The plot: Anna Horn's life is not easy -- she's bullied and tormented at school, she doesn't seem to fit on the rez either, and she's haunted by a ravenous, mythological entity her uncle told her about when she was seven. The tribal stories she once knew are being forgotten, her parents are arguing, her 15-year-od sister, Grace, is sneaking out at night, and there's something mysterious going on in suite 808 at the casino/hotel where she works. And young women from the reservation are disappearing. As Anna struggles to put all the pieces together, Grace goes missing, too. Now it's a race against time if Anna is going to save her sister.
My thoughts: This novel is both a coming of age story and a mystery with hints of Native American lore and a touch of supernatural horror. The chapters alternate between the days leading up to Grace's disappearance, and the hours afterwards. It was a little confusing at first, but once I got used to the switches in time, I found the narrative to be very compelling. And I really liked Anna and sympathized with all her struggles. And I liked the Native American myths and stories she remembers and tells. But it's also a dark story at times. The plight of young Native American women who go missing or are murdered every year is a heartbreaking one, and Medina does a good job of highlighting this crisis. This novel is propulsive, suspenseful and very well-written.
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Happy Reading!
I've been looking to add an indigenous thriller to my TBR this year, so this is perfect! I don't mind switching timelines, though good to have a heads-up!
ReplyDeleteJust keep track of the chapter headers because they alert you as to when you are in the story. And Medina's book is a great look at Native American lives and cultures. I will definitely be reading his other books. :D
DeleteThis sounds like something I'd really enjoy. Thanks for the heads up about the alternating chapters.
ReplyDeleteIt took me a minute to figure out the skips in timelines...but maybe that's just because I've been running tired. ;D
DeleteThanks for what you shared about this book, Lark. It's not one that I knew of, but I'm intrigued. Especially interesting with the Native American culture.
ReplyDeleteThat's what first drew me to this book. So fascinating.
DeleteThe disappearance of young Native American women is a very troubling issue. Kudos to this author for highlighting it with this book.
ReplyDeleteIt's a situation that needs to be highlighted more imo. But no one seems to care what happens to these women. Maybe if they had a famous daughter more people would pay attention to them.
DeleteThis sounds creepy and poignant at the same time. I will have to look for this one.
ReplyDeleteI hope you get a chance to read it!
DeleteThis does sound super creepy, but also good!
ReplyDeleteIt's a suspenseful read for sure.
DeleteThis sounds interesting. I’ve read several novels about the disappearance of young Native American women from reservations and how difficult it is to coordinate between the different investigating agencies. It seems to be too big a job for the tribal police, and the FBI doesn’t always take it completely seriously until several women are gone. Sad.
ReplyDeleteIt is sad. No one wants to take responsibility or use resources to stop the problem or change the situation. And it's the women who are paying for it.
DeleteThat does sound like a compelling story--and timely.
ReplyDeleteIt's so good. And sad that it is so timely. Talk about being forgotten women.
DeleteI am always intrigued to hear about stories set in a Native American community. Thank you for sharing this book with us.
ReplyDeleteI like the way Medina combined Native American culture with his mystery.
DeleteThat sounds good. Happy Valentine's Day to you
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mary! :D
DeleteThis sounds terrific. Great review!
ReplyDeleteIt really is a good read.
DeleteThis sounds like a really good novel. I love mysteries and also the setting on the rez and Anna Horn who is not having a good time in school but takes on the project of finding out what has happened to the missing women is compelling.
ReplyDeleteIt's a great setting. And Anna's life is a tough one. But she's so tough. I really liked her.
DeleteThis author is on my list to read at some point. I'm glad you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to try him again!
DeleteIt does sound like a compelling and dark story!
ReplyDeleteIt is very compelling. And a story that'll make you equally mad and sad at what happens to these women.
DeleteHaunted by something? Chilling. It sounds good
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed it!
DeleteI own several books by this author. I need to make time for one. I love Native American lore in books.
ReplyDeleteI just checked out his second book...which looks good, too.
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