Returning to the Navajo Reservation and solving her father's murder taught former FBI Agent Ella Clah a great deal about herself and her people, the Dineh. She has begun to accept that that there is more to the world than can be explained by FBI training and forensic science. Newly hired as a Special Investigator with the tribal police, Ella investigates the brutal murders of several of the Dineh's "living treasures," Navajos esteemed for their knowledge of the tribe's religious and cultural wisdom. Illusion and ritual duel with police procedures and science as Ella strives to find out who is destroying the heart of the tribe. “Mystery readers who like their murders solved by applied intelligence will love Ella Clah, the Thurlos' tough, believable, and brainy [heroine].” ―Tony Hillerman “ Death Walker is suspenseful and appealing; an intriguing mystery set against--and deeply rooted in--a beautifully described Rez and the people who live there. I grew up in Flagstaff, near the reservation; I recognized the people in the Thurlos' pages at first glance.” ― Diana Gabaldon, New York Times bestselling author 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. Death Walker By Thurlo, Aimee Forge Books Copyright © 2003 Thurlo, Aimee All right reserved. ISBN: 9780765306517 ONE     Special Investigator Ella Clah stood in the doorway to her living room, nibbling on a slice of honeydew melon from her brother’s garden. It was still early in the morning, but her mother was already helping Valerie Yazzie finish the velveteen wedding outfit Valerie’s daughter would wear on her wedding day in less than a week. Ella’s mother looked up and smiled at her. Rose Destea was, like her daughter, taller than most Navajo women, and only a dozen or so pounds heavier than Ella. “Take a break from all that paperwork you brought from the police department and have a decent breakfast. That’s not the way to start a morning you’re supposed to have off.” Ella shrugged. “There’s a lot of work to get done. We’ve had some major changes in the department. Our new police chief wants things done his way. He’s determined to recapture the faith people had in us once.” Valerie Yazzie shook her head. The middle-aged Navajo woman wore a perpetual frown that had, through the years, become ingrained in her features. “There were so many we trusted we shouldn’t have. It’s hard to forget how they betrayed the tribe.” “But the department is clean now, and Big Ed Atcitty is going to make sure it stays that way. He’s an excellent leader, and tough, but fair.” Ella bit off another piece of the juicy melon and swallowed. “We’re just having to do a lot of work fast to put the changes he wants into effect.” “What you find difficult, daughter, is doing things someone else’s way,” Rose said with a smile. “You’ve always had definite opinions on how things should be handled.” Ella smiled grudgingly. “Well, I suppose that’s true.” Rose turned her attention back to the hem she was pinning. “This is going to be such a lovely wedding dress!” “You’ll be making one for your own daughter before too long,” Valerie commented mischievously, nodding toward Ella. “She will want to trade in her gun belt for a cradle board sooner or later.” Ella choked on the piece of melon and reached to the kitchen counter for a napkin. “Don’t count on it.” Rose sighed and looked at Valerie. “See how she is? I’ve just about given up hope.” She paused, then with a tiny smile added, “but not quite.” As the telephone rang and interrupted them, Ella gave the phone company a mental high-five. She’d been literally saved by the bell. “I’ll take that.” “You might as well,” Rose muttered. “It’s probably for you. They won’t leave you alone, even on your morning off. I never get any calls in my own home anymore.” Ella chose not to comment. It was an old argument. Her mother couldn’t understand her dedication to police work and the incredible sense of purpose it gave her. In truth, she found it difficult to explain to anyone. Only another cop could understand that addiction to the incredible highs and lows of the work; the need to restore order to a world that resisted at