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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
"Winter Counts" is an engaging crime thriller set in the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota. The author, David Heska Wanbli Weiden, a member of the Sicangu Lakota nation, paints a vivid and authentic picture of life on the reservation for the protagonist, Virgil Wounded Horse, a local enforcer who delivers justice when the legal system fails the reservation.
The writing is sharp and evocative. It explores modern Native American history and culture and the systemic failures of American society. The characters are deeply human and complex, each struggling with their own demons, making them relatable and compelling.
Thus, we get something more than a simple crime novel. It's a commentary on the contemporary Native American experience, a sobering look at the issues plaguing reservations, and a call to action for reform. It's a story of resilience, redemption, family and community.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 1/2
The writing is sharp and evocative. It explores modern Native American history and culture and the systemic failures of American society. The characters are deeply human and complex, each struggling with their own demons, making them relatable and compelling.
Thus, we get something more than a simple crime novel. It's a commentary on the contemporary Native American experience, a sobering look at the issues plaguing reservations, and a call to action for reform. It's a story of resilience, redemption, family and community.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 1/2
I hadn’t heard of Winter Counts until recently, but once I read the synopsis, I knew I had to read!
Virgil Wounded Horse is a member of the Sicangu Lakota Nation and lives on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota. He is a local enforcer, and gets justice for victims and their families when the criminal justice system fails them. When heroin shows up on the reservation, we follow along as Virgil tries to track down and end the source of the heroin.
Y’all, this book was so good! If you get the opportunity, I definitely recommend the audiobook; I was engaged from the first chapter.
In addition to being a great crime fiction read, this book has so much great information about Lakota culture and traditions and life on the Rosebud Reservation.
The author describes how law enforcement jurisdiction works on the Reservation and how most Federal crimes go ignored, especially crimes against women. It was so infuriating and heart-breaking to read about.
I loved the author’s writing style, in that it was very direct and straight to the point. He also didn’t hold back on any of the graphic or violent details, which may not be for everyone, but I usually expect it in crime fiction.
At the end of the book, the author provides more context for some parts of the book and additional resources for those who want to learn more.
If you’re looking for an engaging thriller, then I HIGHLY recommend this one!
Virgil Wounded Horse is a member of the Sicangu Lakota Nation and lives on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota. He is a local enforcer, and gets justice for victims and their families when the criminal justice system fails them. When heroin shows up on the reservation, we follow along as Virgil tries to track down and end the source of the heroin.
Y’all, this book was so good! If you get the opportunity, I definitely recommend the audiobook; I was engaged from the first chapter.
In addition to being a great crime fiction read, this book has so much great information about Lakota culture and traditions and life on the Rosebud Reservation.
The author describes how law enforcement jurisdiction works on the Reservation and how most Federal crimes go ignored, especially crimes against women. It was so infuriating and heart-breaking to read about.
I loved the author’s writing style, in that it was very direct and straight to the point. He also didn’t hold back on any of the graphic or violent details, which may not be for everyone, but I usually expect it in crime fiction.
At the end of the book, the author provides more context for some parts of the book and additional resources for those who want to learn more.
If you’re looking for an engaging thriller, then I HIGHLY recommend this one!
I loved this book - so much of the world the author creates is familiar to me and it was too much fun reading about it. Like I could hear all the characters speaking and it was an experience I’ve never really had before.
I love thrillers- and one taking place on the Rez was even more fun. It’s definitely written through the male perspective, so the only thing I would have liked more is a stronger female presence and perspective.
I love thrillers- and one taking place on the Rez was even more fun. It’s definitely written through the male perspective, so the only thing I would have liked more is a stronger female presence and perspective.
Really enjoyable
I enjoyed the immersion into the life and culture of the reservation. I’d prefer not to be two steps ahead of the protagonist, but he and his family were very likeable, and there were portions I hadn’t figured out. I hope there will be another case!
I enjoyed the immersion into the life and culture of the reservation. I’d prefer not to be two steps ahead of the protagonist, but he and his family were very likeable, and there were portions I hadn’t figured out. I hope there will be another case!
I stayed up late with this book because I got too engrossed in the story to sleep. I'll post a full review later but, man. This is a great book.
I learned so much about Lakota culture and read more about injustices towards Natives...and this book is a crime thriller. I want more.
My Thoughts
Recommended for… Thriller/crime lovers; if you love scandi noir and the police POV, I wager you will enjoy this Native Noir and local POV; a bit of cat and mouse mystery .
Weiden has wonderfully combined a crime fiction novel with a social novel, in a way that is educating but also entertaining.
Weiden details what life is like on the reservation, the broken criminal justice system, what it means to be Native American in 2020, and the challenges faced by those trying to preserve their own cultural identity while also finding a place within their larger community.
“What I’d discovered was that sadness is like an abandoned car left out in a field for good—it changes a little over the years, but doesn’t ever disappear. You may forget about it for a while, but it’s still there, rusting away, until you notice it again.”
The mystery is heightened with the personal losses the main character, Virgil, is set to face if he cannot uncover the truth in time to save his nephews future.
This was a family buddy read for me and I recommend it, especially to crime loves- don't skip it!
I hope you enjoyed my thoughts on Winter Counts. Have you read this? Tell me what you thought!
Feel free to comment below or on my 'bookstagram' at @ReadWithWine .
This review was originally posted on ReadWithWine
Very good. Content warnings: drugs, suicide, torture.
I picked this up because I recently spent a week working on a Lakota reservation in South Dakota. I will look for more Lakota fiction!
I picked this up because I recently spent a week working on a Lakota reservation in South Dakota. I will look for more Lakota fiction!
I'll give it 3.5 stars, mostly for its original setting. I enjoyed the glimpse into the "Rez" life of many native Americans. It was a good story with an exciting climax but I think the best part was his ability to immerse the reader into how much of a struggle those living on these "reservations" encounter. Much like slavery, the history of treatment of native Americans needs to be brought more into focus.