Ella Clah is no longer an unsure young woman recently returned to the Navajo Reservation from a stint with the FBI; she has found her place in her tribe, her clan, and her family. She has seen the Diné at their worst―and at their best―as they balance the modern era with the traditional Navajo way of life. Ervin Benally, son-in-law of the powerful Navajo businesswoman and politician Abigail Yellowhair, plans to bring satellite telephone service to the Rez. When Benally is attacked and another man is killed, Yellowhair orders Navajo Police Special Investigator Ella Clah assigned to the case. Ella is determined to find out who is behind the attacks, which include elements of Navajo witchcraft. Coyote's Wife , which introduces a new source of tension in Ella's personal life, will satisfy both the returning reader and those new to this series. "A hair-raising opening. The Thurlos hit all the right notes: they have an intriguing, growing character at the center of a series that combines fast-moving plots and a wealth of fascinating cultural information."--"Booklist" on "Wind Spirit" ""Red Mesa "is an engrossing mystery as intricately woven as a fine Navajo rug. It kept me guessing to the end."--"New York Times" bestselling author Margaret Coel "A fascinating story. Ella Clah, strong and vulnerable at the same time, is an intriguing character of great depth, and the surprise ending will delight all mystery lovers."--"Romantic Times BOOKreviews" on "Red Mesa" "An intense, spellbinding family drama in which the battle between good and evil affects both modernist and traditionalist Navajo. Prime reading for fans of Tony Hillerman and other Southwestern mysteries."--"Library Journal" on "Red Mesa" Aimée Thurlo is co-author of the Ella Clah series, the Lee Nez series of Navajo vampire mysteries, and the Sister Agatha novels. Her other works, co-written with her husband, David , include Plant Them Deep , a novel featuring Rose Destea, the mother of Ella Clah, and The Spirit Line , a young adult novel. Aimée, a native of Cuba, lived in the US for many years. She died in 2014. David Thurlo , is co-author of the Ella Clah series, the Lee Nez series of Navajo vampire mysteries, and the Sister Agatha novels. His other works, co-written with his wife Aimée, include Plant Them Deep , a novel featuring Rose Destea, the mother of Ella Clah, and The Spirit Line , a young adult novel. David was raised on the Navajo Reservation and taught school there until his recent retirement. He lives in Corrales, New Mexico, and often makes appearances at area bookstores. Coyote's Wife By Thurlo, Aimee Forge Books Copyright © 2010 Thurlo, Aimee All right reserved. ISBN: 9780765324658 Chapter One In all her years serving first with the FBI, and then the Navajo Tribal Police, Special Investigator Ella Clah had never had an office with a window---until now. Of course, back in her Bureau days, she’d never even had an office---just a desk. Progress. Budgets had grown, not due to tribal prosperity but because of an increase in violent crimes across the Navajo Nation. That had forced an expansion of their existing station and Ella, as head of their Major Crimes Unit, had landed space in their new wing. The odor of fresh paint was a constant reminder of the changes taking place in the department as was the color scheme, a palette of soft aquas, designed to relieve stress and maximize efficiency. Ella swiveled in her chair, took a sip of freshly brewed coffee, and gazed at Ship Rock, the rock formation that was their town’s namesake. In actuality, the jagged rock outcropping was the eroded neck of a volcano that had formed three million years ago. Ella recalled the old story about the huge flying monsters that had once lived there. The tale was part of every Navajo child’s education from before the first grade---that is, if they attended reservation schools. The story was vibrant with the richness and rhythms of the Dineh, The People’s, legends. She could almost hear her mother, Rose, telling her the tale, keeping the legends alive---a gift from one generation to the next. The Dineh had lived in fear of the giant birds who’d made their home on the upper levels of Ship Rock, Rose had taught her. The birds would swoop down and smash their prey against the rocks, then feed on the remains. Monster Slayer, one of the Hero Twins, was chosen to do battle with them, but when he approached their hunting ground, one of the giant birds picked him up in his talons, flew high into the skies, and dropped him, leaving him to fall on the rocks below. Expecting nothing less, Monster Slayer had prepared well and landed gently because he’d possessed a life feather given to him by Spider Woman. Then Monster Slayer discovered that the giant birds had young and, after he killed the male and the female, the young began to cry and plead for their lives. Monster Slayer took pity on them and, instead of killing them, he turned the older