Mask of the Deer Woman

By: Laurie L. Dove

Narrated by: Isabella Star Lablanc

AN INSTANT USA TODAY BESTSELLER

To find a missing young woman, the new tribal marshal must also find herself.

At rock bottom following her daughter’s death, ex–Chicago detective Carrie Starr has nowhere to go but back to her roots. Starr’s father never talked much about the reservation where he was raised, but the tribe needs a new marshal as much as Starr needs a place to call home.

In the past decade, too many young women have disappeared from the rez. Some have ended up dead, others just…gone. Now local college student Chenoa Cloud is missing, and Starr falls into an investigation that leaves her drowning in memories of her daughter—the girl she failed to save.

Starr feels lost in this place she thought would welcome her. And when she catches a glimpse of a figure from her father’s stories, with the body of a woman and the antlers of a deer, Starr can’t shake the feeling that the fearsome spirit is watching her, following her.

What she doesn’t know is whether Deer Woman is here to guide her or to seek vengeance for the lost daughters that Starr can never bring home.

Genuine

Well read, well written, interesting story and very close to the truth of indigenous women. Good listening length and chapter structure.

The tragic ideas that white meant think they can control indigenous women.

I liked the indigenous names and use of language when used. It is a very engaging story.

Well developed characters and interesting storyline

Loved the mystery and the storyline about the Sheriff, her past, and her forced assignment as a BIA sheriff on Native land.
Well done!
But I’m from Oklahoma and I wish the author and the voice talent had done some
Basic research about how to pronounce Tahlequah and that the “Tahlequah” Nation was actually the Cherokee Nation not separate nations. Still would recommend as a great listen.

Disadvantage of indigenous people

Too much repetition, not allowing story to move along faster, foul language definitely not necessary.

Intriguing story, great setting

I really enjoyed this book. the rez setting was beautifully realised, Deer Woman was a great character in her own right, like background radiation permeating everything. I empathised with Starr's character and with Junior. The bad guys were a little undercooked and uninteresting, and therefore not compelling. Nevertheless, I enjoyed this book very much and would be interested in following up on sequels. The issue of retributive violence is really interesting and I wanna see what Starr does next.