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Wind River Reservation #20
Winter's Child
Margaret Coel’s New York Times bestselling series continues as Arapaho attorney Vicky Holden and Father John O’Malley discover that a centuries-old mystery is tied to a modern-day crime on the Wind River Reservation…
In the midst of a blizzard, Myra and Eldon Little Shield found an abandoned baby on their doorstep and brought her inside. Five years later, no one has come back to claim the little girl now known as Mary Anne Little Shield. But now that she’s old enough to start school, her foster parents fear social services will take her—a white child—away from them.
Determined to adopt Mary Anne, the Little Shields hire lawyer Clint Hopkins, who wants Vicky as cocounsel on the case. But before their meeting can take place, a black truck deliberately runs Hopkins down in the street.
Enlisting Father John to help investigate who would kill to stop the child’s adoption, Vicky unravels a connection between the five-year-old girl and a missing alcoholic Arapaho wanted for robbery—only to uncover one of the darkest secrets in Wind River’s history…
In the midst of a blizzard, Myra and Eldon Little Shield found an abandoned baby on their doorstep and brought her inside. Five years later, no one has come back to claim the little girl now known as Mary Anne Little Shield. But now that she’s old enough to start school, her foster parents fear social services will take her—a white child—away from them.
Determined to adopt Mary Anne, the Little Shields hire lawyer Clint Hopkins, who wants Vicky as cocounsel on the case. But before their meeting can take place, a black truck deliberately runs Hopkins down in the street.
Enlisting Father John to help investigate who would kill to stop the child’s adoption, Vicky unravels a connection between the five-year-old girl and a missing alcoholic Arapaho wanted for robbery—only to uncover one of the darkest secrets in Wind River’s history…
294 pages, Hardcover
First published September 6, 2016
164 people are currently reading
831 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Coel
64 books504 followersMargaret Coel is the New York Times bestselling, award-winning author of the acclaimed novels featuring Father John O'Malley and Vicky Holden, as well as several works of nonfiction. Originally a historian by trade, she is considered an expert on the Arapaho Indians.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
March 10, 2017
Where to start! It broke my heart to realize this book was the last of the Wind River Mystery series! I discovered them when book 4 came out, then went back and read the first 3. Since that time, I have read each one as they came out. This is my favorite series of books! This last one I let sit on the shelf for awhile because I didn't want to part with Father John and Vicky Holden, and I wasn't sure how Ms. Coel would end things with them. Once I started reading Winter's Child, I could hardly put it down as I thought it was one of the best of the entire series. Although the ending didn't turn out to be exactly what I was hoping for, I am so proud that she ended the series with integrity! I will miss the mission and all my favorite characters, but thank you, Margaret Coel, for almost 20 years of enjoyment!!
September 17, 2016
A suspenseful thriller.
A beautiful suspenseful tale weaving Native American history with American legal action in custody, adoption and murder. It brings to life Arapahoe lives and alcohol abuse on the reservation and I loved the narrative and the description of the snowy plains. This is a long playing story of a Catholic priest and an American female lawyer. I've been reading Margaret Coel for many years and never fail to enjoy her novels.
A beautiful suspenseful tale weaving Native American history with American legal action in custody, adoption and murder. It brings to life Arapahoe lives and alcohol abuse on the reservation and I loved the narrative and the description of the snowy plains. This is a long playing story of a Catholic priest and an American female lawyer. I've been reading Margaret Coel for many years and never fail to enjoy her novels.
October 2, 2016
As the last of the Wind River Mystery series, Margaret Coel has written her best book. It features strangely parallel stories of two white children raised and loved by Indians, one in the 19th century and one today. it is clear throughout this story that Coel is passionate about finishing this series, and perhaps even setting the stage for a new series of stories. Coel does a good job of weaving in Indian traditions and glimpses into their everyday lives.
By introducing Father John's niece Shannon, she sets the stage for telling the story of Lizzie Broken Horn, a white girl who was taken from a wagon train and raised by Indians, married and lived a life believing that she was Arapaho,even though she had light skin and blond hair.
It is an intriguing story and I for one will miss the series. Thank you Margaret for giving us these stories.
Bruce
By introducing Father John's niece Shannon, she sets the stage for telling the story of Lizzie Broken Horn, a white girl who was taken from a wagon train and raised by Indians, married and lived a life believing that she was Arapaho,even though she had light skin and blond hair.
It is an intriguing story and I for one will miss the series. Thank you Margaret for giving us these stories.
Bruce
June 27, 2018
This was the best Father John and Vicky Holden mystery I've read in a while. Much less hand wringing and lots more honest feelings. Father John's niece comes to do some research on the Wind River Reservation. She added a lot of life to the story this time. Good one.
September 27, 2016
http://openbooksociety.com/article/wi...
Winter’s Child
Wind River Reservation #20
By Margaret Coel
ISBN (eARC)
margaretcoel.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
In the midst of a blizzard, Myra and Eldon Little Shield found an abandoned baby on their doorstep and brought her inside. Five years later, no one has come back to claim the little girl now known as Mary Anne Little Shield. But now that she’s old enough to start school, her foster parents fear social services will take her—a white child—away from them.
Determined to adopt Mary Anne, the Little Shields hire lawyer Clint Hopkins, who wants Vicky as co-counsel on the case. But before their meeting can take place, a black truck deliberately runs Hopkins down in the street.
Enlisting Father John to help investigate who would kill to stop the child’s adoption, Vicky unravels a connection between the five-year-old girl and a missing alcoholic Arapaho wanted for robbery—only to uncover one of the darkest secrets in Wind River’s history…(from Goodreads)
Review:
The Wind River Reservation series is another of my favorite cozies that blends history and mystery, past and present, so it was with sadness that I learned ‘Winter’s Child’ would be the last in this series. The pages in this novel turned way too quickly for my happiness! ‘Winter’s Child’ captivated me from the very beginning through to the final page.
Clint Hopkins, the best adoption attorney in the area, asked Vicky was asked to work as co-counsel with him on a case. She met him at an attorney’s dinner where he would share his brief notes, then they would discuss them in the morning. Except that Clint didn’t see the next morning. Vicky and another attorney witnessed him being run down as he crossed the street after the meeting, and the vehicle didn’t stop. Vicky believed the truck was waiting for him and deliberately ran him down, while other witnesses felt that the driver of the truck simply didn’t see him through the heavy falling snow and may not have even know that he/ she had hit someone.
The case was regarding a husband and wife who, five years earlier, had lost their infant girl and the wife, Myra was grieving terribly. Only weeks later, early on a snowy morning an infant girl was left in a box on their doorstep; while they heard someone outside and went to find the child, they only saw a woman with long black hair running into a truck they couldn’t identify through the snow as it sped away. They never contacted the police on the rez and now, as the girl was five, they learned that they should legally adopt her. What made the case unusual is that Arapahoes usually wouldn’t be adopting a caucasian child.
Vicky had a very pressing case ongoing for a young man, an alcoholic. She tried to get a deal from the prosecutor that if he turned himself in, they would reduce his charges and his time served would be in the rehab they would take him to. His mother was happy, until he didn’t turn himself in. When Vicky finally located him, he had a gun, a wad of money, enough booze for a day or two…and he wouldn’t go. His mother refused to give up on him; Vicky quickly tried to learn what Clint had that could cause him to seek co-counsel. He left very little in the way of notes on this or any case – his valuable notes were in his head, and he took them to the grave.
Vicky contacted Father John O’Malley about the pending adoption to see what he knew of the family. Neither could foresee the terrible secrets that would come to light through the case.
Father John’s niece Shannon was writing her dissertation on a pair of sisters from the 1800’s who had been kidnapped by Cheyenne; one sister was able to get away from her captors, but her baby sister was traded with Arapahoe. The younger sister, Lizzie, always thought of herself as Arapahoe in spite of her obvious difference in appearance. She married, had children, and died on the rez in the early 20th century. Shannon hoped to find Lizzie’s real history, the stuff that the history books omit. It is in hearing about Lizzie and Shannon’s finding that Vicky begins to understand a bit about the mystery of the adoption.
The characters are as well-developed as necessary for each of their roles. I think that I could meet either Father John or Vicky and be able to converse with them based on how they have been described, their actions and conversations. I admire an author who presents any person in a position of authority or with a successful career who is an alcoholic; Father John was not long out of rehab when he was sent by the Jesuits to the mission. Also a delight is the elderly, retired Bishop, Harry, who also resides there. The poignancy is not lost of a man who had been so active during his decades in varying capacities with the Jesuits who is now trying to be useful. In contrast is Shannon, with her brilliance and youthful energy, someone who will be a delight to Father John and the Bishop, and is probably the most open- book person in the novel. The author’s care for each person she writes about is obvious when reading about each person.
The plot is amazing! I love the multiple mysteries; the twists and turns change the reader’s view of them. Just when I thought I knew what the answers were, and couldn’t understand why Vicky wasn’t seeing them, she surprised me with some answers I hadn’t thought of. Two of the scenes were so filled with suspense that I couldn’t stop reading even though I was afraid to see what would occur! It was with mixed emotions that I finished the novel; while the ending was overall satisfying, I could feel hope for several of the characters and sadness for a couple others. I highly recommend ‘Winter’s Child’ to those who enjoy well-written cozy mysteries served with a side of history and the savory seasoning of a rural setting on a Native American reservation. I also look forward to this wonderful author’s next writing endeavor!
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
Winter’s Child
Wind River Reservation #20
By Margaret Coel
ISBN (eARC)
margaretcoel.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
In the midst of a blizzard, Myra and Eldon Little Shield found an abandoned baby on their doorstep and brought her inside. Five years later, no one has come back to claim the little girl now known as Mary Anne Little Shield. But now that she’s old enough to start school, her foster parents fear social services will take her—a white child—away from them.
Determined to adopt Mary Anne, the Little Shields hire lawyer Clint Hopkins, who wants Vicky as co-counsel on the case. But before their meeting can take place, a black truck deliberately runs Hopkins down in the street.
Enlisting Father John to help investigate who would kill to stop the child’s adoption, Vicky unravels a connection between the five-year-old girl and a missing alcoholic Arapaho wanted for robbery—only to uncover one of the darkest secrets in Wind River’s history…(from Goodreads)
Review:
The Wind River Reservation series is another of my favorite cozies that blends history and mystery, past and present, so it was with sadness that I learned ‘Winter’s Child’ would be the last in this series. The pages in this novel turned way too quickly for my happiness! ‘Winter’s Child’ captivated me from the very beginning through to the final page.
Clint Hopkins, the best adoption attorney in the area, asked Vicky was asked to work as co-counsel with him on a case. She met him at an attorney’s dinner where he would share his brief notes, then they would discuss them in the morning. Except that Clint didn’t see the next morning. Vicky and another attorney witnessed him being run down as he crossed the street after the meeting, and the vehicle didn’t stop. Vicky believed the truck was waiting for him and deliberately ran him down, while other witnesses felt that the driver of the truck simply didn’t see him through the heavy falling snow and may not have even know that he/ she had hit someone.
The case was regarding a husband and wife who, five years earlier, had lost their infant girl and the wife, Myra was grieving terribly. Only weeks later, early on a snowy morning an infant girl was left in a box on their doorstep; while they heard someone outside and went to find the child, they only saw a woman with long black hair running into a truck they couldn’t identify through the snow as it sped away. They never contacted the police on the rez and now, as the girl was five, they learned that they should legally adopt her. What made the case unusual is that Arapahoes usually wouldn’t be adopting a caucasian child.
Vicky had a very pressing case ongoing for a young man, an alcoholic. She tried to get a deal from the prosecutor that if he turned himself in, they would reduce his charges and his time served would be in the rehab they would take him to. His mother was happy, until he didn’t turn himself in. When Vicky finally located him, he had a gun, a wad of money, enough booze for a day or two…and he wouldn’t go. His mother refused to give up on him; Vicky quickly tried to learn what Clint had that could cause him to seek co-counsel. He left very little in the way of notes on this or any case – his valuable notes were in his head, and he took them to the grave.
Vicky contacted Father John O’Malley about the pending adoption to see what he knew of the family. Neither could foresee the terrible secrets that would come to light through the case.
Father John’s niece Shannon was writing her dissertation on a pair of sisters from the 1800’s who had been kidnapped by Cheyenne; one sister was able to get away from her captors, but her baby sister was traded with Arapahoe. The younger sister, Lizzie, always thought of herself as Arapahoe in spite of her obvious difference in appearance. She married, had children, and died on the rez in the early 20th century. Shannon hoped to find Lizzie’s real history, the stuff that the history books omit. It is in hearing about Lizzie and Shannon’s finding that Vicky begins to understand a bit about the mystery of the adoption.
The characters are as well-developed as necessary for each of their roles. I think that I could meet either Father John or Vicky and be able to converse with them based on how they have been described, their actions and conversations. I admire an author who presents any person in a position of authority or with a successful career who is an alcoholic; Father John was not long out of rehab when he was sent by the Jesuits to the mission. Also a delight is the elderly, retired Bishop, Harry, who also resides there. The poignancy is not lost of a man who had been so active during his decades in varying capacities with the Jesuits who is now trying to be useful. In contrast is Shannon, with her brilliance and youthful energy, someone who will be a delight to Father John and the Bishop, and is probably the most open- book person in the novel. The author’s care for each person she writes about is obvious when reading about each person.
The plot is amazing! I love the multiple mysteries; the twists and turns change the reader’s view of them. Just when I thought I knew what the answers were, and couldn’t understand why Vicky wasn’t seeing them, she surprised me with some answers I hadn’t thought of. Two of the scenes were so filled with suspense that I couldn’t stop reading even though I was afraid to see what would occur! It was with mixed emotions that I finished the novel; while the ending was overall satisfying, I could feel hope for several of the characters and sadness for a couple others. I highly recommend ‘Winter’s Child’ to those who enjoy well-written cozy mysteries served with a side of history and the savory seasoning of a rural setting on a Native American reservation. I also look forward to this wonderful author’s next writing endeavor!
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
February 18, 2021
The final book in Margaret Coel's Wind River Reservation Mystery series. This was a very good series and this last one did not disappoint, either.
Once again, Margaret Coel weaves in an Arapaho backstory to heighten the story. This one has at its center an adoption case with an Arapaho couple seeking legal adoption of a white child they have raised for 5 years since she was left on their doorstep. The backstory comes in when Father John O'Malley's niece arrives to research the story of a very young white girl stolen by Cheyenne in the late 1800's, raised to 15 when she marries an Arapaho warrior and lives the life of an Arapaho. Was the woman happy? Did you wonder what her life might have been? Didn't she wonder why she had light skin, blonde hair, and blue eyes? Father John's niece is writing a thesis on this woman but seeks to learn from ancestors on the reservation details not found in current writings.
The two stories intermingle through the book. Vicky Holden, Arapaho lawyer, only takes the case of adoption after the lawyer handling it comes to her for help, the nature of which is unknown when the lawyer is run down in the street during a snow storm. An accident? Vicky doesn't think so. But who and why? And how does that affect the nature of the adoption?
Once, again, Vicky and John end up joining forces through their separate efforts to another conclusion.
I am sorry to see this series end. I have enjoyed each one in the series.
Once again, Margaret Coel weaves in an Arapaho backstory to heighten the story. This one has at its center an adoption case with an Arapaho couple seeking legal adoption of a white child they have raised for 5 years since she was left on their doorstep. The backstory comes in when Father John O'Malley's niece arrives to research the story of a very young white girl stolen by Cheyenne in the late 1800's, raised to 15 when she marries an Arapaho warrior and lives the life of an Arapaho. Was the woman happy? Did you wonder what her life might have been? Didn't she wonder why she had light skin, blonde hair, and blue eyes? Father John's niece is writing a thesis on this woman but seeks to learn from ancestors on the reservation details not found in current writings.
The two stories intermingle through the book. Vicky Holden, Arapaho lawyer, only takes the case of adoption after the lawyer handling it comes to her for help, the nature of which is unknown when the lawyer is run down in the street during a snow storm. An accident? Vicky doesn't think so. But who and why? And how does that affect the nature of the adoption?
Once, again, Vicky and John end up joining forces through their separate efforts to another conclusion.
I am sorry to see this series end. I have enjoyed each one in the series.
July 6, 2021
A child was left on the doorstep five years before. The parents are trying to adopt. The lawyer handling the case is killed. Father John's niece comes for a visit. The mystery unravels itself and the ending is quite unpredictable. Coel weaves a good tale, time after time. I wonder if this is the last of the Wind River saga?
September 4, 2016
Check out my other reviews, discussions and link ups at Fantasy of the Silver Dragon.
I received this book for free from Berkley Prime Crime in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I loved how part of the story dealt with a real person in history. I hadn't heard of Lizzie Brokenhorn before reading this book, but now I want to go look her up. I also liked how that story tied into the mystery of the abandoned child.
I was pretty sure who was to blame for the child appearing, early on in the book. But I had no idea how it had happened or why. I also had no idea who the killer was, but it made perfect sense once all was revealed. I really liked Father John, I think he was my favorite character in the story. I liked Vicky as well, but something about Father John clicked with me. I liked his niece Shannon too.
It was neat learning all the little tidbits of Arapaho history, and how they see people. A lot of the anecdotes and memories about Lizzie were made up for the book, but like the author states in the note at the end, just because the history books didn't state it happened, doesn't mean it didn't.
The story is told from two view points, Father John and Vicky. I liked getting to know the area and people, and it was nice that each of the two characters focused on different things in the books. Even though they weren't always following the same events and people, it really flowed well and fit together. It never felt like one storyline was being neglected for the other.
If you like history mixed with your mysteries, as well as Native American culture, you need to try this book.
This review was originally posted on Fantasy of the Silver Dragon
I received this book for free from Berkley Prime Crime in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I loved how part of the story dealt with a real person in history. I hadn't heard of Lizzie Brokenhorn before reading this book, but now I want to go look her up. I also liked how that story tied into the mystery of the abandoned child.
I was pretty sure who was to blame for the child appearing, early on in the book. But I had no idea how it had happened or why. I also had no idea who the killer was, but it made perfect sense once all was revealed. I really liked Father John, I think he was my favorite character in the story. I liked Vicky as well, but something about Father John clicked with me. I liked his niece Shannon too.
It was neat learning all the little tidbits of Arapaho history, and how they see people. A lot of the anecdotes and memories about Lizzie were made up for the book, but like the author states in the note at the end, just because the history books didn't state it happened, doesn't mean it didn't.
The story is told from two view points, Father John and Vicky. I liked getting to know the area and people, and it was nice that each of the two characters focused on different things in the books. Even though they weren't always following the same events and people, it really flowed well and fit together. It never felt like one storyline was being neglected for the other.
If you like history mixed with your mysteries, as well as Native American culture, you need to try this book.
This review was originally posted on Fantasy of the Silver Dragon
October 8, 2016
#20 in the Wind River mystery series. This final entry in the series meshes the stories of an Arapahoe couple raising a white baby abandoned on their doorstep and of Fr. O'Malley's niece researching the history of a white toddler captured on a raid by Cheyennes and then married to an Arapaho and living her life on the reservation. In another story arc, the Jesuits are once again considering closing the mission for budgetary reasons. A superior entry in the series.
#20 - Wind River series - At a meeting of the Bar Association, Vicky Holden, an Arapaho attorney, talks to fellow lawyer Clint Hopkins, about becoming co-counsel on an adoption case he's handling. Myra and Eldon Little Shield, an Arapaho couple, have been raising a white girl as their own since the night she was abandoned on their doorstep as an infant, and now, five years later, they want to formalize the relationship. Just after Clint and Vicky arrange to meet again, a truck runs Clint down as he's crossing the street and speeds off. She's the only witness who believes that the fatality was intentional, and her own efforts to investigate are stymied when she finds that Clint's records on the Little Shield case are minimal. Meanwhile, Fr. John O'Malley helps her try to persuade Vince White Hawk, a client of hers who has been charged with robbery, to surrender to the authorities.
#20 - Wind River series - At a meeting of the Bar Association, Vicky Holden, an Arapaho attorney, talks to fellow lawyer Clint Hopkins, about becoming co-counsel on an adoption case he's handling. Myra and Eldon Little Shield, an Arapaho couple, have been raising a white girl as their own since the night she was abandoned on their doorstep as an infant, and now, five years later, they want to formalize the relationship. Just after Clint and Vicky arrange to meet again, a truck runs Clint down as he's crossing the street and speeds off. She's the only witness who believes that the fatality was intentional, and her own efforts to investigate are stymied when she finds that Clint's records on the Little Shield case are minimal. Meanwhile, Fr. John O'Malley helps her try to persuade Vince White Hawk, a client of hers who has been charged with robbery, to surrender to the authorities.
August 18, 2016
They say all good things must come to an end, and so it does it this final installment of the Wind River Mystery series by Margaret Coel.
I hate to see these characters that I have come to love and look forward to their new adventures call it quits. Arapahoe attorney, Vicky Holden and Father John O'Malley once again join forces to find out why a local adoption attorney is killed on a snowy Wyoming night after meeting with Vicky about a case he needs her help on.
These two have always worked well together and their feelings for each other has grown as this series has grown. I'm not giving away any spoilers about the ending but it leaves me with a heavy heart that I will not be able to visit with Vicky & John anymore.
Highly recommended!
I hate to see these characters that I have come to love and look forward to their new adventures call it quits. Arapahoe attorney, Vicky Holden and Father John O'Malley once again join forces to find out why a local adoption attorney is killed on a snowy Wyoming night after meeting with Vicky about a case he needs her help on.
These two have always worked well together and their feelings for each other has grown as this series has grown. I'm not giving away any spoilers about the ending but it leaves me with a heavy heart that I will not be able to visit with Vicky & John anymore.
Highly recommended!
September 12, 2016
Best book in the series and, sadly, the last. The story itself was multifaceted with a number of the loose ends gracefully "left loosed" if you will. The author in a Q and A put it best when she said she has left it to the readers to finish for themselves the future of Vicky and Fr. John. I'm happy Margaret Coel chose to bring the series to a completion without an ending. Life goes on!
May 10, 2021
Well, I've made it through the entire "Wind River Mystery" series and I have been impressed with Margaret Coel's positive treatment of both native American spiritualism and Catholicism...She provides respect for both and that has been an attraction for me to the series...In the last entry, "Winter's Child," Vicky Holden and Father John are on to a case involving a missing alcoholic Arapaho wanted for robbery, an Arapahoe couple wanting to adopt a white child and Father John's niece, Shannon, researching the story of sisters kidnapped by the Cheyenne ,in which, one of the sisters returns to her white world and the other is absorbed into the Arapahoe nation...There is a sadness that permeated the pages involving the storylines by the possibility of Father John's St. Francis Mission being closed by the Jesuit's...Marvelous plotting, interweaving these story threads speeds the reader through the pages... Good Stuff!!!
August 5, 2024
Despite the fact that this series had gotten pretty formulaic and the issue of Vicki and Father John's unrequited love got a tad old, I enjoyed it. With this last book I felt a bit sad. Coel herself wrote about ending the series after 20 books with the release of Winter's Child. She gave an interview in February 2023 but no indication of any new books or series. There were concurrent series with Wind River, but nothing new.
This one was basically two stories in one -- but much of the mystery, of solving who killed Clint, is pretty much back burnered. I enjoyed it and will miss the characters.
This one was basically two stories in one -- but much of the mystery, of solving who killed Clint, is pretty much back burnered. I enjoyed it and will miss the characters.
August 1, 2020
It's gratifying that the last book in the series is strong -- realistic characters, engaging plot, and a link w an historical event. Coel even gave brief references to the early lives of both Fr John and Vicki. (And there were relatively few of the similes that bother me.)
Surely Coel still 'hears' her characters and will once again pick up pen (or keyboard) to write another book or two! (I can always hope.)
Surely Coel still 'hears' her characters and will once again pick up pen (or keyboard) to write another book or two! (I can always hope.)
October 22, 2017
I liked the mystery. I enjoyed revisiting Vicky and Father John, and I liked how his niece Shannon's story echoed Father John's history with the Arapaho people. The ending, however, left me hanging. If this is the end of the series, I'm disappointed it ended this way. Sort of like an old friend leaving without saying goodbye. That makes this more of a 3.5 than a 4 star.
February 3, 2020
As a proud man of Native American heritage, I was thrilled to have finally found a fiction novel that uses an indigenous reservation as its setting, infused with indigenous characters. The writing style was fine, and it was easy to read through, but I didn’t find myself caring about any of these characters, though.
June 12, 2018
Enjoyed the historical parts of the book. And four stars because I didn't guess the ending.
June 4, 2018
Margaret Coel's New York Times bestselling series concludes as Arapaho attorney Vicky Holden and Father John O'Malley discover that a centuries-old mystery is tied to a modern-day crime on the Wind River Reservation...
In the midst of a blizzard, Myra and Eldon Little Shield found an abandoned baby on their doorstep and brought her inside. Five years later, no one has come back to claim the little girl now known as Mary Anne Little Shield. But now that she's old enough to start school, her foster parents fear social services will take her--a white child--away from them.
Determined to adopt Mary Anne, the Little Shields hire lawyer Clint Hopkins, who wants Vicky as cocounsel on the case. But before their plans can take shape, a black truck deliberately runs Hopkins down in the street.
Enlisting Father John to help investigate who would kill to stop the child's adoption, Vicky unravels a connection between the five-year-old girl and a missing alcoholic Arapaho wanted for robbery--only to uncover one of the darkest secrets in Wind River's history...
In the midst of a blizzard, Myra and Eldon Little Shield found an abandoned baby on their doorstep and brought her inside. Five years later, no one has come back to claim the little girl now known as Mary Anne Little Shield. But now that she's old enough to start school, her foster parents fear social services will take her--a white child--away from them.
Determined to adopt Mary Anne, the Little Shields hire lawyer Clint Hopkins, who wants Vicky as cocounsel on the case. But before their plans can take shape, a black truck deliberately runs Hopkins down in the street.
Enlisting Father John to help investigate who would kill to stop the child's adoption, Vicky unravels a connection between the five-year-old girl and a missing alcoholic Arapaho wanted for robbery--only to uncover one of the darkest secrets in Wind River's history...
May 21, 2017
In the middle of a blizzard, an infant white girl appears on the doorstep of the home of grieving parents who have just lost their own infant girl. The Indian couple raises the little one, giving her a happy home for years, until they have to prove their rights to her in order to enroll her in school.
This leads to investigations on and off the reservation, pulling together odd characters, and at the same time includes a death Vicky calls suspicious but which the police and all other witnesses write off as an unfortunate accident.
Easier to see from the outside, all the clues point in one direction, leading inexorably to one person or a group of persons, all of whom have special interests at stake.
Wonderfully and compellingly written story about the rough life of the indigenous people of North America.
This leads to investigations on and off the reservation, pulling together odd characters, and at the same time includes a death Vicky calls suspicious but which the police and all other witnesses write off as an unfortunate accident.
Easier to see from the outside, all the clues point in one direction, leading inexorably to one person or a group of persons, all of whom have special interests at stake.
Wonderfully and compellingly written story about the rough life of the indigenous people of North America.
October 6, 2017
This was one of the best of Margaret Coel’s releases, though all of her books in this series are outstanding. I love the way she brings alive the Arapaho way of life through her vivid descriptions, the way she interweaves a tight, suspenseful plot with past history, and drawing parallels to enrich her story and enhance the mystery. The fact that Vicky and Father John care deeply for each other only adds to the charm of this exceptional series.
For my full review, please visit http://myshelf.com/mystery/16/winters...
For my full review, please visit http://myshelf.com/mystery/16/winters...
April 7, 2022
I totally enjoyed this complex story. Such a revelation that Indians like the Arapaho adopted a white child they had captured, and she grew up feeling totally Arapaho. And, interesting research done by the character Shannon in this story, who interviewed this woman's descendants. This is historical fiction, based on the real life story of Lizzie Brokenhorn. Her sister, Amanda searched for her for 37 years.The sisters were briefly reunited in 1902. But, Lizzie chose to remain with her Arapaho husband and children.
October 6, 2016
There was a lot going on in this book. There were so many sub story lines that they didn't all run together and I couldn't pick a main or central character to grasp onto. It was not what I was expecting. It was not a bad read but not one of my favorites either.
October 13, 2016
What?! This is the last of the Wind River Mystery series. The author left the ending open in many ways for the readers to imagine the ending, she said in the epilogue. I wanted more closure. Though I'm imagining happy ever after for everyone.
November 17, 2016
I will miss Fr. John, Vickie and all the other characters in Margaret Coel's Windriver's Reservation series. Her blending of the past and present has always been seamless. I have felt that I too was in these wonderful books as an unseen onlooker.
October 13, 2016
Lander, Wyoming attorney Vicky Holden is asked by Clint Hopkins, an attorney specializing in adoptions, to consult on a complicated case involving a couple living on the Arapaho reservation and wanting to adopt a white child. Clint gives Vicky a file with cryptic notes, but before he can make good on the promised meeting with Vicky to explain the details of the case, he is struck by a car and killed. The authorities think it's an accident, but Vicky thinks it's deliberate and tied to the adoption case. Meanwhile, Jesuit priest Father John O'Malley is helping his niece Shannon make contacts on the Wind River Arapaho reservation to help with her college dissertation about two sisters captured by the Cheyenne's in the 19th century. This long ago event has surprising parallels to recent events and though they have recently put some distance in their friendship, Vicky and Father John end up working together again on the adoption as well as a robbery case.
"Winter’s Child" is part of the long-running Wind River mysteries. I've read only a few of them and have never had a problem following the backstories of the main characters. Those books I have read are always well researched and eloquently written, and "Winter's Child" is no exception. The author excels at combining history, tradition, and modern events. It is amazing how the author is able to connect the life of Lizzie Brokenhorn, who was abducted at age two and came to marry an Arapaho and also think of herself as an Arapaho, to a current case on the Wind River Reservation.
Vicky and Father John are also working on a case involving a missing alcoholic Arapaho wanted for robbery and again it's amazing how the author is able to tie this to the adoption case in an unexpected way. This book has a very bittersweet tone. Both of the cases are heartbreaking and Vicky and Father John's wonderful friendship is filled with anguish as well. The story the author tells is dramatic but without pat, happy endings, which makes it more realistic.
The character of Father John's niece, Shannon, slowly grows on me and her unexpected love story is among the lighter moments of the book. I can see Shannon turning up in a future book, which would be good since I enjoyed the scenes with her and her uncle. This also gives the reader the chance to learn about the Arapaho people and their traditions along with Shannon. The fate of the St. Francis mission where Father John is assigned is uncertain, so it will be interesting to see what happens next in this unique series.
This review was originally written for "Smitten by Books". The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
"Winter’s Child" is part of the long-running Wind River mysteries. I've read only a few of them and have never had a problem following the backstories of the main characters. Those books I have read are always well researched and eloquently written, and "Winter's Child" is no exception. The author excels at combining history, tradition, and modern events. It is amazing how the author is able to connect the life of Lizzie Brokenhorn, who was abducted at age two and came to marry an Arapaho and also think of herself as an Arapaho, to a current case on the Wind River Reservation.
Vicky and Father John are also working on a case involving a missing alcoholic Arapaho wanted for robbery and again it's amazing how the author is able to tie this to the adoption case in an unexpected way. This book has a very bittersweet tone. Both of the cases are heartbreaking and Vicky and Father John's wonderful friendship is filled with anguish as well. The story the author tells is dramatic but without pat, happy endings, which makes it more realistic.
The character of Father John's niece, Shannon, slowly grows on me and her unexpected love story is among the lighter moments of the book. I can see Shannon turning up in a future book, which would be good since I enjoyed the scenes with her and her uncle. This also gives the reader the chance to learn about the Arapaho people and their traditions along with Shannon. The fate of the St. Francis mission where Father John is assigned is uncertain, so it will be interesting to see what happens next in this unique series.
This review was originally written for "Smitten by Books". The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
February 19, 2021
I believe this is the first book I've read by Margaret Coel, so I was somewhat surprised that it wasn't so much about the adoption of a little girl as it was about the backstory. At first I was a bit confused as to who all these other characters were but they all figured in to this story whose main character appears to be Vicky, a lawyer on the Arapaho Reservation.
The story was a lot deeper that the title implied and there was a complimentary secondary storyline which Father John's niece Shannon is researching. She comes to visit to research and write about two sisters who were kidnapped in the 1800's. One was returned to her family within months, but the younger, barely more than a baby, was kept and raised on the reservation. Shannon wants to know how she felt about that but only a few stories remain with descendants.
Not everything gets resolved in this case. Vicky has little to go on but finally figures out how a little blonde, blue eyed girl to come into the custody of an Arapaho couple who desperately to adopt her so she won't be taken away and can start school. Vicky makes some good quick decisions in how much to say. Reminds me of the Kenny Rogers song, Harder Cards to Play. It was a pretty good story.
The story was a lot deeper that the title implied and there was a complimentary secondary storyline which Father John's niece Shannon is researching. She comes to visit to research and write about two sisters who were kidnapped in the 1800's. One was returned to her family within months, but the younger, barely more than a baby, was kept and raised on the reservation. Shannon wants to know how she felt about that but only a few stories remain with descendants.
Not everything gets resolved in this case. Vicky has little to go on but finally figures out how a little blonde, blue eyed girl to come into the custody of an Arapaho couple who desperately to adopt her so she won't be taken away and can start school. Vicky makes some good quick decisions in how much to say. Reminds me of the Kenny Rogers song, Harder Cards to Play. It was a pretty good story.
November 29, 2019
I really enjoyed the book, but had a difficult time with the premise. Why in the world (literally) would an Arapaho steal a white child? I can see the parallel with the story of Lizzie, the white child stolen from an errant horse-drawn carriage. And I can see the heart-wrenching ethical dilemma of removing a child from their home and culture (any culture) after they have been stolen from another one. But wouldn't it have been easier to adopt another baby from their own culture? There are many babies of alcoholic or drug-addicted mothers in any culture that are in sore need of adoption.
It is alas the end of a wonderful series. Ends were not tied up, as they would not be in real life. I was fine with this. The romance between Father John's niece and an Arapaho is also left open, [spoiler alert] although real possibilities for a future together remain. If the mission is closing, it seems apt to have Father John's "daughter" stay behind and marry into the tribe, a fitting continuation of his presence even after he is gone. Things are not so certain for Vicky; she will continue to serve her people and one would like to see that she gets the happy ending she deserves.
It is alas the end of a wonderful series. Ends were not tied up, as they would not be in real life. I was fine with this. The romance between Father John's niece and an Arapaho is also left open, [spoiler alert] although real possibilities for a future together remain. If the mission is closing, it seems apt to have Father John's "daughter" stay behind and marry into the tribe, a fitting continuation of his presence even after he is gone. Things are not so certain for Vicky; she will continue to serve her people and one would like to see that she gets the happy ending she deserves.
March 6, 2021
I used to read these mysteries and for some reason didn't continue. Maybe the priest as protagonist? He is kind of too good to be true but now I like him so maybe I need to believe someone can be THAT good. I got this on sale and found it highly satisfying. A couple wants to adopt a foundling left at their door five years ago. Their lawyer dies in a hit and run that Vicky sees. In a parallel story, Vince White Hawk is on a bender and not cooperating with his mother's or Vicky Holdens efforts to bring him in for a plea deal that will get him to rehab instead of jail for attempted robbery. Meanwhile, Father O'Malley's niece is visiting as she researches the life of Lizzie Brokenhorn, a woman taken from her family at age two by Native Americans who ended up marrying an Arapho man. And, in the "small town" manner of a vast reservation, the threads are sewn together, the narratives resolved and the characters go on to an unexpected future. I'll go back and catch up on what I missed because I rarely remember series I've dropped and in this case, they came back to me. Margaret Coel is a compelling writer, her characters well developed and her stories engaging.
October 15, 2019
An interesting story but I was a little dissatisfied with the ending. I found the historical story of two girls taken by the Cheyenne with one of them raised by the Arapaho to be very interesting. I thought tying that story to one of a baby being left on a doorstep in a snowstorm worked for me. The hints made it pretty clear who the murderer was but I did not think that took away from the overall story. I did find the distraught mother blaming everyone else because her son couldn't stay away from the bottle to be a bit annoying. I was expecting a bigger story overall since this is the last (20th!) of this series with more of a wrap up of loose ends but I guess that isn't going to happen.
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