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Navajo Nation Mystery #7
The Bible Seller
"Beware false prophets in sheep clothes--they can be hungry wolves." (Lay Pastor Eddie Red Horse reading from Matt 7:15) An old silversmith's body is dumped along the highway and Legal Services Investigator Charlie Yazzie isn't content to stand by while the FBI and Tribal look for clues--not when he sees his friends Thomas Begay and Harley Ponyboy sucked into a tightening web of evil. When a beautiful stranger knocks on Harley's door the game changes...and so does Harley's loyalties. One thing is clear in this chilling new addition to Chappell's Navajo Nation Mystery Series--a spate of murders and an outlier with a deadly agenda--should be warning enough for anyone.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 17, 2017
667 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
R. Allen Chappell
19 books150 followersR. Allen Chappell, the author of eight novels and a collection of short stories, grew up with the Navajo, went to school with them and later worked alongside them, forging enduring friendships along the way. "Those friendships," the author says, "became the inspiration for this series."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
December 1, 2025
Somehow this seventh installment in Navajo Nation Mystery series has put me into a sorting mood, provoking an urge to classify different kinds of mystery series:
1. Series you fall in love with from the first book (even if it's not the first in the series).
2. Series you actively dislike from the first book, which therefore becomes the last.
3. Series that leave you indifferent, and so one book is usually quite enough.
4. Series that grow on you, from the first book to the next, until you feel you simply must read all the books, available and forthcoming.
So, in my case, Navajo Nation Mystery books belong to the last category -- this series really did grow on me, and by now the characters feel like old friends and acquaintances (which, by the way, is the key ingredient of any series success).
Navajo Sandstone formations in Utah. (Image credit: James St. John, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Unlike the previous book in the series (Wolves of Winter), "The Bible Seller" doesn't have an alternative timeline and doesn't tell about Navajo history and culture anything that hasn't been already mentioned in the previous books, but still, it has been a pleasure to share in another mystery adventure of Charie Yazzi, a Tribal Legal Services investigator, and his pals Thomas Begay and Harley Ponyboy.
And this time it's Harley Ponyboy who takes the central stage.
Read in 2024.
1. Series you fall in love with from the first book (even if it's not the first in the series).
2. Series you actively dislike from the first book, which therefore becomes the last.
3. Series that leave you indifferent, and so one book is usually quite enough.
4. Series that grow on you, from the first book to the next, until you feel you simply must read all the books, available and forthcoming.
So, in my case, Navajo Nation Mystery books belong to the last category -- this series really did grow on me, and by now the characters feel like old friends and acquaintances (which, by the way, is the key ingredient of any series success).
Navajo Sandstone formations in Utah. (Image credit: James St. John, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Unlike the previous book in the series (Wolves of Winter), "The Bible Seller" doesn't have an alternative timeline and doesn't tell about Navajo history and culture anything that hasn't been already mentioned in the previous books, but still, it has been a pleasure to share in another mystery adventure of Charie Yazzi, a Tribal Legal Services investigator, and his pals Thomas Begay and Harley Ponyboy.
And this time it's Harley Ponyboy who takes the central stage.
Read in 2024.
January 21, 2018
The Bible Seller is another of R. Allen Chappell's Navajo Nation mysteries. Harley Ponyboy is again the main character as he befriends a female Bible seller who appears to need his protection. The book is engaging and hard to put down as the characters are well-developed and the plot moves quickly.
I can say the ending was semi-surprising. I recommend this book if you are a fan of Native American history and culture.
I can say the ending was semi-surprising. I recommend this book if you are a fan of Native American history and culture.
November 7, 2018
Book 7 can’t be the last...
Not only have I gotten to know all these interesting characters, Charlie, Thomas, Harley and the ladies but learned a touch more about the 4 corners region, I will miss it all.
Not only have I gotten to know all these interesting characters, Charlie, Thomas, Harley and the ladies but learned a touch more about the 4 corners region, I will miss it all.
January 6, 2019
Another excellent story
Another excellent story that comes to life. The words make you/me think you are right beside the people in the story. well written.
Awaiting your next riveting story
Another excellent story that comes to life. The words make you/me think you are right beside the people in the story. well written.
