Wild Indigo

A Wild Mystery #1

by Sandi Ault

WILD INDIGO introduced Resource Protection Agent Jamaica Wild and her wolf cub, Mountain. When Agent Wild witnesses a Pueblo man killed in a buffalo stampede, she suspects foul play. Her attempts to solve the mystery surrounding the man's death lead her through a maize of peyote rituals, forbidden kiva ceremonies, and even Hispanic witchcraft.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Native American, Westerns, Mystery Thriller, Native Americans, Mythology

304 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 2, 2007

About the author

Sandi Ault is the award-winning author of the WILD Mystery Series, including WILD INDIGO, WILD INFERNO, WILD SORROW and WILD PENANCE. Ms. Ault 's first novel, WILD INDIGO, debuted to rousing critical acclaim from the likes of The New York Times and The Washington Post. It sold out of its first printing in less than a week, rocketed to the top of nine bestsellers lists, earned two starred reviews, and was the first-ever debut novel to be nominated for The Mary Higgins Clark Award, which it won. Sandi's sophomore outing, WILD INFERNO, also earned two starred reviews, raves from the critics, and sold out of its first printing in just five days! It won the WILLA Finalist Award from Women Writing the West, was a Colorado Book Award Finalist, and was named on five Best Books of 2008 Lists, including those of prestigious industry insider publications Publishers Weekly and Library Journal. The third in the WILD Mystery Series, WILD SORROW, won a starred review from Publishers Weekly and was named the winner of the WILLA Award for Best Contemporary Fiction from Women Writing the West. This book also won a SPUR Finalist Award from the Western Writers of America And the long-awaited prequel, WILD PENANCE, was released in 2010 and is earning author Sandi Ault more acclaim with every copy sold.

Sandi Ault lives among the pines in a high mountain valley of the Rockies with her husband Tracy, her wolf Tiwa, and her Missouri wildcat, Buckskin.

Ms. Ault teaches WILD Writing Workshops, and frequently appears as a speaker on the issues of wilderness, wolves, writing, and many aspects of Indian Country, among other topics. She has served as keynote speaker for the National Endowment for the Arts’ Big Read Program. Ault is a favorite of fans and promoters at conferences and book festivals due to her cowgirl charm and memorably enjoyable presentations.

Source: http://www.sandiault.com/index.html

Reviews

[Bradley Noell · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid beginning to a new mystery series with Native American themes. By Native American themes I mean the novel is mostly focused on their culture and lives than it is on the actual mystery but I don't know if I consider that a flaw or not. It's deeply interesting and our heroine has a wolf side kick so it's just about impossible to dislike this book. The story does wander a bit and I would be lying if I said it didn't feel like it the author was including every bit of research that she did for the book and that the book wouldn't have benefited from a little more editing for pace, but Sandi Ault manages to keep things interesting even when she is going off on side tangents. If your a fan of light mystery and Native American culture than this book is probably for you.

[Andria Potter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wolf named Mountain + lead female heroine = yes please.

A solid 4 🌟. I read this in one sitting!

[Suzanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I started off enjoying this book. The American Indian culture and traditions were interesting and the suicide / murder at the beginning promised to be intriguing. But, soon the book wandered all over the place with no particular direction. While one, or even a few, visions would have added some authentic back story, they seemed to be the only thing moving the mystery along. I found myself wondering if this book even WAS a mystery or if was an observation of reservation life.

When the mystery FINALLY came to a climax, I have to admit I am still confused as to who really committed the crime and exactly how Santana was killed. I pretty much get the "why," but it doesn't really support the magnitude of the crime.

As much of an animal lover as I am, I thought Jamaica's relationship with her "pet" wolf was weird.

It would take quite a bit of coaxing to get me to read the next in this series. Too bad since there were so many elements that could have made this a good mystery.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

First book in the "Wild" series. This was a decent mystery although I was confused somewhat at the climax. I never felt totally clear on what was actually going on and why the victim needed to be murdered. My biggest complaint though was that the Native American stuff was just way too heavy handed. The author would go off on long tangential side stories about the traditions while the story ground to a halt. It was clear that the author was interested in the Native American traditions and had done tons of research. Unfortunately she felt she had to tell it all in this book. I can only hope she lightens up in the succeeding books. It was good enough that I would be willing to try another one but I'm not rushing out to buy the next one.

[Normalene · Rating 2 out of 5]

If this girl could just stop doing truly stupid shit for just one moment and think things through, the book would have been way better and much shorter. Honestly it is one stupid thing after another and by page 120, I started to skim while still yelling at her on every other page.

I won't read the rest in the series as this character embodies every thing I don't like about how white people interact with other cultures - ignore their rules if you want to, don't respect their culture, don't listen when they tell you something and argue every chance you get. I did not care for how hard she worked to prove she was smarter than everyone else around her and it didn't ring true because the author had to work so hard to keep getting her out of the trouble she got herself into because of this chip on her shoulder.

The only thing I loved about it was the vivid imagery and descriptive passages. This author can really write setup and description, but her characters and plot need a lot of work.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I found the information about the tribal practices very interesting, I was disappointed that it took so long to get to the "mystery" part. And to be honest, I'm still not entirely clear on the "who" and "what" and "why" of it all. There was so much detail about custom that it seemed the story often got lost.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This mystery, set in the pueblos of New Mexico and filled with magical realism and Native American mysticism, is a departure from the cozy mysteries reviewed so far in the my #atozmysterytour – and that departure makes for a satisfying read. Take the deep dive, and travel with Jamaica Wild, agent for the Bureau of Land Management, as her journey weaves in and out of the lives of the Tiwa Puebloans who populate the fictional Tanoah Pueblo.

When Jerome Santana dies by apparent suicide in Jamaica’s presence during the Quiet Time when outsiders are not allowed in the Pueblo, Jamaica falls under suspicion and must rely on the teaching and protection of Momma Anna Santana, her medicine teacher, and Esperanza (also known as Telacote), a curandera. And always, the wolf cub Mountain is Jamaica’s companion.

Sandi Ault’s prose is lyrical; you won’t want to skim her depictions of the wild country of the Pueblos. There are two important pieces of information at the beginning of the book: a disclaimer stating that the author purposely combined disparate facts of her Native American research to ensure that this book’s mythology remain fictional, and a dedication to the real-life wolf cub Mountain.

Although the reader may wonder why Jamaica feels entitled to insert herself into Pueblo life over the objections of some, this is the first series in the A to Z Mystery Tour to stand out as an example of a deeper mystery. Five stars.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

This started off strong. It was clearly well researched, the initial plotting was good, and it was well written. But it started to taper off rather quickly, and then just continued to trickle downhill. Mystical elements were brought in that just didn't come together for me - the MC was wounded in a dream, and then they magically went away a few days later ?????? At the end I'm still not sure why the crime was committed. There was so much good here - kickass female protagonist, anthropological detail of a culture most of us know nothing about, a romantic relationship that exists at the beginning of the book so we don't have to go through the cat/mouse game we're usually subjected to. It just felt like all the pieces of the puzzle were here, but just didn't come together as a whole.

[Kathe Forrest · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book and the first few chapters were interesting. Ault went into a lot of description of the Pueblo Indians, their beliefs and medicine women and herbs and such but the main story after starting out, let’s say with a splash, petered out because she focused so much on this wolf dog of hers!
I’m not sure why this author wrote a story with that type of focus. It was supposed to be a murder mystery, but that was only a very small percentage of the book and so that was disappointing.

[Sheila Beaumont · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild Indigo was a terrific read! This entertaining mystery, set in northern New Mexico, near Taos, has it all: suspense, a fast pace, action, adventure, a vivid evocation of the beauty of the region, an enthralling story, Pueblo Indian culture and customs, mysticism, and engaging characters. Plus an irresistible wolf pup named Mountain, who apparently is based on the author's own late wolf, also named Mountain, to whose memory the book is dedicated. And according to a note at the end, she now has another wolf, named Tiwa.

If you like mysteries set in the Southwest, if you enjoy stories that involve American Indian culture, if you're a fan of Tony Hillerman, Margaret Coel or James D. Doss, or if you appreciate well-portrayed animal characters, you might want to give this a try.

[Kinsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rating of 3.5 for Wild Indigo. I was delighted with the information of the location and culture that enriched this book. I greatly enjoy the characters and especially the unlucky nature that Miss Wild has. She is enrapturing and entertaining, as is her wolf and her friends. I read this series a long while ago and still enjoy it's pages. I remember the writing, plot, and mystery gets better and better with each book. I am delighted to refresh my memories of these beautiful stories with their rich culture, delicious mystery, and joyful characters.
If you want a fresh narrative with new tales of mystery, culture, and natures offerings then I recommend the Wild Mysteries.

[Margaret Dee · Rating 2 out of 5]

This months mystery book selection.

I debated over giving it 2 or 3 stars. I found the book a little choppy. I enjoyed the relationship between the main character and her wolf but was unsure about the visions.

[Jaci · Rating 2 out of 5]

Female BLM agent deals with a murder at a Pueblo. This is no challenge to Hillerman and the character's relationship with her pet wolf is cloying.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deeply evocative descriptions of culture, landscape, and people bring this fascinating mystery to life. The author claims she has not appropriated culture from any particular group, but her depiction of Pueblo life, based on her extensive knowledge, is thoroughly convincing and pleasingly natural, making this the sort of novel where you feel you have learned something and expended your horizons.

Entertaining and absorbing, it’s a fairly slow read that suddenly ramps up as the protagonist (and her wolf) come under threat. “Family” commitments interfere with obedience to the letter of the law laid down by her boss. And human concern (plus concern for a beautiful wolf) feeds through it all.

The wolf is a wonderful character on his own (and thoroughly, scarily destructive at times). And the mysterious powers of potions, totems, and more are as haunting as the mystery of why a young man died. The author’s writing and knowledge truly drew me in and I really enjoyed the book.

Disclosure: I’m not sure how I got this one, but I think it’s a keeper.

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This just wasn't my cup of tea.
I don't know if it was the author's writing style (the first 2/3rds of the book were slower than slow and the last 1/3rd ran like a house on fire), lack of character development or affinity with the main character, the subject matter (Native American Pueblo Indian culture) I know nothing about or all three.
The book was SO slow but sheer stubborness kept me reading because I kept hoping it would get better. It didn't ... until *finally* some action happened that helped carry it to its' conclusion.
I really wanted to like this series but I just don't care about the characters that were introduced. Except for Mountain (the wolf), and unfortunately, that isn't enough to keep me reading.
Will recommend to other readers who don't require action-driven storylines.

[Bruce Mendelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nice first book in a series. The author introduces Jamaica Wild a BLM agent that works in Northern New Mexico. She has a pet wolf who is an interesting character in his own rite. Early on, there is a death of a native young man. It may be a suicide, or something more sinister. The story moves along well and there are great descriptions of the countryside and of the native culture. Jamaica is a likable character and I enjoyed her pursuit of the truth surrounding this incident. This is an entertaining, fast paced book where one learns about native history and also about the landscape of the Southwest. I look forward to continuing the series.

[Dusty Deal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this because it's a mystery set in a Pueblo and the main character is a female with a wolf. For me, the story moved too slowly and was overflowing with descriptive adjectives. ( I love descriptive adjectives, but this was a little too Faulkner) The main character is pretty meh. I read it. It was OK. I wouldn't recommend it unless you want to read about the Tanoah culture with a lot of Mysticism and a bit of mystery thrown in, described by a white woman who can't seem to remember to show respect for the culture she has been (partially) adopted into.

[Devon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very different from other things I have read. I enjoyed the Native American history and culture woven throughout the book and liked that it started off interesting. There was a bit of a lull in the middle where there seemed to be too much going on, but the ending was engaging. Good for Native American history and if you like mystery.

[Massanutten Regional Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robin, North River patron, June 2017, 5 stars:

An enjoyable mystery which provides some information on the Pueblo culture. If you like Tony Hillerman you will enjoy this book.

[Lindsay Farrell · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was tough to finish. Honestly, I was interested in learning about a new culture and had high hopes. Even the first few chapters were interesting. Then it took a turn into a rambling mess. I still don't even understand why it all happened in the first place.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sandi Ault has written a novel about the southwest and the Pueblo Indians around Taos, New Mexico. Lots of interesting Indian lore and customs woven into a story filled with a bit of magical realism.

[Tim Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book having lived in New Mexico and loving a good tale. Sandi Ault created this book that now has become a series. So I'm looking forward to finding out what she has in store next time. She's got me hooked.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a mystery novel that immediately my interest. Plus it was dotted with interesting cultural information about the Pueblo Indians. I loved the factual information about what life is like when you live with a wolf puppy.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of backcountry adventure and a light dusting of Puebloan culture. The female protagonist has a boyfriend who seems to serve no real plot function - token sex toy? The female friend seems much more interesting. The wolf is the real “significant other”.

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read

Enjoyable story with Native American lore. The description of the surrounding countryside is very detailed. Allows one the feel like they are actually there. One is drawn into the characters so that you within the story not just looking from the outside.

[Mai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really loved this, can't wait to read more in this series!

[Marseydoats · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was great! Looking forward to more of the series!

[Gene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, extremely well written with excellent characters believable crafted. And a wonderful wolf!

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure I got the point here. I also found some of the Wild Wolf girl's KSA's to be a stretch

[John F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting perspective. The wolf was a nice touch.
She seems to be a bit scatterbrained. Just sitting and listening to drums and talk spaced her out. Still, I enjoyed the story.