This book is my first introduction to the Ella Clah series and to books written by Aimée and David Thurlo. Although this is quite late in the series, it reads as a standalone novel.
In this book, Ella is investigating a string of attacks that appear related to a company trying to introduce a cellular phone network to the reservation. It appears that some (possibly traditionalists, possibly criminals) don't want reservation families to be able to have better access to cellular communications. The attacks, at first appearing unrelated, step up in intensity and malice, and Navajo witchcraft (skinwalkers) begins to become evident in these crimes.
In this novel, Ella Clah finds that her police work is overlapping with events in her family life. Especially where her much-loved 9year old daughter is concerned.

I really enjoyed this book. I found the pace believable and Ella Clah to be a great protagonist, both in her police work, and family life. Her concerns at strking a balance between her culture, motherhood and career are compelling and very real. I know little of contemporay Navajo live on the reservations and found the descriptions here really interesting and made me want to learn more.
This was a random book from my library, tagged as 'plan to buy own copy'. I'm going to look out for and buy this series because I want to learn more of Ella and her earlier life, and have this series on my shelves. I'm also planning to read the other series that this husband and wife team have written to see what they're like too.

In summary: this book is an interesting contemporary police procedural that gives the reader a sense of learning about another culture and way of life, with a great main character. The writing style and pacing suit the story and themes perfectly. ( )