Awaiting your next riveting story
October 5, 2017
Bible Seller
Another great read. I have enjoyed every one of this author’s writings. The Navajo Nation Mysteries is a very good series.
Another great read. I have enjoyed every one of this author’s writings. The Navajo Nation Mysteries is a very good series.
June 14, 2020
This is the first book in the series that I didn’t much like. I didn’t like Harley Ponyboy being suckered in by the beautiful bookseller but I kept on reading hoping he would come to his senses.
As usual, I enjoyed the setting of the Navajo reservation and learning more about their culture with each book.
As usual, I enjoyed the setting of the Navajo reservation and learning more about their culture with each book.
August 21, 2017
A story of faith and hope.
This is another story of faith in the goodness of human nature. It is not always what you think it is. Excellent story for the group of characters of the author.
This is another story of faith in the goodness of human nature. It is not always what you think it is. Excellent story for the group of characters of the author.
March 15, 2018
Great Reading
Have really enjoyed the Navajo Nation Mystery. Series. These are informative about the Navajo people and wonderful stories. Great entertainment!
Have really enjoyed the Navajo Nation Mystery. Series. These are informative about the Navajo people and wonderful stories. Great entertainment!
June 28, 2018
Great Read!
Enjoyed this thriller- all the familiar characters are becoming like family and this book has all the intrigue and twists to keep you interested!
Enjoyed this thriller- all the familiar characters are becoming like family and this book has all the intrigue and twists to keep you interested!
November 19, 2018
Wonderful
I enjoy each new book in the series more than the last. It is like catching up with old friends. And this one kept me up way too late .... hard to put down.
I enjoy each new book in the series more than the last. It is like catching up with old friends. And this one kept me up way too late .... hard to put down.
July 27, 2019
Oh so good!
Continues to be true to characters and culture. So very enjoyable. Again the author continues to give the reader characters that you care about. This allows the reader to be invested in The book. Some nice twists and turns in the story.
Continues to be true to characters and culture. So very enjoyable. Again the author continues to give the reader characters that you care about. This allows the reader to be invested in The book. Some nice twists and turns in the story.
May 13, 2022
A belated review, however I want to mention that this particular volume of the Navajo Nation Mystery was the best in the series so far. The book writing itself was so much better than in the previous books along with a reasonable puzzling plot which makes it a book I highly recommend for a an insight in to life on the Navajo rez together with being a good "thriller".
April 17, 2018
Another fantastic read by this author. I wish Netflix would consider a series.
March 24, 2018
A fun series
Though not written with the same talent as Joe Hillerman, this Navajo mystery series is great fun. The characters are endearing. The plots engaging.
Though not written with the same talent as Joe Hillerman, this Navajo mystery series is great fun. The characters are endearing. The plots engaging.
April 28, 2018
The Bible Seller - a review by Rosemary Kenny
The eponymous Bible seller is Eileen May, taken hostage by murderer Claude Bell, who worked with her at a Christian Outreach/Rehab Centre for ex-offenders.
Eileen makes a run for freedom as soon as she can from the truck he killed Alfred Nakii for, ending up in the Reservation bar, under the protection of
Harley Lazyboy. Charlie Yazzie and Thomas Begay are there and learn firsthand of the danger Eileen's now in.
Why was Eileen at the Centre? Where does Harley take Eileen for 'safe-keeping? What does she do there?
What happens when she steals and truck and flees her hiding-place? How is she rescued?
Who are Bell's next two victims? Does he recapture Eileen? Why do the FBI become involved? Why was Bell previously in prison?
Where is he heading and who does he expect to find there? Who is Charlie Tall Horse and when does he encounter Bell? Where does Eileen go to stay next?
It's dramatic action - adventure all the way as an everyday small-town event turns into a deadly game of cat and mouse for, (comparatively) honest Eileen May and her champion Harley Lazyboy and his friends on the Navajo Nation Reserve. Definitely a 5-star winner for R Allen Chappell - grab your copy and prepare to become a fan of this exciting writer in the Tony Hillerman style - then do them a favor and tell all your friends!
The eponymous Bible seller is Eileen May, taken hostage by murderer Claude Bell, who worked with her at a Christian Outreach/Rehab Centre for ex-offenders.
