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Sam Chitto Mystery #1
Scalp Dance, A Sam Chitto Mystery
FOR FANS OF TONY HILLERMAN AND ANNE HILLERMAN
This mystery mingles Choctaw culture, science, and murder and features Lieutenant Sam Chitto of the Oklahoma Choctaw Tribal Police. Chitto considers himself a man of principal, but he's at a breaking point. His father's ten-years old murder, his young wife's premature death, and an ineffective law enforcement community has him ready to quit the force. Indian women are the ones paying the highest price. One in three can expect to be raped in her lifetime, and tribal police cannot arrest the assailant if he is not Indian. And then, Chitto is assigned to work on a mystifying case that forces him to make a decision that could not only challenge his personal code of ethics but also cost a man his life.
This mystery mingles Choctaw culture, science, and murder and features Lieutenant Sam Chitto of the Oklahoma Choctaw Tribal Police. Chitto considers himself a man of principal, but he's at a breaking point. His father's ten-years old murder, his young wife's premature death, and an ineffective law enforcement community has him ready to quit the force. Indian women are the ones paying the highest price. One in three can expect to be raped in her lifetime, and tribal police cannot arrest the assailant if he is not Indian. And then, Chitto is assigned to work on a mystifying case that forces him to make a decision that could not only challenge his personal code of ethics but also cost a man his life.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published November 11, 2015
125 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
About the author
Lutricia Clifton
10 books26 followersLutricia "Lu" Clifton writes novels for both children and adults. Most of her adult novels are set in southeastern Oklahoma and include a mingling of Native American cultural beliefs and traditions. She became interested in those cultural traditions while tracing her mother’s Choctaw roots.
She was born in and spent her early childhood in southeastern Oklahoma, then moved to the Texas Panhandle with her family. She completed an associate degree at Amarillo Junior College in Texas and a B.A. and M.A. in English at Colorado State University. She now resides in Illinois with a gray tabby named Mary Jane that she rescued from a shelter. Her oldest son and wife life in Oregon and her youngest son and wife live in Illinois.
She is a member of the Oklahoma Writers Federation, Mystery Writers of America, and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.
NEW RELEASE: SEEKING GRACE IN BEULAH LAND, A Novel -- April 1, 2019
HONORS/AWARDS:
FREAKY FAST FRANKIE JOE -- 2012 Friends of American Writers Award for Juvenile Fiction
SEEKING CASANDRA --Winner of the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award for YA Fiction
SCALP DANCE--A Sam Chitto Mystery --Finalist for the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award for Fiction
THE BONE PICKER, A Sam Chitto Mystery Finalist for 2018 Oklahoma Book Award in Fiction
THE HORNED OWL --A Sam Chitto Mystery -- Finalist for 2019 Oklahoma Book Award in Fiction
She was born in and spent her early childhood in southeastern Oklahoma, then moved to the Texas Panhandle with her family. She completed an associate degree at Amarillo Junior College in Texas and a B.A. and M.A. in English at Colorado State University. She now resides in Illinois with a gray tabby named Mary Jane that she rescued from a shelter. Her oldest son and wife life in Oregon and her youngest son and wife live in Illinois.
She is a member of the Oklahoma Writers Federation, Mystery Writers of America, and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.
NEW RELEASE: SEEKING GRACE IN BEULAH LAND, A Novel -- April 1, 2019
HONORS/AWARDS:
FREAKY FAST FRANKIE JOE -- 2012 Friends of American Writers Award for Juvenile Fiction
SEEKING CASANDRA --Winner of the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award for YA Fiction
SCALP DANCE--A Sam Chitto Mystery --Finalist for the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award for Fiction
THE BONE PICKER, A Sam Chitto Mystery Finalist for 2018 Oklahoma Book Award in Fiction
THE HORNED OWL --A Sam Chitto Mystery -- Finalist for 2019 Oklahoma Book Award in Fiction
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
January 21, 2025
Very nice book to start a series. It introduces the reader to the lead character, Sam Chitto who dispenses justice on the fractured Choctaw reservation. It explains the intricacies of law enforcement in this environment. She is described as being like Tony Hillerman. Most reviewers say this about mysteries set on Native American Reservations as he long dominated this genre. In this case, at least the first novel in the series bears this out.
Additionally, both the author and the lead character have a love for geology which is my background. I look forward to reading more of the series.
Additionally, both the author and the lead character have a love for geology which is my background. I look forward to reading more of the series.
May 13, 2017
Old Justice
I am so glad I read the 2nd book in the series after the author asked for an honest review. I enjoyed it so much I quickly got the 1st one & just completed it. What a delight. The same great characters plus a few others. The intriguing view into life for Native Americans in the "checkerboard" of the lands of the different tribes in Oklahoma is fascinating.. A well-written peek into some very unusual events linked to the "old ways" and to a way of justice when the law is helpless.
I am so glad I read the 2nd book in the series after the author asked for an honest review. I enjoyed it so much I quickly got the 1st one & just completed it. What a delight. The same great characters plus a few others. The intriguing view into life for Native Americans in the "checkerboard" of the lands of the different tribes in Oklahoma is fascinating.. A well-written peek into some very unusual events linked to the "old ways" and to a way of justice when the law is helpless.
February 12, 2017
It's been many years since I read a Tony Hillerman mystery, but as I began SCALP DANCE, I was reminded of his work. Lu Clifton’s writing swept me right into the story, and as with Hillerman’s tales, I felt I'd entered a land of stark beauty inhabited by people who lead lives quite different from my own.
The main character in SCALP DANCE is Sam Chitto, a college graduate with a double major in geology and criminal justice. This combination of subjects gives him the expertise he employs as a Choctaw tribal policeman. Whether Lieutenant Chitto is contemplating the rock formations beneath his feet or touching the worry stones in his pockets, readers realize within a few chapters that this character has a connection to the land that is matched by his concerns for the people who live there, including his own mother and grandmother. Yet Sam has reached a point in his life where he’s become tired, frustrated, and he’s contemplating quitting. Contributing to his state of mind are the pain of his father’s decade-old unsolved murder and his young wife’s more recent death from cancer.
A series of murders snags Sam’s interest and might draw him back into a commitment to his chosen profession. The prologue vividly describes one of these murders, with a hint of something mystical that feels true to the setting. This is Oklahoma. Indians who’d lived in the East were forced to move here, and those who survived the deadly march were relocated on land divided among many different tribes and non-Indians in a complicated and confusing manner. Now, members of law enforcement often must carefully scrutinize a map like a checker-board to determine in which Indian Nation a particular crime has been committed. Sometimes the perpetrator slips away and goes un-apprehended due to the time involved in sorting out the correct jurisdiction.
The puzzling characteristics of these murders is not that they are similar or that the victims have had bad reputations. The most confusing aspect is that they are carried out in different Indian Nations. In his quest to uncover the brains behind these crimes, Sam finds himself in some awkward situations with an attractive woman who could be a suspect. Along with this whiff of romance, there’s plenty of action in this novel, the first in a series, with more to be published soon.
The plot is clear with no loose ends except those – such as a love interest --that can be carried over into other books. Solving these strange, ritualistic killings is not easy for Sam or the reader. Chitto is a strong character who has an appealing sense of humor. In addition, his desire to move beyond the cultural and religious into a purely logical or scientific approach to his job and his life creates an internal conflict that is developed throughout this well constructed mystery novel.
Lu Clifton is a native of Oklahoma, and her descriptions of the land and the people ring true. In children’s literature, writers who create fiction outside their own experience are often criticized for not having that insider’s view. Lu has Choctaw and Cherokee on both sides of her family, but, in addition, she’s obviously done her research.
I highly recommend SCALP DANCE to readers who’re looking for a mystery that has a rural setting and authentic characters – both major and minor. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the Sam Chitto series.
The main character in SCALP DANCE is Sam Chitto, a college graduate with a double major in geology and criminal justice. This combination of subjects gives him the expertise he employs as a Choctaw tribal policeman. Whether Lieutenant Chitto is contemplating the rock formations beneath his feet or touching the worry stones in his pockets, readers realize within a few chapters that this character has a connection to the land that is matched by his concerns for the people who live there, including his own mother and grandmother. Yet Sam has reached a point in his life where he’s become tired, frustrated, and he’s contemplating quitting. Contributing to his state of mind are the pain of his father’s decade-old unsolved murder and his young wife’s more recent death from cancer.
A series of murders snags Sam’s interest and might draw him back into a commitment to his chosen profession. The prologue vividly describes one of these murders, with a hint of something mystical that feels true to the setting. This is Oklahoma. Indians who’d lived in the East were forced to move here, and those who survived the deadly march were relocated on land divided among many different tribes and non-Indians in a complicated and confusing manner. Now, members of law enforcement often must carefully scrutinize a map like a checker-board to determine in which Indian Nation a particular crime has been committed. Sometimes the perpetrator slips away and goes un-apprehended due to the time involved in sorting out the correct jurisdiction.
The puzzling characteristics of these murders is not that they are similar or that the victims have had bad reputations. The most confusing aspect is that they are carried out in different Indian Nations. In his quest to uncover the brains behind these crimes, Sam finds himself in some awkward situations with an attractive woman who could be a suspect. Along with this whiff of romance, there’s plenty of action in this novel, the first in a series, with more to be published soon.
The plot is clear with no loose ends except those – such as a love interest --that can be carried over into other books. Solving these strange, ritualistic killings is not easy for Sam or the reader. Chitto is a strong character who has an appealing sense of humor. In addition, his desire to move beyond the cultural and religious into a purely logical or scientific approach to his job and his life creates an internal conflict that is developed throughout this well constructed mystery novel.
Lu Clifton is a native of Oklahoma, and her descriptions of the land and the people ring true. In children’s literature, writers who create fiction outside their own experience are often criticized for not having that insider’s view. Lu has Choctaw and Cherokee on both sides of her family, but, in addition, she’s obviously done her research.
I highly recommend SCALP DANCE to readers who’re looking for a mystery that has a rural setting and authentic characters – both major and minor. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the Sam Chitto series.
July 12, 2020
Re-read quite enjoyable, too. Still assigning 4.44 stars. Glad I had forgotten the apt ending.
***
Rich setting and lively, enjoyable characters. Can appreciate why other readers awarded 5 stars.
Her Southeast Oklahoma enhances and updates the portrait of the Winding Stair region I first encountered in Douglas Jones historical novels.
Winding Stair
***
7/9/2020 -Thought of this book when reading about Supreme Court decision
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/09/us...
"The 5-4 decision could reshape criminal justice in eastern Oklahoma by preventing state authorities from prosecuting Native Americans. "
***
One of those Kirkus reviews I like ... likely contains 'spoilers'
"A tribal police officer fights inner demons as he investigates a series of killings.
Lt. Sam Chitto of the Choctaw Nation Tribal Police is nearly at his breaking point after the death of his young wife and his continued failure to solve the 10-year-old murder of his police-officer father. A geologist by training, Chitto is considering quitting the police until he’s asked to quietly investigate a case that rightly belongs to the FBI. In Oklahoma, the state is chopped up into many tribal areas mixed in with nontribal lands, and the tribal police force’s inability to arrest anyone but Indians allows many criminals to slip through the cracks. The body of a naked white man with his head chopped off has been found on the Choctaw council-house grounds four days after a ceremony took place. Since the victim was married to a Chickasaw, Chitto will work with Sgt. Frank Tubbe of the Chickasaw Nation while they try to keep the FBI in the dark. Chitto’s mother, a councilperson deeply involved in tribal affairs, is just one of the many people unhappy with the failure of official efforts to prevent and prosecute rape, the most common crime police deal with. When Chitto’s investigation reveals that the dead body is not the first to be found four days after a ceremony on various tribal grounds, he realizes that he needs to learn more about the rituals of his culture and enlists the help of cultural anthropologist Leslie Anderson, an attractive friend of his mother. The men who were killed were linked only by their propensity toward violence against women. Chitto, who’s being followed as he investigates, wonders if someone in law enforcement is leaking information. When he does discover the truth, he has a tough decision to make.
This fine procedural debut by Clifton, who’s published several teen novels (Immortal Max, 2014, etc.), is made even more interesting by its detailed information on Native American ceremonies. "
***
Rich setting and lively, enjoyable characters. Can appreciate why other readers awarded 5 stars.
Her Southeast Oklahoma enhances and updates the portrait of the Winding Stair region I first encountered in Douglas Jones historical novels.
Winding Stair
***
7/9/2020 -Thought of this book when reading about Supreme Court decision
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/09/us...
"The 5-4 decision could reshape criminal justice in eastern Oklahoma by preventing state authorities from prosecuting Native Americans. "
***
One of those Kirkus reviews I like ... likely contains 'spoilers'
"A tribal police officer fights inner demons as he investigates a series of killings.
Lt. Sam Chitto of the Choctaw Nation Tribal Police is nearly at his breaking point after the death of his young wife and his continued failure to solve the 10-year-old murder of his police-officer father. A geologist by training, Chitto is considering quitting the police until he’s asked to quietly investigate a case that rightly belongs to the FBI. In Oklahoma, the state is chopped up into many tribal areas mixed in with nontribal lands, and the tribal police force’s inability to arrest anyone but Indians allows many criminals to slip through the cracks. The body of a naked white man with his head chopped off has been found on the Choctaw council-house grounds four days after a ceremony took place. Since the victim was married to a Chickasaw, Chitto will work with Sgt. Frank Tubbe of the Chickasaw Nation while they try to keep the FBI in the dark. Chitto’s mother, a councilperson deeply involved in tribal affairs, is just one of the many people unhappy with the failure of official efforts to prevent and prosecute rape, the most common crime police deal with. When Chitto’s investigation reveals that the dead body is not the first to be found four days after a ceremony on various tribal grounds, he realizes that he needs to learn more about the rituals of his culture and enlists the help of cultural anthropologist Leslie Anderson, an attractive friend of his mother. The men who were killed were linked only by their propensity toward violence against women. Chitto, who’s being followed as he investigates, wonders if someone in law enforcement is leaking information. When he does discover the truth, he has a tough decision to make.
This fine procedural debut by Clifton, who’s published several teen novels (Immortal Max, 2014, etc.), is made even more interesting by its detailed information on Native American ceremonies. "
September 11, 2020
The character, Sam Chitto, is like an interesting combination of Leaphorn and Chee from Tiny Hillerman's series. The mystery is good, it moves quickly and sensibly. I enjoyed it.
April 3, 2016
The start of a wonderful mystery series. Scalp Dance is Lu Clifton's first novel in her series set in southeastern Oklahoma featuring Sam Chitto, a detective with the Choctaw Nation Tribal Police. As a mystery, the plot is sound, the clues are cleverly and subtly planted, and the final resolution satisfying. The mystery elements almost take a back seat to the skillful handling of the main characters, especially the multifaceted Sam Chitto. I enjoyed Chtto as a character and I loved his storyteller grandmother, Rhody Pitchlyn.
Sam Chitto is an interesting character. He’s a complex man: an academic at heart, a geologist by training, and a police officer out of a need to see justice done. No stranger to grief and sense of failure, Sam is also a man with a heart.
There’s also a wonderful sense of place in the book. Set in southeastern Oklahoma, this little known part of the country is called the checkerboard for a reason. It’s home to dozens of Indian nations who settled there not of their own accord but because of something called the Removal, a dark time when Native Americans were driven (literally) out their homelands. A complicated justice system that often defeats justice drives the plot of the story—and the ending.
This is a complicated land with a complicated history. Though set in the current time, the reader learns of a time that once was—a history that was largely forgotten before the recent efforts of Native Americans to revive cultural beliefs and customs. All in all, the subject matter, the setting, the plotting, and excellent writing come together to make an enjoyable read. I can see this becoming adapted for the screen someday.
Sam Chitto is an interesting character. He’s a complex man: an academic at heart, a geologist by training, and a police officer out of a need to see justice done. No stranger to grief and sense of failure, Sam is also a man with a heart.
There’s also a wonderful sense of place in the book. Set in southeastern Oklahoma, this little known part of the country is called the checkerboard for a reason. It’s home to dozens of Indian nations who settled there not of their own accord but because of something called the Removal, a dark time when Native Americans were driven (literally) out their homelands. A complicated justice system that often defeats justice drives the plot of the story—and the ending.
This is a complicated land with a complicated history. Though set in the current time, the reader learns of a time that once was—a history that was largely forgotten before the recent efforts of Native Americans to revive cultural beliefs and customs. All in all, the subject matter, the setting, the plotting, and excellent writing come together to make an enjoyable read. I can see this becoming adapted for the screen someday.
April 10, 2016
Lu Clifton's Scalp Dance grabs you from the very first page and lets you escape into a world with a huge landscape, terrible crimes, complex and real characters, all set against a backdrop of the ancient beliefs and traditions of the Choctaw culture. Sam Chitto is a keen observer and a lawman who will get justice. The rhythm of life in the checkerboard of the Choctaw nation is so different from our modern urban existence that it soothes the soul. If you like Tony Hillerman, you will like this book. I can’t wait for the next Sam Chitto mystery!
June 20, 2023
Interesting twists, fun mystery.
This mystery takes you on a journey through the Indian nations in Oklahoma. The author weaves a story around the different cultures and beliefs of the different tribes as she educates us on their challenges. She teaches us about the land as well. This mystery does not have an ending you'll expect, which is always fun. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this mystery and look forward to the next book in the series to see what happens I these characters next.
This mystery takes you on a journey through the Indian nations in Oklahoma. The author weaves a story around the different cultures and beliefs of the different tribes as she educates us on their challenges. She teaches us about the land as well. This mystery does not have an ending you'll expect, which is always fun. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this mystery and look forward to the next book in the series to see what happens I these characters next.
October 7, 2019
I feel a bit ambivalent about this one -- loved the tribal specificity, and the introduction to the region and its challenges. Not so excited about Sam Chitto as a character, and somehow the balance of what the reader knows and what Sam knows was off, leading me to feel like I knew the ending/details about 1/3 of the way through the book. I am not a particularly observant person/reader, so it surprised me to be in that situation. Anyway, solid read, and set in a fascinating area.
June 3, 2018
I love a good mystery and Scalp Dance had the bonus of being in my state, Oklahoma. I could followed Sam Chitto on his journey as he traveled on his investigation. The insight into the Native American tribal areas and culture brought me more understanding of my own community and the people I know. I will read the other Sam Chitto mysteries.
July 7, 2018
Found an author to help make up the list of Tony Hillerman.
Well written story with just enough of Native American background to make it part of the story without taking away from the other elements- characters, action, motives , etc.... . No synopsis of plot - I won’t let you cheat and find out the ending before you start. Worth your time, I read it in one sitting. Enjoy.
Well written story with just enough of Native American background to make it part of the story without taking away from the other elements- characters, action, motives , etc.... . No synopsis of plot - I won’t let you cheat and find out the ending before you start. Worth your time, I read it in one sitting. Enjoy.
May 12, 2022
Excellent native American mystery
A fast paced story, and a real mystery that isn't solved until the final chapter. The author delivers well developed characters and relatable interpersonal relationships. The protagonist is torn between his grounding in science and logic, and his indigenous background. Not a typical police officer. Great read!
A fast paced story, and a real mystery that isn't solved until the final chapter. The author delivers well developed characters and relatable interpersonal relationships. The protagonist is torn between his grounding in science and logic, and his indigenous background. Not a typical police officer. Great read!
November 15, 2023
SCALP DANCE by Lu Clifton
This title is a well plotted mystery that weaves together indigenous spiritual beliefs with the tribes' history in the US. It also includes the power that comes from a community of women working to protect their own. Written by a woman who has indigenous ancestors. Recommended Four stars 🌟
This title is a well plotted mystery that weaves together indigenous spiritual beliefs with the tribes' history in the US. It also includes the power that comes from a community of women working to protect their own. Written by a woman who has indigenous ancestors. Recommended Four stars 🌟
April 15, 2018
Sam Chitto Mystery
I enjoy reading Native American mystery and this one didn't disappoint. This is well researched and has interesting information about native American traditions and myths. I'm going to read the next book in this series.
I enjoy reading Native American mystery and this one didn't disappoint. This is well researched and has interesting information about native American traditions and myths. I'm going to read the next book in this series.
June 18, 2018
Excellent book. Hard to put Down. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series
Enjoyed the fact I t took place in Oklahoma and was about native American people and had lots of drama
Enjoyed the fact I t took place in Oklahoma and was about native American people and had lots of drama
November 21, 2020
Fascinating
Anything to do with Native Americans fascinates me. Believe I was one or many once upon a time Wyoming country feels like going home. God bless them all, modern and as far back as they go. God bless you for bringing them closer to us.
Anything to do with Native Americans fascinates me. Believe I was one or many once upon a time Wyoming country feels like going home. God bless them all, modern and as far back as they go. God bless you for bringing them closer to us.
March 11, 2022
Scalp dance
I found Lu Clifton as searcher of Choctaw legends and histories;my family has Choctaw blood in our veins. I liked the book very much, would love good recipe for fry bread. The people were clear to see and memorable. I look forward to more of Lu's books.
I found Lu Clifton as searcher of Choctaw legends and histories;my family has Choctaw blood in our veins. I liked the book very much, would love good recipe for fry bread. The people were clear to see and memorable. I look forward to more of Lu's books.
June 20, 2023
Relaxing
I enjoyed the story. It was a good easy read, a relaxing read. Clean reading , no foul language or gaudy sex scenes. It has been a long time since I have read a book just for the enjoyment of reading. Thanks Lu.
I enjoyed the story. It was a good easy read, a relaxing read. Clean reading , no foul language or gaudy sex scenes. It has been a long time since I have read a book just for the enjoyment of reading. Thanks Lu.
April 19, 2025
Scalp dance
Couldn't put this book down. I'm from NE Oklahoma my husband is from SE. So reading about places we know was so very cool. You can't live in Oklahoma and not be familiar with indigenous cultures.
Couldn't put this book down. I'm from NE Oklahoma my husband is from SE. So reading about places we know was so very cool. You can't live in Oklahoma and not be familiar with indigenous cultures.
May 10, 2017
Interesting setting and plenty of cultural information
October 11, 2018
Dance
I liked the way it ended. The author is good. I can't wait to read the next one. Sam is a good man that would be really great as a real person. I liked his boss also.
I liked the way it ended. The author is good. I can't wait to read the next one. Sam is a good man that would be really great as a real person. I liked his boss also.
November 8, 2021
Scalp Dance
I truly enjoyed this book. Sam Chitto is an honorable man. I respect his doggedness and work ethic. Most of all I respect the momentum that drives him to do his job.
I truly enjoyed this book. Sam Chitto is an honorable man. I respect his doggedness and work ethic. Most of all I respect the momentum that drives him to do his job.
November 17, 2021
It is never a good day to die.
Some days are better than others.
Any day I get to read a story as good as this one has been is a good day.
Some days are better than others.
Any day I get to read a story as good as this one has been is a good day.
August 7, 2022
She rights well
This author has a great Style. Good on facts . I did find the end abrupt. Not sure why . I am sure I wnt to read more of her booms
This author has a great Style. Good on facts . I did find the end abrupt. Not sure why . I am sure I wnt to read more of her booms
December 30, 2022
Good read
If you like the genre, and enjoying Native American stories, this is for you. Well crafted, moves right along, unique plot.
If you like the genre, and enjoying Native American stories, this is for you. Well crafted, moves right along, unique plot.
May 29, 2016
Blending mystery and the complexities of criminal cases on the tribal lands in Oklahoma, Scalp Dance: A Sam Chitto Mystery by Lu Clifton opens just outside of Hugo, Oklahoma. Lieutenant Sam Chitto is a member of the Oklahoma Choctaw Police. A man of honor and principles haunted by his past, he is also very frustrated with the rules and regulations regarding crimes and jurisdictional land boundaries. Frustration stemming from situations such as the current rape case he working where a non-Indian is the assailant and most likely nothing is ever going to happen to him.
Sam Chitto has made it clear to Director Daniel Blackfox that he wants and needs a change from the normal daily grind though this new case he had handed to him is not what he had in mind. The case involves the homicide of a man found on the Tuskahoma council house grounds. The victim was decapitated which, while clearly the cause of death, was also done in such a way to leave very little evidence behind. The head, once removed, was placed next to the body. It is also apparent that prior to death the deceased had been spread eagled and staked down to the dried ground made hard by the summer heat. Despite what must have gone on there is nearly no evidence on or around the body. Since the dead man, one Delbert Wilcox not listed on the tribal roll, was married to Emma Love Wilcox of the Chickasaw, Director Blackfox is going to pair Sam Chitto with Police Sergeant Frank Tubbe of the Chickasaw Nation. The director wants Tubbe and Chitto to work the case hard and fast and do as much as they can before the FBI swoops in and takes over.
That might have worked better if the person or persons involved had stopped at just one. They didn’t. As the bodies begin to accumulate, it slowly becomes clear the who and why behind it all in Scalp Dance: A Sam Chitto Mystery by Lu Clifton.
This is one of those cases where the review buzz and hype is actually warranted. Author of the middle school books titled Freaky Fast Frankie Joe, Immortal Max, and Seeking Cassandra, Lu Clifton has created a very strong novel of mystery as well as psychological complexity. She has taken the clichés of a son haunted by the unsolved case of his murdered father and a husband haunted by the death of his wife from cancer where the simple act of eating and enjoying food made by a woman could be viewed as a sign of disrespect to the dead wife, and managed to rework them both in ways that are fresh for readers. Add in various ongoing cases made more difficult by the legal complexities with regards to crimes on Indian lands in Oklahoma and more makes Scalp Dance: A Sam Chitto Mystery a solidly good read.
It will also be interesting to see what happens in the next book in the series. While the ending works and reveals the identities and motivations, it also raises at least a couple of questions in the mind of this reader as how this series will move forward. Nothing more can be said without very possibly ruining the book. That certainly will not happen here. It also would not be surprising if Scalp Dance: A Sam Chitto Mystery racked up several awards for author Lu Clifton. It truly is that good.
Scalp Dance: A Sam Chitto Mystery
Lu Clifton
http://www.lutricia-lois-clifton.com/
Five Star
http://www.gale.cengage.com/fivestar
February 2016
ISBN# 978-1-4328-3129-5
Hardback (also available in eBook format)
256 Pages
$25.95
Material supplied by the good folks of the Plano Public Library System.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2016
Sam Chitto has made it clear to Director Daniel Blackfox that he wants and needs a change from the normal daily grind though this new case he had handed to him is not what he had in mind. The case involves the homicide of a man found on the Tuskahoma council house grounds. The victim was decapitated which, while clearly the cause of death, was also done in such a way to leave very little evidence behind. The head, once removed, was placed next to the body. It is also apparent that prior to death the deceased had been spread eagled and staked down to the dried ground made hard by the summer heat. Despite what must have gone on there is nearly no evidence on or around the body. Since the dead man, one Delbert Wilcox not listed on the tribal roll, was married to Emma Love Wilcox of the Chickasaw, Director Blackfox is going to pair Sam Chitto with Police Sergeant Frank Tubbe of the Chickasaw Nation. The director wants Tubbe and Chitto to work the case hard and fast and do as much as they can before the FBI swoops in and takes over.
That might have worked better if the person or persons involved had stopped at just one. They didn’t. As the bodies begin to accumulate, it slowly becomes clear the who and why behind it all in Scalp Dance: A Sam Chitto Mystery by Lu Clifton.
This is one of those cases where the review buzz and hype is actually warranted. Author of the middle school books titled Freaky Fast Frankie Joe, Immortal Max, and Seeking Cassandra, Lu Clifton has created a very strong novel of mystery as well as psychological complexity. She has taken the clichés of a son haunted by the unsolved case of his murdered father and a husband haunted by the death of his wife from cancer where the simple act of eating and enjoying food made by a woman could be viewed as a sign of disrespect to the dead wife, and managed to rework them both in ways that are fresh for readers. Add in various ongoing cases made more difficult by the legal complexities with regards to crimes on Indian lands in Oklahoma and more makes Scalp Dance: A Sam Chitto Mystery a solidly good read.
It will also be interesting to see what happens in the next book in the series. While the ending works and reveals the identities and motivations, it also raises at least a couple of questions in the mind of this reader as how this series will move forward. Nothing more can be said without very possibly ruining the book. That certainly will not happen here. It also would not be surprising if Scalp Dance: A Sam Chitto Mystery racked up several awards for author Lu Clifton. It truly is that good.
Scalp Dance: A Sam Chitto Mystery
Lu Clifton
http://www.lutricia-lois-clifton.com/
Five Star
http://www.gale.cengage.com/fivestar
February 2016
ISBN# 978-1-4328-3129-5
Hardback (also available in eBook format)
256 Pages
$25.95
Material supplied by the good folks of the Plano Public Library System.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2016
April 15, 2016
I really liked this book which combines a good murder mystery with a background of Choctaw culture and an excellent character study of Sam Chitto. He is a native American law officer who has suffered the loss of his father and his young wife and who is very discouraged by the tribal law situation he finds himself in. He solves the murder mystery but is unable to resolve some of the other unfair situations for native Americans. I look forward to Lu Clifton's next installment of the Sam Chitto mystery series.
October 14, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. Its not as great as some of the great mystery writers but it does just fine. I would def read more. My favorite fiction has a sense of place. I.e. along with the mystery or drama you get a good sense of the area. Haven't run across many that take place in the Okalahoma area so I liked it just for that. The place wasn't a strong character, not like some of my favorites (Anna Pigeon, Woods Cop) but it was in a different place than usual.
May 23, 2024
outstanding read!
Not very offten do you come across a book like this that you can relate to your own background as this one did for me. My mother,s family goes back many years in Oklahoma. My dad workedy in his early years with B of Indian affairs in New Mexico where I attended school at Luguna and Santa Domingo and later lived in several other towns in New Mexico. Dad (Ray Bell”) was connected very closely with the bear cub that became “Smokey Bear”.
Not very offten do you come across a book like this that you can relate to your own background as this one did for me. My mother,s family goes back many years in Oklahoma. My dad workedy in his early years with B of Indian affairs in New Mexico where I attended school at Luguna and Santa Domingo and later lived in several other towns in New Mexico. Dad (Ray Bell”) was connected very closely with the bear cub that became “Smokey Bear”.
December 27, 2016
Pulls you in and won't let go
I enjoy mystery books void of needless eroticism and gore. A hard thing to find in current writing... until now The setting and characters are a breath of fresh air, enabling the reader to learn and explore while weaving through the mystery. I cannot wait for Ms. Clifton's next installment.
I enjoy mystery books void of needless eroticism and gore. A hard thing to find in current writing... until now The setting and characters are a breath of fresh air, enabling the reader to learn and explore while weaving through the mystery. I cannot wait for Ms. Clifton's next installment.
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