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Nicky Matthews #1
Hearts of the Missing
When a young woman linked to a list of missing Fire-Sky tribal members commits suicide, Pueblo Police Sergeant Nicky Matthews is assigned to the case. As the evidence leads her to a shocking discovery, she uncovers not only murder but an ominous, vengeful twist that strikes at the very core of what it means to be a member of the Fire-Sky People. With an intimate knowledge of Fire-Sky customs and traditions, the killer ensures the spirits of those targeted will wander lost forever. As Nicky closes in on the murderer, those closest to her are put in jeopardy. She realizes she must be willing to sacrifice everything--her career, her life, and even her soul--to save the people she is sworn to protect.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published December 4, 2018
105 people are currently reading
2325 people want to read
About the author
Carol Potenza
11 books120 followersCarol Potenza is a biochemistry professor by day and a mystery author by night. She loves the combination of her two careers because it gives her the ability not only to teach her students about the biochemical effects of poison, but also to use said poisons very creatively in her murder mysteries (along with other diabolical methods). She lives in the beautiful state of New Mexico with her husband, Jose, and two dogs, Daphne and Hermes, they inherited from her sister.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
November 21, 2018
As a long time fan of Tony Hillerman, I decided to take a chance on new author Carol Potenza, who won the 2017 Tony Hillerman prize. Nicky Matthews is a Sergeant in the Pueblo police. For some reason, I never thought there would be non-Indians on a reservation police force. But there she is. And despite being an outsider, she is the one that the Wind Mother chooses to visit.
I enjoyed this immensely. Nicky has a lot of baggage, including an ex-lover trying for a comeback and a boss that hates her. But she also has good friends that provide a strong support system and a good head on her shoulders. There’s a possible love interest. The plot kept me involved and made me want to keep turning the pages. There’s a serial killer on the loose not to mention a possible conspiracy. Loved the ending, even if it was unbelievable, and how it all came together.
This is a well thought out book, with a strong dose each of science, myth and history. To be honest, I found it better than a lot of the Tony Hillerman books. I am hoping this is the start of a new series.
My thanks to netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book.
January 15, 2019
"I believe that there is more to this world than our minds recognize." There was an odd catch to his voice, a hint of uncertainty.
Sergeant Nicky Matthews feels a certain presence as she wraps up her investigation in a convenience store robbery. The lateness of the hour seems to have played tricks on her vision. From the corner of her eye she sees the reflection of an ancient woman in the glass staring back at her. She draws in a quick breath and leaps to the doorway. No one there, not even a breeze.
Life on the reservation in New Mexico is filled with customs and tales honoring those who came before. The Fire-Sky tribe, in particular, do all that they can to preserve their tribe and its members. Nicky takes her two fellow officers, Savannah Analla and Ryan Bernal, into her confidence. She, as a non-Indian, has been shown a sacred sign. What is being asked of her?
It doesn't take long before Nicky becomes involved in what appears to be a suicide on the railroad tracks. Several Native Americans have suffered the same fate. And this is where Carol Potenza takes us down a well-lit trail involving DNA and the genetic makeup of the tribe. Potenza's background as a professor of chemistry and bio-chemistry at New Mexico State University eases her into a front row seat with fascinating background information. No worries.....Potenza leads with the snappy mystery and doesn't overwhelm the readers with Biology 101. Just enough to quicken the heartbeat.
There's also the interesting insertion of a boss who leans on Nicky at every opportunity and a former love interest from the past who wields vengeance with a powerful title on his desk. Potenza lights a match at every opportunity which will certainly assure you that she deserves her win of the 2017 Tony Hillerman Prize. Just plain good stuff happening here.....
Sergeant Nicky Matthews feels a certain presence as she wraps up her investigation in a convenience store robbery. The lateness of the hour seems to have played tricks on her vision. From the corner of her eye she sees the reflection of an ancient woman in the glass staring back at her. She draws in a quick breath and leaps to the doorway. No one there, not even a breeze.
Life on the reservation in New Mexico is filled with customs and tales honoring those who came before. The Fire-Sky tribe, in particular, do all that they can to preserve their tribe and its members. Nicky takes her two fellow officers, Savannah Analla and Ryan Bernal, into her confidence. She, as a non-Indian, has been shown a sacred sign. What is being asked of her?
It doesn't take long before Nicky becomes involved in what appears to be a suicide on the railroad tracks. Several Native Americans have suffered the same fate. And this is where Carol Potenza takes us down a well-lit trail involving DNA and the genetic makeup of the tribe. Potenza's background as a professor of chemistry and bio-chemistry at New Mexico State University eases her into a front row seat with fascinating background information. No worries.....Potenza leads with the snappy mystery and doesn't overwhelm the readers with Biology 101. Just enough to quicken the heartbeat.
There's also the interesting insertion of a boss who leans on Nicky at every opportunity and a former love interest from the past who wields vengeance with a powerful title on his desk. Potenza lights a match at every opportunity which will certainly assure you that she deserves her win of the 2017 Tony Hillerman Prize. Just plain good stuff happening here.....
December 4, 2018
I love it when I have the opportunity to visit or revisit an area through a book, and that is what Hearts of the Missing by Carol Potenza offered. The story takes place on the Pueblo of the Fire-Sky Native Americans and is a rich combination of themes woven together in a way that leaves you hoping there will be more books featuring these people and this beautiful setting. The novel combines multiple elements, weaving them in and out to create a beautiful tapestry.
There is Nicky, the federal law enforcement officer who takes her oath to protect and serve to heart. For her, it’s as simple as that. The people on the fire-sky pueblo are her responsibility and she must protect them, even if it means going against orders, even if it means putting herself at great risk, even if it means revisiting elements of her own past that are better left in her past. This isn’t easy to accomplish when she is the only woman in a male dominated field, resented by some, hated by others. It’s hard to find and know for sure who exactly has her back.
There is the spirituality of the Fire-Sky people. Their belief that unless a body can be buried in its entirety, the soul will wander, lost, for eternity. Combine that with the spirits who guide the people and make themselves visible to Nicky, add white rabbits to lead the way. The character who knows the most about how these spirits interact is Howard, an alcoholic whose efforts to contact Nicky and tell her what he knows are both courageous and confusing.
Then there are the remaining characters of the novel. There are the men who make up Nicky’s police unit, including those who resent Nicky, especially her Captain, who would like to see her fired and removed from the pueblo. There are other law enforcement officers, some good, some not, and the reader has to figure out, along with Nicky, who is on the side of good and who is truly on the side of evil. Potenza does an excellent job of leading you one way, only to shift and cause you to wonder if you’ve been wrong all this time, then shift again.
Then there is the beautiful setting of the state of New Mexico providing it’s breathtaking wide open spaces. If the reader has spent any time in the west, the writing will evoke memories of Native American territory; the beauty of it, the poverty of it, the evidence of a different culture and lifestyle than the Europeans who settled across the United States. If the reader hasn’t spent time in the area, the novel may spark a compelling desire to see it for themselves and experience a foreign land that exists within their own country.
As for writing style and pacing, Potenza has done a superb job. The novel moves at a steady pace, one that calls the reader back if they have been forced to put it down for any reason. It is a book that most readers will want to read if not in one sitting at least in large parts at a time. At the same time, if circumstances require it, the reader can read a few pages here and there, in between accomplishing whatever has called them away from their reading.
This was a thoroughly satisfying read, with Potenza crafting a novel that is successful on a number of levels. The mystery is altogether satisfying, with good clues and red herrings that allow the reader to work through to the solution along with Nicky. The characters morphing from good to bad and then back again in some cases, was well done. Descriptions of the spiritualism and beliefs of the Fire-Sky people allowed a view into a culture and belief system that, for some, will be totally different from anything they have ever known. In short, it is a complex novel that provides the reader with multiple paths to involvement in the story, and I highly recommend it.
My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for providing me an advanced digital copy in exchange for an unbiased review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
There is Nicky, the federal law enforcement officer who takes her oath to protect and serve to heart. For her, it’s as simple as that. The people on the fire-sky pueblo are her responsibility and she must protect them, even if it means going against orders, even if it means putting herself at great risk, even if it means revisiting elements of her own past that are better left in her past. This isn’t easy to accomplish when she is the only woman in a male dominated field, resented by some, hated by others. It’s hard to find and know for sure who exactly has her back.
There is the spirituality of the Fire-Sky people. Their belief that unless a body can be buried in its entirety, the soul will wander, lost, for eternity. Combine that with the spirits who guide the people and make themselves visible to Nicky, add white rabbits to lead the way. The character who knows the most about how these spirits interact is Howard, an alcoholic whose efforts to contact Nicky and tell her what he knows are both courageous and confusing.
Then there are the remaining characters of the novel. There are the men who make up Nicky’s police unit, including those who resent Nicky, especially her Captain, who would like to see her fired and removed from the pueblo. There are other law enforcement officers, some good, some not, and the reader has to figure out, along with Nicky, who is on the side of good and who is truly on the side of evil. Potenza does an excellent job of leading you one way, only to shift and cause you to wonder if you’ve been wrong all this time, then shift again.
Then there is the beautiful setting of the state of New Mexico providing it’s breathtaking wide open spaces. If the reader has spent any time in the west, the writing will evoke memories of Native American territory; the beauty of it, the poverty of it, the evidence of a different culture and lifestyle than the Europeans who settled across the United States. If the reader hasn’t spent time in the area, the novel may spark a compelling desire to see it for themselves and experience a foreign land that exists within their own country.
As for writing style and pacing, Potenza has done a superb job. The novel moves at a steady pace, one that calls the reader back if they have been forced to put it down for any reason. It is a book that most readers will want to read if not in one sitting at least in large parts at a time. At the same time, if circumstances require it, the reader can read a few pages here and there, in between accomplishing whatever has called them away from their reading.
This was a thoroughly satisfying read, with Potenza crafting a novel that is successful on a number of levels. The mystery is altogether satisfying, with good clues and red herrings that allow the reader to work through to the solution along with Nicky. The characters morphing from good to bad and then back again in some cases, was well done. Descriptions of the spiritualism and beliefs of the Fire-Sky people allowed a view into a culture and belief system that, for some, will be totally different from anything they have ever known. In short, it is a complex novel that provides the reader with multiple paths to involvement in the story, and I highly recommend it.
My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for providing me an advanced digital copy in exchange for an unbiased review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
November 9, 2018
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this arc.
A complex and very convoluted plot. The pacing wasn't very smoothly done, but in my mind forgivable as this is the author's debut book. Further confusion was the addition of a number of characters with inadequate "introduction".... details of their backstories were not provided until 50 plus pages later, making them feel more like plot contrivances than real characters. I found the main character Nicky a little unrealistic (too much emotion and not enough good sense for her "job") and felt like she was also part of the problem. Overall though, this was a compelling read. The atmosphere and creepiness were just right for me.
A complex and very convoluted plot. The pacing wasn't very smoothly done, but in my mind forgivable as this is the author's debut book. Further confusion was the addition of a number of characters with inadequate "introduction".... details of their backstories were not provided until 50 plus pages later, making them feel more like plot contrivances than real characters. I found the main character Nicky a little unrealistic (too much emotion and not enough good sense for her "job") and felt like she was also part of the problem. Overall though, this was a compelling read. The atmosphere and creepiness were just right for me.
April 21, 2021
A missing persons case turns into something really ugly, as white police Sergeant Nicki Matthew’s investigates a crime at the Tsiba’ashi D’yini reservation in New Mexico.
Nicki has worked hard to earn the trust of the reserve residents, and she gets more cooperation from them than some of her male coworkers, many of whom, including her captain, believe falsely that she slept her way into her job and treat her accordingly.
After she gets a call about a missing person, Nicki begins digging into the young woman's life, and quickly finds that this disappearance is similar to many others on the reserve, going back years.
Nicki is a sympathetic character, with a tendency to drive herself very hard and the need to prove herself constantly with her coworkers. Formerly a lawyer, she became a cop because of a messy incident in her past that has repercussions still.
The case presents a number of different viewpoints, both on and off the reservation, and different motives all arising from these viewpoints. There's a slight whiff of the otherworldly in Nicki's experiences, which actually made me a little uncomfortable, despite it seeming to me that the author was being fairly respectful to the aboriginal culture.
I liked this story sufficiently to be interested in any further Nicki Matthews stories.
Nicki has worked hard to earn the trust of the reserve residents, and she gets more cooperation from them than some of her male coworkers, many of whom, including her captain, believe falsely that she slept her way into her job and treat her accordingly.
After she gets a call about a missing person, Nicki begins digging into the young woman's life, and quickly finds that this disappearance is similar to many others on the reserve, going back years.
Nicki is a sympathetic character, with a tendency to drive herself very hard and the need to prove herself constantly with her coworkers. Formerly a lawyer, she became a cop because of a messy incident in her past that has repercussions still.
The case presents a number of different viewpoints, both on and off the reservation, and different motives all arising from these viewpoints. There's a slight whiff of the otherworldly in Nicki's experiences, which actually made me a little uncomfortable, despite it seeming to me that the author was being fairly respectful to the aboriginal culture.
I liked this story sufficiently to be interested in any further Nicki Matthews stories.
December 6, 2018
This is an excellent debut novel for Carol Potenza and well worthy of the Tony Hillerman Prize. I was drawn in by the deep characters, mesmerized by the local and cultural feel, and pulled along by a fast-moving albeit complicated plot. Kudos, Carol, for an excellent read!
December 23, 2018
This was a phenomenal debut!! Wow, just wow... I loved it. The author had me hooked from start to finish. It was so well written, and the twists and turns, along with the red herrings, left me guessing to the end - just what I love in a good mystery. I adored the heroine Nicky - she was so relatable and I was cheering her on the whole time. I can't recommend this book enough. Do yourself a favour and grab a copy - you'll love it. I am now eagerly awaiting book 2 - and Potenza is an auto buy for me now!!
October 26, 2018
Review can be found on my blog here: https://booksonthebookshelf.wordpress...
Thank you to Minotaur Books for sending me a free physical ARC copy of this book. This book is a winner of the Tony Hillerman Prize.
I loved all the suspense, mystery and surprises in this book. There was so much suspense that it had me hooked to the storyline and I was so into uncovering the mystery of what was going on that I flew through this book and felt myself on the edge of my seat as I was reading through the chapters.
We are introduced to the main character Nicky Matthews, a police sergeant. While at the scene of a crime she sees a white rabbit and an elderly woman’s face in a window. Was the woman really there or was it a spirit? Nicky comes to learn that both the face of the elderly woman and the white rabbit are omens of things to come… but what does it mean?
One by one several local people go missing. Nicky is determined to find out what is going on in her town and find who is responsible. One day Nicky is contacted by a young boy and his grandmother. The young boy’s cousin has gone missing and they fear she has met the same fate as the other missing people of this town. Nicky has been assigned to the case and she is determined to find this young woman.
The case takes Nicky on a whirlwind of a ride. What Nicky finds is shocking! There are several shocking twists and turns in the book that you definitely won’t see coming and I loved that! It kept me on the edge of my seat and reading late into the night to see what would happen next.
I really enjoyed reading about Nicky’s characters. She was a badass and had determination to solve each of her cases, and this one would be no different. She had a fun personality and it was interesting and fun to read about her character and watch her evolve in this story. I also enjoyed reading about her close friends Savannah and Ryan.
Without giving too much away this book was amazing! I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it!
All the stars for this book!
Thank you to Minotaur Books for sending me a free physical ARC copy of this book. This book is a winner of the Tony Hillerman Prize.
I loved all the suspense, mystery and surprises in this book. There was so much suspense that it had me hooked to the storyline and I was so into uncovering the mystery of what was going on that I flew through this book and felt myself on the edge of my seat as I was reading through the chapters.
We are introduced to the main character Nicky Matthews, a police sergeant. While at the scene of a crime she sees a white rabbit and an elderly woman’s face in a window. Was the woman really there or was it a spirit? Nicky comes to learn that both the face of the elderly woman and the white rabbit are omens of things to come… but what does it mean?
One by one several local people go missing. Nicky is determined to find out what is going on in her town and find who is responsible. One day Nicky is contacted by a young boy and his grandmother. The young boy’s cousin has gone missing and they fear she has met the same fate as the other missing people of this town. Nicky has been assigned to the case and she is determined to find this young woman.
The case takes Nicky on a whirlwind of a ride. What Nicky finds is shocking! There are several shocking twists and turns in the book that you definitely won’t see coming and I loved that! It kept me on the edge of my seat and reading late into the night to see what would happen next.
I really enjoyed reading about Nicky’s characters. She was a badass and had determination to solve each of her cases, and this one would be no different. She had a fun personality and it was interesting and fun to read about her character and watch her evolve in this story. I also enjoyed reading about her close friends Savannah and Ryan.
Without giving too much away this book was amazing! I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it!
All the stars for this book!
January 30, 2019
I am really irritated that I read this book. I'd heard about it somewhere (whoever recommended it to me, you're on my shit-list) and when I was looking for books to read for Book Riot's Read Harder 2019 challenge, I decided to do this one for Challenge #9: "A book published prior to Jan. 1, 2019 with fewer than 100 reviews on Goodreads."
When I looked at the reviews on January 2, the book only had 82 reviews, so I got it from inter-library loan and read it last weekend. And *now* I see that there are over 160 reviews and I totally wasted hours reading this dumb-dumb book. So irritated.
The plot is overly complicated and unbelievable, the characters are even less believable than the plot, the dialogue frequently turns into exposition avalanche, and the writing is bad. Just really bad.
Potenza changes the nickname of one of the main characters from "Frank" to "Franco" two-thirds through the book. Why? Who the fu*k knows.
I don't get why people are giving this four and five stars. Is it because it takes place on a Native American reservation and that means it has to be good? How did Potenza win the Tony Hillerman prize? Was hers the only book out of New Mexico last year? I don't get it. You shouldn't either. Don't read this book.
When I looked at the reviews on January 2, the book only had 82 reviews, so I got it from inter-library loan and read it last weekend. And *now* I see that there are over 160 reviews and I totally wasted hours reading this dumb-dumb book. So irritated.
The plot is overly complicated and unbelievable, the characters are even less believable than the plot, the dialogue frequently turns into exposition avalanche, and the writing is bad. Just really bad.
Potenza changes the nickname of one of the main characters from "Frank" to "Franco" two-thirds through the book. Why? Who the fu*k knows.
I don't get why people are giving this four and five stars. Is it because it takes place on a Native American reservation and that means it has to be good? How did Potenza win the Tony Hillerman prize? Was hers the only book out of New Mexico last year? I don't get it. You shouldn't either. Don't read this book.
January 29, 2019
Hearts of the Missing is a murder mystery set on Native American lands. A Pueblo police detective must find who is killing Fire-Sky tribe members. It's a compelling story with a unique perspective. The story gives a look at Native American culture, and I don't read many stories about this. The story is engaging, but the pacing is off. I was confused at times. The main character is likeable and intelligent. It's an overall good read but not fantastic. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
May 26, 2019
A librarian picked this book for me, and it was enjoyable if a little Indiana-Jonish.
Sgt. Nicky Masters routine police duties change when an old woman and her grandson report a missing granddaughter. Sandra had turned her life around and was within weeks of graduating from college. As Nicky learns, Sandra's senior project was those missing amongst the tribal members, but investigating Sandra's and the others' disappearance or deaths won't be easy as evidence is falsified, witnesses are unhelpful, Nicky's police colleagues are more obstructive than usual, and even her friends are guarding tribal secrets from an outsider.
Sgt. Nicky Masters routine police duties change when an old woman and her grandson report a missing granddaughter. Sandra had turned her life around and was within weeks of graduating from college. As Nicky learns, Sandra's senior project was those missing amongst the tribal members, but investigating Sandra's and the others' disappearance or deaths won't be easy as evidence is falsified, witnesses are unhelpful, Nicky's police colleagues are more obstructive than usual, and even her friends are guarding tribal secrets from an outsider.
January 26, 2022
Hearts of the Missing is one of those books that sat on my shelf way too long. I’m glad I finally read it, though I wasn’t wowed.
I loved being immersed in Native American culture and traditions. Unfortunately, content straddles the line of preachy, particularly with dialogue. Characters lecture, rather than speak.
Pacing is uneven.
The overly complex plot becomes convoluted before the midway point. I felt like I needed a flowchart.
I was intrigued in the beginning, but the story gradually lost me as the plot continued tangling in on itself, and plausibility was left behind.
*I received an ARC from the publisher quite some time ago.*
I loved being immersed in Native American culture and traditions. Unfortunately, content straddles the line of preachy, particularly with dialogue. Characters lecture, rather than speak.
Pacing is uneven.
The overly complex plot becomes convoluted before the midway point. I felt like I needed a flowchart.
I was intrigued in the beginning, but the story gradually lost me as the plot continued tangling in on itself, and plausibility was left behind.
*I received an ARC from the publisher quite some time ago.*
August 20, 2021
3.5 stars
October 22, 2021
I enjoyed this entertaining detective mystery set in the starkly beautiful New Mexico desert. Interesting characters, including female law enforcement personnel and a female scientist (like the author). I hope to read more about Nicky and her friends and associates.
June 3, 2019
The New Mexico location is what made me interested in this book but I really liked the plot and character development. The Native American custom descriptions really created an understanding and appreciation of the culture. I’m looking for another one from this author.
January 14, 2019
I have read everyTony Hillerman book and, being raised in the Southwest, loved how he (and later his daughter Anne Hillerman) captured so beautifully the aura of the land and its people. When I heard Hearts of the Missing had won the Tony Hillerman Prize for Best First Mystery Set in the Southwest, I was intrigued enough to read it.
Let me say, I was not disappointed. Potenza’s book is every bit as enthralling as a Hillerman Leaphorn or Chee mystery novel. Potenza’s love for the New Mexico landscape comes through clearly. Additionally, she has a strong female protagonist in Nicky Matthews who is an officer in the police department of the Fire-Sky people. Though not a native, she is trusted by the people she serves. Tribal members have been disappearing for several years, but Nicky is told to close the investigation. The book combines well-conceived plot twists as native mythology and history conflict with science. Nicky faces a boss who dislikes her, an old lover and his demon of a wife, plus a new love interest who may not be who he seems. People who enjoy a good conspiracy theory will enjoy Heart of the Missing as well. Cant’t wait to read the next one!
Let me say, I was not disappointed. Potenza’s book is every bit as enthralling as a Hillerman Leaphorn or Chee mystery novel. Potenza’s love for the New Mexico landscape comes through clearly. Additionally, she has a strong female protagonist in Nicky Matthews who is an officer in the police department of the Fire-Sky people. Though not a native, she is trusted by the people she serves. Tribal members have been disappearing for several years, but Nicky is told to close the investigation. The book combines well-conceived plot twists as native mythology and history conflict with science. Nicky faces a boss who dislikes her, an old lover and his demon of a wife, plus a new love interest who may not be who he seems. People who enjoy a good conspiracy theory will enjoy Heart of the Missing as well. Cant’t wait to read the next one!
January 2, 2019
I enjoyed the story on Audible. Hearts of the Missing is a captivating mystery with a romantic edge and a deep Indian cultural dimension. Fire-Sky people are vanishing. Micki Matthews, a feisty, dogged, intelligent tribal police woman is on a mission. She is endeared by the locals and two special Pueblo friends, Ryan and Samantha. They serve as her Indian translator, connector, and interpreter of signs. The plot will zig you here and there so hold on. Potenza’s writing style moves quickly with many sparkling surprises. I found myself anxious to get to the next chapter, then disappointed when there were no chapters left. Tony Hillerman, I believe, would be proud, Potenza, has carried on with what he started.
December 16, 2018
I was a little disappointed when I found out the tribe was fictional. It then made me wonder if the customs and rituals I had just enjoyed learning so much about were also fictional, but from online interviews with Potenza I gather that those are based on research (Potenza's sister in law is a police officer in a New Mexico Pueblo).
The mystery revolves around scientific research, organ donors (the Fire Sky People have to be buried intact, so they aren't donors), and DNA. Potenza is a practicing biochemist and it is in this part of the mystery where her writing really shines.
There is a fascinating subplot with an evil ex-boyfriend who is also a powerful social influencer. Although it is only a small part of the story, I was actually more engrossed in that relationship than I was in Nicky's love story with a fellow officer who may or may not be what he seems.
This is the first book in a planned series. The real hero of the story in many ways is the landscape and how the people who live on it interact with it.
The mystery revolves around scientific research, organ donors (the Fire Sky People have to be buried intact, so they aren't donors), and DNA. Potenza is a practicing biochemist and it is in this part of the mystery where her writing really shines.
There is a fascinating subplot with an evil ex-boyfriend who is also a powerful social influencer. Although it is only a small part of the story, I was actually more engrossed in that relationship than I was in Nicky's love story with a fellow officer who may or may not be what he seems.
This is the first book in a planned series. The real hero of the story in many ways is the landscape and how the people who live on it interact with it.
November 7, 2018
This book is a true mystery at every turn. I fell in love with the main character, Nicky Matthews, as she navigated being an outsider in a world she feels deeply connected to. The artistry and cultural competency Dr. Potenza used when capturing the spirit of the tribal lands of New Mexico is astounding. I respect any artist that is able to research and present this culture so respectfully, and this book certainly hits the mark. It is no surprise that this book is the winner of the Tony Hillerman Prize. A MUST read for any lover of the Land of Enchantment, or for anyone looking for an addicting read.
March 10, 2019
No wonder Hearts of the Missing won the Tony Hillerman prize. The best mystery I’ve read in a while. Up there with The Promise by Robert Crais and Little Green by Walter Mosley as far as books I remember and revisit long after I’ve read them.
Riveting plot, tightly paced, and beautifully written.
The characters come alive –I can see and hear them vividly—and their world takes on a life of its own. I can’t get enough of Nicky and Frank and Savannah and Ryan. This book had everything I love—friendships, rivalries, camaraderie, evil, vengeance, and romance. Plus the supernatural elements had that quality of sitting on the back porch on a summer night listening to ghost stories and then hearing a rustle in the grass. Wait. Did that happen? It could have happened.
I could see a movie or TV show being based on this book. But more than that, I am ready to read the next in the series. Like, yesterday.
Riveting plot, tightly paced, and beautifully written.
The rain started in earnest and the drops landed darkly in the clean field around the back door, little round balls of water that sat on top of the dirt, only to shrink away as the earth sucked them down.
The characters come alive –I can see and hear them vividly—and their world takes on a life of its own. I can’t get enough of Nicky and Frank and Savannah and Ryan. This book had everything I love—friendships, rivalries, camaraderie, evil, vengeance, and romance. Plus the supernatural elements had that quality of sitting on the back porch on a summer night listening to ghost stories and then hearing a rustle in the grass. Wait. Did that happen? It could have happened.
I could see a movie or TV show being based on this book. But more than that, I am ready to read the next in the series. Like, yesterday.
April 14, 2020
I'm really on the fence how to rate this. It feels like a 3 but it was SO slow paced I want to give it a 2.
What I liked:
-Potenza's writing is very atmospheric
-I liked reading about the Indigenous cultural celebrations within the book, but am very wary given that they were written by a non-Indigenous writer.
What I didn't like:
-soooo slow paced. I listened to the last quarter on audio because I just couldn't do it anymore.
-Nicky was weirdly invincible and it was so annoying. I also didn't particularly enjoy her as a character.
-I don't particularly like when people who aren't Indigenous write Indigenous stories. I think it is problematic and had I known that it occurred to the extent it did within the novel, I probably wouldn't have read it.
What I liked:
-Potenza's writing is very atmospheric
-I liked reading about the Indigenous cultural celebrations within the book, but am very wary given that they were written by a non-Indigenous writer.
What I didn't like:
-soooo slow paced. I listened to the last quarter on audio because I just couldn't do it anymore.
-Nicky was weirdly invincible and it was so annoying. I also didn't particularly enjoy her as a character.
-I don't particularly like when people who aren't Indigenous write Indigenous stories. I think it is problematic and had I known that it occurred to the extent it did within the novel, I probably wouldn't have read it.
February 19, 2019
I really enjoyed this excellent modern mystery with original characters and a distinctive southwestern setting. The book is action packed, with a bit of a supernatural element that gives it a bit of an unsettling feel, and has a strong female protagonist that comes across as a real person. The setting of the noval on a fictional Native American reservation in Northern New Mexico is intriguing and adds an authentic southwestern feel to the story. The central mystery is unique in its combination of the historical and ancestral culture of the Native American heritage of the tribe on the reservation with modern DNA science. I am looking forward to the next mystery in the series featuring the main characters in this unique and original world.
February 6, 2019
This was such a tense and atmospheric novel that really packed a punch! I’m not usually into murder mysteries, but I was intrigued by the Native American culture that was a key element of this story, as well as the badass female protagonist and the taut pacing that kept me flipping pages past my bedtime. This book is addictive and hard to put down, and you’ll be hard pressed to do anything else until you finish it.
June 24, 2019
Thanks to my friend Judy Crudele for recommending this book to me. It takes place in a fictional New Mexico Pueblo and I was disappointed to learn later that it was not about a real Native American Indian Tribe. However, I believe it was loosely based on more than one real tribe. The legends and beliefs of the tribe were wonderful to read about and were an important part of the story. The mystery is well plotted and meticulously researched, as the plot concerned DNA, organ theft and donors. It was a bit slow in the beginning and took me 5 days to finish - unheard of for me since I usually read a book in 2-3 days. No matter, the ending was well worth it. I hope this will be a series. I'd certainly pick up the next one.
October 9, 2023
This book started off with a bang and then got kind of muddled in the second half. It was interesting to hear about the rez life and those that try to protect it! The MC had a bit of a savior complex going on, but it didn't detract from the story too much.
I read this with Tamila Reed on our Reading Across America challenge and this was for New Mexico.
I read this with Tamila Reed on our Reading Across America challenge and this was for New Mexico.
June 17, 2019
*3.5 stars*
March 29, 2020
Great debut novel. Type of characters is different than what I normally read.
June 14, 2022
Very good story. I’m wondering how much of the science described is actually true.
September 5, 2023
I listened to this as an audio book and was a little distracted in the beginning but once I caught on it was a page turner. Recommended.
February 5, 2019
Five stars until the last third, then it just got too confusing 🤦🏻♀️
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