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A Navajo Nation Mystery: Books 1-3
Best selling author R. Allen Chappell’s Navajo Nation Mystery series—the official starter pack includes books one through three. The set includes Navajo Autumn, the book readers asked to become a series. Boy Made of Dawn, its exciting sequel, and Ancient Blood, which enthralled an international audience. Each book was a #1 Bestseller in the Native American category. Though each book in the series is a stand-alone mystery a better sense of character and series progression may be gained by reading in order. This starter pack was made available to help facilitate that option at an affordable price. There are secrets yet to tell, and in the mysterious world of the desert southwest, no writer tells them better than Chappell. With a rock solid grip on the people, history and lives of the Diné, Chappell leads the reader into a world of mystery and intrigue.
477 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 14, 2018
205 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
R. Allen Chappell
19 books149 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 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 26, 2019
If you are a Tony Hellerman fan and have missed his writings, you need to try R. Allen Chappell and this particular trilogy. Well written with each book having closure. The second book starts not long after the first. And the third begins approximately a year after the second completes. I highly recommend you read them in order. The first book anchors the trilogy.
Book 1 - Navajo Authumn
Book 2 - Boy Made of Dawn
Book 3 - Ancient Blood
Our lead male character is Charlie Yazzie who is still single and in a job hoping for a better one. A UNM law school graduate, his degree comes in handy at times. He is not a member of the Navajo police. Never forget Charlie is smart.
Unlike Hellerman's character, Leaphorn, Charlie has embraced a lot of the white world's ways. But I love how the author brings his heritage into the story weaving it in a believable way.
You'll like the characters in this book as the stories build.
NOTE: The trilogy is available on Kindle Unlimited.
This trilogy is the first works I have read by this author. It won't be my last -- and I don't think it will be yours either.
Book 1 - Navajo Authumn
Book 2 - Boy Made of Dawn
Book 3 - Ancient Blood
Our lead male character is Charlie Yazzie who is still single and in a job hoping for a better one. A UNM law school graduate, his degree comes in handy at times. He is not a member of the Navajo police. Never forget Charlie is smart.
Unlike Hellerman's character, Leaphorn, Charlie has embraced a lot of the white world's ways. But I love how the author brings his heritage into the story weaving it in a believable way.
You'll like the characters in this book as the stories build.
NOTE: The trilogy is available on Kindle Unlimited.
This trilogy is the first works I have read by this author. It won't be my last -- and I don't think it will be yours either.
November 4, 2018
Well written mysteries all 3. Very well researched and presented as well as just plain intriguing. Culturally it gives the reader more than a glimpse of Navajo culture while solving crimes. Hopefully there will more from this author!
March 4, 2019
These are more like novellas, short and easy reading at about 200 pages each. Interesting characters and mysteries, similar to Tony Hillerman’s style. My hubby devoured Hillerman’s series, as he is a fan of Native American folklore and mysteries. When I saw the great reviews this author was getting I bought him this set of the first 3 novels in this series of 8 Navajo mysteries.
I was so pleased to see his enthusiastic reaction as he exclaimed “5 stars for this set. I want to read the rest of them.” Because I’ve enjoyed some Hillerman novels myself in the past, I got curious enough to check them out. I found them enjoyable, the Navajo culture intriguing and the writing well done. Mr. Chappell, we’re glad to meet ya!
History, traditions, mystery and great characters are featured in each novel, so the reader gets to know the main characters a bit better in each one, like we did with Jim Chee and Joe Leaphorn from Hillerman’s novels.
My rating is 4 - hubby’s is 5, either way, thumbs up!
I was so pleased to see his enthusiastic reaction as he exclaimed “5 stars for this set. I want to read the rest of them.” Because I’ve enjoyed some Hillerman novels myself in the past, I got curious enough to check them out. I found them enjoyable, the Navajo culture intriguing and the writing well done. Mr. Chappell, we’re glad to meet ya!
History, traditions, mystery and great characters are featured in each novel, so the reader gets to know the main characters a bit better in each one, like we did with Jim Chee and Joe Leaphorn from Hillerman’s novels.
My rating is 4 - hubby’s is 5, either way, thumbs up!
Read
May 11, 2019Excellent. I very seldom reread a book, just too many waiting for me to read. When the three book became available on sale I had to have it. Having read the books before did not spoil them for me. I enjoyed these stories. I wanted more of the characters. They are ordinary people solving problems. They just happen to be native Americans. The books give you a peak into their every day lives and some of the old customs and ways of living. It has been a long time since I was on a dig so the third book brought back some memories. When I read a book with native Americans I prefer that they are well researched. The stories are so well presented you keep flipping pages to see what happens next.
July 14, 2018
Three Books
I enjoyed reading these books. I learned much about the origins of the Navajo and the Athabaskan ancestors. Fascinating to learn about the different tribes and their culture. The mysteries were well written and the characters the author carried thru all three were great. I had never heard about the great migration of the Anasazi people.
I enjoyed reading these books. I learned much about the origins of the Navajo and the Athabaskan ancestors. Fascinating to learn about the different tribes and their culture. The mysteries were well written and the characters the author carried thru all three were great. I had never heard about the great migration of the Anasazi people.
October 9, 2018
Outstanding! I was wondering if there would ever be another author to match Tony Hillerman.
Yes, there is! Allen Chappell is it. The detail on background of the Navajo and the Hopi is well done.
I worked on the Tuba City Public Health many years ago so know some about both nations. Looking forward to enjoying the rest of his books. Excellent read!
Yes, there is! Allen Chappell is it. The detail on background of the Navajo and the Hopi is well done.
I worked on the Tuba City Public Health many years ago so know some about both nations. Looking forward to enjoying the rest of his books. Excellent read!
June 1, 2019
I enjoyed reading these three books.
I enjoyed learning about the lives and some traditions of the Navajo Nation. I've traveled through the area a few times but knew little of the people.
I enjoyed learning about the lives and some traditions of the Navajo Nation. I've traveled through the area a few times but knew little of the people.
July 9, 2018
Navajo
Enjoyed these books very much. Learned a lot about the Indians. Looking forward to more of Mr. Chappell s books.
Enjoyed these books very much. Learned a lot about the Indians. Looking forward to more of Mr. Chappell s books.
July 22, 2018
Really
Really, really enjoyed these books. I love the pace, the to thinking, the background, the history,. Just the whole thing.
Really, really enjoyed these books. I love the pace, the to thinking, the background, the history,. Just the whole thing.
Read
October 7, 2018Thoroughly enjoyed each book in this 3 book set, in fact I just bought the other books to finish following Charlie, Pony Boy and Thomas
August 7, 2020
Wonderful exposure
My husband and I wanted to learn more about the Navajo. We have read this 3 book collection aloud to each other each night for the last couple of months. It has been so enjoyable! We've learned so much about Dine culture in addition to a growing fondness for the well down characters and plots. We plan on exploring more of Mr. Campbell's books as we await the time when we can report for our missionary\humanitarian assignment at Shiprock, New Mexico which has been temporarily postponed due to covid 19.
My husband and I wanted to learn more about the Navajo. We have read this 3 book collection aloud to each other each night for the last couple of months. It has been so enjoyable! We've learned so much about Dine culture in addition to a growing fondness for the well down characters and plots. We plan on exploring more of Mr. Campbell's books as we await the time when we can report for our missionary\humanitarian assignment at Shiprock, New Mexico which has been temporarily postponed due to covid 19.
February 8, 2021
The beginning of a fascinating series
Indigenous culture is interesting to me. The history of the Anasazi is explored , as well as the Navajo and Hopi.
Done well by this author. Descriptive scenery, real living conditions and good characterizations. I will read the rest of the series.
Indigenous culture is interesting to me. The history of the Anasazi is explored , as well as the Navajo and Hopi.
Done well by this author. Descriptive scenery, real living conditions and good characterizations. I will read the rest of the series.
October 19, 2019
Three great stories
I enjoyed all three stories. I knew a little about the Navaho, and found it interesting to learn more about them. The characters in all three stories were well written and would liked to read more about them.
