Native American Books

Even though this book is geared to the older elementary student, I used it to supplement my instruction for third graders. It has a wealth of strong information and contains clear and interesting illustrations.

At first glance this book looks like it is simply another children's book but once you open it the beautiful, full color photos speak for themselves! The book is 100% full color and shows a variety of men and women of different Plains tribal affiliations and their routines of daily life. Everything from styles of clothing to weapons, to men's and women's roles is covered in accurate, deatiled photography accompanied by brief commentary. Each subject is attired in meticulously replicated regalia done by the author who is a well known and respected Plains Indian authority. Another nice feature is the addition of a resource page listing historical sites of the Great Plains region. For such a small price tag this is one book that should be on every American history buff's bookshelf! You will not be disappointed!

A very well done, beautifully illustrated book for all ages, highly recommend it.

Michael Terry's "Daily Life in a Plains Indian Village, 1868" is a wonderful book that, although geared toward children and adolescents, provides a colorful overview of the ways of life of the Plains Indian peoples for all readers. The full color, large photograaphs on every page are incredible. Northern Palins replica makers and craftworkers will also find a wealth of close-up photos and descriptions of tools, weapons, and art to which they can refer in their work. If you wish you could see the Plains Indians in the full color splendor for which they are known then this is the book for you!

Like all her books thought provoking. Her constant humility yet also a very strong sense of knowing what she knows and not apologizing for it is a wonderful mix. This book helped a lot, for her material raises a lot of questions and it is like sitting with her and being able to ask her these things. Some very interesting new ways to look at things. What I most appreciated in her book was her constant reminder of going within oneself and not to look at New Age teachers, or some other new way that is preached being "it". Not to put teachers and her on pedestals and make them into gods, but to go within and find the wisdom and truth that is already within. Her belief in God is so pure it is very very refreshing. A must read to understand more of her other books.

I was amazed at Mary Summer Rain's ability to be very honest and forthright in her answers to her readers questions. She maintained her ability to be herself and stand in her own truths. I was glad to see that she was not discriminating in those letters she included. Many were not written to her in her favor, but she handled her answers to these people with as much explanation as could be given to her understandings of how this world works.

True, a rare type of new age book. No lies in this, just truth. Also very informative, interesting and heartwarming. I reccomend it to anyone seeking truth.

Alot of staight-from-the-shoulder answers for the everyday person interested in the new millenium and also spiritual depth

The history of the American West is a history of conflict between encroaching whites and defending Native Americans. One of the least known of these violent and bloody wars was a four year confrontation known as the Snake Conflict and took place between 1864 and 1868. Now western historian Gregory Michno has written a definitive history of a lethal and extended fight led by the Winnemucca tribe against the overwhelming forces of the Union Army. Enhanced with maps, an appendix, and a bibliography, Gregory Michno's "The Deadliest Indian War In The West: The Snake Conflict, 1864-1868" is a model of informative research and an impressively seminal work that is especially recommended reading, as well as an essential, core addition to academic and community library Native American Studies and 19th Century American History reference collections.

I found this a great book full of information about the war the Snake (Bannock) Indians waged for their homeland. I find it interesting that they were so successful in their war agaist the white people invading thier land, yet their war was such that it was little known. I even found a great-great grandfather for one of my cousins. This I found very interesting as the grandfather settled in the Camas Prairie of southern Idaho, the site that much of the Idaho era of the war covered.
Norma Dart

Michno puts a tremendous effort into his book on the Snake campaign that is totally unlike the Great Plains campaigns that generally consisted of relatively large armies in the field by post Civil War standards. In the Snake Conflict, small diverse tribes, (Shoshones, Paiutes etc.) resist the burdensome intrusion of whites into their land that contains few resources due to the climate and terrain. However, these bands rarely reach over 100 and in contrast to the plains wars; small troops of companies typically ranging from 40 or not much more go out in the field across wide landscapes in search of offending Indians. Along with the troops are occasional forays or alliances with civilians that take the initiative to fight the Indians. The Snake tribes are very effective in eluding and defending their line and due to the numerous small tribes; it is impressive when the commanders in the field can distinguish the various tribes. Michno did a tremendous amount of research to locate the battle sites and he personally took a myriad of pictures of the various sites that sprinkled throughout. The book contains 5 large maps in front that require constant reference and smaller battle maps within the text to accompany key battles. This book is more for the serious student of the American Indian Wars, the less inclined may find the book too detailed for their taste.

There is no better historian of the Indian Wars writing today than Gregory Michno, and in his latest book he more than confirms that judgment. His previous books, which include Lakota Noon and The Mystery of E Troop (available on amazon) - hands down two of the best histories ever written of the Battle of the Little Bighorn - established Michno's credentials as a historian par excellence and master of narrative prose. Now, with The Deadliest Indian War in the West, he adds to that luster with a compelling and revealing account of a bitter struggle in America's Northwest that should be much better known. Michno's outstanding new book undoubtedly will help to fill that void and familiarize readers with a war that, in terms of loss of human life, was the Indian War's costliest, but which has "rarely gotten its page in history."

Michno, author of The Encyclopedia of Indian Wars (also available at amazon), is exactly the right historian to take on the task of presenting readers with the personalities, units, battles and skirmishes, and associated events of the all but forgotten Snake War that raged in areas of Oregon, California, Utah and Nevada from 1864 to 1868. His command of the subject and overall knowledge of America's Indian Wars is, well, encyclopedic, and Michno's superb narrative is propelled and enhanced by the fruits of his extensive research. It is history written by a master in command of his craft. Writing this account is, perhaps, more of a challenge than might at first appear. Chief among these is that the participants (aside from the celebrated Civil War and Indian War commander, George Crook) are virtually unknown to most of us today. Michno's narrative, therefore, cannot rely on the "star power" of Sitting Bull, Custer, Crazy Horse, MacKenzie, Chief Joseph, Sheridan, Cochise or Geronimo. Instead, Michno's cast is made up of relative unknowns: highly effective but unfairly overlooked "Indian fighters," like Col. George Wright; and the Native American leaders, Paulina, Weahwewa, Howluck, Ocheho, and Winnemucca. The Deadliest Indian War, however, succeeds superbly in meeting the challenge of providing these hidden heroes their "page in history."

Like its leaders, the U. S. Army lineup lacked the big names. Heralded outfits, like Custer's 7th Cavalry or the Buffalo Soldiers of the 10th are missing. Much of the Snake War's early combat was borne by California Volunteer Regiments. Michno points out that (when the all-Californian 8th U. S. Cavalry regiment is included) Californians not only inflicted fully one-fifth of all Native American casualties in the West's Indian Wars (over 2,500 in 287 fights), "in five years [the Californians] killed more Indians than any of the ten U. S. Cavalry regiments did in the forty years from 1850 to 1890."

"Snake" refers to several bands of Native Americans inhabiting the Great Basin and the Northwest's Columbia Plateau (principally Bannocks, Shoshonis and Paiutes). Michno speculates that one reason for the general lack of knowledge about the Snake War is that these tribes "were not taken seriously as warriors" (as were the Sioux and Apaches) and therefore have not been given their due as a formidable fighting force. Another reason that more attention has not been paid to the Snake War is that volunteers, not regulars, constituted most of the Army troops involved. When the Snake War broke out in 1864, most U. S. Army regulars had been sent East to fight the Civil War (by Spring, 1861, fewer than 700 regulars remained in the entire Northwest). However, lest readers mistakenly believe that this left a dangerous void, 18,000 volunteers (like the California regiments) rallied to the colors to back-fill the West's 5,000 pre-war regulars. With more troops available, fights with Native Americans increased while the volunteers were in service.

The war's casualty figures, however, belie the short shrift given to the fighters on both sides and provide a compelling justification for Michno's book. In total, 1,762 whites and Indians were either killed, wounded or captured in the Snake War's battles and skirmishes. That is nearly twice the number of casualties in the much more well-known and intensely studied "Great Sioux War" of 1876-77 (in which Custer met his end at the Little Bighorn). Michno writes that the true casualty count for the Snake War was even higher when the countless, small-scale Indian raids are added to the battle and skirmish totals, noting that, conservatively, "an additional ninety civilians killed, thirty wounded and sixty Indians killed or wounded" should be included.

Finally, in an observation that echoes in how today's headlines are produced, Michno points out that another major reason the Snake War is not better known is that few reporters covered the action, nor did "Indian Wars combat artists" like Remington, Schreyvogel or Russell produce colorful, dramatic images as they did for the fights against the Plains Indians. It seems that, 140 years ago, editors were deciding what was "newsworthy" for the public -- and even in those days could miss a great story. Michno's outstanding new book finally tells that "great story."

For those who are interested in the controversy surrounding the death of Crazy Horse, then this is definitely the book to read. This book contains various interviews with people who knew Crazy Horse or were present around the time of his death. Also it contains newspaper accounts and telegrams between various officers involved, which shines a light on what their true plans for Crazy Horse were.
This is an outstanding book presented in a factual format and I would recommend it to any one interested in reading about the sad and tragic death of one of my personal favorite Lakota braves.

Like The Killing of Chief Crazy Horse this book comprises various interviews with individuals who knew Crazy Horse or were present at his death. However there is no repetition here. Those accounts that are by the same people, have different dates (which, in itself makes for interesting comparisons). This book also includes valuable additions such as telegrams between the various officers involved--giving us the true picture of what their plans for Crazy Horse actually were--and many newspaper accounts, showing just how important an event this was throughout the country.

Anyone who has studied this period knows the controversy that rages over Crazy Horse and his death. Was he the quiet man beloved by his band and betrayed by the agency chiefs out of jealousy? Or was he sullen and withdrawn, plotting a return to the warpath, and stopped just in time? What you find in these pages, as you would expect, is that the answer depends largely on who is doing the telling. E!ven the physical descriptions of this man, of whom no photo exists, vary greatly. Some say he was tall. Most say he was slight. Some call him handsome. One man said he was downright ugly. The only agreement seems to be on his unusually light hair and complexion.

This book is not recommended for someone who is not already familiar with the story of Crazy Horse. However, for those who are, it provides access to some great primary sources, that you will probably want to re-read many times.

I purchased this book since I am researching one of the army officers who witnessed the death of Crazy Horse, Officer-of-the- Guard Lt. Henry Lemly, who left behind an account that appeared in the New York Sun and is reproduced herein. I found that and much more. For anyone who is familiar with Hardorff's similar treatments of the Little Big Horn, CUSTER BATTLE CASUALTIES I and II, HOKAEHY! A GOOD DAY TO DIE, this work follows a familiar approach, compiling numerous Lakota accounts of the circumstances surrouding the famous warrior's death.

Beyond that, it is much, much. Many of the first-person accounts describe other aspects of the life of Crazy Horse--his appearance, deeds in battle, his demeanor, marriage, nicknames, family etc. All of this culminates with the recollections of his fatal wounding, how it happened, who was to blame, and the reaction of both the Lakota and the army. In other words, a treasure trove of biographical information on Crazy Horse that is far more instructional than any existing biography of him. The general reader should be warned that such accounts can be repetitious and certainly aren't as readable as, say, Stephen Ambrose's CRAZY HORSE AND CUSTER. If it is unedited first person recollections you are after though, you will find them here.

Two items of mystery especially surround the great warrior--was he ever photographed? (Hardorff is very skeptical of any such photographic claims), and where was he buried? On this last question, there are various accounts of his body being buried and then moved, etc. to the point that no one knew where he ultimately rested. There is even a photograph of his first burial site that I have never seen published before, showing an army-built wooden structure surrounding the temporary sepulcher of Crazy Horse's remains, erected on a bluff above Camp Sheridan, Nebraksa. The inclusion of such photographs and the many conflicting details of his burials make this a fascinating aspect of this book.

In all, an excellent source of information for anyone interested in Crazy Horse, the Lakota, the Little Big Horn and the frontier military.

The Death Of Crazy Horse: A Tragic Episode In Lakota History is a collection of interviews of Indian and mixed blood contemporaries of his last days between May 15, 1877, when he was sworn in as a noncommissioned officer in the U. S. military and September 5, 1877, when he was killed by a military guard, bayonetted in the back. Recollections and interviews are supplemented by a collection of official documents, including telegrams, military dispatches, newspaper accounts, and other eyewitness reports. Stark, bloody detail emerges quickly, along with complex shadows of views of the man known as Crazy Horse. The aspect of betrayal and fear of this charismatic, modest young Oglala Sioux man is underlined again and again. A dark fascination arises from the accumulated documents.

What was the cause of the martyrdom? One response comes from the newspaper account in The New York Sun, dated September 14, 1877, titled "The Death of Crazy Horse:" Crazy Horse's father is quoted as saying 'His boy...would never have fought the whites, but they (the military) hunted him and his village in their own country, and they had to defend themselves, all would have perished. He had enough buffalo in that country to last several years, and (he) wanted to stay. He fought only the Crows and Snakes and stole their ponies. But he was not left alone. Every courier that came North to him said,"Come in! Come in! Or the Gray Fox (Crook) will drive you after Sitting Bull!: At last he came. Spotted Tail and Red Cloud, the greatest chiefs of the Brules and the Oglalas, had to stand aside and give him the principal place in council, and on this account they and their young men became jealous. They were the cause of his poor boy lying there. He was killed by too much talk. He had said (p. 243).'

The Death Of Crazy Horse has a documentary quality. Though brief, less than 300 pages, its impact is gut-wrenchingly huge. It will take more than one reading of even these few pages to construct a new truthful understanding of the end of this man's life. Though events described are often brutal, the information is presented in a tone of respect. Additional informational details such as the genealogy of Crazy Horse, in Appendix C, and the description of Crazy Horse from the Campbell letters help enflesh the image of the man. There is a hard, painful beauty about this book. The Death Of Crazy Horse: A Tragic Episode In Lakota History is a must to read for any serious student of Lakota history.

Nancy Lorraine, Reviewer

Wonderful! One of the most eloquent and insightful books ever written on deserts, Native Americans, agriculture, etc., etc. A treat for both the mind and the heart...

I worked out in the Sonora for a few years and learned to love its wide open, quiet spaces, the sizzle of a cicada and the smell right before thunder breaks and rain falls in big warm drops.

Living in Seattle, when I long for open grey-white land, the shade of the palo verde, the shuffle of a zebra-tail, I go down to the basement and find this book. Pure magic! Culture, nature and philosophy, this book has it all.

If you know how creosote smells after a desert rain, this book is for you. If you don't know, this book will help you to understand the appeal of the desert.

A nice look into the Papago lifestyle of the '80s, some history, some desert lore, some naturalist bent.

A nice read, recommended.

Nabhan has written a beautifully eloquent book about the Papago people of Arizona. The book focuses on the importance of rainfall to these desert dwellers and the way that it has become a key part of their culture and their celebrations. But this book is more than a simple study of desert climate and agriculture. It is an exploration of the beauty of the desert and of an ancient culture that is stuggling to live on their traditional lands in spite of the seperation from their families across the border in Mexico, and despite the lessened rainfall. In the desert the rain is a magical thing, and Nabhan has captured the feeling of the first raindrops after a long dry-spell. A beautiful work.

I know for a fact that Ben Feinberg has watched over one hundred hours of "I Dream of Jeanie."

But if that's not enough to convince you to buy his book, you might consider the actual subject matter. How do people in small places not overcome by the hegemony of time and space most people reading this website live with conceive of time and space? Feinberg looks at this, dealing with different categories of time and such from the perspective of the Sierra Mazteca. How do you get to Oaxaca de Juarez from Juatla? Where is the United States, and who are these weird tourists?

Read the book for the answers to these questions and more.

I've been interested in the Sierra Mazateca for years-- after spending time there, I read the handful of books written about it, yet felt that there was much more to be said. I was thrilled to discover that last year, someone finally wrote a well-researched ethnography about it. Feinberg's book is packed with fascinating observations and reflections on the way people in the Sierra Mazateca understand and talk about their lives, history, and "culture." I would recommend this book to anyone with a background in anthropology or a similar field who is interested in cultural identity negotiation and "indigenous-ness," Oaxaca, sacred mushrooms, and folklore about devils and caves.

His analysis is brilliant. If you are unsatisfied after reading through once, then I suggest you purchase another copy and read it over again.

I know for a fact that Ben Feinberg has eaten Armour(tm) Potted Meat Food Product.

This is a book that is easy to read. It beautifully explains many of the Navajo stories of their creation. There is humor, pathos and much wisdom.
If you read it, you will see parallels to other stories of creation.
A lovely book to read any time, but especially if you are planning to visit the American southwest. You will appreciate New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado in a heightened way, seeing sacred spots to the Navajo and understanding why they are to be respected.

This book is about the creation of life. How human beings evolved in a world that had kaos. This tale includes many different worlds, in which life was discovered. Many gods have created human life to bring forth to what we arrived to today, but the only thing to destroy us is kaos. Hatred among both sexes causes the seperation which leads to longing for one another. Among the humans, anxiety was brought to the world and the gods who created the world, got angey. So the gods took action and destroyed the world by pushing all forms of life out almost killing everyone, but the humans were the smartest and emerged into the next world which is known today

There are several versions of the Navajo Creation Story known but Paul Zolbrod has captured the most plausible and accepted rendition in print. Most Navajos that I know accept this text as adequate and feel that the author's treatment of the subject matter is fair and sensitive to a very vital element of Dine' culture. Many Navajos, especially elders will say that the material printed in this book used to be reserved for the sweat hooghan and special times between family members but understand that now things have changed and accept the publication of very special and sensitive aspects of a great peoples' religion, as long as it is done under the auspices of the Navajo Nation. Perhaps in time others will publish material more to the needs of Navajo scholars but to this day this book is the literary standard of the creation stories.

Paul Zolbrod does a fine job of collating his own transcriptions of Navajo oral traditions with the records of other scholars from decades past to create a seamless narration of the Navajo story of creation. This is a valuable contribution to a deeper understanding of a specific native American culture.

This is an excellent English-Dakota dictionary, but be aware that it does not include a Dakota-English section. The Dakota-English volume is sold separately (ISBN 0873512820) and is also high quality. The English-Dakota volume does include a pronunciation guide and clear grammatical overview.

John P.Williamson married my Great Great Aunt Sarah, my great great grandmothers sister. I recently pulled out of my trunk of family heirlooms a book about him and started reading it. I am not yet finished but close. What a man. I can only imagine what a good job his translation is. For his day and time, for the modes of transportation they did not have, he sure got around and met quite a few important people.

this is a good dictionary but lacks some words (like full list of names for uncles) and doesn't give a full transcription regarding stops series

After searching libraries, the net, and schools for an accurate, good Dakota dictionary, I finally found this book. I was, to be blunt, amazed! Not only does it have a great listing of words (that you can actually use), but it also includes a short introduction of grammar and usage.

I got to test my new skills at a recent Powwow in Minnesota, where I had an entire conversation (although slow!) with a Dakota man. Although he needed to correct me on a few words and some grammar, he was impressed. He was shocked when I told him I had only begun learning within the last six months! I could not have done it without the aid of this book! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Barbara J. Olexer's book, THE ENSLAVEMENT OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN IN COLONIAL TIMES, should be required reading in our school's American History classes. She tracks the long interaction between `new world' explorers/settlers and various Indian tribes east of the Rocky Mountains; often providing information of later (seventeenth century) anti-Indian action and current remaining Native groups. Her discourse, based upon extensive research, paints a comprehensive picture of the actual aspects of European's relationship with Indians, beginning with the "Norsemen's discovery of America in the tenth century." Previously, the record of our country's background of Indian mistreatment has been ignored; or twisted to give an acceptable perspective of the struggle by so-called civilized newcomers against the indigenous population who were called "savages", "barbarous enemies" who, like others would, fought to protect their lives and livelihood, their culture and religious ways. By using quotes from both sides obtained from various archives, Barbara reveals the real savages with the attitude "that it appears visibly that God wishes that they yield their place to new peoples." These Indian nations and tribes who were to `yield' revered nature, had social structure, were peaceful, content, helpful and generous. One firsthand observation came from a colonist captured and released: "There was never any lack of food...they shame the Christians; are more generous...they keep their word exactly as promised. They are not avaricious, not so haughty, do not quarrel quickly. Among the young, also, I did not notice anything improper." This book is vital in establishing a true record of our nation's colonial past and early westward expansion.
Phillip A. Nickel. Ph. D. mynickelsworth5@aol.com

Olexer does a good job of reporting the Pequot War, King Phillip's War, and the numerous Indian wars that followed. At times my reading was impeded because I kept shaking my head, thinking, "This is amazing, why didn't I ever hear about the Indian slave trade before?" One special feature of the book that I liked is that she gives a brief (very brief) account of the many tribes that are still extant. A lot of them are prospering and some are flourishing. The Pequots, for instance, after being reduced to three survivors on their reservation, have recovered sufficiently to have donated fifty million dollars to the new National Museum of the American Indian.

Definately the untold story of slavery in America and the Western World. Olexer gives us the history, peppered liberally with text from original documents, showing that our roots of slavery are much deeper than we are commonly taught.

The writing is easy to read, but painful to acknowledge. While Olexer gives us an unvarnished piece of our history, she never devolves into sermonizing or shaming the reader. We are left to make our own conclusions and search our own souls, which is always far more disturbing.

In THE ENSLAVEMENT OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN IN COLONIAL TIMES, author Barbara J. Olexer examines the subject of American Indian slavery. While she does trace the roots of American Indian slavery back as far as 1013, her discussion primarily focuses on the colonial period, particularly the 1600s and 1700s. THE ENSLAVEMENT OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN... offers an illuminating look at what, sadly, is a little-known subject. Given the dearth of books on this topic, Ms. Olexer's tome makes a welcome addition to the existing literature.

Starting with the Norsemen's "discovery" of America in the tenth century, THE ENSLAVEMENT OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN... explores the topic of American Indian slavery. What started as the kidnappings of individual American Indians eventually escalated into an American Indian slave trade, albeit on a smaller scale than the African slave trade. The trade reached its height during the 17th and 18th centuries, but had largely ceased by the 1780s. The reasons for the American Indian slave trade were many. Commonly, colonists instigated warfare between already unfriendly tribes, as a means of weakening their enemies as well as obtaining American Indian slaves "legally." Additionally, trading in American Indian slaves was another tool with which to rob the Indians of their land. American Indians were often tricked into slavery, ambushed by unscrupulous colonists, or simply kidnapped and "exported." By the end of the Revolutionary War, however, American Indian populations were decimated to such a degree that slavery was no longer necessary. Nor was it profitable; Africans were more plentiful and made for more obedient and resilient slaves.

THE ENSLAVEMENT OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN... covers both the scale of and the reasons underlying the American Indian slave trade. The book is divided into eleven chapters: It Began as Kidnapping; The Pilgrims and the Pequots; King Philip's War; The French in Canada; The English and the Westo; The Traders and the Neophytes; The Tuscarora and Yamassee Wars; The End of the Trade in Carolina; The French in Louisiana; The French and the Natchez; and Conclusion.

As you can see from the chapter titles, Ms. Olexer looks at the French as well as the English settlers, and also examines Spanish-Indian relations. A number of American Indian groups make an appearance, including the Huron, Eskimo, Pequot, Narragansett, Saconnet, Nipmuc, Mohegan, Iroquois, Seneca, Tuscarora, Westo, Powhatan, Catawba, Chowan, Yamassee, Cherokee, Creek, Chickasaw, Waccamaw, Natchez, Sauk and Fox tribes, as well as the Wampanoag Federation and the Five Nations. Geographically, the discussion concentrates on the north- and south-east of the United States. Several chapters are devoted to the Carolina region in particular.

Although schools and scholars are finally beginning to acknowledge our forbearers' brutal treatment of the Americas' original inhabitants, the subject of American Indian slavery still merits little attention. Indeed, I don't recall learning of the topic at all during elementary, junior, or high school. Unfortunately, few books exist that tackle this significant topic. Barbara Olexer's THE ENSLAVEMENT OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN... helps to fill this void, and makes a great addition to the history buff's bookshelf. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the American Indian experience or the history of slavery. An added bonus: the author donates a portion of the proceeds to the National Museum of the American Indian.

Even though EVIL LIVES frightened me as I read it, I still devoured every page and anticipated the next. Before I knew it, I'd finished the novel waaayyyy to soon. I want Lila Pinord to know that I crave more of the same!

This is a great scary, what's going to happen next story about things going wrong with the cop on the reservation and all the people there. Way too short...didn't want it to ever end..Hopefully, Lila will write another book soon. Both her books are well worth reading..I don't scare easily, but some things in this book made me look over my shoulder when I'm near the beaches..I highly recommend this book...

There is a thick fog covering the area, leaving everyone feeling unsettled. But it is the mysterious figure with the soulless eyes that fills those nearby with terror and dread.

An evil spirit has returned to the Native American community of Blue Rock, and has taken over the body of a trusted and beloved member. Each day brings more senseless murder, accelerating as the evil's thirst increases. From children to respected elders, no one is safe. It is up to those bestowed with special gifts to yet again exorcise the creature back to the water from where it came, before the misery and death spreads over them all.

This is a wonderful, very scary novel, with many diverse and interesting characters. Lila Pinord has the ability to create great suspense through vivid images and strong, realistic emotions, without once losing the distinctiveness of the characters. The tension is thick right to the end, and will frightened even the most courageous of readers.

A Native American herself, Lila L. Pinord brings the traditions and myths of her people to life in this book. With one other novel to her name, "Skye Dancer," her next novel will be much anticipated by this reviewer.

Highly recommended to the brave for a scary, late night read.

I grew up in the same small fishing village as the author of Evil Lives in Blue Rock. As children, we thought nothing of wandering around in the heavy laden fog, but as adults, it chills us to the bone to even think about it! So, Lila's novel brings it all back in a scary rush! My cousin's book brings back so many memories. I hope Lila writes more in the same vein as Blue Rock- I look forward to her next book.