The Bone Picker

Sam Chitto Mystery #2

by Lutricia Clifton, Robert Parshall (Illustrations)

It’s bitter cold in Oklahoma’s Ouachita Wilderness when Detective Sam Chitto of the Choctaw Tribal Police takes on a thirty-five year old cold case involving a missing Vietnam veteran and a murdered couple. The discovery of a man’s skull in the murdered woman’s casket, which her family had disinterred for further investigation, attracts the attention of the veteran’s mother. Believing the skull to be that of her son, she tasks Chitto with becoming a Bonepicker. Because bones survived flesh, Choctaw of old preserved the bones of their deceased, believing their essence dwelled within. Honored people, called Bonepickers, retrieved the bones for the family for burial.When his preliminary investigation reveals former suspects in the old murder inquiry have a shorter-than-average life span, Chitto goes looking for the reason. As he unravels the mystery, long-held secrets that have kept residents living in fear the past thirty-five years begin to crumble.The Bonepicker is a fast-paced mystery that unites a diverse set of characters on a mission to see that justice is served.

Genres: Mystery

300 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2017

About the author

Lutricia "Lu" Clifton writes novels for both children and adults. Most of her adult novels are set in southeastern Oklahoma and include a mingling of Native American cultural beliefs and traditions. She became interested in those cultural traditions while tracing her mother’s Choctaw roots.

She was born in and spent her early childhood in southeastern Oklahoma, then moved to the Texas Panhandle with her family. She completed an associate degree at Amarillo Junior College in Texas and a B.A. and M.A. in English at Colorado State University. She now resides in Illinois with a gray tabby named Mary Jane that she rescued from a shelter. Her oldest son and wife life in Oregon and her youngest son and wife live in Illinois.

She is a member of the Oklahoma Writers Federation, Mystery Writers of America, and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

NEW RELEASE: SEEKING GRACE IN BEULAH LAND, A Novel -- April 1, 2019

HONORS/AWARDS:

FREAKY FAST FRANKIE JOE -- 2012 Friends of American Writers Award for Juvenile Fiction

SEEKING CASANDRA --Winner of the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award for YA Fiction

SCALP DANCE--A Sam Chitto Mystery --Finalist for the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award for Fiction

THE BONE PICKER, A Sam Chitto Mystery Finalist for 2018 Oklahoma Book Award in Fiction

THE HORNED OWL --A Sam Chitto Mystery -- Finalist for 2019 Oklahoma Book Award in Fiction

Reviews

[Chrisl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable sequel to Scalp Dance, bringing back some of the same characters. Furthers my interest in Oklahoma's Choctaw Nation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Choctaw...
from the Wiki - " ... reservation comprising 10.5 counties in Southeastern Oklahoma. The third-largest federally recognized tribe in the United States, Choctaw Nation maintains a special relationship with both the federal and Oklahoma governments."
***
Learned a little more about the other officer, Frank Tubbe. His military time.
In this case, a third pro-justice character comes into play. A former helicopter pilot/officer who served in Vietnam. (Story's opening scene is set in helicopter above Saigon during evacuation.)
some dialog from page 225
"Winters made a grunting sound. 'Where'd he see duty?'
"Doesn't talk about it."
"Probably for good reason." He stared at Chitto. "He has the bearing of what was known in my day as a Snake Eater."
Snake Eater. Frowning slightly, Chitto said, "Special Forces?"
Winters nodded. "Door Kicker. Did a lot to level the playing field."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snake_E...

(recently read bit in Lawrence Anthony's book set in Iraq. In the hotel where he resides, there are mercenaries -
page 133 - "On one occasion I was in the mercenaries' room as they prepared for a mission.
"'Where's the knock-knock ... where's my fucking knock-knock?'"
" ... his 'knock-knock ... was a sawed-off shotgun with lead slugs almost the size of b ananas that was used to shoot out the locks of a house they were storming. That's how Brad 'knocked' on a door.
Babylon's Ark: The Incredible Wartime Rescue of the Baghdad Zoo
***
Recommend for readers of Tony Hillerman's tales.
Scalp Dance, A Sam Chitto Mystery

Will soon read book three in series, still wondering who killed Sam's father, and why..

[Lela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. The characters are wonderfully drawn - and character is the correct word for many of the people in the book. It is a mystery, a police procedural, a Native American primer, a twisted family story. This is second in a series. I will roll back time now and read the first one and eagerly await the third. Thanks to library thing and the author for the opportunity to read this novel!

[J.J. Rusz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starting the Sam Chitto mystery series with its second book “The Bone Picker” may not have been the best idea. I spent several chapters adjusting to the Oklahoma setting and complex lead character. But this slow-paced tale has rewards. The people involved, both the Choctaw protagonist and those who work with him, have dense backstories and the plot, if it strains credulity at points, grinds away to a satisfying conclusion. Looking forward now to the series opener "Scalp Dance."

[Linda Pobanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bones

I didn't get to finish it as quickly as I wanted to but it was so good I couldn't believe it. I have enjoyed the books especially since I traveled down the interstate past Oklahoma. Reading about the Indian nation and their laws and justice is interesting. She is a good author and the books are interesting. Can't wait to read the next one.

[Orville Cypret · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent read (as are all the books by the author)

Have to concentrate to keep up with the story. Very good plot and good proofreading (good proofreading not always evident these days)

[LeonardaLeyva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read. I'm thinking Sam Chitto and books would make a good gift for my brother. I'm on to get another book because of the main character Ms Clifton has invented in her series. I usually take into consideration the cover art when choosing a book and again was surprised.

[Tracey S Choat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Native American mystery

This is the second book in this series and I have just purchased book 3. I like the first book but this one is better.

[Ronald T. Blaise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indian Country Justice

This story is a jewel that interested me from start to finish. I don't give too many five stars but this one is that good! Keep up the good work Lu Clifton.

[Marjorie Dowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grear mystery

Good characters great mystery good description of the area. Some incite into native American people and culture. Will read more from this author

[A.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Enjoyed it. Well written, with important themes.

[Sherry Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Book

Loved the characters, the plot, and the way it was written. Would recommend to anyone who enjoyed Tony Hillerman's books.

[Johnny Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

The BonePicker: Sam Chitto Mystery

I know this area of Oklahoma. Loved reading this book. Couldn't put it down. Felt like I knew these characters.

[Suki · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 stars

The Bonepicker by Lu Clifton is a mystery about righting the wrongs of the past. Sam Chitto is a cop with a conscience who is called upon to solve a cold-case and bring home a missing son. Interwoven with the story are interesting details about Choctaw history, customs and beliefs, as well as the ongoing problems of prejudice and discrimination. The characters are well-rounded and believable, with complex relationships and alliances. The ending was not what I expected, but fit well with the story.

Summary: Recommended to readers of mystery and police procedurals.

Disclaimer: I received an advance copy of this book in a LibraryThing giveaway.

[Jennybeast · Rating 3 out of 5]

This installment begins with Sam Chitto in disgrace at work, per FBI fallout from the previous case -- he then proceeds to take on a different after-hours case. I am uncomfortable with the vigilante justice that characterizes both of these books, but I also clearly see the reasoning behind it -- the systemic racism and abuses of power, that require a more unorthodox approach. The mystery is solid and interesting, Chitto's growing connection to his own heritage is compelling, and his off-the-record team is growing. Enjoyed it.