Vicky is also certain that the dead man found half buried on the Wind River Reservation may also be linked, and even the key, to unraveling what is going on.

Vicky’s friend from the St. Francis Mission, Father John O’Malley, has been called in to help identify the dead man. Once again, Vicky and John find themselves embroiled in a mystery together as they fight their feelings for each other, in light of the path each has chosen to take. At the same time, Vicky and Adam explore their feelings for each other, even though Vicky is certain if Matt Kingdom is dirty, Adam must also be.

Treading carefully on ancient traditions with the need for survival in a modern world, Vicky deftly untangles a criminal plot that may not only put her way of life on the line, but also her own life.

Killing Raven, the ninth in a strong Native American series, stands very much on its own. Without overdone references to the past, Margaret Coel easily creates a complete picture of Vicky, Adam and John, leaving even readers new to the series feeling as if they have known the trio for a long time. Vicky is interesting to watch as she is conflicted between the old traditions of her ancestors and her survival instinct in the modern world, as well as her uncertainty in her feelings toward both Adam and John. Vicky is a very real character easy to relate to.

The mysteries of both the casino and the dead man are engrossing and the complex twists that connect the two keep the reader guessing until the end. An authentic Southwestern atmosphere adds to the blend of new and old making this a welcome series to return to as well as a wonderful new one to discover.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry