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Navajo Nation Mystery #11
Yellow Dirt: A Navajo Nation Mystery
Yellow dirt gathers in the creases of the toddler’s dirty blue jeans and on the little hands used to brush away a pesky fly. The same yellow particles that cling to the walls of the Hogan, contaminates the drinking water and fills the air where his father works only to come home covered with yellow dust. Yellow dirt. That enriches the powerful, but at the expense of the unsuspecting Dinè.Sam Klah, now a teenager and left to fend for himself after his mother’s death, is determined to leave the Chindi plagued Hogan and track down his only living relative—little knowing something far more terrifying than Chindi spirits awaits him just down the trail.
Chappell’s exciting Navajo Nation Mystery series plunges readers into a deftly woven mystery within a mystery. The author’s unique gift is to hand over the reins to mystical places. Places many readers might never otherwise experience...along with the inimitable characters, old and new, that will linger on long after the story has ended.
Chappell’s exciting Navajo Nation Mystery series plunges readers into a deftly woven mystery within a mystery. The author’s unique gift is to hand over the reins to mystical places. Places many readers might never otherwise experience...along with the inimitable characters, old and new, that will linger on long after the story has ended.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2021
591 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
About the author
R. Allen Chappell
19 books153 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 73 reviews
March 25, 2021
This multi-layered, multi-faceted tale is R. Allen Chappell's best to date, and that's saying a lot. My appreciation of this author grows with each addition to his Navajo Nation Mystery series. This one opens with a death caused by the callous practitioners of uranium mining on the Big Reservation and moves on to something even more despicable: a man scheming to steal settlement money owed to those who have suffered and the families of those who have died. . Following the death of his mother, who was one of those victims, young Sam Klah leaves the only home he has ever known and sets off across rugged country in search of his mysterious uncle, John Etcitty, a journey he may soon wish he had never begun. His fate is tempered by the intervention of people we know well: Harley Ponyboy, Charlie Yazzie, Thomas Begay, and Billy Red Clay, tribal liaison officer to the FBI. Thomas Begay's wife, tribal councilwoman Lucy Tallwoman chips in, as does Charlie's wife Sue Yazzie, who cares for Harley Junior while Harley Senior is off tracking down the man who is trying to kill Sam Klah. The mesmerizing mix includes a woman Harley meets in the country in back of beyond who may well become a love interest in a future novel. All in all, a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat as it unfolds!
March 3, 2021
I looked forward to reading this series of books after the very first one.. They are so well written and the characters are like real people. They have good and bad things happening to them. They are portraying life. I am pleased that they are written like the old way of living instead of the present. The present hasn't been so good for the Navajo with the drugs, alcohol and no jobs. The covid has been very bad and they lost way to many people. The books are so well written that I read them straight through in a day of so then feel bad because they ended so soon. I like following them through the series as their lives changed. I keep waiting for the next book because I wanted to see what kind of problem Ponyboy would get into next. He just reminds me of an uncle I lost. He wasn't a native, just an Irishman. He just had the same personality and problems. Loveable with all his quirks, loyal to a fault. I highly recommend the series. You will enjoy them.
March 8, 2021
Another outstanding book!
Once again I told myself to take the story slowly, but I couldn’t put it down. I love the friendship between Charlie, Harley and Thomas. I love their families. Reading these books is always like an adventure with your dearest friends.
R Allen Chapel is a talented author. I have enjoyed every one of his books. I just wish he could write faster 🤣
Once again I told myself to take the story slowly, but I couldn’t put it down. I love the friendship between Charlie, Harley and Thomas. I love their families. Reading these books is always like an adventure with your dearest friends.
R Allen Chapel is a talented author. I have enjoyed every one of his books. I just wish he could write faster 🤣
February 2, 2025
Kindle Unlimited
When we as a nation first got involved with uranium, we didn't know much about it. We wanted to harness its power but were not always aware of the dark side. When many small pockets of uranium were found on the Navajo Nation Reservation at Four Corners, it was thought to be a boon for the native people of the reservation, with many jobs, and secured income for the tribe, enabling the people to raise their standards of living, education, medical care. Sort of like the later coal mine and power plant that lit up the corners of four states. The mining began on the Res in 1044. In the 1950s, many Navajo, not just the miners, died horrible deaths from exposure to the ore, and to the 'yellow dirt' it was found in. Dirt that was used by the truckload to fill in low places and raise up building sites all over the reservation for many years.
R. Allen Chappell takes us there in Yellow Dirt, 11 of 14 of the Navajo Nation Mystery series, to that time and place and we see the sad results of that grave misunderstanding of the power of uranium in the lives of the tribe. We travel along with Thomas Begay, Harley Ponyboy, and Charlie Yazzie as they muddle through the 1950s, keeping one another going - and humble. A really good tale, told very well. The beauty that is the southwest U.S. shines through in all its glory in this series. Home.
Reviewed on February 2, 2025, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, BookBub, and Kobo.
When we as a nation first got involved with uranium, we didn't know much about it. We wanted to harness its power but were not always aware of the dark side. When many small pockets of uranium were found on the Navajo Nation Reservation at Four Corners, it was thought to be a boon for the native people of the reservation, with many jobs, and secured income for the tribe, enabling the people to raise their standards of living, education, medical care. Sort of like the later coal mine and power plant that lit up the corners of four states. The mining began on the Res in 1044. In the 1950s, many Navajo, not just the miners, died horrible deaths from exposure to the ore, and to the 'yellow dirt' it was found in. Dirt that was used by the truckload to fill in low places and raise up building sites all over the reservation for many years.
R. Allen Chappell takes us there in Yellow Dirt, 11 of 14 of the Navajo Nation Mystery series, to that time and place and we see the sad results of that grave misunderstanding of the power of uranium in the lives of the tribe. We travel along with Thomas Begay, Harley Ponyboy, and Charlie Yazzie as they muddle through the 1950s, keeping one another going - and humble. A really good tale, told very well. The beauty that is the southwest U.S. shines through in all its glory in this series. Home.
Reviewed on February 2, 2025, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, BookBub, and Kobo.
March 7, 2021
Incredibly good book
This series continues to get better. Rather than get long in the tooth, this book feels fresh. The plot is almost secondary to the the vibrant depiction of the people, their relationships, and the locale. The land is a major presence and it's captured so well that you can breath in its essence.
This series continues to get better. Rather than get long in the tooth, this book feels fresh. The plot is almost secondary to the the vibrant depiction of the people, their relationships, and the locale. The land is a major presence and it's captured so well that you can breath in its essence.
March 8, 2021
More, please
It seems like I waited a long time for this book and then it was over with in the blink of an eye. It's excellent as usual and I look forward to the next book.
It seems like I waited a long time for this book and then it was over with in the blink of an eye. It's excellent as usual and I look forward to the next book.
May 17, 2022
Yellow Dirt - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
Yellow Dirt - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
Beware, your sins will find you out (eventually), might be the moral of this tale, as past and present merge, with a nod to the plot of Erin Brockovich, the ramifications for a company, and those due compensation, going forward. Money and the love of it soon leads to more than one murder on the Navajo lands, after a planned multi-family camping trip has to be abandoned in the face of a would-be killer.
Who wants Sam Klah dead? Is Harley Ponyboy in grave danger?
R. Allen Chappell imperceptibly draws the reader into the Navajo world in Yellow Dirt and details their reactions to the white man's determination to rip out and profit from Nature's treasures.
Riveting and unputdownable stuff!
Yellow Dirt - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
Beware, your sins will find you out (eventually), might be the moral of this tale, as past and present merge, with a nod to the plot of Erin Brockovich, the ramifications for a company, and those due compensation, going forward. Money and the love of it soon leads to more than one murder on the Navajo lands, after a planned multi-family camping trip has to be abandoned in the face of a would-be killer.
Who wants Sam Klah dead? Is Harley Ponyboy in grave danger?
R. Allen Chappell imperceptibly draws the reader into the Navajo world in Yellow Dirt and details their reactions to the white man's determination to rip out and profit from Nature's treasures.
Riveting and unputdownable stuff!
May 6, 2021
It was great fun to spend time with Charlie Razzi, Thomas Gabay, and Harley Ponyboy in another well-crafted tale set on the Navajo Nation. As always, in Chappell’s books, I learn more about the traditions and ways of the Navajo people and the land they live on. In Yellow Dirt, the focus is the horrific effects uranium mining had on the people living on the reservation. I found the ending a bit confusing. Maybe, I missed something, but it didn’t feel buttoned up as nicely as his other stories. Still, Chappell remains my favorite author of mysteries set in the southwest.
June 29, 2022
Review is this book.
I was wrong. This is the last book in the series so far. I hope the author has more books planned in the future. This book was excellent both in writing and content. It leaves room for more books to follow. There are still a lot of unanswered questions to suggest that another book might be possible. I hope so as I have become addicted to the series. The author has a unique way of thinking and writing that makes these books bc so note worthy. I hope that he has plans for writing future books. You will not be disappointed reading this book, or the series as a whole.
I was wrong. This is the last book in the series so far. I hope the author has more books planned in the future. This book was excellent both in writing and content. It leaves room for more books to follow. There are still a lot of unanswered questions to suggest that another book might be possible. I hope so as I have become addicted to the series. The author has a unique way of thinking and writing that makes these books bc so note worthy. I hope that he has plans for writing future books. You will not be disappointed reading this book, or the series as a whole.
May 20, 2025
I love this series, love the characters, especially Thomas Begay and Harley Ponyboy.
Another intriguing mystery, well fleshed out, although I was hoping for more info about the uranium poisoning that actually did take place in the Four Corners region. In this story, it was just a sideline to the main story.
Chappell is very knowledgeable about Navajo culture and society, I'm always entertained by his stories, and I always learn something new about a society segment we should all know more about.
Another intriguing mystery, well fleshed out, although I was hoping for more info about the uranium poisoning that actually did take place in the Four Corners region. In this story, it was just a sideline to the main story.
Chappell is very knowledgeable about Navajo culture and society, I'm always entertained by his stories, and I always learn something new about a society segment we should all know more about.
April 14, 2021
This is a good story involving Native Americans.
I enjoy Mr Chappell 's books. I came from a small town in Arizona and went through all of my school years with both Navajos and Apaches. Both very different peoples. I think Mr Chappell's knowledge of them is very similar to my own , so I like to sort of compare notes. His stories are interesting and enjoyable. I recommend them if you have any interest in learning about native people.
I enjoy Mr Chappell 's books. I came from a small town in Arizona and went through all of my school years with both Navajos and Apaches. Both very different peoples. I think Mr Chappell's knowledge of them is very similar to my own , so I like to sort of compare notes. His stories are interesting and enjoyable. I recommend them if you have any interest in learning about native people.
May 13, 2021
R. Allen Chappell’s Navajo Nation mysteries vary enormously in tactics and structure. The latest, “Yellow Dirt,” is more puzzler than mystery. Sure, crimes are revealed here, but more by the deliberate and selfless action of the series heroes than by clever detection. By now, we know that Harley, Thomas, Charlie, and Billy must work things out in a way that makes sense to themselves and their people. It’s a story that moves by its own logic and at its own pace. Beautifully done.
July 31, 2021
Hoping the series continues
I consider these short books, although stand alone, as long chapters in the lives of the three friends and their families. Harley Ponyboy, Thomas Begay and Charlie Yazzie are well written characters and it's very interesting to read about the changing llfestyles of the Navajo people as well as the old ways. The mysteries are good too with always underlying resonances that this could only happen in the Navajo Nation.
I consider these short books, although stand alone, as long chapters in the lives of the three friends and their families. Harley Ponyboy, Thomas Begay and Charlie Yazzie are well written characters and it's very interesting to read about the changing llfestyles of the Navajo people as well as the old ways. The mysteries are good too with always underlying resonances that this could only happen in the Navajo Nation.
April 2, 2025
Read all about it...
I would recommend this and rest of series to anyone who loves a good tale, suspense GREAT CHARACTERS whom you love and might hate a bit. Not your everyday western involving Native Peoples, and some decent historical background d of The Navajo. I am not a desert person but these books make you WANT to go to the Four Corners to explore the beauty while taking in the spiritual nature that surrounds you. Thank you for these books
I would recommend this and rest of series to anyone who loves a good tale, suspense GREAT CHARACTERS whom you love and might hate a bit. Not your everyday western involving Native Peoples, and some decent historical background d of The Navajo. I am not a desert person but these books make you WANT to go to the Four Corners to explore the beauty while taking in the spiritual nature that surrounds you. Thank you for these books
March 3, 2021
Good story but lacked a little depth
I really enjoy this series. Yellow Dirt was a little too superficial in its story. It seemed there were a couple of books in this one. Perhaps something around the uranium tragedy of the schizophrenic uncle as psychopathic killer, just saying😊
But I still enjoyed the book and look forward to next rendering.
I really enjoy this series. Yellow Dirt was a little too superficial in its story. It seemed there were a couple of books in this one. Perhaps something around the uranium tragedy of the schizophrenic uncle as psychopathic killer, just saying😊
But I still enjoyed the book and look forward to next rendering.
March 15, 2021
Another wonderful tale!
I have been a fan of Mr Chappell's books sin e the opening chapter of Navajo Autumn. Each book gets better in both character development & storyline. I've truly enjoyed each book, & hope he continues to create such enjoyable stories! I may have to go back & read the series again!
I have been a fan of Mr Chappell's books sin e the opening chapter of Navajo Autumn. Each book gets better in both character development & storyline. I've truly enjoyed each book, & hope he continues to create such enjoyable stories! I may have to go back & read the series again!
March 21, 2021
I really enjoyed this series. I read all of the books in order, which I recommend, as the characters develop and grow with each book as does your knowledge of the Navajo traditions. By this book, I consider the characters to be family members and I have a true interest in their wellbeing. A little sappy but honest.
March 24, 2021
I thfoundis book to be exceptionally enjoyable. It contained great characters , and fantastic twist at the end . I strongly recommend this book and the entire series to any one who is into mistories
See the above this is a great mistory Novell to all who enjoy a good mistory. A great read from start to finish
See the above this is a great mistory Novell to all who enjoy a good mistory. A great read from start to finish
April 15, 2021
Mine Blowing
What a great story and so pertinent to how Native Americans have been exploited. The storytelling by Mr. Chappell gets better and better. You have an inkling of what's happening but can't quite be sure until the very end. I really enjoyed this book. Thank you, Mr. Chappell!
What a great story and so pertinent to how Native Americans have been exploited. The storytelling by Mr. Chappell gets better and better. You have an inkling of what's happening but can't quite be sure until the very end. I really enjoyed this book. Thank you, Mr. Chappell!
April 26, 2021
Sorry to Have Finished This Book
This was another great installment in an excellent series. The characters in the Navajo Nation mysteries are engaging and continue to grow yet keep their original essence. I'm sorry to have finished the book. I looked forward to its release and now the wait begins again.
This was another great installment in an excellent series. The characters in the Navajo Nation mysteries are engaging and continue to grow yet keep their original essence. I'm sorry to have finished the book. I looked forward to its release and now the wait begins again.
May 18, 2021
Fantastic book!!!!!
This book is a real mystery. Why is a 16 year old boy setting off into the sparsely populated back of the back of the Reservation? And why is someone trying to kill him? When did Harley Ponyboy gain a son? The beauty of the Navajo Reservation is clearly pointed out in this book. Don't miss this outstanding book. Highly recommended.
This book is a real mystery. Why is a 16 year old boy setting off into the sparsely populated back of the back of the Reservation? And why is someone trying to kill him? When did Harley Ponyboy gain a son? The beauty of the Navajo Reservation is clearly pointed out in this book. Don't miss this outstanding book. Highly recommended.
June 5, 2021
Great story but abysmal punctuation
Chappell is a great and smooth writer. His plots are wonderful and his characters are engaging. But he must have slept through all his English classes. He constantly misuses commas and capitals. Almost every page has one or more run-on sentences or sentence fragments. Hire a high school student to proofread!!!
Chappell is a great and smooth writer. His plots are wonderful and his characters are engaging. But he must have slept through all his English classes. He constantly misuses commas and capitals. Almost every page has one or more run-on sentences or sentence fragments. Hire a high school student to proofread!!!
July 16, 2022
A Thriller
Chappell is an amazing storyteller. His characters seem to step of the page as you are reading this story. His descriptions of the land and the people. Are so vivid you feel immersed in the story. There is no let up in the action until you reach the surprising conclusion.
Chappell is an amazing storyteller. His characters seem to step of the page as you are reading this story. His descriptions of the land and the people. Are so vivid you feel immersed in the story. There is no let up in the action until you reach the surprising conclusion.
January 14, 2023
The yellow dirt was the name given to the malady attacking the uranium minors and their families.Sam Klah was a teenager when his mother died and her claim against the mining company was never settled.Sam struck out on his own to find his only living relative. Lots going in with Harley Pony Boy and Thomas Begay as killings and mystery evolve!
April 28, 2024
DoNot DisturbDirt
Greed White man, disturbs dirt, which intern injures the Navajo starting a process, which she will follow with great joy and law of these wonderful people. The characters become your friends, and you are able to follow the workings, not work, but workings of their minds leading to solving difficulties. Great enjoyment in following these great people.
Greed White man, disturbs dirt, which intern injures the Navajo starting a process, which she will follow with great joy and law of these wonderful people. The characters become your friends, and you are able to follow the workings, not work, but workings of their minds leading to solving difficulties. Great enjoyment in following these great people.
September 19, 2025
Nice clean ending
Ii like this series of stories. Everything is cleanly wrapped up at the end. No loose ends and a bright looking future. The characters have become part of the reader's family. Each tale grows the characters stronger and stronger.
I hope you will enjoy this series as much as I. Very entertaining and easy suspenseful reading.
Ii like this series of stories. Everything is cleanly wrapped up at the end. No loose ends and a bright looking future. The characters have become part of the reader's family. Each tale grows the characters stronger and stronger.
I hope you will enjoy this series as much as I. Very entertaining and easy suspenseful reading.
March 8, 2021
Interesting series
I recommend that you read this series in order but
each book can stand alone. Interesting information about the Navajo traditions, with a splash of humor. I have enjoyed each book in this series.
I recommend that you read this series in order but
each book can stand alone. Interesting information about the Navajo traditions, with a splash of humor. I have enjoyed each book in this series.
March 12, 2021
Real basis for this story
Mr. Chappell takes a sad piece of Navajo treatment by the government and turns into a story worth reading. This story has a lot of moving parts and the story is told in the tying the pieces together. Great read!
Mr. Chappell takes a sad piece of Navajo treatment by the government and turns into a story worth reading. This story has a lot of moving parts and the story is told in the tying the pieces together. Great read!
March 16, 2021
I have learned to love all Allen Chappell's Navajo Nation Mystery books. I feel as though I understand all of his characters very well and have learned to understand the Navajo way of life much better through his books. I hope that he will continue to follow up with more such mystery books.
March 24, 2021
It was sooo hard to put down! I adore this series and each new book is like visiting with good friends and I miss them between books. Charlie, Harley, Thomas and their families are amazing and I am now impatiently waiting for my next ‘visit’ to catch up and see what is new in their lives.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews