Buffalo Bill's Dead Now, by Margaret Coel

This book was structured rather differently than I am used to, but it was very interesting. Part of it takes place as Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show tours Europe, which then ties into the clothing that one of the Arapahoe leaders wore in that show. The whole outfit disappeared during the tour and has recently resurfaced. A collector has offered it as a donation to the new museum at the mission, but when the boxes arrive for the display, all they contain is bubble-wrap. Immediately thereafter, the donor is killed...and things take off.

Oh, and there's the whole Father John/Vickie/Adam triangle again too.

The Secret Life of Cowboys, by Tom Groneberg

Really good book about what it takes to ranch ahe life, and work with animals in the west, what depending on the land really means, now. The author takes care not to overly mythologize the subject, and is very honest about his failings, and discoveries of strengths. Nicely written, very evocative.

I miss the West.

Below Zero, C.J. Box (on CD)

I really like Joe Pickett. This is about a teenage girl, his former foster-daughter, whom was presumed dead in a horrible accident 6 years ago. At least, until she--or someone claiming to be her--starts texting one of his daughters. While the main plot is quite far-fetched (no mob hit-man is this much of a sucker, really, is he??), once you buy in it's quite a ride. Great book. Not a huge fan of the guy doing the reading though.

The Spider's Web, by Margaret Coel

I love this series about Father John O'Malley and Vicky Holden on the Wind River reservation in Wyoming. This time, we have a very unstable young white woman who gets caught up in the midst of a burglary ring gone wrong. Vicky agrees to represent her so she doesn't get railroaded as an outsider on the rez, but in the meantime other people are much more likely to be guilty of everything from lying about what they know to murder.

I like the series because there's not one person who is perfect; everyone makes poor choices over the course of the series, all of the characters are flawed, and sometimes in pretty damaging ways. But there is a spirit of forgiveness and acceptance that runs through it. Nice.

Blood Trail, by C.J. Box (on CD)

Interesting main character: a game warden in Wyoming. I may have to find more of these....

This story was about the anti-hunting movement being taken to extremes.

Chasing the Bear : A Young Spenser Novel, by Robert B. Parker

The Daily Coyote: A Story of Love, Survival, and Trust in the Wilds of Wyoming, by Shreve Stockton

I read the author's blog about Charlie regularly and a friend bought me this book for Christmas. I now have a clearer view of how this relationship evolved. The most interesting bit is when the author and Charlie tussle over who is the alpha, and why. Animals are so much smarter than we ever give them credit for.

Except maybe cows and sheep--they don't inspire me with their overall intelligence.

But I digress. Stockton is a little woo-woo spiritual for me, but I love her voice and her sensibility. She seems to have a clear view of priorities in life. Now, if only I could see a picture of Mike....