Eileen makes a run for freedom as soon as she can from the truck he killed Alfred Nakii for, ending up in the Reservation bar, under the protection of
Harley Lazyboy. Charlie Yazzie and Thomas Begay are there and learn firsthand of the danger Eileen's now in.
Why was Eileen at the Centre? Where does Harley take Eileen for 'safe-keeping? What does she do there?
What happens when she steals and truck and flees her hiding-place? How is she rescued?
Who are Bell's next two victims? Does he recapture Eileen? Why do the FBI become involved? Why was Bell previously in prison?
Where is he heading and who does he expect to find there? Who is Charlie Tall Horse and when does he encounter Bell? Where does Eileen go to stay next?
It's dramatic action - adventure all the way as an everyday small-town event turns into a deadly game of cat and mouse for, (comparatively) honest Eileen May and her champion Harley Lazyboy and his friends on the Navajo Nation Reserve. Definitely a 5-star winner for R Allen Chappell - grab your copy and prepare to become a fan of this exciting writer in the Tony Hillerman style - then do them a favor and tell all your friends!
June 14, 2019
YET ANOTHER TWISTER
This book had many twists and turns keeping me guessing till the end. A most enjoyable read that makes me glad this author did go full-time into writing!
This book had many twists and turns keeping me guessing till the end. A most enjoyable read that makes me glad this author did go full-time into writing!
August 4, 2017
Death and a mysterious bible seller has the Rez abuzz with fear and Pony Boy is right in the middle. It up to his friends and FBI to get him out of it. Charlie Yazzie is on the case and Thomas runs into some trouble of his own. This is a high who-done-it at it's best and one exciting read that you won't want to put down.
December 27, 2018
Love the story and characters
Started the Navajo Nation Mystery series with a free copy of R. Allen Chappell Navajo Autumn and was captured by the characters and their stories. Had to get the rest of the series. Waiting for the next one.
Started the Navajo Nation Mystery series with a free copy of R. Allen Chappell Navajo Autumn and was captured by the characters and their stories. Had to get the rest of the series. Waiting for the next one.
August 6, 2017
Best yet
Each story becomes more fleshed out although still seems to wrap up the ends a bit quickly. Liked the bit of twist at near end AND end.
Each story becomes more fleshed out although still seems to wrap up the ends a bit quickly. Liked the bit of twist at near end AND end.
August 16, 2017
Good read
These books are a no brainer easy read. The story's flow and and are enjoyable. This whole series has been fun info about this different American culture
These books are a no brainer easy read. The story's flow and and are enjoyable. This whole series has been fun info about this different American culture
September 25, 2017
I love this series. I like the characters, who are well drawn and interesting. Nice escapism and as an added bonus you can always tell yourself you're learning about indigenous cultures.
January 10, 2018
Good Navajo Mystery
I love Navajo mysteries and this one did not disappoint me. It's a good book that leaves you thinking about which way the follow up book could go.
I love Navajo mysteries and this one did not disappoint me. It's a good book that leaves you thinking about which way the follow up book could go.
January 18, 2018
A good read:
A bit confusing at times, but moved well. I enjoy learning how the ancient Navaho culture survives in today’s world.
A bit confusing at times, but moved well. I enjoy learning how the ancient Navaho culture survives in today’s world.
May 31, 2019
good premise and characters
August 2, 2019
If you love Tony Hillerman, you will enjoy R. Allen Chappell's writings of America's Southwest. I have greatly enjoyed all of Tony Hillerman's books. Chappell's “The Bible Seller” is his seventh entry into his Navajo Nation Mystery series. One should note that he grew up with the Navajo, went to school with them, and later worked alongside--forging enduring friendships along the way. Thus his writing does provide a strong sense of local color.
“The Bible Seller” opens as an old silversmith's body is dumped along the highway. A stranger – a Bible seller – knocks on Harley’s door, and he befriends a female Bible seller who appears to need his protection. She does ~ there is a killer who is looking for her, and he is leaving a trail of bodies as he looks. As investigations progress a connection is made between Eileen – the Bible seller - and the murders. Bible bookmarks are found in a vehicle owned but one of the victims and another in the room of a likely murder suspect. Lay Pastor Eddie Red Horse’s words echo: "Beware false prophets in sheep clothes--they can be hungry wolves."
The characters were believable, and the plot was well crafted which kept my interest. Chappell’s characterization creates some complex characters that will draw the reader into the story. The best example is his central character Charlie Yazzi, a law school graduate working for the Navajo Nation, as well as his best friends Harley Ponyboy and Thomas Begay. As one reads the books in order, one can appreciate the growth and evolution of these characters. However, these books can be read as a stand alone story.
“The Bible Seller” opens as an old silversmith's body is dumped along the highway. A stranger – a Bible seller – knocks on Harley’s door, and he befriends a female Bible seller who appears to need his protection. She does ~ there is a killer who is looking for her, and he is leaving a trail of bodies as he looks. As investigations progress a connection is made between Eileen – the Bible seller - and the murders. Bible bookmarks are found in a vehicle owned but one of the victims and another in the room of a likely murder suspect. Lay Pastor Eddie Red Horse’s words echo: "Beware false prophets in sheep clothes--they can be hungry wolves."
The characters were believable, and the plot was well crafted which kept my interest. Chappell’s characterization creates some complex characters that will draw the reader into the story. The best example is his central character Charlie Yazzi, a law school graduate working for the Navajo Nation, as well as his best friends Harley Ponyboy and Thomas Begay. As one reads the books in order, one can appreciate the growth and evolution of these characters. However, these books can be read as a stand alone story.
July 16, 2024
I wavered on whether to give this a three or four star, but eventually assigned it four. This was number seven in the Navajo Nation mystery series, and it once again tracks the main characters of Charlie Yazzi, Thomas Begay and Harley Ponyboy. Yazzi is the Navajo legal services investigator, and Thomas and Harley are his friends. Charlie and Thomas are married with children, but Harley is single following the death of his wife, Anita, two years ago. As is usually the case in these sorts of novels, two bodies are found; and although the FBI is responsible for investigating the deaths, the three Navajos get drawn in. Harley becomes involved with a young woman named Eileen Smith, who knocks on his door ostensibly selling bibles. I'll stop there, but Harley's affection for Eileen draws the three amigos into the investigation. The characters remain true to form, and the development of Eileen and the bad guy is done fairly well. I love the description of the Four Corners landscape and the way the author weaves in the culture and beliefs of the Navajos. There is a fairly climactic scene near the end, and that captured my interest quite a bit. I felt like a few loose ends remained, but perhaps that leads in to book eight.
December 18, 2019
This is about the 5th in this series I have read. I love the fact that he is writing about common, ordinary people trying to make it on a large reservation. The previous books have grabbed my attention and there was some suspense through the whole books. I loved them and highly recommend them. Especially to readers of books about American Natives. The characters are wonderful and very memorable. Pony Boy reminds me of a family member. Pony Boy and all these characters stay with me. I read several books a week and promptly forget most of them and the character, these live with me.In this book Pony Boy is the character that is in the spot light. The book is short. I started reading in the afternoon and was finished the next day about lunch time. I felt somewhat disappointed as I didn't experience the suspense of the other 4 or 5 books in the series. It is still a very good book. The ending was disappointing in it didn't end the way I wanted it to. But when you create such characters as these they have their own life.
March 24, 2020
I just can't stop reading this series. Been doing about one a day since self-isolating. This one centers around Harley Ponyboy and the female Bible seller who knocks on his door one day. Eileen is running from a very bad man and several bodies are popping up on the reservation that may or may not be connected to Eileen. Harley is smitten and leaps in to help the young woman, leaving his friends Charlie and Thomas to track them down before it is too late. I do love these characters, their interaction and tradition.
December 17, 2024
Kindle Unlimited
The Bible Seller, #7 of the Navajo Nation Mystery series, just fits right into this series of tales from the four-corners area, and this one is an all-nighter, to my dismay. Eileen May is a half-Navajo, half-Irish woman in a drug and alcohol recovery program on the Navajo reservation. The participants in the program are all selling bibles door-to-door to bring in a little money to cover the program and their immediate needs. So is Claude Bell, also a half-breed from the Oklahoma Choctaw Reservation, and they seem to have a lot in common - at first. But the level of havoc that surrounds them escalates quickly to the point people are dying here and there in their wake as they swarm across NavajoLand (also known as Dene Bikey or Naabeeho Bikeyah).
Our Reservation cops and intrepid Navajo trio, newly accredited lawyer and Legal Services Investigator Charlie Yazzie, archeologist Professor Custer's assistant Harley Ponyboy, who along with reformed bad-boy Thomas Begay are about the best trackers on the Res do all they can and a little more to keep Eileen safe and find and curtail Claude, who is wiley and smart and proving hard to catch. And Harley is smitten by our lady May. He has a bad case of it. About the only advantage these natives have is intimately knowing the land - well, some of them know and understand the land - and the fact that they have the FBI, the BIA, and the State and County police on their side. Some, in any case, would consider that outside help an advantage. And some are pretty sure it is just another complication.
This one was more exciting than any movie, and the shocking ending floored me about the time the sun was rising this morning. This is a not-to-be-missed series I can recommend highly to friends and family. I am having a fine time enjoying it as winter makes her grand appearance here in the Land of Enchantment. The warmth, peace, and beauty of this slice of New Mexico, Arizona and Utah labeled the Navajo Nation, in the 2020 census, the number of tribal members increased to 399,494, and the Rez covered 17,544,500 acres, making it the largest reservation in the U.S. and larger than 10 U.S. states.
REVIEWED on November 29. 2-24. at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, and BookBub. Not available for review on Kobo.
The Bible Seller, #7 of the Navajo Nation Mystery series, just fits right into this series of tales from the four-corners area, and this one is an all-nighter, to my dismay. Eileen May is a half-Navajo, half-Irish woman in a drug and alcohol recovery program on the Navajo reservation. The participants in the program are all selling bibles door-to-door to bring in a little money to cover the program and their immediate needs. So is Claude Bell, also a half-breed from the Oklahoma Choctaw Reservation, and they seem to have a lot in common - at first. But the level of havoc that surrounds them escalates quickly to the point people are dying here and there in their wake as they swarm across NavajoLand (also known as Dene Bikey or Naabeeho Bikeyah).
Our Reservation cops and intrepid Navajo trio, newly accredited lawyer and Legal Services Investigator Charlie Yazzie, archeologist Professor Custer's assistant Harley Ponyboy, who along with reformed bad-boy Thomas Begay are about the best trackers on the Res do all they can and a little more to keep Eileen safe and find and curtail Claude, who is wiley and smart and proving hard to catch. And Harley is smitten by our lady May. He has a bad case of it. About the only advantage these natives have is intimately knowing the land - well, some of them know and understand the land - and the fact that they have the FBI, the BIA, and the State and County police on their side. Some, in any case, would consider that outside help an advantage. And some are pretty sure it is just another complication.
This one was more exciting than any movie, and the shocking ending floored me about the time the sun was rising this morning. This is a not-to-be-missed series I can recommend highly to friends and family. I am having a fine time enjoying it as winter makes her grand appearance here in the Land of Enchantment. The warmth, peace, and beauty of this slice of New Mexico, Arizona and Utah labeled the Navajo Nation, in the 2020 census, the number of tribal members increased to 399,494, and the Rez covered 17,544,500 acres, making it the largest reservation in the U.S. and larger than 10 U.S. states.
REVIEWED on November 29. 2-24. at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, and BookBub. Not available for review on Kobo.
August 26, 2019
Heads Up, Tony Hillerman Fans!
A fine series of very enjoyable books. Comparisons to Hillerman are inevitable, but that's a compliment in itself! I really appreciate that this author wants to make his books affordable, but the price is no reflection on their quality; these are well-told and constructed with care; very engaging plots and characters you come to care about. I am so happy to be able to afford to read the entire series; thank you!
A fine series of very enjoyable books. Comparisons to Hillerman are inevitable, but that's a compliment in itself! I really appreciate that this author wants to make his books affordable, but the price is no reflection on their quality; these are well-told and constructed with care; very engaging plots and characters you come to care about. I am so happy to be able to afford to read the entire series; thank you!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews