Dead Kachina Man

Who-or what-killed Ray Hava, the best Indian kachina doll carver in the country? And how was he killed? Could his death have come from intense superstitious belief? These are only some of the questions facing Police Captain Dominique Rios as his investigation begins inside an Indian Pueblo in modern New Mexico. But instead of answers, he finds only more violence and a string of mysterious events that border on the supernatural and beyond. The ambience of Indian and Spanish Northern New Mexico come vividly to life through a cast of memorable characters: Doc Tapia (what is he hiding?); Ed Cruz (whose side is he really on?); Nee-nee (who is she and where are her parents?); and Marge Rios who shares her husband's involvement and danger. * * * * Teresa VanEtten Pijoan, a native New Mexican, skillfully weaves this story of murder, the occult, and legend that provides the background to present, in fiction, an exciting story of modern life and concerns. She grew up at San Juan Pueblo where she worked in the family-owned trading post. Long familiar with Indian customs and beliefs, she is a well-known speaker and writer and also a translator of Tewa, a Pueblo language. Her "Pueblo Indian Wisdom," "Ways Of Indian Magic," "Granger's Threat," "Healers on the Mountain," "Native American Creation Stories of Family and Friendship," and "American Indian Creation Myths" were also published by Sunstone Press.