The Shaman Sings

I picked up this book, Doss' first in this mystery series, at a book swap and I'm going on book series number three. I was instantly captivated by this author's writing style. His vivid descriptions of the first crime scene at the beginning of this book had me up at night losing sleep (a compliment). I could not wait to dive into the next book. As a native of New Mexico, I traveled extensively to Colorado so I can say from firsthand knowledge that Doss' depictions of the scenery and setting as well as characters were so vivid and real. Best reading I've done in a looooong time!!

This is a great book for people that like some humor with their mysteries. Although the titles of this series sound like the shaman is going to be the main protagonist, it doesn't work that way. There is a very humorous interaction between Charlie Moon, of the Tribal Police, who doesn't believe in magic, and his Grandmother who pretends she doesn't when around the priest but who sneaks out to confer with the local landspirit, a type of dwarf. The mystery is well thought out and kept interesting by the complex (but not TOO complex) characters. Of great importantce to me is that the characters also act within their characterization and motivations. This is a particular joy in this book where Charlie and his Grandmother are often working at cross purposes motive wize and a delightful weave of information back and forth as you move towards the ending. The grandmother in particular is sort of a ute 'maxine' with never a good word to say and a hillarious lineup of grumbles and mumbled complaints.

Mr Doss writes pure enjoyable mysteries. Every book of his I read I feel more and more like the characters are my friends. Highly recommend ALL his books.

In "The Shaman Sings," set in southwestern Colorado, the author artfully combines the worlds of Indian mysticism and modern science. Apparently inspired by Tony Hillerman (there's a direct reference to his books), Mr. Doss is no mere imitator; he has his own original approach. He skillfully shifts point of view among a diverse array of characters: the town police chief, the aged Indian woman who is the shaman of the title, a psychopathic maintenance man on the lam, a British expatriate recluse who was a cipher expert during WWII, and various members of the physics department at the local university. And he lets us into the mind of the madman killer, who at first could be any one of a number of characters. Gradually the possibilities are narrowed down until at last, thanks to the shaman, we find out whodunit. I'm very much looking forward to reading the rest of this series.