BUFFALO BILL’S DEAD NOW by Margaret Coel

Publisher: Berkley
Date published: September 4, 2012
ISBN: 978-0425252710
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Book format: Hardback
Obtained via: Publisher
Reviewed by name and email address: Gina Ginalrmreviews@gmail.com

When artifact collector Trevor Pratt comes to Wind River with an offer of donating Chief Black Heart’s regalia from Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show museum curator Eldon White Elk is thrilled. In fact the entire Arapaho tribe is excited at receiving back the revered regalia. Despite Trevor’s admonitions not to broadcast the arrival of the treasures, Eldon embarks on a media promotion drawing attention from all quarters but especially one they do not need with a hand in the display. Before the priceless artifacts arrive at the Wind River reservation the treasures go missing. When Trevor hears of the theft he takes off after what Father John and attorney Vicky Holden believe can only be the thieves. Before they can catch up with and speak to Trevor the collector is found dead in his barn. As Vicky and Father John delve into finding the killers the stakes are raised as fingers are pointed, old crimes revealed and an attempt is made on Vicky’s life.

In the sixteenth book of Margaret Coel’s Wind River Mystery, BUFFALO BILL’S DEAD NOW, she takes readers along on the road to solving the mystery of the missing artifacts but on a journey into the past and to Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show. We meet Buffalo Bill and the warriors who traveled with him through Europe. Part of the deep and fascinating history of the Arapaho is unveiled for the reader along with a compelling mystery. Competing interests, a culture forced into secrecy to survive along with the complex relationship between Vicky and Father John.

While the push and pull of Vicky and Father John’s relationship teeters on friendship I enjoyed Adam Lone Eagle’s arrival back in town. The tension between him and Father John is palpable, especially when an attempt is made on Vicky. After sixteen books one might expect the tension between the two main characters to fade but in each book their relationship takes another turn.

I enjoyed the historical backdrop of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West making me want to read more about him and how he brought the history of the west to life.

Each book in this series is a standalone and you do not have to read one to enjoy the others. I do suggest not missing a one of them because the characters are memorable and the mysteries draw you in.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.