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It is hard to believe that Margaret Coel began her Wind River Reservation series some ten years ago with THE EAGLE CATCHER, which introduced readers to Father John O'Malley and defense attorney Vicky Holden. Each subsequent novel has featured an intriguing mystery as well as a shift in the emotional but platonic relationship between O'Malley and Holden. The latest installment in this series is no exception.
EYE OF THE WOLF begins with a cryptic telephone message that is left for O'Malley on an answering machine. This leads him to the site of a historic battlefield, one that resulted in the slaughter of an Arapaho Indian village by U.S. forces, aided by Shoshone scouts. In modern times Arapahos and Shoshones are somewhat uneasy neighbors on the Wind River Reservation, with their antagonistic history providing a shadowy backdrop, gone but not entirely forgotten.
But past differences are brought to the forefront when O'Malley discovers the bodies of three Shoshones on the old battlefield, positioned to mimic those of the dead killed in the historic battle. Frankie Montana, a chronic client of Holden's, is the primary suspect. Despite Montana's recidivistic tendencies, Holden does not believe he is capable of murder. It eventually becomes clear to Holden and O'Malley that someone is attempting to revive the long-dormant conflict between the Arapahos and Shoshones --- and that Holden has placed herself in terrible danger on behalf of her client.
While Coel has created an extensive backstory contributing to the Wind River Reservation mythos, it is not necessary to read what has transpired before EYE OF THE WOLF. The tension between O'Malley and Holden builds from page to page, as they struggle to protect the innocent --- and each other --- from an unknown malefactor. At the same time, both are protective of O'Malley's priestly vows, even as their emotions practically --- but subtly --- beg for violation.
EYE OF THE WOLF is an excellent introduction to the Wind River Reservation series, while providing a welcome return to the area and its people for longtime followers of the series. Given the longevity of these novels, it is clear that Coel can continue to explore this beautiful, dangerous landscape for as long as she wishes. Recommended.
--- Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub
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