Paper Arrows: Ben Pecos Mysteries, Book 8

Ben Pecos Mystery #8

by Susan Slater

When psychologist Ben Pecos gets the call—his 12 year old ward, Nathan Yazzi has been expelled from school—Ben sees a road trip as an opportunity to spend extended time with the troubled boy, camping and fishing and talking things through. Little does he realize they are driving right into trouble in the small town of Spearfish, South Dakota, where the local sheriff is investigating the mysterious death of a Lakota Sun Dancer. Things are not looking good when the sheriff directs his attention toward Ben. And when it turns out the dead man was neither Lakota nor a Sun Dancer, the mystery deepens.Meanwhile, hoards of protestors are showing up over a proposed oil pipeline through the reservation, people from outside the area who are being trucked in and paid to create havoc. As the body count rises, Sheriff Mac Sterling and the reservation police chief, Red Bull, have their hands full, as neither the tribe nor the county have the manpower to keep things from getting out of hand.Ben gets recruited to help but soon finds his world rocked to the core with the revelation of the darkest secret from his own past.Praise for Susan Slater and the Ben Pecos mystery “This is a wonderful book with loveable heroes.” – Library Journal, (on The Pumpkin Seed Massacre)“Susan Slater’s Thunderbird is a witty, absorbing tale.” —Publishers Weekly“Slater effectively combines an appealing mix of new and existing characters … dry humor; crackling suspense; and a surprise ending.” —Booklist“… a gripping novel. We mystery lovers hope it’s the first of many.” – Tony Hillerman“A solid, suspenseful narrative and colorful glimpses of Native American life strongly recommend this …” – Library Journal (on Thunderbird)“… Ben Pecos—raised far from New Mexico’s Tewa Pueblo—could become as lasting a fictional presence as Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee.” – Chicago Tribune

329 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 15, 2021

About the author

Susan has lived in the Southwest for 32 years. The enchantment of New Mexico comes alive in her Ben Pecos series - The Pumpkin Seed Massacre, Yellow Lies, Thunderbird, and A Way to the Manger.

Reviews

[Julie Hobus · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too Many Factual Errors; Not Comfortable Recommending It

There are a number of things to like about this book. In general, it's written in a readable style. The dialogue works well, and the characters are interesting and likable. But there are unnecessary factual errors throughout the book, everything from the population of Rapid City (which hasn't been that small since the 1950's!) to the identification of several famous chiefs to the incorrect tribe to the construction and appearance of a Dakota ranch house. A significant character is identified as Navajo, but the author has him giving a talk on a native mythology from another tribe as though it was a Navajo myth.

Considering the "hook" of the book is the Native American cultures, the errors involving those cultures are very disappointing. I'm far from an expert on those cultures, but having spent decades in both New Mexico and South Dakota, O have picked up the basics. If I have picked up on these errors, it makes me wonder if I can trust other statements of fact the author makes.

If you just want something to read, this book is okay. Just don't believe everything you read....

[Eleanor L. Gold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting characters, educational.

Enjoyed the background information and learning more about the area as I have not been there yet. Customs of those living there. I have enjoyed all of the Ben Pecos books.

[Connie Shelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any of Susan Slater's books are well worth the time. I especially love her Ben Pecos series because of the Native American traditions!

[Lee Brothers · Rating 5 out of 5]

2/3/25 another read through 4 years later. Just as intense as the first time. This author covers several issues that are problems now and have been since the beginning. And unfortunately the author left us hanging for answers. Maybe someone will answer them someday. Just as meaningful today just as great a read!!!

I know where Ms Slater got the term “paper arrows” and it’s so apropos!!!
The storyline reminds me so much of Thunderheart, the movie. The storyline was very intense with a whole lot of nonstop action. This book had no mystical overtones which are surely missed by this reader!! I like the development of the story and the back stories and how everything interwove together and then the revealing like peeling an onion!! I love this series!!