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Navajo Nation Mystery #4
Mojado
Chappell takes a bold new direction with this thriller, raising storytelling and knowledge of the Navajo culture to an entirely new level. When Mexico's bloodiest predator invades the Reservation it's up to Charlie Yazzie and his friends to take charge the Navajo way. Navajo can track prey, but can Charlie Yazzie catch a killer before the killer catches him? Mojado is a stand alone novel and book number four in the Navajo Nation Mystery Series.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2015
639 people are currently reading
449 people want to read
About the author
R. Allen Chappell
19 books150 followersR. Allen Chappell, the author of eight novels and a collection of short stories, grew up with the Navajo, went to school with them and later worked alongside them, forging enduring friendships along the way. "Those friendships," the author says, "became the inspiration for this series."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
July 31, 2024
Livestock being herded on the Navajo reservation in 2017 (Image credit: Rebfarhi, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons)
Another tight, gritty and action-packed Navajo Nation Mystery from Allen Chappell. Either by the fourth book the characters have grown on me so much that I'm no longer annoyed by anything in the writing, or the writing has improved. I think it's probably both.
This time the tribal investigator Charlee Yazee and his two veteran-trouble-maker pals Thomas Begay and Harley Poneyboy find themselves pursuing a ruthless Mexican runaway, who would stop at nothing to cut his bloody trail through the Navajo reservation.
Unputdownable. Or should it be unpausable in case of an audiobook? I did have to pause, of course, but I enjoyed taking my vicarious part in the pursuit of Mojado.;)
Navajo Sandstone formations in Zion National Park, Utah (Image credit: Pierre André Leclercq, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons)
June 4, 2016
I am enjoying this series about the Navajo Nation Mystery. I appreciate Chappell’s skill as a story teller. This story is a bit different from the prior stories in the series. The story is primarily about Charlie Yazzie, Thomas Begay and Harley Ponyboy. These three have been friends since children. Chappell discusses the difficulties Begay and Ponyboy have in maintaining sobriety, and uses this to review the alcohol problem among the Navajo.
In this story we get to see the magnificent skill of Harley Ponyboy as a tracker. First Thomas and Harley find a dead white man, and then the three come across a dead Navajo girl. Instead of leaving the hunt for the killer to the FBI, the three set out to find him. The story goes back and forth between the killer “Mojado” and the three friends.
Chappell paints a trek through the Navajo back country with all its wild loneliness and danger. The book is well written and fast paced. The plot twists and turns more so than Chappell’s other stories. I learned that Mojado is Spanish for wet and often refers to the “wet backs”: Mexicans sneaking across the U.S./Mexico border. Chappell provides a constant sub dialog about Navajo beliefs in ghost, spirits and magic. The ending was a nice unexpected twist. Kaipo Schwab does a good job narrating the story.
In this story we get to see the magnificent skill of Harley Ponyboy as a tracker. First Thomas and Harley find a dead white man, and then the three come across a dead Navajo girl. Instead of leaving the hunt for the killer to the FBI, the three set out to find him. The story goes back and forth between the killer “Mojado” and the three friends.
Chappell paints a trek through the Navajo back country with all its wild loneliness and danger. The book is well written and fast paced. The plot twists and turns more so than Chappell’s other stories. I learned that Mojado is Spanish for wet and often refers to the “wet backs”: Mexicans sneaking across the U.S./Mexico border. Chappell provides a constant sub dialog about Navajo beliefs in ghost, spirits and magic. The ending was a nice unexpected twist. Kaipo Schwab does a good job narrating the story.
June 19, 2015
Takes you on a ride down red dirt roads
Chappell has the Navajo people, customs and area down. This was my favorite of his stories, taking the reader up red stone canyons and down deep rutted roads. Love the characters, settings and the story he weaves. I recommend this book to any fans of Western s or Southwest books. You won't be disappointed.
A special thanks to the author for supplying this review copy of this book.
Chappell has the Navajo people, customs and area down. This was my favorite of his stories, taking the reader up red stone canyons and down deep rutted roads. Love the characters, settings and the story he weaves. I recommend this book to any fans of Western s or Southwest books. You won't be disappointed.
A special thanks to the author for supplying this review copy of this book.
February 12, 2016
Not Tony Hillerman, but no one is! However, the story is a real "grabber" and I couldn't put the book down. It's an edge-of-your-chair read and I highly recommend it.
December 26, 2018
Fun to listen while driving through New Mexico.
April 16, 2018
I discovered the Navajo Nation Mystery series by R. Allen Chappell quite by accident (very under-publicized!). What a find! I'm halfway through the series now (reading all in 2018), and book 4 ("Mojado") is the best one yet!! You can jump right into the series with this book, it is awesome as a stand-alone. Or to better understand the lead characters Charlie Yazzie, Thomas Begay and their world start with book 1 and follow their growth. You can't go wrong either way. I can't wait to get my hands on the next one, "Magpie Speaks." It will be hard to top "Mojado" and its evil villain who leads Charlie, Thomas and friend Harley through the Navajo wilderness, as they chase him to stop his killing spree.
Read
February 24, 2016An enjoyable read. A bit different than the previous books in the series. I still enjoyed it.
I think it would probably be helpful to have read at least one of the previous books for character understanding.
I do enjoy the culture information that is scattered through the books. And the locations, since I grew up in that area.
I think it would probably be helpful to have read at least one of the previous books for character understanding.
I do enjoy the culture information that is scattered through the books. And the locations, since I grew up in that area.
March 3, 2016
Gripping story of evil crossing the border and being dealt with by our brave friends of the Fine'. Fast paced and perfect sequel
Gripping story of evil crossing the border and being dealt with by our brave friends of the Dine'. Fast paced and perfect sequel... a great complement to the previous stories.
Gripping story of evil crossing the border and being dealt with by our brave friends of the Dine'. Fast paced and perfect sequel... a great complement to the previous stories.
July 11, 2016
The grizzliest in the series so far but still a page turner.
June 15, 2020
Good for Hillerman fans.
Enjoyed this book immensely. I've missed Leaphorn and Chee by the late Tony Hillerman, and this book helps fill the void.
Enjoyed this book immensely. I've missed Leaphorn and Chee by the late Tony Hillerman, and this book helps fill the void.
June 10, 2020
I loved the friendship between the main characters, Charlie, Thomas and Harley Ponyboy. In this book they chase a mean killer across the Navajo reservation. It’s very entertaining.
July 25, 2019
Staying true
Again, very enjoyable read. Characters remain true, no one comes across unbelievable. Author isn't afraid to let his characters show weaknesses of faults. Continues to teach about Native American culture and beliefs in a manner that shows respect. Love this series.
Again, very enjoyable read. Characters remain true, no one comes across unbelievable. Author isn't afraid to let his characters show weaknesses of faults. Continues to teach about Native American culture and beliefs in a manner that shows respect. Love this series.
February 19, 2025
Interesting installment as our intrepid Navajo heroes track a Mexican serial killer across the reservation, determined to stop him from killing again.
July 19, 2019
Interesting and unique characters with a strong sense of place, fast paced and enjoyable. It is reminiscent of Tony Hillerman and just as readable (and thus subject to the same criticisms). The audiobook narrator does a fantastic job distinguishing between different characters and ethnicities which makes for a pleasurable listening experience.
June 18, 2019
Mojado takes a different turn with a serial killer who has no specific prey--a professional from Mexico, he kills anyone who might reveal his presence. Man, woman, child...it matters little to the Mojado, who is on the run and has a private goal.
The murders are callous and cold-blooded, but they don't celebrate violence. The Mojado has no compunction about killing, but neither does he take delight in killing.
As Charlie Yazzi, Thomas Begay, and Harley Ponyboy pursue the killer through the harshest areas of the reservation, all four men approach exhaustion.
Aside from the characters who continue to grow, I love the way Chappell presents the land and the culture of the Four Corners region.
The murders are callous and cold-blooded, but they don't celebrate violence. The Mojado has no compunction about killing, but neither does he take delight in killing.
As Charlie Yazzi, Thomas Begay, and Harley Ponyboy pursue the killer through the harshest areas of the reservation, all four men approach exhaustion.
Aside from the characters who continue to grow, I love the way Chappell presents the land and the culture of the Four Corners region.
February 1, 2016
"Mojado: A Navajo Nation Mystery" by R. Allen Chappell is the fourth installment of a highly interesting and well written Navajo mystery series. There is no doubt that Tony Hillerman is arguably the best storyteller of the Navajo and America's Southwest, and if you like Hillerman, you will really enjoy Chappell's writings as well. Chappell’s ability to create local color and to create character lends authenticity to his work. Chappell says that he grew up with the Navajo, went to school with them, and later worked alongside them. His friendships became the inspiration for this series. His ability as a storyteller is revealed in his plots that are not predictable and keep the reader turning page after page.
In "Mojado: A Navajo Nation Mystery," Mexico's most cold-blooded killer escapes prison and escapes into the Reservation. It's up to the series' three main characters Charlie Yazzie and his two friends Thomas and Harley Ponyboy to take charge the Navajo way. While the FBI spread the search out in their way, these Navajo follow a bloody trail as they track a killer across the vast and desolate reservation.
Chappell’s characters are believable, and the plot is well crafted which kept my interest. Chappell’s characterization creates some complex and likeable characters that draw the reader into the story. In “Mojado,” he has crafted one of his cruelest, unfeeling characters, and a plot that will keep you enthralled until the very end. I enjoyed this series very much, and this one is the best thriller yet. Sadly, at this time, there are no more in this series. Regardless, I believe in the tooth fairy, so I know that someday, another story of Charlie and the boys will appear under my pillow.
In "Mojado: A Navajo Nation Mystery," Mexico's most cold-blooded killer escapes prison and escapes into the Reservation. It's up to the series' three main characters Charlie Yazzie and his two friends Thomas and Harley Ponyboy to take charge the Navajo way. While the FBI spread the search out in their way, these Navajo follow a bloody trail as they track a killer across the vast and desolate reservation.
Chappell’s characters are believable, and the plot is well crafted which kept my interest. Chappell’s characterization creates some complex and likeable characters that draw the reader into the story. In “Mojado,” he has crafted one of his cruelest, unfeeling characters, and a plot that will keep you enthralled until the very end. I enjoyed this series very much, and this one is the best thriller yet. Sadly, at this time, there are no more in this series. Regardless, I believe in the tooth fairy, so I know that someday, another story of Charlie and the boys will appear under my pillow.
April 28, 2018
Mojado - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Mexican prison escapee and dangerous killer Luca smuggles himself aboard a truckful of illegal immigrants from south of the North/South US border.
When the truck crashes he's injured, but takes refuge on the Navajo reservation, killing and robbing an innocent backpacker to get supplies for life on the run.
As the news of the missing backpacker and the escape reach Charlie Yazzie, he takes the decision to hunt the killer down himself, with the aid of expert tracker Harley Lazyboy as well as his usual 'deputy' Thomas Begay.
Where does the killer strike next? Who finds the victim and how did they die? What do the FBI tell Charlie and the others to do?
How does Luca hide his trail? When does he strike at the lawman's camp? Why does he kill Harley's mule Shorty?
Who is Margaret and what does she do for Luca? How does he repay her kindness?
Where does Luca steal a truck from and how is he caught? Who catches him and with what result?
RA Chappell has a wonderful way with words as his heroes Charlie Yazzie and Thomas Begay are so vividly brought to life against an engaging backdrop of breathtaking scenery and fully-rounded engaging characters that make this book and the stories he tells the equal of any by Tony Hillerman, whose fans I can
definitely recommend it - and others in the series - very highly indeed, as well as to any reader looking for a murder mystery-thriller with a difference!
Mexican prison escapee and dangerous killer Luca smuggles himself aboard a truckful of illegal immigrants from south of the North/South US border.
When the truck crashes he's injured, but takes refuge on the Navajo reservation, killing and robbing an innocent backpacker to get supplies for life on the run.
As the news of the missing backpacker and the escape reach Charlie Yazzie, he takes the decision to hunt the killer down himself, with the aid of expert tracker Harley Lazyboy as well as his usual 'deputy' Thomas Begay.
Where does the killer strike next? Who finds the victim and how did they die? What do the FBI tell Charlie and the others to do?
How does Luca hide his trail? When does he strike at the lawman's camp? Why does he kill Harley's mule Shorty?
Who is Margaret and what does she do for Luca? How does he repay her kindness?
Where does Luca steal a truck from and how is he caught? Who catches him and with what result?
RA Chappell has a wonderful way with words as his heroes Charlie Yazzie and Thomas Begay are so vividly brought to life against an engaging backdrop of breathtaking scenery and fully-rounded engaging characters that make this book and the stories he tells the equal of any by Tony Hillerman, whose fans I can
definitely recommend it - and others in the series - very highly indeed, as well as to any reader looking for a murder mystery-thriller with a difference!
June 24, 2015
Most places you would be hard pressed to find anyone willing to hunt down a ruthless serial killer but the Navajo Reservation is not most places. Skirting the Feds who have no sense of the man they are after or the place he's chosen to hide, Charlie, Thomas and Harley Ponyboy know only they can stop the killing and maybe the killer himself...if he doesn't kill them first. This is book four in a fast paced, well developed Navajo Nation/Western mystery series. I've read them all but Mojado certainly stands alone and in my opinion as Chappell's best thriller yet. I love the authentic western detail but it was the pure suspense that kept me flipping the pages and holding my breath. Chappell describes the Navajo and their land as though he is describing his own family and family lands. I can almost hear them speak and see their expressions. Storytelling has always been an art and Chappell has entered the realm of western masters. I never saw the end coming on this one and I dare you to guess who the hero will be in advance. I highly recommend this book and hope the next will not be too far up the trail.
January 3, 2016
Humdrum Navajo Novel
I normally enjoy reading novels set on the Reservation, including others in this series. This was a disappointment. The gratuitous violence and death left in his wake by the escaped Mexican bad man is is juxtaposition to the belief system of the Navajo and is not incorporated into reservation life. It simply happens. Charlie and company are simply there--not incorporated into a plot that is simply the machinations of a one dimensional character with no connection to the setting. The Navajo characters came across as detached from their background and beliefs, too. Death, and cultural reaction to it, very important in their culture, provoked little reaction. Little mention is made of the ceremonies performed and the extreme need to distance a person from the dead for fear that their Chindi will make them sick. This was simply about murder.
I normally enjoy reading novels set on the Reservation, including others in this series. This was a disappointment. The gratuitous violence and death left in his wake by the escaped Mexican bad man is is juxtaposition to the belief system of the Navajo and is not incorporated into reservation life. It simply happens. Charlie and company are simply there--not incorporated into a plot that is simply the machinations of a one dimensional character with no connection to the setting. The Navajo characters came across as detached from their background and beliefs, too. Death, and cultural reaction to it, very important in their culture, provoked little reaction. Little mention is made of the ceremonies performed and the extreme need to distance a person from the dead for fear that their Chindi will make them sick. This was simply about murder.
April 10, 2024
Mojado: Juxtaposition in the Navaho Nation
What happens when pure evil, in the form of a Mexican man, enters the Navajo Nation? How is the social fabric affected? How is the evil one perceived by different members?
The continuing character development is wonderful. But the dark shadow even reaches out to stab the reader with gratuitous violence, described with excessive gorey details. I nearly quit reading this disturbing book just as the murder and torture scenes stopped. Beyond the rugged, beautiful setting, the ancient Navajo culture transcending time, and the enduring Navaho community, the book is as another reviewer described it: a chase and murder story. It's a greasy True Crime book, in the high desert of the Southwest.
Hope the next one will be better. R. Allen Chappell tried on something new here, and it's a very poor fit indeed.
What happens when pure evil, in the form of a Mexican man, enters the Navajo Nation? How is the social fabric affected? How is the evil one perceived by different members?
The continuing character development is wonderful. But the dark shadow even reaches out to stab the reader with gratuitous violence, described with excessive gorey details. I nearly quit reading this disturbing book just as the murder and torture scenes stopped. Beyond the rugged, beautiful setting, the ancient Navajo culture transcending time, and the enduring Navaho community, the book is as another reviewer described it: a chase and murder story. It's a greasy True Crime book, in the high desert of the Southwest.
Hope the next one will be better. R. Allen Chappell tried on something new here, and it's a very poor fit indeed.
May 25, 2019
This is the 6th book of this series that I have read. The writer has grown tremendously in his story telling. Since he writes about Native American people you could say he has improved greatly as a story teller. This book brings together three of his characters in a war with good and evil. An aunt asks them to bring in some stray cattle for her and they come acrost a murdered young women tending sheep. They put their endurance to a great test in the rough out back, mountainous part of the reservation to seek justice. This is the best story of this series. MUST read. Don't start at bed time as you will keep turning the pages and the first thing you know it is morning. I so enjoy his characters as they are just average people trying to survive.
October 23, 2015
His best yet
I have always enjoyed contemporary native American mysteries but hadn't read many since tony Silverman died quite decade ago. About a year back amazon maddox me aware of r allow n Chappell and I have since read all the books in his Navajo mystery series. I thoroughly enjoyed d them and feel each one has been better than the last. If you enjoy this type of thing I wouldn't hesitate giving this a quick read. If you have the time I would start from the first book and go from there. Like most serials these days forlorn n knowledge is not required but still generally aides in the experience. Enjoy
I have always enjoyed contemporary native American mysteries but hadn't read many since tony Silverman died quite decade ago. About a year back amazon maddox me aware of r allow n Chappell and I have since read all the books in his Navajo mystery series. I thoroughly enjoyed d them and feel each one has been better than the last. If you enjoy this type of thing I wouldn't hesitate giving this a quick read. If you have the time I would start from the first book and go from there. Like most serials these days forlorn n knowledge is not required but still generally aides in the experience. Enjoy
December 2, 2021
I have been thoroughly enjoying these Navajo Nation Mystery books by R. Allen Chappell. This latest one is no exception. That they are available through Kindle UnLimited is just a HUGE added bonus. After 4 books into the series now, the characters are starting to evolve and develop to a much better degree, and I am feeling more like I am getting to know them better. (After my first review, I felt a little disconnected from the characters, because I had read SO MANY of the Navajo books by Tony Hillerman, and felt like I knew them more like family. So, credit where credit due to Mr Chappell.) And, I have already moved on to #5 in the series.
March 1, 2016
Continuing the story
This is the fourth of a five story collection about the Navajo Nation(fiction). It continues to developers the well written characters and to incorporate historical, geographical and other interesting facts about the location and traditions of the four corners region of the U.S.. Having just returned from our annual trek to the desert southwest it has been delightful to find this series with such fresh memories of our own adventures.
This is the fourth of a five story collection about the Navajo Nation(fiction). It continues to developers the well written characters and to incorporate historical, geographical and other interesting facts about the location and traditions of the four corners region of the U.S.. Having just returned from our annual trek to the desert southwest it has been delightful to find this series with such fresh memories of our own adventures.
December 12, 2017
Gripping thriller
Mr. Chappell says he thinks this book is his best work. I agree wholeheartedly. The story rockets along with surprise twists and turns, never quite slowing enough to relieve the tension. The body of information on Navajo beliefs and culture flesh out the characters and leave readers a more complete understanding of who these hardy people are and how they have survived centuries of hardship and injustice.
Mr. Chappell says he thinks this book is his best work. I agree wholeheartedly. The story rockets along with surprise twists and turns, never quite slowing enough to relieve the tension. The body of information on Navajo beliefs and culture flesh out the characters and leave readers a more complete understanding of who these hardy people are and how they have survived centuries of hardship and injustice.
March 3, 2016
This is the fourth book by Chappell. They are all self published and would have been improved with a good editor. That said you can definitely see improvement in Chappell's writing. Quick and entertaining reading especially if you are a fan of the Four Corners area. Major complaint is that all four of the books use the same to device to quickly resolve the story at the end.
September 19, 2022
Tough going
This book was well written but very dark. I have read all the Charlie Yazzie books previous to this one and enjoyed them but this one I I almost didn’t finish. It was not really plot driven but was fueled by the character of the antagonist, Luca Tarango, which made it a difficult read for me.
This book was well written but very dark. I have read all the Charlie Yazzie books previous to this one and enjoyed them but this one I I almost didn’t finish. It was not really plot driven but was fueled by the character of the antagonist, Luca Tarango, which made it a difficult read for me.
July 10, 2015
This continuation of the series does not disappoint. I finished the book
I finished this book in 2 days, only leaving it when forced. Fascinating study of Navajo evolving culture and criminal / adventure of the 3 major protagonist.
I finished this book in 2 days, only leaving it when forced. Fascinating study of Navajo evolving culture and criminal / adventure of the 3 major protagonist.
August 13, 2016
History
For an Arizona native, it was a trip home. A great way to learn some Navajo history and to learn the language.
I recommend that you read all four or five books in this series. I could not put down until all of them were finished.
For an Arizona native, it was a trip home. A great way to learn some Navajo history and to learn the language.
I recommend that you read all four or five books in this series. I could not put down until all of them were finished.
July 22, 2016
Enjoyable reading
I accidentally came across this author as a short story in a magazine. Since have read several of his books, all are without the super heroes which many ruin their stories. That's a plus.
I accidentally came across this author as a short story in a magazine. Since have read several of his books, all are without the super heroes which many ruin their stories. That's a plus.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews