Book Review: Murder on the Red Cliff Rez

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Murder on the Red Cliff Rez     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Mardi Oakley Medawar
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Ethnic
St. Martin’s, Jun 2002, $23.95, 207 pp.

Crime is a rarity on the Red Cliff Reservation in Northern Wisconsin, but murder never happens. Yet someone killed obnoxious tribal attorney Judah Boiseneau. Following the requirements of federal statute, reservation Police Chief David Lameraux reluctantly informs the local law enforcement officials that a homicide has occurred. This only adds to David’s pressure to solve the case as the tribe council, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the nearby local police demand he capture the felon like yesterday.

Everyone believes the killer is Judah’s cousin Benny Peliquin, who has vanished some where on the Rez. Desperate to find the missing suspect, David aversely turns to his former girlfriend Karen Charbonau for help because only someone with the skill of the Tracker (as she is known by all) would have a chance to find Benny. However, the cop wonders what they will discover when they catch up to Benny as David knows they will because Karen is the best.

MURDER ON THE RED CLIFF REZ is an exciting debut of a contemporary Native American police procedural series. The story line is fast- paced and loaded with action as David and Karen search for Benny, but find more than they bargained for during their trek. The who- done-it engages the audience from the start and never lets go until resolution. Though the lead couple is developed to the point that readers understand them as individuals, the former relationship between the protagonists remained murky. Readers will feel gratified with Mardi Oakley Medawar’s tale that provides a strong mystery and an insightful look at life on a Wisconsin Rez.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner