Coyote's Wife

Murder draws a Navajo special investigator into a case involving dangerous witchcraft in this thrilling entry in the beloved mystery series.

“Razor-sharp suspense, deep atmosphere, and compelling characters make this another Ella Clah winner.” —Booklist

As Special Investigator with the Navajo Police, Ella Clah has seen the Diné at their best—and at their worst—as they strive to balance the modern era with the traditional Navajo way of life.

Electricity and telephone service are scattered on the Reservation. Ervin Benally, son-in-law of the powerful Abigail Yellowhair, is determined to provide cell phone coverage for the whole Navajo Nation, despite the many traditionalists who oppose the construction of cell phone towers throughout the Rez.

When Benally is attacked and another man killed, Yellowhair pulls strings to have Ella Clah assigned to the case. When Ella’s investigation shows evidence of Navajo witchcraft, she becomes more determined than ever to find out who is behind the attacks, even knowing that she might be exposing herself to skinwalker magic.

“Expertly works Tony Hillerman country.” —The Times-Picayune (New Orleans)

“The great thing about the Ella Clah novels is that the Thurlos have the ability to give background, as they do with Coyote’s Wife, without making readers feel like they’ve missed something critical. Events conclude with Ella’s deepening understanding of her heritage, her family, and herself.” —Albuquerque Sunday Journal