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Navajo Nation Mystery #8
Day of the Dead: A Navajo Nation Mystery
Tressa Tarango’s husband lost his soul somewhere on the cold high desert of the Navajo Reservation. She doesn't know who killed him and only by venturing among warring drug cartels can she exact the revenge to pacify his restless soul. Only she can ensure Luca’s troubled spirit finds peace in the underworld. Though his murderous rampage will keep him from heaven—Tressa hopes she might yet secure him a higher place in hell.
The dead have 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 now leads the reader further into a world of mystery and intrigue as two powerful cultures clash. And while the spirit of a serial killer whispers to Tressa Tarango, Paul T'Sosi finds himself suspended between life and death—and with only one old friend to rescue him from the darker forces of both the real and ethereal world.
R. Allen Chappell's gripping Day Of The Dead, the 8th in his Navajo Nation Mystery series, further establishes this author’s place in the hierarchy of southwestern writers of note.
The dead have 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 now leads the reader further into a world of mystery and intrigue as two powerful cultures clash. And while the spirit of a serial killer whispers to Tressa Tarango, Paul T'Sosi finds himself suspended between life and death—and with only one old friend to rescue him from the darker forces of both the real and ethereal world.
R. Allen Chappell's gripping Day Of The Dead, the 8th in his Navajo Nation Mystery series, further establishes this author’s place in the hierarchy of southwestern writers of note.
305 pages, Paperback
Published April 13, 2018
655 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
R. Allen Chappell
19 books156 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 48 reviews
June 15, 2020
Another enjoyable read in the series. It’s always a pleasure to follow Charlie and his friends in their escapades around the Navajo reservation.
January 15, 2019
Sad the series ends
Day Of The Dead is the final book of the series and I am sad to see it end . Like a fabulous meal, it has left me wanting more while being so satisfying at the same time. Hats off to the author, and I look forward to following R. Allen Chappell for his other works. I hope you will enjoy this series as much as my wife and I have. Please increase your enjoyment by reading the entire series in the sequence they were intended to be read!
Day Of The Dead is the final book of the series and I am sad to see it end . Like a fabulous meal, it has left me wanting more while being so satisfying at the same time. Hats off to the author, and I look forward to following R. Allen Chappell for his other works. I hope you will enjoy this series as much as my wife and I have. Please increase your enjoyment by reading the entire series in the sequence they were intended to be read!
May 5, 2018
Good Stuff
I have enjoyed this series very much it's great to see or should I say read about the a part of the country the Dine' call home with interesting characters. I got interested when I was reading Tony Hilerman and am glad Mr. Chappell has picked up the slack that was missing. Look forward to the next and many new adventures to come.
I have enjoyed this series very much it's great to see or should I say read about the a part of the country the Dine' call home with interesting characters. I got interested when I was reading Tony Hilerman and am glad Mr. Chappell has picked up the slack that was missing. Look forward to the next and many new adventures to come.
March 18, 2019
I truly love the regular characters in this series and hope there will be more adventures for these friends.
May 11, 2018
Day of the Dead - a review by Rosemary Kenny
The eponymous Day is celebrated in Mexico as a feast day where bereaved family members take food and other offerings to the cemetery to celebrate their loved ones' memory, dressed in bright clothes and with their faces painted in a skull-like white make-up.
Ron Allen Chappell's thrilling book tells of widow Tressa Tarango's pilgrimage to the Navajo reservation to reclaim her homicidal husband Luca's ashes and possessions, to return them to his native village, South of the border for the Festival Day. Having abandoned Luca to his incarceration [for an earlier murder] and run off to the US with Luca's lawyer before being dumped, Tressa was forced to work in a Mob-owned bar as a server. Now, having ensnared the affections of Little Abe Garza to help her, she heads for the meeting with Charlie Yazzie on the Reservation. When hostile forces come into play, the situation takes on a life or death turn for the worse.
Can Tressa prove herself a match for the Tribal Nations Force, the DEA and the Mob?
Will Little Abe still be with her if she makes it to Mexico?
Who is John Nez and why does Robert Ashki detest him? What ails Paul T'Sosi and where does he go on his last journey? Who finds him?
Who are the Sinaloa and which member of the Mariano (drug cartel) family will be waiting for Tressa and her companions?
How is retired secretary Emma related to two main characters? What did she steal from the office? Who returns from Mexico after the Day of the Dead?
An absolute wealth of authentic Navajo culture, characters and lifestyle on the Reservation is to be enjoyed in this and every book by R A Chappell which can be read as enjoyable stand alone stories or as an exquisite perfectly-formed whole series. Either way, you'll thrill to each and every one!
The eponymous Day is celebrated in Mexico as a feast day where bereaved family members take food and other offerings to the cemetery to celebrate their loved ones' memory, dressed in bright clothes and with their faces painted in a skull-like white make-up.
Ron Allen Chappell's thrilling book tells of widow Tressa Tarango's pilgrimage to the Navajo reservation to reclaim her homicidal husband Luca's ashes and possessions, to return them to his native village, South of the border for the Festival Day. Having abandoned Luca to his incarceration [for an earlier murder] and run off to the US with Luca's lawyer before being dumped, Tressa was forced to work in a Mob-owned bar as a server. Now, having ensnared the affections of Little Abe Garza to help her, she heads for the meeting with Charlie Yazzie on the Reservation. When hostile forces come into play, the situation takes on a life or death turn for the worse.
Can Tressa prove herself a match for the Tribal Nations Force, the DEA and the Mob?
Will Little Abe still be with her if she makes it to Mexico?
Who is John Nez and why does Robert Ashki detest him? What ails Paul T'Sosi and where does he go on his last journey? Who finds him?
Who are the Sinaloa and which member of the Mariano (drug cartel) family will be waiting for Tressa and her companions?
How is retired secretary Emma related to two main characters? What did she steal from the office? Who returns from Mexico after the Day of the Dead?
An absolute wealth of authentic Navajo culture, characters and lifestyle on the Reservation is to be enjoyed in this and every book by R A Chappell which can be read as enjoyable stand alone stories or as an exquisite perfectly-formed whole series. Either way, you'll thrill to each and every one!
March 27, 2020
Charlie and friends are dealing with several problems: the wife of the serial killer from "The Mojado" is coming to pick up his remains and possessions and looking for revenge, the DEA is interested in this woman and a war is brewing amoung the Mexican drug cartels, a former corrupt tribal councilman has been released from prison and wants revenge and Paul T'Sosi is ill and may have gone off alone to die. Not my favorite in the series but still interesting.
February 21, 2020
He is not Tony Hillerman, but really who is. Regardless, if you do love Tony Hillerman, you will enjoy R. Allen Chappell's writings of America's southwest. As with Hillerman, Chappell’s writing does provide a strong sense of local color and Native Americans. One should note that he grew up with the Navajo, went to school with them, and later worked alongside them. His 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. “Day of the Dead” is a little weaker entry in this series; however, we once again happily return to the Four Corners region of the Southwest to visit with our protagonist Charlie Yazzi and his friend Thomas Begay. Hillerman can't be replaced, but Chappell's place in the genre cannot be denied. If you enjoyed Hillerman, this should be a “MUST” on your reading list.
March 26, 2020
I read all these books (thank you Prime library) and thoroughly enjoyed them all. It is the last of this series but wish there were more.
July 29, 2019
The story continues
Oh how I am enjoying this series of books. I have come to care about each character and ( no spoilers!) found myself shedding tears in reading this story. I often laugh out loud at the humor which shows me that I am deep in the story. Even though I am positively devouring the series, I find myself thinking about the characters and their stories at different times in the day. What a pleasure it is to read this author's work. Thanks again for giving us this series.
Oh how I am enjoying this series of books. I have come to care about each character and ( no spoilers!) found myself shedding tears in reading this story. I often laugh out loud at the humor which shows me that I am deep in the story. Even though I am positively devouring the series, I find myself thinking about the characters and their stories at different times in the day. What a pleasure it is to read this author's work. Thanks again for giving us this series.
May 21, 2018
Always waiting for the next book in this series.
I’m always glad when a new book comes out by this author in this series.
He doesn’t bore you with each characters lengthy history. But he does give let you know the “relationship” as appropriate.
Looking forward to the next one. Soon I hope.
I’m always glad when a new book comes out by this author in this series.
He doesn’t bore you with each characters lengthy history. But he does give let you know the “relationship” as appropriate.
Looking forward to the next one. Soon I hope.
June 22, 2018
Well With Reading!
A wonderful book that entertains, informs, and gives you many philosophical posits to consider. Mr. Chappell is on par with Louis Lamour. Thanks, Mr. Chappell! I am anxiously awaiting the next adventure!
A. Mount
A wonderful book that entertains, informs, and gives you many philosophical posits to consider. Mr. Chappell is on par with Louis Lamour. Thanks, Mr. Chappell! I am anxiously awaiting the next adventure!
A. Mount
July 24, 2018
Good, Good read
Navajo mysteries are, in my experience, never blazing, exciting, page turning books, BUT they are very interesting and thoughtful. That is what I like about them plus the in depth look at the culture. I'll keep reading.
Navajo mysteries are, in my experience, never blazing, exciting, page turning books, BUT they are very interesting and thoughtful. That is what I like about them plus the in depth look at the culture. I'll keep reading.
August 20, 2019
Always a good read
I enjoy Charlie Yazzie and his band of characters. It is gratifying to read about traditional life on the reservation. Chappell does a great job setting the scene and allowing us to join the family.
I enjoy Charlie Yazzie and his band of characters. It is gratifying to read about traditional life on the reservation. Chappell does a great job setting the scene and allowing us to join the family.
September 17, 2019
A slow read.
This story ties up the loose ends from several books. The main story is not as strong as the other ones. However, the side stories are good, especially the one with family ties. Worth the read!
This story ties up the loose ends from several books. The main story is not as strong as the other ones. However, the side stories are good, especially the one with family ties. Worth the read!
July 8, 2018
Great Series
Insight into Navajo culture. Awesome developing characters and their interactions. Some secrets will always remain as such. I recommend this series.
Insight into Navajo culture. Awesome developing characters and their interactions. Some secrets will always remain as such. I recommend this series.
December 9, 2018
A favorite series
I enjoy this series very much and this book was a fun read. I am hoping that there will be more!
I enjoy this series very much and this book was a fun read. I am hoping that there will be more!
March 15, 2019
Çompelling
I could not put it down.character,plot, movement, and setting made a fabulous read for me.Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
I could not put it down.character,plot, movement, and setting made a fabulous read for me.Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
May 31, 2019
engaging characters.
November 23, 2025
Day of the Dead was number eight in the Navajo Nation mystery series. I read the first seven. The main plot of this installment revolves around the drug war between the Sinaloa and Sonora cartels. The main ongoing characters of the series; Charlie Yazzi, Thomas Begay, and Harley Ponyboy get pulled into the drug war. The tribal liaison officer with the FBI, Billy Red Clay, plays a more prominent role in this book. FBI agent Fred Smith, and DEA agent Bob Freeman are also key characters in the storyline. Tressa Tarango and Abraham Garza are the focal points of the plot. Both work in a Mexican restaurant in Colorado for Hector Espinoza, a distributor for the Sinaloa cartel. Hector's nephew, Carlos, is a lawyer, who swindled Tressa out of money and provided bad advice to her husband, Luca. When Luca escaped prison, he landed on the Navajo reservation and murdered several people, before he himself met his demise. Tressa sets out to retrieve Luca's ashes in order to return them to Mexico, and she enlists Little Abraham in the enterprise. I'll stop there. I rate this book as one of the better ones in the Navajo Nation series. It moved along at a decent pace. and it had a fairly suspenseful ending. The development of the Tressa and Lil Abe characters was decent. A subplot involving the interaction of the DEA, FBI and tribal characters added to the interest. As always, the author weaves in the Navajo culture and beliefs. I plan to read book nine.
July 9, 2021
I bought this based on just the cover art and title not realizing it was one in a series and not even near the beginning of the series so coming into the middle of a story I was lost as to what was happening with and by a number of characters for most of the book. That said I did enjoy the book the writer has a brevity style that excludes a lot of details usually something like that is annoying but when coupled with an immersive highly detail and accurate description of scenes, manners, cultural idiosyncrasies, psychology, it moves the story along but in leaps and jumps making the story feel compressed and somewhat uneven in pacing a setup scene might be elaborately described just to have a few chapters further on the conclusion to the scene explained in a short narration with few additional details, unusual style but not badly done or ineffective I’m sure I would have enjoyed it more if I have a fuller picture of the characters as they must have been described in early parts of this series. Three stars for this one but I will go back and start this series from the beginning to catch all that I had missed.
December 28, 2021
This is the 8th book in this Navajo Nation series, and I have thoroughly enjoyed every one of them. I had mentioned in an earlier review about how my familiarity with the Chee & Leaphorn characters of Tony Hillerman's similarly themed books made them seem more "comfortable" somehow. Well, now after reading these many books from Mr Chappell, Charlie Yazzie, Thomas Begay, Harley Ponyboy and all the others have taken on the same sort of familiarity. Character development aside however, Mr Chappell also can spin quite a compelling yarn, and there have been a few interesting plot twists to keep it all quite interesting! All in all, there is some very good reading in this series. And I will look forward to the next book; and the next.
July 25, 2025
Day of the Dead is a very good read!
The dead have secrets to tell, even in the desert of the southwest.
The author (R. Allen Chappell) is a writer who tells these stories, histories and lives of the Dine’ people with a rock solid grip with intrigue as two powerful cultures clash.
As a Navajo child, she made up her face and danced with cardboard skeletons, savored sugar carved skulls on sticks, but Tressa Tarango’s first personal encounter with Mexico’s Lady of the Dead is yet to come. You’ll follow along in this mystery and become intrigued with the story!
The dead have secrets to tell, even in the desert of the southwest.
The author (R. Allen Chappell) is a writer who tells these stories, histories and lives of the Dine’ people with a rock solid grip with intrigue as two powerful cultures clash.
As a Navajo child, she made up her face and danced with cardboard skeletons, savored sugar carved skulls on sticks, but Tressa Tarango’s first personal encounter with Mexico’s Lady of the Dead is yet to come. You’ll follow along in this mystery and become intrigued with the story!
February 22, 2021
Book of Suspense and Intrigue
A Book of Depth
I think this is the eighth book I've read by Chappell. By now it's not really the individual stories and mysteries that draw me in, but rather the characters. Each book is like revisiting old friends. The characters are many sides and complex. You care about their lives and you care when they are in danger. I intend to read these as long as they are available to read.
A Book of Depth
I think this is the eighth book I've read by Chappell. By now it's not really the individual stories and mysteries that draw me in, but rather the characters. Each book is like revisiting old friends. The characters are many sides and complex. You care about their lives and you care when they are in danger. I intend to read these as long as they are available to read.
July 14, 2021
I love the beauty of this desert.
I have enjoyed all of Mr Chapell's books. During my life, have known several Navajos and I like and respect them. Maybe that's why I so enjoy reading about the Navajo people as the main characters and the heroes. I love the Arizona desert so all of the descriptions of the country are fun reminiscences for me. I have driven through the country many times on my way from Colorado to Arizona, primarily down the northeast part of Arizona.
I have enjoyed all of Mr Chapell's books. During my life, have known several Navajos and I like and respect them. Maybe that's why I so enjoy reading about the Navajo people as the main characters and the heroes. I love the Arizona desert so all of the descriptions of the country are fun reminiscences for me. I have driven through the country many times on my way from Colorado to Arizona, primarily down the northeast part of Arizona.
August 29, 2024
Native culture
I really enjoy learning about the ways and culture of the people in these stories. It gives a sense of better understanding and getting a more familiar understanding than a textbook could ever give. Being of native decent in part , it means a lot to me personally since I had a father who was not but very derogatory in talking about it which hurt then and this helps a lot to alleviate those untruths.
I really enjoy learning about the ways and culture of the people in these stories. It gives a sense of better understanding and getting a more familiar understanding than a textbook could ever give. Being of native decent in part , it means a lot to me personally since I had a father who was not but very derogatory in talking about it which hurt then and this helps a lot to alleviate those untruths.
June 2, 2020
Exciting From Beginning To End
This story will keep you on the edge of your seat right from beginning through the end.
Interesting, well described characters, so much so you feel as though you're right there with them all.
This story will keep you on the edge of your seat right from beginning through the end.
Interesting, well described characters, so much so you feel as though you're right there with them all.
March 19, 2021
Good
Another R. Allen Chappell Navajo Nation mystery. I am really enjoying this series, takes me back to Tony Hillerman mysteries. I really like all the information about the Navajo Nation and how it is I twisted in the book with a mystery.
Another R. Allen Chappell Navajo Nation mystery. I am really enjoying this series, takes me back to Tony Hillerman mysteries. I really like all the information about the Navajo Nation and how it is I twisted in the book with a mystery.
July 14, 2021
Creamains of a bad guy
DEA presence is high in this one. It harkens back to "Mojado" and the bad Mexican guy, Luca. Drug cartels are warring, and somehow Charlie Yazzie is drawn into it. Be also gets an interesting job offer.
DEA presence is high in this one. It harkens back to "Mojado" and the bad Mexican guy, Luca. Drug cartels are warring, and somehow Charlie Yazzie is drawn into it. Be also gets an interesting job offer.
March 5, 2022
Another good book in this series!
I almost put this book down for another time, I didn't want to know Paul was gone and wouldn't be in any more books! But I kept reading and was glad I did! Really good storyline and was happy with the ending!
I almost put this book down for another time, I didn't want to know Paul was gone and wouldn't be in any more books! But I kept reading and was glad I did! Really good storyline and was happy with the ending!
July 30, 2022
Getting a glimpse of life on the run
The flow of Chappell writing is so smooth.
Generally I do not like reading book that are numbered, but have found these very enjoy able.
Would recommend this set to everyone to read.
The flow of Chappell writing is so smooth.
Generally I do not like reading book that are numbered, but have found these very enjoy able.
Would recommend this set to everyone to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews