The Shaman's Game

Southern Ute tribal investigator Charlie Moon and his friend Police Chief Scott Parris face a baffling case involving deaths at a Sun Dance ceremony in Colorado. The victims appear to have died from natural causes, but Moon suspects darker forces may be at work. Moon must navigate between modern police work and traditional Native American spiritual beliefs as more dancers fall victim during the sacred ritual. His aunt Daisy Perika, a tribal shaman, provides guidance while grappling with disturbing visions connected to the deaths. The investigation takes Moon and Parris through the complex relationships and tensions within the Ute community, forcing them to consider both rational and supernatural explanations. Their search for answers puts them on a collision course with an entity that may transcend standard definitions of criminal and victim. The novel explores the intersection of Native American traditions and contemporary law enforcement while questioning the boundaries between natural and supernatural justice. Cultural preservation and adaptation emerge as central themes in this mystery that resists simple categorization.

Readers appreciate the authentic depiction of Ute culture and traditions in this murder mystery, with multiple reviews highlighting Doss's attention to detail in portraying Native American customs. The character of Charlie Moon resonates with fans, who note his dry humor and pragmatic approach. Common criticisms focus on the pacing, with several readers finding the middle section slow. Some note confusion about the supernatural elements, unsure if they're meant to be taken literally or symbolically. A few reviews mention difficulty following multiple plot threads. What readers liked: - Cultural accuracy - Character development - Integration of mysticism - Dialogue between Moon and Aunt Daisy What readers disliked: - Slow middle section - Unclear supernatural aspects - Complex subplots Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (226 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (41 ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.0/5 (12 ratings) One reader on Goodreads noted: "The balance between police procedure and Ute spirituality makes this unique among mystery novels."

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🔮 James D. Doss worked as a nuclear physicist at Los Alamos National Laboratory while writing his Charlie Moon mystery series. 🏔️ The book draws heavily on authentic Ute tribal customs and traditions, particularly focusing on the sacred Ghost Dance ceremony. 🌟 The Shaman's Game is the fourth installment in the Charlie Moon series, which spans 17 books total. 🎭 The novel blends elements of Native American mysticism with classic detective fiction, creating a unique subgenre sometimes called "tribal noir." 🖋️ While writing the series, Doss consulted extensively with members of the Southern Ute tribe to ensure cultural accuracy in his portrayal of Ute life and beliefs.