White Thunder

Ella Clah #10

by Aimée Thurlo, David Thurlo

In White Thunder, the tenth Ella Clah novel from Aimee and David Thurlo, Ella must find a missing FBI agent who interrupted a Sing.

FBI area supervisor Simmons asks the Navajo Tribal Police to help locate Andrew Thomas, a federal agent who disappeared after interrupting a Navajo ritual being performed by a group of medicine men or hataaliis. Simmons voices his displeasure when Special Investigator Ella Clah is assigned to the case; he believes that Ella became an FBI agent, more than a decade earlier, due to affirmative action-and that she left because the job was too tough for her.

Ella ignores Simmons' pettiness, knowing that finding the missing man is the highest priority. She won't allow family issues to get in the way, so she asks her daughter's father to become a full-time parent for the duration of her investigation. She even questions her brother, a hataalii himself, about Agent Thomas. Could a medicine man have punished Thomas for disturbing the Sing?

Startlingly, Ella receives a disturbing cell phone call that seems to be from Thomas himself. He's trapped in a dark place, lost and hurt. Ella realizes that time is running out.

With the hataaliis cleared, Ella follows up on Thomas's investigation into Social Security fraud. She is disturbed to see evidence that seems to point to her old friend and Thomas's immediate superior, FBI agent Blalock. Could Blalock steal money and assault one of his own men? Ella can't believe it.

The fraud trail leads through a maze of paperwork, banks, government offices, mortuaries, and into the Navajos' most dearly held-beliefs about death. Only by finding the truth-and fast-will Ella be able to save Andrew Thomas.

At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Native American, Westerns, Mystery Thriller, Suspense

256 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2005

About the author

Aimee and David Thurlo are the authors of the Ella Clah mysteries, the Sister Agatha mysteries, the Lee Nez vampire novels all set in New Mexico. David grew up on the Navajo Indian Nation, and Aimee, a native of Cuba, lived in the southwest for forty years.

Aimée passed away peacefully at her home on the morning of February 28, 2014, after a brief struggle with cancer and related complications. She was attended by her husband of 43 years, David. Aimée was 62 years old.

Reviews

[Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series of books. Although there is much less of the Navaho mysticism that occured in the first books, they are just good solid police detective novels in a location that I have fond memories of, the southwest.

[Bj Hoover · Rating 5 out of 5]

In rereading this book in the series, I am again marveling at the Thurlos' complex plotting and incorporation of the Navajo beliefs and modern police work that result in a gripping and complex story. This is a really gripping and satisfying tale of good triumphing over evil.

[Catherine Woodman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Ella Clah, altho' it wouldn't be bad for her to get a love interest that lasted at some point--she is a great Native American and the mysteries are very good

[Michael Starsheen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great entry in this series

I gave this book five stars because it was suspenseful and a great read. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the slimmer volumes in the Ella Clah series by Aimee Thurlo. It was also very well written and keeps your interest well. White Thunder contains less background on the detective's friends and family than tome of the earlier books. The book has a series of interesting plot twists and is well worth the read.

[Gloria Mccracken · Rating 4 out of 5]

This not quite Tony Hillerman but nevertheless an exciting and interesting series set on Navaho land with the main character a female Navaho police detective. A greenhorn FBI agent crashes a ceremonial "sing" and disappears, prompting a manhunt and uncovering a far-reaching scheme.

[Norla Chee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nowadays educated Navajo with PhDs are arguing against books about Navajos written by non-Navajos, but I thought it was okay. It was a lot better than the caricatures Tony Hillerman wrote. The language flowed easier, and the action was faster. I think Teeny should get his own spin off.

[Kathy Schouten · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book seemed to read faster than some of the others, but was just as good. A good mystery, with a dose of Navajo tradition.

[Steve Payne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one is all Ella, all the time with a little Justine and Teeny thrown in. Dirty FBI agent, corrupt mortician and county clerk and clock ticking for a missing FBI agent.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good one in this series. I'm sure enjoying them.

[Doris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tribal Police Investigator Ella Clah is called on to help find a young Feebie (FBI Agent) who disappeared after interrupting a sacred medical "sing". The twists and turns of the plot were well done and the interpersonal reactions were also good. The main issue which causes intertribal contention deals with the tribal "Medicine Men" and the Christian ministers, the latter of whom believe the tribal medicine to be evil.

Overall well done, but the companionship outside the police ranks could have been built up a little better. Recommended for series fans and those who like a good solid mystery.

[Nancy Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series is changing as it evolves, since there are two authors it makes me wonder if they have altered who does what. This was an easier read and not so long either--and the action seemed to be less alarming and spaced more throughout the story. Also Ella's personal relationships are less awkward.

[Barb · Rating 3 out of 5]

enjoyable - tony hillerman-type mystery with female native american detective operating on a reservation, good blend of the "old ways" and modern ways among residents

[Rosie Beck · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ella Clah is recruited to help find a missing FBI agent who had interrupted a tribal sing just before disappearing. Of course there is much more to the story! Similar to Hillerman.

[Mariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm enjoying this series, but this book was a bit repetitious.

[Jeff Dickison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Ella Clah mystery as she must help find a missing FBI agent who interfered with tribal customs. Recommended to all mystery fans and especially to those who love Indian police mysteries.

[Thea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was good but too much like all the rest.

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was slow at first, but got much more interesting at the end and really picked up.