynthia and the Oklahoma setting to life.
I can absolutely see younger readers enjoying the combination of history, Cherokee culture, family, and mystery—especially those who enjoy slower, atmospheric stories. For me, though, the historical and cultural elements ended up being more memorable than the mystery itself.
I appreciated what this book had to offer, but in the end, it just wasn’t really for me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Death in the Tallgrass is the middle grade debut of Andrea L Rogers, and it is a compelling tale set in Oklahoma, 1968. Cynthia and her family move in with her paternal grandparents on their ranch but from the outset it is clear that the situation is not tenable. Cynthia's grandfather is not a very nice man, cruel and callous and frankly a really unpleasant character. As Cynthia and her sisters try to find their place on the farm they begin to look into the history of the Cherokee tribe, a tribe they are part of by blood, but soon find themselves investigating a potential crime much closer to home as a dark secret from the family's past is revealed.
This was a really compelling read, I was very quickly invested in the family but also in the history , I feel like I learned a lot while reading, but it never felt like information for the sake of information, it was incorporated really well into the storytelling. I also liked the historical setting, and the backdrop of the Vietnam War. The book is aimed at middle grade readers but the actual story, even though the darkest parts are alluded to rather than being spelled out on the page , does tackle some difficult and upsetting subjects. I found the experience of reading it unsettling and I am sure other readers will fell the same way.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
This was a really compelling read, I was very quickly invested in the family but also in the history , I feel like I learned a lot while reading, but it never felt like information for the sake of information, it was incorporated really well into the storytelling. I also liked the historical setting, and the backdrop of the Vietnam War. The book is aimed at middle grade readers but the actual story, even though the darkest parts are alluded to rather than being spelled out on the page , does tackle some difficult and upsetting subjects. I found the experience of reading it unsettling and I am sure other readers will fell the same way.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
September 9, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Andrea L. Roger’s for the chance to read this book.
It’s the 1960s, when Cynthia Wilson’s family moves to Oklahoma and she meets her Grandparents for the first time. Her family is staying with them for a month before her dad starts his new job as a law professor. She’s suddenly living on a farm for the summer after spending her whole life in Dallas and sharing a small bedroom with her 2 sisters. Despite the move, the new state, and knowing nothing of her Cherokee heritage her biggest problem is the secrets she finds buried in the grass or hidden in the walls.
As someone born and raised in Tulsa, I deeply connected with the locations in this book like Nelson Buffeteria, Coney I-lander, and, of course, the Rose Bowl. However, for being called “Death in the Tallgrass” and giving murder mystery vibes most of the mystery has to seen between the lines. The real issues here are dealt with among family dynamics, racism, and the turning of a new generation away from the old. This is the time of Civil Rights, Indian Rights, and Vietnam. The “mysteries” on the farm are nothing compared to what was happening in the world and in the end I think that showed.
It’s the 1960s, when Cynthia Wilson’s family moves to Oklahoma and she meets her Grandparents for the first time. Her family is staying with them for a month before her dad starts his new job as a law professor. She’s suddenly living on a farm for the summer after spending her whole life in Dallas and sharing a small bedroom with her 2 sisters. Despite the move, the new state, and knowing nothing of her Cherokee heritage her biggest problem is the secrets she finds buried in the grass or hidden in the walls.
As someone born and raised in Tulsa, I deeply connected with the locations in this book like Nelson Buffeteria, Coney I-lander, and, of course, the Rose Bowl. However, for being called “Death in the Tallgrass” and giving murder mystery vibes most of the mystery has to seen between the lines. The real issues here are dealt with among family dynamics, racism, and the turning of a new generation away from the old. This is the time of Civil Rights, Indian Rights, and Vietnam. The “mysteries” on the farm are nothing compared to what was happening in the world and in the end I think that showed.
September 28, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC opportunity in exchange for a review. I came very very close to not finishing this book after the first chapter. I am absolutely terrified of snakes , don’t even like reading about them, and there was A LOT of descriptive snake talk in the first few pages. I decided to skip ahead to see if it continued, and thankfully, it did not. (Brief mentions at the end but it was ok).
The story is a quick, enthralling read, told from the POV of a 12 year old girl. Other than the first chapter, I loved the book until the last part, where I had to go back and reread a couple times to make sure I understood what happened. I felt like it was rushed and slightly confusing the way the author wrapped it up so quickly. I hate that because the middle 90% was so good! I’d be interested in reading more from this author & discussing the book with others. 3.75 stars.
The story is a quick, enthralling read, told from the POV of a 12 year old girl. Other than the first chapter, I loved the book until the last part, where I had to go back and reread a couple times to make sure I understood what happened. I felt like it was rushed and slightly confusing the way the author wrapped it up so quickly. I hate that because the middle 90% was so good! I’d be interested in reading more from this author & discussing the book with others. 3.75 stars.
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October 7, 2026Death in the Tall Grass by Andrea Rogers is a middle grade book that follows Cynthia, whose family has moved into their grandfather’s Oklahoma ranch in the late 1960s. She knows that he is not a good man, but she manages it with the help of her family and an opportunity to reconnect with her Cherokee heritage. One day a strange girl shows up at the ranch, and Cynthia learns a terrible secret that will change her life forever.
This is a great mix of mystery and historical fiction. The writing is atmospheric, and the mystery was engaging and provided a sense of unease that permeated the novel. I really appreciated how skillfully the author wove Cherokee culture and history into the story. The characters were fully fleshed out, and I love that we really got to know them, despite the short length of the book. I loved the exploration of family, identity, history, and stories and secrets that refuse to stay buried.
Thank you to Libro.FM and Levine Querido for providing a free ALC!
This is a great mix of mystery and historical fiction. The writing is atmospheric, and the mystery was engaging and provided a sense of unease that permeated the novel. I really appreciated how skillfully the author wove Cherokee culture and history into the story. The characters were fully fleshed out, and I love that we really got to know them, despite the short length of the book. I loved the exploration of family, identity, history, and stories and secrets that refuse to stay buried.
Thank you to Libro.FM and Levine Querido for providing a free ALC!
September 17, 2026
About 2/3rds through this middle grade Indigenous historical fiction I was like, "Oh, now the novel is picking up." But at that point, I had less than an hour left in the audiobook. And to wrap everything up, it jumped around a lot in a way that didn't feel very satisfying as a reader. I really expected to like this one. I love Indigenous historical fiction, I did come into this thinking it was a murder mystery, which it isn't, though there is a possible murder. Instead it's a slow burn, following Cynthia, who is part Cherokee, and the summer she and her family spends with her white grandparents in 1968. Lots of topics are touched on: Indigenous genocide, racism, war, sisterhood. There's a secret diary. A lot of characters are introduced in the beginning, the ending is ambiguous. It just wasn't for me, but I hope others read it and enjoy it!
September 20, 2026
This book takes place in Oklahoma in the late 1960s and follows a Cherokee family as they go to visit their father’s family, whom they haven’t seen in years.
Cynthia finds a charm bracelet out in the field, and she and her older sister hide it away. While looking for a place to hide it, they discover a hidden diary that tells the story of a terrible crime committed long ago.
When their grandmother becomes hospitalized, the girls begin putting the pieces together. What they discover changes the way they see their family, and they want nothing more to do with their grandfather.
This was an interesting story about family secrets, discovering the truth, and how the past can affect future generations.
Thank You NetGalley for the ALC of this book all opinions are my own
This is a review of the audiobook.
Cynthia finds a charm bracelet out in the field, and she and her older sister hide it away. While looking for a place to hide it, they discover a hidden diary that tells the story of a terrible crime committed long ago.
When their grandmother becomes hospitalized, the girls begin putting the pieces together. What they discover changes the way they see their family, and they want nothing more to do with their grandfather.
This was an interesting story about family secrets, discovering the truth, and how the past can affect future generations.
Thank You NetGalley for the ALC of this book all opinions are my own
This is a review of the audiobook.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Middle child Cynthia has never been close to her grandparents, but her family will be living with them for a few weeks in the summer of 1968 because of dad’s new job. During that short time older sister Diane falls for a local boy and becomes involved with the American Indian Movement. Cynthia discovers some mysterious graves on the family land and her search for the identities of the dead leads her to a load of family secrets. Rogers uses historical fiction to pique the curiosity of her readers - I knew nothing of the tragic and complicated history of Whites exploiting Indigenous people of several tribes while taking over their land in Oklahoma and now I want to know more. Horror on many levels.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When Cynthia and her family are forced by circumstances to move in with her grandparents on their farm, she finds herself experiencing a low grade sense of unease for reasons that she can't quite explain. Although the fact that her grandfather is not the best of men bothers her, she tries to take solace in the opportunity provided to explore her Cherokee heritage. But things are more complicated than they seem...
Cynthia is a relatable protagonist, and this story makes the reader aware of what it meant to be Native in the 1960s. This atmospheric read gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Cynthia is a relatable protagonist, and this story makes the reader aware of what it meant to be Native in the 1960s. This atmospheric read gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank You NetGally and the Publisher for a copy for an honest review
This is a story of generational tragedy in woven native folk lore that connects the main story. You get the perspective of a 11 year old I believe but you get the understanding what the adults know. There's a ghost on the ranch or farm that prompts the MC to look into her story. For a middle grade it was bitter sweet story very realistic.
I think this is perfect for all young readers these are the stories that should be told.
This is a story of generational tragedy in woven native folk lore that connects the main story. You get the perspective of a 11 year old I believe but you get the understanding what the adults know. There's a ghost on the ranch or farm that prompts the MC to look into her story. For a middle grade it was bitter sweet story very realistic.
I think this is perfect for all young readers these are the stories that should be told.
September 17, 2026
This one gets darker and more unsettling as it goes, especially because we experience so much of the story through a child’s eyes. Rogers weaves Cherokee history and culture into a story that explores the loss of culture, powerlessness, and the painful injustices Native Americans have faced. The beautiful prairie setting makes some of the darker moments feel even more haunting.
This would be a great choice for readers interested in historical fiction that explores Native American culture, family history, and reconnecting with their heritage and grandparents.
This would be a great choice for readers interested in historical fiction that explores Native American culture, family history, and reconnecting with their heritage and grandparents.
September 25, 2026
Review of advanced copy from NetGalley:
The Death in the Tall Grass talks about racism and the Vietnam war delicately, and in such a way that is digestable by 8-12 yr olds. The murder mystery was an interesting way to show how the Cherokee and other Native Americans have been taken advantage of for centuries. Telling these stories through the eyes of a 12 yr old lets us view these issues with both innocence and clarity, in which we can look at them and not see the politics but focus on how they impact people.
The Death in the Tall Grass talks about racism and the Vietnam war delicately, and in such a way that is digestable by 8-12 yr olds. The murder mystery was an interesting way to show how the Cherokee and other Native Americans have been taken advantage of for centuries. Telling these stories through the eyes of a 12 yr old lets us view these issues with both innocence and clarity, in which we can look at them and not see the politics but focus on how they impact people.
September 29, 2026
Listened to the audiobook version of this book while on a flight and....I'm not sure what I was expecting exactly but this wasn't quite it. I thought I was in for a bit of a hmm...13+ murder mystery story maybe? What I got is more historical fiction than anything, as the "death" part in "Death in the Tallgrass" doesn't feel to be a central piece of this story.
It was still quite enjoyable, except it was a bit too slow for my taste in kids' books. I was expecting it to be slightly more exciting in its story-telling.
It was still quite enjoyable, except it was a bit too slow for my taste in kids' books. I was expecting it to be slightly more exciting in its story-telling.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Death in the Tallgrass uses fictional characters to tell the real story of the American Indians in Oklahoma. It shows how poorly they were treated by greedy people who stole their land for oil and ranching purposes. It is written for middle grades. There is no graphic violence, but much is implied.
I received a free advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.
I received a free advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I would like Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an audio ARC.
This book was emotional and a bit unsettling. I really felt pulled into this story. The writing is very compelling and it is hard to look away from. The setting was great. I really enjoyed how the historical elements were added into the story. The narrator was great and very engaging to listen to.
This book was emotional and a bit unsettling. I really felt pulled into this story. The writing is very compelling and it is hard to look away from. The setting was great. I really enjoyed how the historical elements were added into the story. The narrator was great and very engaging to listen to.
September 24, 2026
I knew this is a young adult book. But I felt compelled to read it because it is listed as a mystery. And it is. I also liked the Native American culture explained throughout the book. Having read KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON, I was aware of the brutal theft of tribal land by white Americans marrying Native American women. There is a story to follow here and there is sadness.
September 30, 2026
3.5 rounded up
A compelling historical middle grade book by a new to me author that features an Indigenous tween girl who is spending the summer with family, learning more about her Cherokee heritage and making new friends while also investigating a murder. Full of family secrets, Indigenous traditions and family violence. Good on audio and definitely worth a read/listen.
A compelling historical middle grade book by a new to me author that features an Indigenous tween girl who is spending the summer with family, learning more about her Cherokee heritage and making new friends while also investigating a murder. Full of family secrets, Indigenous traditions and family violence. Good on audio and definitely worth a read/listen.
October 2, 2026
An engrossing read. The bracelet/box/diary discovery was interesting, the pace sped up as the plot sped up, which can be hard to do. Rogers didn’t overexplain the resolution— props. A bit clunky in places, but I enjoyed the read!
3.5 stars
set in Oklahoma!
comp titles: The Watsons go to Birmingham 1963, Kira Kira
3.5 stars
set in Oklahoma!
comp titles: The Watsons go to Birmingham 1963, Kira Kira
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