Book Review: Blood Memory

Reviewed By: Shirley - RAM

Blood Memory     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Margaret Coel
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Native American   Legal Setting   Woman Main Character
Series: Catherine McLeod # 1
Berkley Prime Crime

Catherine McLeod is a recent divorcee working as an investigative reporter in Denver. One late night while walking her dog, she realizes she is being followed. She makes it back to her townhouse, locks the door and calls a friend, then the police. The friend arrives first but as he enters, a man forces his way in, grapples with her friend Maury and then shoots him. As he looks around for Catherine he hears the police arriving and bolts.

At first everyone thinks it is a rapist. Then Catherine gradually realizes that it is connected to a story she is working on and that the killer is still out there, looking for her. The story has to do with a proposed Indian casino, and involves wealthy families and corrupt politicians, who do not want her investigating.

Catherine has Arapaho blood but was adopted by a white family, and as the story progresses she begins to come to terms with her heritage. Margaret Coel is an expert on the Arapaho Indians, and has written a series of novels involving Arapaho attorney Vicky Holden. This is a new series although Holden does make a small appearance in one scene.

This is a tautly written thriller with interesting, well defined characters and a great sense of Denver and the surrounding mountains. With a plot that skillfully weaves the business and political dealings with the frightening hunt by the killer and Catherine’s efforts to evade him, the story will keep you glued to the pages.

Shirley - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Shirley - RAM

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