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When Ben Pecos, the new resident Indian Health Services psychologist, arrives at the pueblo, he finds himself caught up in the investigation of the murder of a trader in native artifacts and fetishes. Someone is willing to kill and use the spirits of the tribes to drive Salvador out of his mind and into prison for the crime. But something smells odd to Ben, and as he begins to investigate, he treads deeper into the mystic and the list of suspects grows longer.
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Masterfully plotted and rich with the spirit and characters of the Southwest, Yellow Lies shows Susan Slater to be at the top of her form.
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Newly edited edition.
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Praise for Susan Slaterโs Ben Pecos mysteries:
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โThis is a wonderful book with loveable heroes.โ โLibrary Journal, on The Pumpkin Seed Massacre
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โTake a great plot idea and Susan Slaterโs skill with language, combine them with her understanding of the religion and culture of a proud and ancient people, and you have a gripping novel. The Pumpkin Seed Massacre is her first novel. We hope itโs the first of many.โ โTony Hillerman
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โโฆ Ben Pecosโa half-Navajo medical researcher raised far from New Mexicoโs Tewa Puebloโcould become as lasting a fictional presence as Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee.โ โChicago Tribune
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โSolid characters, fascinating atmosphere, and authentic settingโThe Pumpkin Seed Massacre is a book you will enjoy. Ben Pecos is a star in the detective firmament. I predict a big future for Susan Slater.โ โBarbara DโAmato
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โSlaterโs first novel holds the readerโs interest with its brisk pace, well-rendered New Mexico landscape and challenging plot โฆ [T]his promising first novel heralds a series to watch.โ
โBooklist
Susan Slater lived and worked in New Mexico for 39 years, where she directed the Six Sandoval Teacher Education Program for the All Indian Pueblo Council through the University of New Mexico. She taught creative writing for UNM and the University of Phoenix. Nine of her mystery novels are being newly edited and released by Secret Staircase Books. She intended to retire in Florida, but now finds herself once more captive to the creative muse as she plans more books featuring Ben and Julie.