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Arthur Nakai Mysteries #2
Death Waits in the Dark
It took all of thirty seconds for two shots to bring the world of Margaret Tabaaha crashing down around her. After losing her husband in Afghanistan during the first year of Operation Enduring Freedom, her two sons were all she had left. Now they had been taken from her violently, deliberately, plunging her into a whiskey bottle and stripping away her reason for living. When Arthur Nakai receives a call from his first love, Margaret, her voice pleading for his help, it comes as he is attending a wake for one of the men he considered a brother from his days in the Marines 6th LAR Wolf Pack Battalion. Feeling a deep and responsible obligation to help her, Arthur soon finds himself involved in the multi-billion-dollar world of the oil and gas industry and coming face-to-face with an old adversary, Elias Dayton. Their paths had crossed when Arthur was a member of the Shadow Wolves, an elite tactical unit within US Customs and Border Protection. Now Dayton runs Patriot Security, a Blackwater-type firm that keeps the oil rigs, gas wells, and man camps secure from the Water Protectors, protesters pushing to stop the fracking and poisoning of Native lands. As Arthur works through the case from his end, Navajo police chief Jake Bilagody tackles it from another angle, looking into the strained relationship between the oil company and the Navajo people, all while searching for a missing Navajo man that may have become an unwilling piece on the reservation checkerboard. But when Arthur learns the identity of the boys' killer, he struggles to make sense of it. Because if the clues are right, he will be forced to make a decision that will haunt him for the rest of his life.
208 pages, Paperback
First published August 4, 2020
42 people are currently reading
1899 people want to read
About the author
Mark Edward Langley
4 books98 followersMARK EDWARD LANGLEY is the award-winning author of the Arthur Nakai Mystery Series. HIs series has won the PSWA Award, the Firebird Award and the Feathered Quill Award for Fiction and has been praised by Publisher's Weekly, Writer's Digest, and Midwest Book Review. He has also appeared in The Albuquerque Journal, the Farmington Daily Times and other newspapers around the country.
Mark's debut Arthur Nakai novel, "Path of the Dead," took Arthur from his quiet home in Northwestern New Mexico to the bone-chilling mountains of Montana in a race against time that was praised by bestselling author Craig Johnson of Longmire fame as being "one heck of a debut novel!"
HIs second novel, "Death Waits in the Dark," a book William Kent Kreuger praised by saying "I recommend this book with a full heart," and Anne Hillerman wrote, "The tightly written noir plot moves from scene to scene like a thriller, building suspense in every page." finds his protagonist dealing with the lingering effects of PTSD, a case involving drilling and fracking on Native land, and coming to grips with the loss of people close to him.
Mark's third book, "When Silence Screams," finds Arthur wading through the dark world of teenage prostitution where he discovers that missing teenager April Manygoats has already been sold to a man known to everyone in the trade as The Cuban. Running underage girls is his business, and the revolving door of the flesh trade is always rotating. Praised by Spur Award Winner James Wade who said, "There's not a better detective writer in the American West." and Publisher's Weekly who stated, "Detective fans will enjoy this thriller that powerfully depicts the crisis of abducted indigenous women." It is now a finalist for the Silver Falchion award for Best Mystery 2022!
Mark also is an active member in the Western Writers of America, Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers and the Public Safety Writers Association. Mark has also contributed to three anthologies and is currently writing his fourth Arthur Nakai Novel, "The Source" and the first novel of his new Skye Roanhorse series, "Bloodlines."
Mark and his wife, Barbara, divide their time between their home base in Indiana and Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Mark's debut Arthur Nakai novel, "Path of the Dead," took Arthur from his quiet home in Northwestern New Mexico to the bone-chilling mountains of Montana in a race against time that was praised by bestselling author Craig Johnson of Longmire fame as being "one heck of a debut novel!"
HIs second novel, "Death Waits in the Dark," a book William Kent Kreuger praised by saying "I recommend this book with a full heart," and Anne Hillerman wrote, "The tightly written noir plot moves from scene to scene like a thriller, building suspense in every page." finds his protagonist dealing with the lingering effects of PTSD, a case involving drilling and fracking on Native land, and coming to grips with the loss of people close to him.
Mark's third book, "When Silence Screams," finds Arthur wading through the dark world of teenage prostitution where he discovers that missing teenager April Manygoats has already been sold to a man known to everyone in the trade as The Cuban. Running underage girls is his business, and the revolving door of the flesh trade is always rotating. Praised by Spur Award Winner James Wade who said, "There's not a better detective writer in the American West." and Publisher's Weekly who stated, "Detective fans will enjoy this thriller that powerfully depicts the crisis of abducted indigenous women." It is now a finalist for the Silver Falchion award for Best Mystery 2022!
Mark also is an active member in the Western Writers of America, Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers and the Public Safety Writers Association. Mark has also contributed to three anthologies and is currently writing his fourth Arthur Nakai Novel, "The Source" and the first novel of his new Skye Roanhorse series, "Bloodlines."
Mark and his wife, Barbara, divide their time between their home base in Indiana and Santa Fe, New Mexico.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 1, 2020
Arthur Nakkai, a retired Marine, and Jake Bilgody, a Navajo police chief, find themselves tangled in an investigation involving a fracking company and an old enemy, The novel opens with the sniper killing of the two sons of Margaret, an old flame of Arthur's. She's distraught, understandably, but little does she, or Arthur, know what they will fund as he digs into the case. There's a lot of conflict over the issue of fracking- and Elias Dayton, who runs Patriot Security, will stop at nothing to keep the project going for his clients. Jake's looking for a missing man and trying to make sense of what's happening on the reservation. No spoilers but know that things will pull together, that Arthur will face a crisis, and that Langley has put a new spin on the issue of environmental conflict. I read and enjoyed the first book but this would be fine as a standalone. Thanks to Edelweiss for the ARC. For fans of crime novels set in the Southwest.
June 24, 2022
t took all of thirty seconds for two shots to bring the world of Margaret Tabaaha crashing down around her. After losing her husband in Afghanistan during the first year of Operation Enduring Freedom, her two sons were all she had left. Now they had been taken from her violently, deliberately, plunging her into a whiskey bottle and stripping away her reason for living.
When Arthur Nakai receives a call from his first love, Margaret, her voice pleading for his help, it comes as he is attending a wake for one of the men he considered a brother from his days in the Marines 6th LAR Wolf Pack Battalion. Feeling a deep and responsible obligation to help her, Arthur soon finds himself involved in the multi-billion-dollar world of the oil and gas industry and coming face-to-face with an old adversary, Elias Dayton. Their paths had crossed when Arthur was a member of the Shadow Wolves, an elite tactical unit within US Customs and Border Protection. Now Dayton runs Patriot Security, a Blackwater-type firm that keeps the oil rigs, gas wells, and man camps secure from the Water Protectors, protesters pushing to stop the fracking and poisoning of Native lands.
As Arthur works through the case from his end, Navajo police chief Jake Bilagody tackles it from another angle, looking into the strained relationship between the oil company and the Navajo people, all while searching for a missing Navajo man that may have become an unwilling piece on the reservation checkerboard. But when Arthur learns the identity of the boys' killer, he struggles to make sense of it. Because if the clues are right, he will be forced to make a decision that will haunt him for the rest of his life.
When Arthur Nakai receives a call from his first love, Margaret, her voice pleading for his help, it comes as he is attending a wake for one of the men he considered a brother from his days in the Marines 6th LAR Wolf Pack Battalion. Feeling a deep and responsible obligation to help her, Arthur soon finds himself involved in the multi-billion-dollar world of the oil and gas industry and coming face-to-face with an old adversary, Elias Dayton. Their paths had crossed when Arthur was a member of the Shadow Wolves, an elite tactical unit within US Customs and Border Protection. Now Dayton runs Patriot Security, a Blackwater-type firm that keeps the oil rigs, gas wells, and man camps secure from the Water Protectors, protesters pushing to stop the fracking and poisoning of Native lands.
As Arthur works through the case from his end, Navajo police chief Jake Bilagody tackles it from another angle, looking into the strained relationship between the oil company and the Navajo people, all while searching for a missing Navajo man that may have become an unwilling piece on the reservation checkerboard. But when Arthur learns the identity of the boys' killer, he struggles to make sense of it. Because if the clues are right, he will be forced to make a decision that will haunt him for the rest of his life.
August 3, 2020
Great atmosphere and character development.
The story is full of twists and turns and it kept me hooked.
There's a minor issue with the dialogue that seems somehow stilted.
It was and entertaining read, recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for this ARC, all opinions are mine
The story is full of twists and turns and it kept me hooked.
There's a minor issue with the dialogue that seems somehow stilted.
It was and entertaining read, recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for this ARC, all opinions are mine
May 25, 2020
Langley's Navajo mysteries, 2 titles so far, are a promising new series set in New Mexico's Navajo lands. He's definitely done his research and the books are filled with wonderful detail of the land and people. The main character is a retired Marine, and the plot focuses on the problems of Navajo veterans dealing with both PTSD and contemporary problems of living with discrimination and poverty. Langley still has some beginners' issues that could have been edited more tightly, but he's a very talented and imaginative writer. The book tightened between the beginning and later chapters
January 11, 2021
With Death Waits in the Dark, it's like catching up with an old friend. If you are a fan of Longmire, then do yourself a favor and go pick this up. My only complaint is the wait for the next book in the series. The scenery leaps off the page and once the action gets going, it's strap yourself in and hang on for the ride. -- John Riley on Amazon.com
November 23, 2020
Intense
The story line is full of intense violence and emotion, woven rich in history and culture. It is fast paced and somewhat sad, but well worth reading.
The story line is full of intense violence and emotion, woven rich in history and culture. It is fast paced and somewhat sad, but well worth reading.
February 22, 2021
Good title, action-packed opening, but the pace of the story was uneven for me after that. Several references to the first novel (which I have not read), a fairly long explanation of Navajo creation beliefs, some repeated referrals to an event in Arthur Nakai's past to continuously justify his unofficial investigation. There are also multiple commentaries about how poorly the Native Americans have been treated by European settlers and how all the millions spent to help improve living conditions have been a waste. There is one episode where Arthur beats down a man he suspects is physically abusing a woman he interviewed for clues. We are supposed to believe that his threat to come back and cut the man's testicles off with sheep shears if he hears about more abuse is going to stop the violence, and Arthur has saved the day. In real life, Arthur drives away, and the man goes inside and takes out his rage and humiliation on the woman Arthur was so gallantly defending. It spoiled Arthur's character for me, making him seem more like a knight in shining armor stereotype than a real person.
April 7, 2024
I read "Death Waits in the Dark" immediately after finishing the first Arthur Nakai mystery "Path of the Dead." Though the second book starts with a double murder, compared with the speed and suspense with which "Path of the Dead" ends, this seemed a slower start. But it picks up quickly with more characters than the first and more societal (rather than individual) evil. Langley is very good at bringing to light the Southwest's concerns with ecology and business, mining and sustaining Mother Earth. His presentation of tribal concerns, customs and people are valuable, authentic, informative. His characters, starting with Arthur Nakai, are fabulous. I intend to keep reading whatever Mark Langley writes. --Ken Funsten, CFA
March 19, 2025
Death Waits in the Dark is a gripping mystery that blends action with cultural insight. Former Marine Arthur Nakai is drawn into a case involving the tragic loss of two Navajo boys, uncovering dark secrets in the oil and gas industry. The story tackles complex issues like Native American land rights and environmental conflict, with Langley’s vivid depiction of New Mexico and its culture adding depth.
While the emotional core of the story is strong, the mystery itself can feel predictable. Still, the character development and thematic exploration make it a compelling read for fans of Tony Hillerman.
While the emotional core of the story is strong, the mystery itself can feel predictable. Still, the character development and thematic exploration make it a compelling read for fans of Tony Hillerman.
September 17, 2021
Death waits in the dark.
By Mark Edward Langley.
The Arthur Nakai mystery's Book 2.
When two young boys, lose there life one night. It's a mystery but Arthur is on the job he's not only a good friend of there mom. He's there godfather...
Things that lead up to senseless death of these boys.
These boys saw things they weren't meant to see.. among other shady things going on.
Leaving more than one death waiting in the Dark.
I personally Enjoy This Authors work.. I'm also Happy the next Book is out...
By Mark Edward Langley.
The Arthur Nakai mystery's Book 2.
When two young boys, lose there life one night. It's a mystery but Arthur is on the job he's not only a good friend of there mom. He's there godfather...
Things that lead up to senseless death of these boys.
These boys saw things they weren't meant to see.. among other shady things going on.
Leaving more than one death waiting in the Dark.
I personally Enjoy This Authors work.. I'm also Happy the next Book is out...
February 21, 2022
Damaged and honorable
Nakai is a damaged, honorable man who has a need to help those who need it, especially those he served with. The environmental part of this story is a sub plot, but one that is true to life for this area. The greed that is part of this story sadly hits very close to what happens in our society. The glimpses we get of Native belief as well as politics of the reservation are well placed, so they move the story when needed. Nakai and his wife hopefully will be back in our lives again.
Nakai is a damaged, honorable man who has a need to help those who need it, especially those he served with. The environmental part of this story is a sub plot, but one that is true to life for this area. The greed that is part of this story sadly hits very close to what happens in our society. The glimpses we get of Native belief as well as politics of the reservation are well placed, so they move the story when needed. Nakai and his wife hopefully will be back in our lives again.
June 23, 2021
It is really too bad that this book is such an avalanche of wokeness. I liked the story idea. But I skimmed a lot of the book because of all the PC themes.
This is where he lost me: "The twenty-minute ride...had been an easy one in her Lyft driver's environmentally friendly hybrid sedan."
I only went to the end to find out what happened. And the end of this one was not as exciting as his first book.
This is where he lost me: "The twenty-minute ride...had been an easy one in her Lyft driver's environmentally friendly hybrid sedan."
I only went to the end to find out what happened. And the end of this one was not as exciting as his first book.
November 8, 2020
This is the 2nd book in this series and stands on it's own if you haven't read the first. I really enjoyed the further character development. This plot a bit more complex than the first book, taking more unexpected twists and turns. I read through this in an afternoon, I just couldn't put it down. The only disappointing thing is that there isn't a 3rd installment. I hope one is coming soon.
January 24, 2023
Book two. A. Friend asks for his help her two sons were murdered. This book is filled with a lot of passion and hurt. His squad he was deployed with commiting suicide, the oil companies running rampant over the reservations. The question is do you really know anyone, who do you trust? And can it be fixed?
April 3, 2024
A story that revolves around several problems that are occurring today in the United States. I think the characters are well developed and the dialogue well done. I enjoy the interaction between the main couple as they deal with problems of their own.
December 6, 2020
This was ok, not Tony hillerman or CJ Box.....it kept my interest...I thought the story line was weak ..
February 8, 2023
I am just not enjoying these books. I am not going to continue with the series.
I dislike the abrupt ending to the books.
I dislike the abrupt ending to the books.
May 3, 2022
I enjoyed this addition to the Nakai books and will read any more that come out!!!
August 23, 2020
Love the Adventures of Arthur Nakai...
Once again Mark Langley does an outstanding job of relaying the struggles of our Veterans with PTSD and the daily life of living as a Navajo. Arthur's respect for others, especially for his fellow Brothers from yesteryear and everything that they endured together during the War. He has a very deep love and respect for his Wife and the love, respect and empathy that he shows to a long lost friend after a very tragic personal loss. By being a man of his word he sets off to help solve the mystery of who do this horrible deed. Mark is very descriptive in his writings. I really enjoyed this book, just as much if not even more as Mark's first book Path Of The Dead!! Highly recommend!! Besides reading, I also listened to the AUDIBLE version with Bronson Pinchot. Bronson did an excellent job as Arthur as he narrated this suspenseful story! I am already looking forward to more of Arthur Nakai's adventures in book three! Continued success Sir!! Rp
#AdventuresOfArthurNakai
Once again Mark Langley does an outstanding job of relaying the struggles of our Veterans with PTSD and the daily life of living as a Navajo. Arthur's respect for others, especially for his fellow Brothers from yesteryear and everything that they endured together during the War. He has a very deep love and respect for his Wife and the love, respect and empathy that he shows to a long lost friend after a very tragic personal loss. By being a man of his word he sets off to help solve the mystery of who do this horrible deed. Mark is very descriptive in his writings. I really enjoyed this book, just as much if not even more as Mark's first book Path Of The Dead!! Highly recommend!! Besides reading, I also listened to the AUDIBLE version with Bronson Pinchot. Bronson did an excellent job as Arthur as he narrated this suspenseful story! I am already looking forward to more of Arthur Nakai's adventures in book three! Continued success Sir!! Rp
#AdventuresOfArthurNakai
April 7, 2021
Mark Edward Langley crafts beautiful, complex characters. These are folks that you want to sit down and have a cup of coffee with, or when they're doing something stupid, you want to take them aside and say, "Really??? Get a grip on yourself already!" Just as you would with a friend. This in combination with a real-world story line makes for riveting reading. The sweeping picture of the Southwest, as well as the depiction of life in the Navajo Nation, takes you to the heart of the action, with a few twists and turns along the way.
I can't wait to see what Arthur Nakai does next!
I can't wait to see what Arthur Nakai does next!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews