Buffalo Jump Blues

Sean Stranahan #5

by Keith McCafferty

In the fifth novel in the Sean Stranahan mystery series, Montana's favorite fly fisherman-detective tackles a case of lost love, murder, and wildlife politics. Cold Hearted River , the sixth in the series, is now available. 

“Keith McCafferty is a top-notch, first-rate, can’t-miss novelist.”
—C.J. Box, #1  New York Times  bestselling author 
 
In the wake of Fourth of July fireworks in Montana’s Madison Valley, Hyalite County sheriff Martha Ettinger and Deputy Sheriff Harold Little Feather investigate a horrific scene at the Palisades cliffs, where a herd of bison have fallen to their deaths. Victims of blind panic caused by the pyrotechnics, or a ritualistic hunting practice dating back thousands of years? The person who would know is beyond asking, an Indian man found dead among the bison, his leg pierced by an arrow.
 
Farther up the valley, fly fisherman, painter, and sometime private detective Sean Stranahan has been hired by the beautiful Ida Evening Star, a Chippewa Cree woman who moonlights as a mermaid at the Trout Tails Bar & Grill, to find her old flame, John Running Boy. The cases seem unrelated—until Sean’s search leads him right to the brink of the buffalo jump. With unforgettable characters and written with Spur Award Winner Keith McCafferty's signature grace and wry humor, Buffalo Jump Blues weaves a gripping tale of murder, wildlife politics, and lost love.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Westerns, Audiobook, Contemporary, Mystery Thriller, Animals

306 pages, Hardcover

First published June 28, 2016

About the author

Keith McCafferty is the Survival and Outdoor Skills Editor of Field & Stream. He has written articles for publications as diverse as Fly Fisherman Magazine, Mother Earth News, Grays Sporting Journal and the Chicago Tribune, and on subjects ranging from mosquitoes to wolves to mercenaries and exorcism. Based in Montana and working on assignment around the globe he recently spent a month in India trekking the Himalayas, fishing for golden mahseer and studying tigers. Keith has won numerous awards, including the Robert Traver Award for angling literature. He has twice been a finalist for a National Magazine Award.

Reviews

[Magdalena · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first reaction when I started to read this book was puzzlement. Not over the story, but that Martha and Harold Little Feather seemed to be an item (again). I kept thinking, but what about Sean? What about the ending in the last book? Then, it was all cleared up and explained. Sigh, humans, that they never learn.

As for the story about the mass death of the bisons that was a gruesome scene to read about. I'm not a big fan of death of animals in books and reading about Harold walking around the dying animals and being the one that had to kill the ones that were still alive was horrible. It was an interesting case, although it felt like it took some time for the story to really get interesting when it came to this storyline.

There are two side stories in this book, the death of the man found after the buffalo jump that Martha and Harold have to deal with and Sean Stranahan being hired to search for man by a woman that moonlights as a mermaid at a bar. I found both stories interesting and yes there is a connection between the cases. Then, there is all the circus concerning a young bison calf that part I actually enjoyed the most to read about. And, because of that I really loved the ending of the book!

Buffalo Jump Blues is a good book, not as captivating as the previous, but still a good book!

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This surprised me because I wasn't expecting much out of it. Turns out it's a well-written novel with an element of suspense that keeps you motivated to keep reading. It's not something that occupied all of my time or head space; I was able to put it down for a couple days then come back to it without feeling like I was missing out. I'd say that's ultimately its only downside--there's no sense of urgency, even when all of our players are trying to solve the case and dealing with the climax of the story. I really enjoyed the look into a world outside my own, too: these are a bunch of mid-Westerners who spend their time following bison, fly fishing, and hunting. Far beyond my scope of knowledge, I can assure you!

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Our visit to Montana starts right after the Independence Day celebration. Sheriff Martha Ettinger and Deputy Sheriff Harold Little Feather are called in to investigate a murder and massacre. A herd of buffalo have plummeted off the edge of a cliff and a man is found dead nearby. When they notice the man has an arrow in his leg they have to assume it wasn’t the fireworks that started the stampede.

We find Sean Stranahan taking it easy painting and finishing until he is approached to help Ida Evening Star find a man she hasn’t seen in years. While performing as a mermaid in the local tavern she noticed him watching her. Could it really have been her old boyfriend, John Running Boy? Sean agrees to help her and it isn’t long before his investigation runs right into Martha’s. They have parted ways but he is hoping they can still work together.

I have been a fan of Keith McCafferty since I read the first book in this series. I just love the way he writes. The main character, Sean Stranahan, is so genuine, laid back, calm, and easy going in almost everything he does. That is the way the author writes. He includes very graphic details of people, time and place. As with all the other books in this series I was hooked from page 1.

That is not to say the book is not full of suspense because it is. There are surprises around every turn of this complex mystery. Sean has his way of investigating and Martha has hers. Harold Little Feather helps out when they need to involve and talk to the people on the reservation. They do make a good team even though there is romantic tension now that Martha is no longer with Sean and seeing Harold. The modes of investigation are credible and the dialogue is stellar. The characters themselves and their relationships continue to evolve and remain engaging. The mystery ebbs and flows. The final twist was absolutely fantastic.

I did not know much about these “buffalo jumps” prior to reading this story. The author weaves the history of such feats into the story to give a reader like me plenty of background and understanding about the American buffalo and their dwindling numbers. The political spin and the public/private land quandary was very topical and interesting. McCafferty takes on a serious issue in a fictional way that can create and raise awareness. I applaud him for doing this.

Mr. McCafferty is a true storyteller. I can picture a group of us all around a campfire and him telling us this story of Sean, Martha, the Native Americans, the law, and the buffalo. Escape west and enjoy. I truly did.

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Have read several in this series. This book kept me more interested in the background story than the murder. Regarding what is happening to the buffalo and other wildlife now just eats at me. Don't understand why buffalo are so threatening (the book states it's because of an invalid assumption that they carry a disease harmful to cattle). It's just wrong to kill off our wildlife to the pont, if not the reality of, extinction. While the book is not rabid on the subject, you can tell what 'side' the author is on, and I'm with him.

[Dale Kerbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

All good mystery novels contain the elements necessary to keep me following along, trying to solve the riddle, yet keeping me guessing until near the end. A successful series will take me places I want to be, filling me with the sights, sounds and smells of those locations in such a way that I feel as though I am there. It will introduce me to characters that I want to know, gradually letting me into their lives until I become invested in their successes and failures, including their loves – both found and lost. Keith McCafferty’s Sean Stranahan series does all of this for me.
Buffalo Jump Blues, the fifth book in this series, does this and goes one step further as McCafferty weaves the all too real fate of the American bison into his fictional mystery. This is a story of the Rocky Mountain west with its beautiful vistas, interesting characters, and a history that permeates its current day politics – for better or for worse. I appreciate when an author is willing to risk opening themselves up to their readers. In Buffalo Jump Blues McCafferty does a good job of using his eccentric characters and their humorous entanglements to entertain us while highlighting a serious issue that cries to be brought more into the public eye.

[Carsten Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the interesting features of the First-to-read program is that frequently come across authors of whom you have previously heard nothing. That is the case with this book an Keith McGafferty.
The story takes place in Madison Valley, Montana right after the Fourth of July when the county sheriff and her deputy are investigating the herd of bison who had fallen to their death at Palisades Cliff, and those that haven't died are are put out of their misery.
They wonder if the buffalo were victims of blind panic caused by the fireworks or if was it an ancient ritualistic practice.
Their theories are changed when the body of an Indian with an arrow in his leg was found among the slaughter. At the same time Sean Stranahan was hired by beautiful Ida Evening Star, a Cree, who works as a mermaid in a tank at a local bar to find her old flame, John Running Boy. Both cases seem related when Sean's investigation leads him right to the buffalo jump.
There are plenty of interesting characters in this story that had me intrigued from beginning to end.
[An ARC of this book for the purposes of this review was generously provided through the First-to-read program.]

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one. Eye-opening re: the plight of bison in this country. Damm guv'ment...

[Chris Conley · Rating 5 out of 5]

These Sean Stranahan books are terrific. I always come away from them wishing I had asked my dad to take me fly fishing with him. The outdoor stuff in these books is fascinating and the crimes he helps solve always keep me on my toes. And, in an interesting "huh" moment, I first heard of McCafferty in a talk by C.J. Box and in this book, Sean mentions reading C.J. Box. Fun. 😊

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story revolves around the plight of bison who stray beyond the boundaries of Yellowstone National Park. In Montana (and apparently in Idaho, as well) when this book was written, state agents were tasked with killing bison when they have strayed beyond Yellowstone in order to “protect” local livestock from a disease that has never been transmitted to local livestock. Activist groups do much to bring attention to this unreasonable practice and do what they can to track roaming bison groups and raise public outcry against killing them. These groups sometimes attract people whose commitment is to the glory and excitement of being anti-government rather than to protecting bison and changing laws. The two brothers who are despicable in every way are two such thrill-seekers. Drama continues between Sean and Martha; their timing is outrageously terrible.

[Cyn McDonald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trigger warning: Lots of dead bison.

The story is good. The supporting information about the plight of bison and the controversy over herds being permitted on public and reservation lands is well-presented, but ultimately frustrating and sad.

[Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

5th novel in the Sean Stranahan series. The story takes place in Madison Valley, Montana. Beautiful country, which I have been blessed to visit. Good story with wonderful characters. One of my favorite series.

[Drick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third in the Sean Stranahan series I 've read and my favorite. In this book Keith McCafferty not only tells a good story but educates us a bit on the tensions between ranchers and those who want the buffalo to a have a greater range of freedom to roam, and between Native American ways and Those of the Whites. All in all a good story and some education along the way

[Carolyn Livingston · Rating 4 out of 5]

I selected this book from Free to Read because it has elements that I enjoy in a book. I like stories that have history and setting/place (especially American Southwest and West) as important elements, that include Native Americans, and that expand my knowledge in some way. The fact that my husband and I had visited a buffalo jump along Interstate 90 in eastern Montana a few years ago also played a part.

The book did not disappoint, with an interesting plot and characters and a story that kept my interest all the way through. I picked up some interesting information about buffalo jumps, the fight over buffalo wandering off federal lands , and a little about fly fishing. I also liked that everything wasn't wrapped up quickly, but each piece was resolved in its own chapter.

This met my need for an enjoyable read, and it was one that I could pick up and put down while being able to get right back into the story each time I came back.

I received a free copy from First to Read for an unbiased review.

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finally, Sean doesn't sleep with the woman involved in the "case"!! I just love these characters! Sam has grown on me and might even be my favorite in this one. The banter back and forth with Sam cracks me up. So even if this was not favorite of this series, I will definitely pick up the next one.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This mystery is a statement about outdated and absurd practices- the killing of bison in Idaho and Montana that stray from Yellowstone Park. This is done because of the ranching industry's hysterical anxiety over brucellosis despite there's no proof or evidence that bison have transmitted this disease to cattle. Beautiful animals being shot down because they are doing what is in their DNA-roaming. The author who lives in Bozeman, MT and is a former editor of Field and Stream Magazine is no stranger to the great outdoors that is Montana. Fishing which this series is based on takes a back seat in this episode to the plight of the bison.

The plot revolves around some stray bison that are forced off a cliff in a tradition Native American hunting technique-pishkun. However, instead of being slaughtered for their meat and skins they are left to die long horrible deaths. Their cries are heard across the river and a police officer who is Native American puts them out of their misery. Who did this and why? Soon a Native American male's body is found in the vicinity of the jump. It appears his death was not an accident but a murder. Sean Stranahan is looking for a woman's childhood friend, who is Native American. He gets involved when he takes out some rich kids (twin boys) on the river and they drop some loose talk about the incident which might implicate them and seems to involve the missing childhood friend. Sean tells his ex, the sheriff, and the next thing he knows he's on the county payroll and on a quest that takes him all over Montana. Death seems to follow the rich twins wherever they go and another local character involved with bison ends up dead soon after.

This story rambles a little and it culminated early or at least you think it's culminated. But the author has a startling surprise before the ending. Karma is the final justice.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This delightful series continues to gently sweep me down rivers and into the backcountry. As a whitewater river guide and outdoorsy gal, I appreciate the author's descriptions of rivers, currents, and - even though I'm not an angler - the details of fishing ties. This installment continues the author's focus on environmental issues, delving into the politics of managing bison herds in and around public lands. I came away surprised that unscientific beliefs drive public policy and sad about the sway that ranchers continue to have over *our* declining Western ecosystems. Politics aside, the story is entertaining and breezy, and the characters are light, but charming. Except for Martha. She has to be one hell of a woman serving in rural law enforcement and taking on the male establishment, but she continues to be reduced to a simpering, insecure sidekick, inexplicably turning over more and more authority to a young, inexperienced dude. And that dude doesn't seem to be maturing in the romantic arena. It just doesn't make sense. The storyline would be much more engaging if the author would give her some backbone and have her kicking his *ss a bit.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is number five in the Sean Stranahan mystery series, although it works as a stand alone.

These are Montana-based mysteries, steeped in Montana events and places – such as Great Falls’ (in)famous bar with mermaids. When recently asked about this genre of mystery, I called them ‘hairy knees and fly fishing’.

Sean Stranahan is a fishing guide, artist and part time detective. As he is guiding a raft fishing trip, there is an area below a sheer cliff face where bison are dead and dying. It appears that someone has driven them from the cliffs above in an attempt to recreate the Native American pishkun drives. And of course, there is a body – a Blackfeet Indian killed in a most gruesome way.

This one was actually more interesting to me than others in the series as it touches on the problems of the bison when they leave the protection of Yellowstone National Park. It also is a mini-handbook on the problems of jurisdiction on and off Indian Reservations. In an interview, the author said he didn’t mean to write a political novel – but this one is more political, and so to me more interesting than others in the series.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story about the buffalo herds that wander into Idaho, Montana and any surrounding state from Yellowstone National Park and killed by the game wardens and others. Every year hundreds are killed to keep the herd size down because the cattlemen don't want to share the grazing lands.

The actual story is about two brothers who get two Native American young men to agree to do a "pishkin". That is the intentional running of a herd over a cliff. The Native American Indians did it in years past to gather the meat and hides as well as other parts of the buffalo to keep their tribes fed and clothed. That was not the plan this time.

The day I finished the book I saw a story on the news that there would be a big push to kill several hundred in Yellowstone because the herd had gotten too large and they were worried about the buffalo wandering off into other territory! Truly sad.

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

#5 in the Sean Stranahan series. This 2016 series entry by author Keith McCafferty deals with the modern plight of the American Buffalo and adds a pair of psychopathic twins getting involved with an underground reenactment of an historic Indian method of hunting buffalo. Not too much fishing in this series entry but it is still packed with regional color.

Something causes 11 bison to jump off the Palisades cliffs. Nearby, Sheriff Martha Ettinger and Deputy Harold Little Feather discover the corpse of a Native American man who was disemboweled, shot with an arrow, and left to die. Down at the local mermaid bar, performer Ida Evening Star hires fly-fishing private eye Stranahan to track down her childhood sweetheart, John Running Boy, whom she thinks may be in town. The cases intersect, and the investigators join forces when it's determined the bison were driven to their deaths during a reenactment of an ancient hunting ritual in which Running Boy likely participated.

[Terry Steinborn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another winner from Keith McCafferty. Not only was this an interesting and well-worked-out mystery, but it also did a fine job of bringing out the issues of buffalo (bison) survival in the west. A Native-American style buffalo jump takes place on the upper Madison River near Yellowstone NP in SW Montana, and in the process a young Native American man is killed. Other murders occur, but official interest of solving crimes associated with free-ranging bison is essentially non existent in Montana, the land of the Welfare Rancher. In Montana as well as in other states in the Mountain West, ranchers are rabidly opposed to allowing bison herds to run free, to the extent that the State has issued kill-on-sight orders. McCafferty presents the other side of this issue, and does so very effectively. The mystery seems to center on a pair of brothers who are rich, privileged and spoiled, and who have been allowed to get away with various crimes for their whole lives.

[Mary Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. This is the first of this series that I have read and it read well as a stand-alone story. I enjoyed the book very much. Good history of the northern plains bison and their long symbiotic history with local Native American tribes. Expounds upon the ridiculous regulatory restrictions that threaten the bison today. Quite a bit of foul language, but not exactly oppressive. The story was intricate and meaningful. The settings for the novel in and around the Yellowstone area were well-developed and engrossing. The mystery itself was not too complicated and had the necessary twists and turns to keep the reader moving along. Likeable main characters with relatable personal histories and aspirations. Will gladly look for more from this author. Will happily share with friends.

[Dave Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buffalo Jump Blues is the fifth in the Sean Stranahan series, and I read the first four. This thriller/mystery was not quite as suspenseful as some of the others, but I loved it nonetheless. The story revolves around a buffalo jump, where wild basin are driven off a cliff. Until I read this, I did not realize that so much conflict exists between ranchers and naturalists over the wild bison population. I was aware of the wolf issue, but not bison. At any rate the plot is well formulated, and Sean is surrounded by the usual cast of characters; Martha, Kate, Harold, Gigi, and Sam; and I love them all. Quite a few native Americans make an appearance, and the Glacier area of Montana is central to the plot. Give it a read, and I'm sure you will enjoy it. There are only seven Sean Stranahan books in total, so I regret that I only have two more to look forward to. Perhaps Mr. McCafferty is busy writing another addition.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

References historical Indian culture, specifically the slaughter of buffalo by running them over a cliff, Indian values, and contemporary Indian life ... There's some interesting research (although occasionally presented in clunky paragraphs of exposition) about federal and state agencies' policies regarding the Yellowstone buffalo herds, brought down to particulars in the case of a buffalo calf that survives the jump and is saved from official destruction by some of the story's characters. The investigation by our favorite fly fisherman and watercolor artist (and sometimes detective) takes place within the context of interlocking male-female relationships that advance within the story. Unfortunately, Sean and Martha just can't seem to be in the same place emotionally at the same time.

[Scott Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this one too, but another detail error that is a common annoying misperception. At one point, they were discussing a small arrowhead and called it a "bird point". There was no such thing as a "bird point". Small arrowheads were JUST arrowheads and not used solely for birds because they were small. You didn't want something big an heavy on an arrow. It wouldn't fly. Larger projectile points were used on atlatls and spears. With that said, this was another good PG-13 Patrick McManus style Bo Tulley mystery (artist, private investigator, fly fisherman) who solves a murder mystery. This one is a little darker too. I heard abot the ancient Buffalo Jump strategy when I live out west. Good to see a story bout it. Good narration again. Recommend.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe this series continues to improve and this one tops the rest. A controversial subject is handled with a level of objectivity rarely seen in fiction or non-fiction for that matter. The characters are well developed and have increasing depth as the series progresses. One of the things I loved about living in Montana was the expressions used by the old timers. McCafferty sprinkles them in adding not just to the humor in the story but actually increasing the believebility of the characters.

The Madison valley is a beautiful for which I have many fond memories. McCafferty nails the area and the people.

[Dennis Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoyed the first four novels you will enjoy the fifth one in the Sean Stranahan mystery series. The backdrop is interesting: the technology of Buffalo jumps and the politics of Bison management in the American west. I have fly fishing comment about a statement on page 174, “I know that a March Brown and a gray drake don’t look alike but are actually the same species, Maccaffertium vicarium.” I know this is a play on the author’s name and I know that the March Brown and the “Gray Fox” were formerly known as Stenonema vicarium and Stenonema fuscum but are now considered the same species. The “Gray drake” is a different species, Siphlonrus occidentalis.

[Vontel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book, well worth reading, character developments proceed. Interesting information about the reintroduction of bison in the US, and varying views of whether or not they should be allowed to roam outside a specific part of Yellowstone National Park, and who should decide and act. The plot is triggered by someone in Montana creating an over-the-cliff jump of a stray herd of bison.

I previously read his Grey Ghost Murders (#3 in the series) and enjoyed it, but must have been shortly before joining GR. Some of the characters and settings are familiar in reading this #5 book. No doubt it might be helpful to read the books in sequence, but not essential.

[Theodore Kinni · Rating 1 out of 5]

Made it all the way to page 24, past the detailed descriptions of every firearm, to a conversation between the PI and a "mermaid" on a cigarette break outside a bar:

"What's you last name, Ida?"
"Evening Star."
"Like Venus?"
"No, Venus is a planet. It's just called the Evening Star."
"Ah. So that's why you asked me earlier about the stars."
"No, I was just making conversation."
"I showed you mine, show me yours. Is it out tonight?"
"Maybe if I knew you better."
"Are you?"
"Going to know me better? I don't know."

I know. I'm not going to get to know this series better.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

When many bison are found dead at the bottom of a cliff, the question is whether they panicked due to fireworks or was it part of an ancient Native American hunting practice. The more serious issue is what caused the death of a young Native American man at the scene of the dead bison.

Sean Stranaan is hired by Ida Evening Star, a college student working during the summer as a mermaid at the Trout Tails Bar & Grill. She hires him to look for a boyfriend from many years ago who she thought she saw briefly at the bar.

Sean's private investigation soon become connected to the dead bison.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good one in this series. Sean Stranahan is a great character, smart and persistent. As in the other books, I wish Martha, the sheriff, had more to do with solving the mystery and was more involved in the action. This book was all about the horrible plight of the bison and how ranchers and wildlife officers in Montana kill them whenever they leave Yellowstone Park. Same situation in Wyoming and Idaho. Though published 7 years ago, I doubt anything has changed. Sad, a very sad commentary on the failure of humans to care for the other species who also live here and for Earth itself.