I enjoyed all three stories. I knew a little about the Navaho, and found it interesting to learn more about them. The characters in all three stories were well written and would liked to read more about them.
April 7, 2020
Spell binding read
What a great read. Living and growing up in the Four Corners I always loved the museums and the artifacts that have been preserved. The ending was a bit of a surprise. I couldn't put it down. Enjoy!
What a great read. Living and growing up in the Four Corners I always loved the museums and the artifacts that have been preserved. The ending was a bit of a surprise. I couldn't put it down. Enjoy!
July 18, 2020
Much better than I expected
I got the set of the first three books either free or very cheaply. I expected mediocre books at best. I was so pleased with the series that I am purchasing more. There is a lot of good information about the Navajo culture.
I got the set of the first three books either free or very cheaply. I expected mediocre books at best. I was so pleased with the series that I am purchasing more. There is a lot of good information about the Navajo culture.
October 2, 2019
Excellent
It really took me into the times and places of both the modern and ancient history, and of the lands themselves.
It really took me into the times and places of both the modern and ancient history, and of the lands themselves.
November 17, 2019
Love this author and all the of these first books of The Navajo Nation series.
June 10, 2020
I was searching for books similar to Tony Hillerman’s and I found them!
April 4, 2023
A great 3
I enjoyed the 3 books. The story flowed well. I think somehow I missed these. I love the way R. Allen Chappell links through or closes a story. The themes are real.
I enjoyed the 3 books. The story flowed well. I think somehow I missed these. I love the way R. Allen Chappell links through or closes a story. The themes are real.
September 24, 2024
Great read
I enjoyed this series of novels which was well written and kept the readers interest going. I read the three novels as one book not being able to put it down for long.
I enjoyed this series of novels which was well written and kept the readers interest going. I read the three novels as one book not being able to put it down for long.
August 3, 2022
A Navajo Nation Mystery
Great set of books going to finish the series.
Just like living on the reservation. Author makes you feel like your there.
Great set of books going to finish the series.
Just like living on the reservation. Author makes you feel like your there.
November 19, 2024
I found this author a couple of years ago and fell in love with his style. I have already read several of these books in a hit-or-miss, back-and-forth fashion, but I am currently on a binge of R. Allen Chappell's work, many of which are on Kindle Unlimited. I have found that to read a series in the order it was written adds to the depth of the people, the tale, and the place. It will be a great way to spend the first week of really cold fall weather here in the High Plains Desert. I have a good book series, and thick socks. This is my idea of the good life.
Navajo Autumn Book 1
Navajo Autumn is the first of now 14 of this Navajo Nation series and a fine introduction to the folks that make this series special. We have the Navajo police, the State Police of various states that contain the Navajo Nation, the FBI, the many varied county cops and the Federal Bureau of Indian Affairs. They will all be needed on this one. We focus in Navajo Autumn on Charlie Yazzie, the Legal Services Investigator for the Reservation, and Thomas Begay, the local bad boy, as they investigate the murder of local resident and BIA Investigator Patsy Greyhorse. We meet many of the locals in this one, and get to know them well.
Boy Made of Dawn Book #2
Boy Made of Dawn is book 2 of the Navajo Nation Mystery Series, and a really good tale, but as with many series, the characters have more depth and the story more visual if read in the order written. This is one I read years ago, and fell in love with this author's style. The book is really good - the series is awesome.
We are again with Charlie Yazzie, Legal Services Investigator for the Reservation, and bad boy Thomas Begay. Tomas' young children, 7-year-old Ida and 6-year-old Caleb play heavy rolls in this one, as does their mother Sally Klee, who along with Thomas and Charlie are the major witnesses in the trials of many state and tribal officials involved in the cover-up murder of Patsy Greyhorse, a Sioux woman appointed by the BIA to look into illegal dealings within the Navajo tribe. All are in danger from those officials. The children are hostages as well. It's a good thing every good Indian knows it takes a tribe to raise a child.
Ancient Blood #3
Ancient Blood is #3 of the Navajo Nation Mystery series and is a fast, excellent read, a tale involving the rather convoluted history of the North American ancient civilizations - that in itself is an education worth having, but in this form quite entertaining, as well. We have our core characters - Legal Services Investigator Charlie Yazzie, as well as Harley Ponyboy, and Thomas Begay, become embroiled in the efforts of archaeologist professor George Armstrong Custer to 'read' the history behind the riddle of the lost and forgotten peoples who in the long ago populated these desert lands. A crucial and enlightening read for those of us who seek to understand, and entertainment to each and every one of us as well.
The Navajo Nation is 27,413 square miles, the largest Native American Reservation in the U.S. located in NW New Mexico, NE Arizona, SE Utah, and SW Colorado. It is sometimes referred to as Navajoland and Chappell understands it all - the ups and downs of the landscape, the law, and the locals. All of his novels are cut from life in my neck of the woods - or the desert, as the case may be. We have plenty of both. These stories will keep me up nights.
Navajo Autumn Book 1
Navajo Autumn is the first of now 14 of this Navajo Nation series and a fine introduction to the folks that make this series special. We have the Navajo police, the State Police of various states that contain the Navajo Nation, the FBI, the many varied county cops and the Federal Bureau of Indian Affairs. They will all be needed on this one. We focus in Navajo Autumn on Charlie Yazzie, the Legal Services Investigator for the Reservation, and Thomas Begay, the local bad boy, as they investigate the murder of local resident and BIA Investigator Patsy Greyhorse. We meet many of the locals in this one, and get to know them well.
Boy Made of Dawn Book #2
Boy Made of Dawn is book 2 of the Navajo Nation Mystery Series, and a really good tale, but as with many series, the characters have more depth and the story more visual if read in the order written. This is one I read years ago, and fell in love with this author's style. The book is really good - the series is awesome.
We are again with Charlie Yazzie, Legal Services Investigator for the Reservation, and bad boy Thomas Begay. Tomas' young children, 7-year-old Ida and 6-year-old Caleb play heavy rolls in this one, as does their mother Sally Klee, who along with Thomas and Charlie are the major witnesses in the trials of many state and tribal officials involved in the cover-up murder of Patsy Greyhorse, a Sioux woman appointed by the BIA to look into illegal dealings within the Navajo tribe. All are in danger from those officials. The children are hostages as well. It's a good thing every good Indian knows it takes a tribe to raise a child.
Ancient Blood #3
Ancient Blood is #3 of the Navajo Nation Mystery series and is a fast, excellent read, a tale involving the rather convoluted history of the North American ancient civilizations - that in itself is an education worth having, but in this form quite entertaining, as well. We have our core characters - Legal Services Investigator Charlie Yazzie, as well as Harley Ponyboy, and Thomas Begay, become embroiled in the efforts of archaeologist professor George Armstrong Custer to 'read' the history behind the riddle of the lost and forgotten peoples who in the long ago populated these desert lands. A crucial and enlightening read for those of us who seek to understand, and entertainment to each and every one of us as well.
The Navajo Nation is 27,413 square miles, the largest Native American Reservation in the U.S. located in NW New Mexico, NE Arizona, SE Utah, and SW Colorado. It is sometimes referred to as Navajoland and Chappell understands it all - the ups and downs of the landscape, the law, and the locals. All of his novels are cut from life in my neck of the woods - or the desert, as the case may be. We have plenty of both. These stories will keep me up nights.
June 29, 2019
Not as interesting as Hillerman.
July 29, 2019
I agree with the other reviews that these books remind me of the Tony Hillerman books. The books are similar in that he has ongoing characters that reappear in each book, and they deal with the Navajo Nation law enforcement. I also feel, however, that R. Allen Chappell has his own voice as an author. I got the first 3 books as a boxed set. He stated in a preface that he made every effort to be faithful to the actual Navajo beliefs, although he writes about the older, more traditional aspect of Navajo life. I love this sort of writing, where we get to explore beliefs different from mainstream middle class America, and yet we get to enjoy a good mystery, too. I recommend these books as an enjoyable, interesting read.
October 2, 2020
Enjoyable read. Interesting characters, good plotting, nice twists, just an enjoyable read!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews