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A John Treehorn Mystery #1
Shadow Dancer
A victim never forgets.
John Treehorn is an FBI Agent stationed in Washington DC. When new evidence surfaces of a long since forgotten federal crime, he’s the bureau’s first choice to lead the investigation at the Land of his People, the Navajo Indian Reservation.
But, for this Special Agent, his nightmare; a murder, fifteen years earlier, brought this now decorated agent to his knees. A killing that was committed by the same Indian myth called, ‘Shadow Dancer’.
A prep school leader is missing, myths don’t commit murder, and the truth is buried on the reservation.
Agent Treehorn and local FBI Agent Raven Shelley weave the clues together one strand at a time like an old Navajo rug, from the grave of a corpse intentionally hidden to the unspoken crimes targeted against members of a prestigious law firm. A stranger, who wove the motive, once walked amongst their People and left an indelible mark of a shattered dream that bled into its desert sands.
The FBI agent and the killer face off as the laws of two lands collide. One stands with a badge, the other with tradition; but they understand the word of their elders, not all killers are born to kill, some are justified to kill.
This book is intended for mature audiences only due to adult content and graphic violence.
This book has been professionally edited. Edition 9-11-18. Physical page count: 202 pages.
John Treehorn is an FBI Agent stationed in Washington DC. When new evidence surfaces of a long since forgotten federal crime, he’s the bureau’s first choice to lead the investigation at the Land of his People, the Navajo Indian Reservation.
But, for this Special Agent, his nightmare; a murder, fifteen years earlier, brought this now decorated agent to his knees. A killing that was committed by the same Indian myth called, ‘Shadow Dancer’.
A prep school leader is missing, myths don’t commit murder, and the truth is buried on the reservation.
Agent Treehorn and local FBI Agent Raven Shelley weave the clues together one strand at a time like an old Navajo rug, from the grave of a corpse intentionally hidden to the unspoken crimes targeted against members of a prestigious law firm. A stranger, who wove the motive, once walked amongst their People and left an indelible mark of a shattered dream that bled into its desert sands.
The FBI agent and the killer face off as the laws of two lands collide. One stands with a badge, the other with tradition; but they understand the word of their elders, not all killers are born to kill, some are justified to kill.
This book is intended for mature audiences only due to adult content and graphic violence.
This book has been professionally edited. Edition 9-11-18. Physical page count: 202 pages.
147 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 2, 2018
794 people are currently reading
320 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
May 20, 2020
This is an interesting first book for this fiction author. I have read many other in the Native American mystery genre including books by Margaret Coel, Tony Hillerman, James Doss, Dana Stabenow, and Amy Thurlo. This book is similar to the first efforts of these well-known authors. In other words, a bit rough around the edges. The story line was unique and the plot was decent. The book could be fleshed out a bit more and editing could be a bit better. There was more graphic sex and violence than in most books of this genre. I will read the series further. I expect as the author writes more books, her style will become more polished and the scenes will be fleshed out more. All-in-all it is not a bad book for a debut author.
June 25, 2022
I am glad to have met John Treehorn and witnessed some of his story. This was not an easy mystery to read but was well done and I look forward to reading more in this series.
December 16, 2018
Wonderful book
Reading this book reminded me of the Longmire television series and John Treehorn is a great character. I can’t wait to read more books about this character.
Reading this book reminded me of the Longmire television series and John Treehorn is a great character. I can’t wait to read more books about this character.
January 31, 2022
Interesting. Quick read. Too many improbable, unrealistic occurrences to really make it enjoyable.
March 12, 2019
Shadow Dancer - a review by Rosemary Kenny
I really liked this timeless modern Western whodunit by Dinah Miller, with its similarities and differences to others in the genre.
Her MC/flawed hero is FBI Agent John Treehorn and Shadow Dancer is a reference to an ancient mythical figure for the Navajo, which
both locals and FBI believe is the killer of a prep-school leader.
Treehorn's called in to liaise with the Natives on the Reservation where the body was found and brings in Agent Raven Shelley to look into what has become a cold case. His arrival leads to personal danger, as he and Raven draw ever-nearer to the truth, namely the historic rape of Native Indian women and the terrible effects on children born of such atrocities.
What happens when the sins of the fathers are visited on their legitimate offspring in a self-perpetuating cycle of death and destruction?
Read Shadow Dancer for the answers and a great story that you won't want to put down before the last page is finished!
I really liked this timeless modern Western whodunit by Dinah Miller, with its similarities and differences to others in the genre.
Her MC/flawed hero is FBI Agent John Treehorn and Shadow Dancer is a reference to an ancient mythical figure for the Navajo, which
both locals and FBI believe is the killer of a prep-school leader.
Treehorn's called in to liaise with the Natives on the Reservation where the body was found and brings in Agent Raven Shelley to look into what has become a cold case. His arrival leads to personal danger, as he and Raven draw ever-nearer to the truth, namely the historic rape of Native Indian women and the terrible effects on children born of such atrocities.
What happens when the sins of the fathers are visited on their legitimate offspring in a self-perpetuating cycle of death and destruction?
Read Shadow Dancer for the answers and a great story that you won't want to put down before the last page is finished!
September 14, 2022
A wonderful and sad story.
This is the first book I have read by Dinah Miller. I loved it. It was so good from beginning to the end I read it in 2 days. FBI Agent Treehorn is sent to an indian reservation to solve a 15 year old crime. A teacher and 4 students go on a camping trip on reservation land. The teacher disappears and the boys are found tramatized. I love the bits of Indian culture and beliefs in the center of the story. It is sad in many ways. Warning, there are some pretty graphic content surrounding a few murders. I loved the characters, especially Agent John Treehorn. Can't wait to read book 2.
This is the first book I have read by Dinah Miller. I loved it. It was so good from beginning to the end I read it in 2 days. FBI Agent Treehorn is sent to an indian reservation to solve a 15 year old crime. A teacher and 4 students go on a camping trip on reservation land. The teacher disappears and the boys are found tramatized. I love the bits of Indian culture and beliefs in the center of the story. It is sad in many ways. Warning, there are some pretty graphic content surrounding a few murders. I loved the characters, especially Agent John Treehorn. Can't wait to read book 2.
October 4, 2019
OMG this was AMAZING! It sucked me right in and didn't let go! HIGHLY recommend you give it a shot 😍
May 14, 2022
It’s been a long time since I read a mystery this gripping.
July 23, 2021
Exciting mystery!
I did like this book, but some of the Navajo actions didn't quite go along with other Navajo books I've read. Since I'm not Native American, I don't actually know what is truly correct. Nevertheless, it's an interesting and exciting read. It's got a good, strong lead character and a twisty plot. I love the Navajo land, since I grew up in Arizona and have driven through the reservation on many different paths.
I did like this book, but some of the Navajo actions didn't quite go along with other Navajo books I've read. Since I'm not Native American, I don't actually know what is truly correct. Nevertheless, it's an interesting and exciting read. It's got a good, strong lead character and a twisty plot. I love the Navajo land, since I grew up in Arizona and have driven through the reservation on many different paths.
October 27, 2020
Fantastic
I do believe I found another interesting word smith that created this interesting story line.
Great who done it tale that describes an incredible land and some of its inhabitants .
Looking forward to the next book by this author.
I do believe I found another interesting word smith that created this interesting story line.
Great who done it tale that describes an incredible land and some of its inhabitants .
Looking forward to the next book by this author.
November 9, 2020
A fast read. This is one FBI agent with quite a past! I’m assuming this book sets the foundation for the following books featuring John Treehorn so I’ll read the next one. Enjoyed the Navajo parts of the book.
January 26, 2021
My First Experience With This Author & Series
My First Experience With This Author & Series and it will not be my last as I found it be be an engaging read.
An interesting plot, well researched and developed characters.
I recommend this book. It’s a fun, fairly quick read.
My First Experience With This Author & Series and it will not be my last as I found it be be an engaging read.
An interesting plot, well researched and developed characters.
I recommend this book. It’s a fun, fairly quick read.
June 6, 2021
Excellent writer
Dinah Miller has written a wonderful book with powerful characters and a tense, engaging plot. This is a really good read. Just overlook her errors in comma use in compound sentences, direct address, and quotations. Otherwise great!
Dinah Miller has written a wonderful book with powerful characters and a tense, engaging plot. This is a really good read. Just overlook her errors in comma use in compound sentences, direct address, and quotations. Otherwise great!
January 7, 2022
Great mystery set in the southwest.
Fans of Tony Hillerman and Craig Johnson would enjoy this series. Book 1 has a couple of great twists that I didn't see coming. I really enjoyed it.
Fans of Tony Hillerman and Craig Johnson would enjoy this series. Book 1 has a couple of great twists that I didn't see coming. I really enjoyed it.
March 29, 2018
Interesting
I have always enjoyed stories about the first people. The premise of this book was intriguing but the editing could have been better.
I have always enjoyed stories about the first people. The premise of this book was intriguing but the editing could have been better.
February 19, 2020
A fast read
I completely enjoyed this native American FBI agent John Treehorns' story. It moved quickly and had a great deal of emotions and adventure. I look to the next chapter.
I completely enjoyed this native American FBI agent John Treehorns' story. It moved quickly and had a great deal of emotions and adventure. I look to the next chapter.
February 23, 2022
Shadow Dancer 5 stars
Love this new character, John Treehorn. I'm a fan and have visited Canyon de Chilly all the way to Spider Rock and witnessed a Navajo ceremony held there. Will be reading more Treehorn books.
Love this new character, John Treehorn. I'm a fan and have visited Canyon de Chilly all the way to Spider Rock and witnessed a Navajo ceremony held there. Will be reading more Treehorn books.
March 6, 2022
Loved this book!
One of the better books I have read lately! Rough reading but sure was good! Can't help but hope that he gets to be happier and at peace in the next books!
One of the better books I have read lately! Rough reading but sure was good! Can't help but hope that he gets to be happier and at peace in the next books!
September 22, 2022
Excellent story
I really enjoyed this book..read it in 1 sitting. A rollercoaster story of Native American legends, murders, and unimaginable pain..
Ms Miller tells this story eloquently, painting the landscape in such detail you find yourself there..enjoy!!
I really enjoyed this book..read it in 1 sitting. A rollercoaster story of Native American legends, murders, and unimaginable pain..
Ms Miller tells this story eloquently, painting the landscape in such detail you find yourself there..enjoy!!
May 25, 2020
Good read
Could be better. There are typos which I chose to ignore because the story was good. I plan to read the rest.
Could be better. There are typos which I chose to ignore because the story was good. I plan to read the rest.
October 23, 2021
A Good Read
If you like Jim Chee and Joe Leaphorn mysteries by Tony Hillerman, you'll like this book. Wish it was a bit longer.
If you like Jim Chee and Joe Leaphorn mysteries by Tony Hillerman, you'll like this book. Wish it was a bit longer.
August 29, 2019
Good reading.
A good short read about a missing person on the Rez. I actually was able to read it in about 3 hours. It was vivid & interesting to read about Native American myths & legends without getting lost in it. I'm on my way to book #2!
A good short read about a missing person on the Rez. I actually was able to read it in about 3 hours. It was vivid & interesting to read about Native American myths & legends without getting lost in it. I'm on my way to book #2!
April 26, 2021
John Treehorn is a half Navajo half white Federal Agent. Dinah Miller weaves a great story and we get to know the character. I read this book mostly in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. Straight forward writing and a wonderful story.
October 11, 2019
Sure fire thriller set in Navajoland
Writer captured the culture, the geography in a story with more twists than a rattler.dang fine read . Agent Treehorn is a three D character. I'm hooked
Writer captured the culture, the geography in a story with more twists than a rattler.dang fine read . Agent Treehorn is a three D character. I'm hooked
November 2, 2021
Good read
I enjoyed this book a lot. Well written and an interesting premise. I love the vibrant descriptions of the desert.
I enjoyed this book a lot. Well written and an interesting premise. I love the vibrant descriptions of the desert.
September 17, 2022
Wow
First novel in the series. I hope the sequel is as compelling as this. Writing is spare and evocative. Good story.
First novel in the series. I hope the sequel is as compelling as this. Writing is spare and evocative. Good story.
September 7, 2021
Good quick read
I enjoy stories of Native American tribes and the various police agencies that support them. This series has started we'll. This first novel had all the right ingredients. I look forward to reading more about Agent Treehorn.
I enjoy stories of Native American tribes and the various police agencies that support them. This series has started we'll. This first novel had all the right ingredients. I look forward to reading more about Agent Treehorn.
August 13, 2019
Fun read
Easy to cruise through nice twist and turn it the telling Enjoy the sights and smells of the Navajo Nation
Easy to cruise through nice twist and turn it the telling Enjoy the sights and smells of the Navajo Nation
September 29, 2022
Proud and Beautiful
Special Agent John Treehorn, FBI Agent and Navajo Indian. Absolutely beautiful story filled with Tradition, Sorrow, Murder, Betrayal,etc. I could go on and ruin the story, but that would cheat you out of an incredible, unforgettable reading experience from a remarkable story teller!
Dinah Miller can tell a story like no other!
You will be captured from the first paragraph to the last!
Special Agent John Treehorn, FBI Agent and Navajo Indian. Absolutely beautiful story filled with Tradition, Sorrow, Murder, Betrayal,etc. I could go on and ruin the story, but that would cheat you out of an incredible, unforgettable reading experience from a remarkable story teller!
Dinah Miller can tell a story like no other!
You will be captured from the first paragraph to the last!
June 12, 2019
Great book.Wow
Fast paced story from the start.Looking into a cold case of what happen to four young men and their missing teacher takes FBI John Treehorn back home to the reservation.There he looks for answers to this unsolved mystery,also brings back memories of his own pain.As he fights to find the truth ,he goes up against those who have money and power to keep it quiet.But he finds the answers he never thought would bring him so close to his home. He also finds peace in his own soul.This is my first read of this author great book.Im reading more of this series.
Fast paced story from the start.Looking into a cold case of what happen to four young men and their missing teacher takes FBI John Treehorn back home to the reservation.There he looks for answers to this unsolved mystery,also brings back memories of his own pain.As he fights to find the truth ,he goes up against those who have money and power to keep it quiet.But he finds the answers he never thought would bring him so close to his home. He also finds peace in his own soul.This is my first read of this author great book.Im reading more of this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews