Tony Hillerman called it a gripping novel. Booklist says this is a series to watch. Start reading award-winning author Susan Slater’s original series right here, from the beginning. Native American psychologist Ben Pecos has returned to the New Mexico pueblo of his birth as an intern with the Indian Health Service. Still struggling with the demons of his past, he is plunged into the nightmare … plunged into the nightmare rampage of a mysterious illness that is killing the residents of the pueblo, including his own grandmother.
One of the victims, the powerful tribal governor, had made powerful enemies, and Ben suspects his murder was premeditated—but that doesn’t explain the insidious killer now stalking the innocent. Undaunted, Ben digs deep into the motives of power and greed to root out a killer whose deadly agenda is spiraling out of control.
Newly edited e-book edition
Praise for The Pumpkin Seed Massacre:
“… a gripping novel.” –Tony Hillerman
“This is a wonderful book with loveable heroes.” –Library Journal
“… Ben Pecos—raised far from New Mexico’s Tewa Pueblo—could become as lasting a fictional presence as Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee.” – Chicago Tribune
“Solid characters, fascinating atmosphere, and authentic setting—The 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.” – Barbara D’Amato
“Slater’s first novel holds the reader’s interest with its brisk pace, well-rendered New Mexico landscape and challenging plot … [T]his promising first novel heralds a series to watch.” –Booklist
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Love the way Susan Slater takes the reader inside the Indian pueblos of New Mexico, showing the traditions of this unique culture while giving us a unique and captivating mystery to solve. Ben Pecos is an amateur sleuth to keep your eyes on.
I really liked this book. It is different than the books I usually read. The characters were very great. The story was very interesting and, as I said, different. I had the book in my nook library for a while and it sort of stunned me that the virus in the book was so eerily close to the corona virus we are dealing with at this time. The drowning was so similar to the recent drowning of the television star. The Pumpkin Seed Massacre was copyright 1999. Eleven years ago. And it strikes such a cord with what we are dealing with today. A shock to my system. But I really liked it. Enough to make me think about reading the next book in the series!
Culture, Legend and Greed
Culture abounds in this book, including legend, mysticism and Pueblo practices. However, modern medicine and outsiders are not quite trusted. The author explores the culmination of the two in what turns out to be a decent read.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!! I loved the way Karma was woven into the storyline; The interplay of right and wrong, good and bad and the consequence of your actions. I love it that Lorenzo was led by spirit to take action. It was perfect!
The author is a good storyteller and a very good writer. The story was very imaginative with lots of twists and turns which made it very interesting! I am looking forward to the next book!
Well written.
Beautiful treatment of the Native American mastery of silver jewelry and the craftsman who create the jewelry. Interesting plot, locale and characters.
Fans of Tony Hillerman or Anne Hillerman will love the New Mexico ambiance.
Not your everyday mystery.
Really cool plot!
A great story, well told!
Got hooked on the characters and bought the whole series.
Excellent mystery with insights into Native American culture. If you like Hillerman you’ll enjoy this author.
Pretty good read. Decent characters and a different plot. Enjoyed the setting. Look forward to another one in this series or a different one.
Good info on Native Americans.
I enjoyed the story, gave a little insight to the way of life at the pueblo life in modern times. Good characters.
Well written
Different kind of mystery in a unique setting. Nice to read something with originality .
I liked all the native American details!
Susan Slater is now one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more Ben Pecos mysteries.
This plot line kept me guessing. The characters were well defined. I thought that parts were ingenious.