Play Book Tag discussion

Virgil Wounded Horse is the local enforcer on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota. When justice is denied by the American legal system or the tribal council, Virgil is hired to deliver his own punishment, the kind that’s hard to forget. But when heroin makes its way into the reservation and finds Virgil’s nephew, his vigilantism suddenly becomes personal. He enlists the help of his ex-girlfriend and sets out to learn where the drugs are coming from, and how to make them stop.

It’s hard to root for a guy who beats people up for a living, but Virgil is an engaging character. The story gets complicated with opposing criminal groups and law enforcement, and Virgil’s nephew gets taken in a sting operation. Virgil is willing to do whatever it takes to find him, and gets some unusual help. I liked the extra touches about modern life on the reservation, an interesting ceremony, and a “vision” of Sioux history. I really liked Virgil’s girlfriend who is trying to make a difference in the health of her community by sourcing better foods including healthy indigenous ingredients. ( She brought in a great deal of grant money to reintroduce Bison to their diet. ). She uncovers another crime, and her parts of the story are just as interesting to me as the drug plot .

I thought this was excellent when I read it. Glad you liked it.

The information on indigenous cuisine has stayed with me, and I have picked up on how it is being corporated into competitions and feature shows on shows on the Food Network, for example.

I remember the indigenous cuisine as well, even though I did not mention it in my review.

Theresa and I read it one year for the Edgars. They are always great to alert us to new authors.

I quite enjoyed this one too. I keep waiting for him to publish another book.

Jen K wrote: "I quite enjoyed this one too. I keep waiting for him to publish another book."

Me too!