Beautifully written with a riveting plot and a richly drawn, diverse cast of characters, Hearts of the Missing is the mesmerizing debut from 2017 Tony Hillerman Prize recipient Carol Potenza. When a young woman linked to a list of missing Fire-Sky tribal members commits suicide, Pueblo Police Sergeant Nicky Matthews is assigned to the case. As the investigation unfolds, she uncovers a threat … she uncovers a threat that strikes at the very heart of what it means to be a Fire-Sky Native: victims chosen and murdered because of their genetic makeup. But these deaths are not just about a life taken. In a vengeful twist, the killer ensures the spirits of those targeted will wander forever, lost to their family, their People, and their ancestors. When those closest to Nicky are put in jeopardy, she must be willing to sacrifice everything–her career, her life, even her soul–to save the people she is sworn to protect.
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In the Hillerman tradition, Carol Potenza’s Hearts of the Missing winds and weaves together like a Tsiba’ashi D’yini basket holding one fine mystery.
Tony Hillerman Prize recipient Carol Potenza strikes gold with her upcoming police procedural debut Hearts of the Missing.
New Mexico is a spectacular setting for mysteries, and Carol Potenza puts its majestic landscape to unexpected and thrilling use.
Hearts of the Missing is a stunning debut. It’s compelling, intelligent, and brilliantly designed. Brava, Ms. Potenza! I couldn’t put it down.
Thoroughly researched and masterfully plotted, Hearts of the Missing uses the atmospheric beauty of New Mexico to fully make this mystery come alive.
Nicky Matthews is a female detective who’s investigating murders on a fictional New Mexico reservation. The main plot and subplots weave together like an intricate rug, telling a story that you can’t stop reading. A fantastic mystery set in an enchanting location. The next book can’t come soon enough.
Thanks to my friend Judy Crudele for recommending this book to me. It takes place in a fictional New Mexico Pueblo and I was disappointed to learn later that it was not about a real Native American Indian Tribe. However, I believe it was loosely based on more than one real tribe. The legends and beliefs of the tribe were wonderful to read about and were an important part of the story. The mystery is well plotted and meticulously researched, as the plot concerned DNA, organ theft and donors. It was a bit slow in the beginning and took me 5 days to finish – unheard of for me since I usually read a book in 2-3 days. No matter, the ending was well worth it. I hope this will be a series. I’d certainly pick up the next one.
I have read everyTony Hillerman book and, being raised in the Southwest, loved how he (and later his daughter Anne Hillerman) captured so beautifully the aura of the land and its people. When I heard Hearts of the Missing had won the Tony Hillerman Prize for Best First Mystery Set in the Southwest, I was intrigued enough to read it.
Let me say, I was not disappointed. Potenza’s book is every bit as enthralling as a Hillerman Leaphorn or Chee mystery novel. Potenza’s love for the New Mexico landscape comes through clearly. Additionally, she has a strong female protagonist in Nicky Matthews who is an officer in the police department of the Fire-Sky people. Though not a native, she is trusted by the people she serves. Tribal members have been disappearing for several years, but Nicky is told to close the investigation. The book combines well-conceived plot twists as native mythology and history conflict with science. Nicky faces a boss who dislikes her, an old lover and his demon of a wife, plus a new love interest who may not be who he seems. People who enjoy a good conspiracy theory will enjoy Heart of the Missing as well. Cant’t wait to read the next one!
This is an excellent modern mystery with original characters and a distinctive southwestern setting. The story is action packed, with a bit of a supernatural element, and has a strong female protagonist with an original voice. The setting of the novel on a fictional Native American reservation in Northern New Mexico is intriguing and adds an authentic southwestern feel to the story. The central mystery is unique in its combination of the historical and ancestral culture of Native American heritage with modern DNA science. Looking forward to the next mystery in the series featuring the main character in this unique and original world.
Un-put-down-able! Author, Dr. Carol Potenza, weaves her science background through the mystery making it understandable and enjoyable for the lay person to read. The beautiful descriptive scenery paired with interesting characters makes Hearts of the Missing a must read.
I really enjoyed this mystery! Carol is a talented writer who knows how to build a page-turner. I enjoyed the characters because they’re flawed, human, real–perfect. I look forward to more in this series.