WINTER COUNTS
David Heska Wanbli Weiden
Ecco
ISBN-13: 978-0062968944
Hardcover
Mystery/Thriller

David Heska Wanbli Weiden has given us a remarkable debut novel with the publication of WINTER COUNTS. This Native Noir gem introduces an interesting and complex protagonist in the person of Virgil Wounded Horse who refuses to conform to the expectations of what is and what is not a twenty-first-century Native American. Add a right-now, real-world problem as an anchor for the plot and the result is a one-sitting read that leaves the reader wanting more.

Virgil Wounded Horse is a self-styled enforcer on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Due to large and quite frankly inexcusable gaps in jurisdiction and enforcement between Federal law enforcement and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, there are any number of “minor” offenses that go unrecognized and escape justice. Virgil fills that gap memorably, effectively, and violently. Things get close to Virgil when heroin starts showing up on the reservation from an unknown source. Worse, Virgil’s orphaned teenaged nephew Nathan gets into the mix when he overdoses, almost fatally. That immediately puts Virgil, accompanied by Marie Short Bear, his ex-girlfriend, on the road to Denver, where an Indian with a bad prior history with Virgil has hooked up with a drug-dealing gang. They can’t find him but do find trouble when Nathan, while still recuperating from the overdose, is arrested for possession after his school locker is found to have enough street drug to put him away for years on a Federal rap. A deal is put together with the assistance of a veteran criminal lawyer, Virgil has deep regrets about letting his nephew get involved, but he has little choice, given the potential sentence which Nathan faces even as he vehemently denies that he ever had drugs in his school locker. While attempting to manage Nathan’s situation Virgil and Marie also discover a potential problem for the reservation involving embezzlement of Federal funds which in turn later dovetails back to their primary problem, that being drug dealing on Rosebud in general and Nathan in particular. Everything goes wrong before it goes right, but in the end, not everything goes right either.

Weiden saves plenty of surprises and the majority of the violence in WINTER COUNTS for the final fourth or so the book, which one might well expect in a character-driven debut novel requiring a bit of a set up for the characters and backdrop. Regarding the latter, Weiden does an exceptional job of matter-of-factly describing the cringe-inducing poverty rampant on the Rosebud reservation, a situation that may well (and should) make the reader appreciative of their own situation, however dire it might seem to be. Weiden also treats his readers like grownups, tossing out Indian terms in the vernacular so that one might spend a bit of time digging up interpretive meanings of individual words as well as utilizing online slang dictionaries. You will, for example, discover what an “apple” and an “oreo” have in common, other than that they are both foods (Oreos, of course, taste better and come in more flavors). Immersing a reader in unfamiliar terms isn’t a bad thing but it might break the reading flow for some. A separate glossary included in the next installment of this series might be helpful. And, yes, I am hoping that there will hopefully be a second installment and more beyond that. I made a small list of potential subjects for future Virgil novels --- not that Weiden needs me or anyone else for help --- which includes the effects of casinos on reservations; the acquisition of property into Indian trusts; and the reprehensible failure to investigate or even keep track of the disappearance of Native women on the United States Canadian border, a state of affairs which has been ongoing for centuries. I may be expecting a lot but on the basis of WINTER COUNTS (and that term is well- and memorably- explained within the covers) Weiden is more than up for exceeding those. Recommended.

Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub
© Copyright 2020, The Book Report, Inc. All rights reserved.

Out today! Excellent crime thriller set on a Sicangu Lakota reservation that also touches on food poverty, drug trafficking, federal enforcement of felonies, and indigenous ceremony. My only tiny complaint is a couple of errors toward the end that I hope were fixed in the final copy. Thanks to @netgalley & @eccobooks for the ARC! #leppardquarantine2020

Thank you to Scene of the Crime and Net Galley for this great book. One of the best books I have ever read. I have been trying to read more books concerning Native Americans and this book was very very well written. I could picture every character and every scene. I will definitely be recommending to everyone I know that enjoys reading. It is difficult to read at times because of the unfortunate situations the characters get in (drug dealing, kidnapping, betrayal) but we are dealing with real life issues that could happen to anyone. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.

Crime fiction at its best.
I started reading the book and I knew I would love it. Some books you just know as soon as you read the first page. It pulls you in and consumes you. This book did exactly that to me.

Virgil Wounded Horse, the protagonist is a man with skills which people need. He knows how to use his fists cleverly and correctly and thus is hired by those who want justice (knowing when the law enforcement around would not rise to the occasion)
When Virgil realises that someone has been selling heroin on the reservation and local teenagers are overdosing, one of the council members, his ex-girlfriend's father, hires Virgil to take care of the problem. Teaming up with his ex-girlfriend, Marie, Virgil decides to take on the case when his own nephew, Nathan, overdoses. And therein starts the tale.

The world created by the author is so enlightening, engaging and amazing. Virgil is the reluctant, flawed hero and you feel for him especially because he struggles with his own identity and belonging.

This is such solid debut by David Wanbli Weiden. I hope this is not a stand-alone book but is a series. I would love to read more.
A must-read slow-burn crime fiction.

A well done topical thriller featuring an interesting protagonist. Virgil and his orphaned teen nephew Nathan have been leading a tough existence on the Rosebud Reservation; Virgil supports them largely by serving as an enforcer or vigilante. Then his ex Marie's father Ben, a member of the tribal council, asks him to look into Rick Crow, an old enemy of Virgil's who Ben suspects is responsible for bringing the heroin that's killing people onto the reservation. Marie has an interest in Rick as well- she thinks she can persuade him to stop even as Virgil knows that's not gonna happen. Virgil is particularly motivated after Nathan who swears he'd never used before, ODs. And then felony level amounts of narcotics are found in Nathan's scho0l locker, setting up a show down. This has some real twists in it- no spoilers from me. It's a gritty look at life on the reservation. Virgil, however hard he seems in the beginning (and the opening chapter is a doozy) has a big heart and love for his tribe (however much some of them reject him for his mixed heritage). Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. An excellent debut - I'd like to see more featuring Virgil.

Winter Counts by David Heska Wanbli Weiden is a reading experience like no other one. Though a somewhat violent crime drama it is also a realistic portrayal of the frustrations that living on a reservation present when crimes cannot be controlled by local police and are not of concern for the FBI.

Enter vigilante Virgil Wounded Horse. He will take on the bullies, the thieves and especially the sexual predators. He usually only charges $100 for every tooth he knocks out.

The thing is this is not the life Virgil expected but the one he has been given. Raising his 14 year old nephew since his sister was killed in a car accident he does what he has to for survival and to pay the bills.

When drug cartels start using Indian reservations for their heroin sales Virgil is asked by his ex girlfriend's father, a powerful politician on the reservation, to investigate. Virgil is reluctant to get involved until his nephew, Nathan, is part of the problem.

As Virgil discovers one conspiracy after another he also takes us on his personal journey of what it takes to be Native American in today's world and all that it entails.

The author has written an engrossing novel with full descriptive characters that are factual and believable. Virgil is that lone hero we all root for and believe in. Though this is a stand alone novel it could definitely be the start to a great character driven series.

I received a free copy of this book from tje publishers via NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

More of these stories are needed and Weiden has a new fan for life. Already written in my go-to genre, I was intrigued early on with his in-depth, no holds barred, inside look at life on a reservation. Having grown up around and frequently visiting a reservation of one of the tribes mentioned in this book, I have seen firsthand a lot of what he is writing about, but I’m still shocked from descriptions regarding laws, justice, and politics. Thankfully, he includes more reading at the end of the book, and upon finishing, I was looking up those titles at the library.

Stories revolving around drugs and alcohol always hit in a personal way, resonating with my own personal experiences with friends and family. This is a story I have lived and watched play out multiple times, and Virgil’s vigilantism is the kind of action I could only fantasize about playing out. Despite the murky legalities of a man for hire, the scenes play out with a clear moral code, but with enough brutality that leaves you feeling uncomfortable, thus humanizing the experience.

It is fun reading the spot-on descriptions of Denver, the only other state I’ve lived aside from my home in Washington State. I have traveled the same streets mentioned in the book, the infamous Colfax, I worked at a Starbucks on Federal, I lived so close to the dog food factory that I could smell it in my living room depending which way the wind blew, and of course, Casa Bonita and their memorable sopapillas.

Further enriching this novel are the everyday Lakota words and phrases peppered throughout the entire story. Many are explained, but some I still googled to get a better understanding and context. Ceremonies and customs still performed to this day are described with a reverence lending to the sacredness of these practices. The commitment and loyalty to the tribe is stirring and beautiful.

Everything about this novel is exquisite and well executed and I’m anxious to see more from Mr. Weiden.

Thank you to Harper Collins for an advanced copy. The opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed Winter Counts. It was a book I could not put down. I read it in two days because the way it was written I had to see what was going to happen next after every page. This crime fiction takes place on an Indian reservation with the main character being a Native American paid thug who puts bad guys in their place on this reservation. He has a kind side in that he is the guardian for his 14-year old nephew who is going through a hard time. I was rooting for he and his nephew through the whole book, which is why it is such a page turner because bad things happen and choices have to be made. Definitely a great read!

WINTER COUNTS by David Heska Wanbli Weiden was a thrill ride and I loved it! Once I got to the midway point I just couldn’t put this book down. I had to find out how it all ends. While reading the last part I was gasping and I loved the surprises!
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This novel follows Virgil, a Native American private vigilante, who is hired to find a drug dealer. I loved the action packed plot and the realistic dialogue. It was also really interesting to read about the Native American culture. Some parts were truly shocking and I loved it!

This is an outstanding novel. A great thriller based in a little explored culture and peopled with indigenous characters who feel so real that it hurts. I had no idea that the federal government has the responsibility to police most crime on a reservation, but am not at all surprised that they do a crap job of it. This is another national embarrassment and should be rectified. In the meantime, read this great book!

This fairly gritty detective story pings between more traditional genre conventions and more realistic plot points and tone. It's not my favorite genre, so please take this review and my rating with more than a grain of salt, but I was excited to read a mystery with Lakota representation, written by a Lakota writer--something I've never read before. I really appreciated the author's note explaining when he took liberties with reality vs. the parts of the novel that were more true to life, or at least related to real phenomena and events. I appreciated that Lakota spirituality was taken seriously and actually (very minor spoilers) legitimated by the characters and events of the novel, and I appreciate the level of explanation given to non-Lakota/non-Native readers (though I do wonder if it might be TOO catered toward non-Native readers like me).

Virgil Wounded Horse considers himself an unofficial bringer of justice on the Rosebud Reservation. The federal government is responsible for prosecuting major crimes committed on Indian land, but rarely bothers to follow through unless it’s a murder case. When the feds decline a major case, the victim or their relatives hire Virgil to settle scores.
Virgil starts rethinking his career when he becomes the guardian of his teenaged nephew, Nathan. He wants to do his best to put the boy on the right path, and beating up people for money is nothing to be proud of. Nathan’s a good kid, does okay in school, avoids the high school drug culture: or so he tells his uncle.
It comes as a shock when Nathan almost overdoses on heroin. He claims that two strangers on the school campus just gave it to him for free, a common ploy to get kids hooked. The feds offer to let him off the hook if he’ll wear a wire and take part in a sting operation, but Nathan refuses. Snitches are very unpopular on the rez; the danger to Nathan would be too great. They up the ante, making him an offer he can’t refuse. The FBI and the tribal elders, wanting to stop the heroin from coming onto the reservation, hire Virgil to track down the suspected heroin kingpin in Denver.
Certain interested parties go to great lengths to see that Nathan and Virgil do not succeed in their endeavors. Tensions build into a shattering and unexpected conclusion. Winter Counts is a fine mystery, with a plot full of twists and turns and surprises. Mr. Weiden has depicted life on the reservation in vivid, unvarnished detail. He shows the good parts: loyalty to family and tribe and dedication to the old traditions, as well as the problems: rampant alcoholism, abject poverty, joblessness, lack to access to medical care, and strife between various factions within the tribe. Nevertheless, there is reason to believe there is hope on the horizon.

Winter Counts is a mystery novel that doesn't just have a mystery. It's also truly a novel—with complex, engaging characters, a rich backstory, and multiple well-crafted plot lines. Much of Winter Counts is set on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota, which is home to the novel's central characters. At the novel's heart is Virgil Wounded Horse, an "enforcer" who enacts justice when neither the tribal police nor the federal agents are able—or willing—to act. He's raising his nephew whose mother, Virgil's sister, was killed in a car crash.

Virgil has been asked to look into the arrival of heroin on the reservation, but is ambivalent about the case until, as they say, it becomes personal. At that point, he finds himself headed to Denver to look for a man who may be involved in the drug trafficking. Virgil's ex-girlfriend Marie insists on accompanying because she knows the man Virgil is looking for.

Having grown up bullied and experiencing first-hand the things traditional sacred practices can't heal, Virgil's discarded much of the culture he was raised in—but now, tracking the drug dealers and protecting his extended family and community, he's having to reexamine his choices.

Winter Counts is both thoughtful and action-packed, a highly rewarding read. The novel works beautifully as a stand-alone, but I find myself hoping I'll meet Virgil in print again sometime soon.

I gave this 4 stars to give commendations for the originality....of the setting & hero of the story, for the story...mostly believable, & for the author's note at the end....explaining the reality. This crime story takes place on a South Dakota Reservation, & in parts of Nebraska, & Colorado.....& it's pretty obvious that the author knows these parts of the area. The descriptions, the setting is painted so accurately..... many things in here will be recognizable to those of us in this midwest area. It's not a 'flashy' story, but instead kind of an 'truer to life' story....... & maybe sets up a possibility of a continuing story. I'll definitely vote to continue on with this hero who doesn't wear a fancy badge, or drive a flashy car.
I received this e-ARC from publisher HarperCollins/Ecco via NetGalley, & in return I offer my own fair & honest review.

"Become the spark that lights the fire and then burn, burn with intensity and purpose because only as ashes shall you rise." (Bernice Angoh Lakota)

Winter Counts encompasses those embers that smolder from within. The flame reflects the initiative of the individual as well as the depth and the forcefulness exhibited by the very people themselves. Dare we even imagine the generations upon generations of the Sicangu Lakota who came before these times. Dare we to even know the inner thoughts and the life experiences of a Great People who respectfully treasure the Lakota ways.

David Heska Wanbli Weiden creates a multi-faceted view into a deeply drawn existence familiar to those who live on Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota. He sets the parallels of ancient honored times of the past with the harsh realities of present life encountered day-by-day on the reservation. But it is through the hard-hitting inner dialogue of these characters that we get a glimpse into lifestyles so unfamiliar to us.........to unspeakable injustices that have become a way of life for others.

Virgil Wounded Horse has become a boiling cauldron of emotions that overflow and seem to suffocate his soul. He lost his parents some time back and he and his sister, Sybil, created a calendar system of symbols depicting their inner feelings. Virgil would visit that tender place within, once again, when his sister dies in an auto accident. He takes it upon himself to raise his fourteen year old nephew, Nathan. With highly charged resentment, Virgil tries to extinguish the Lakota ways. His emptiness seems to limit himself when it comes to Nathan. But he does love the boy and still feels that bond with his sister.

Virgil is a master at carrying out the revenge of others. It is noted that the tribal police are limited in their capacity and can't prosecute felony crimes on the reservation. The legal system is almost non-existent and the Feds rarely make an appearance. Rape and murder occur often. Virgil's pent-up emotions serve him well as he is hired to carry out secret payback for those crimes.

Serious drugs have made their way onto the reservation with black tar heroin and opiods. Virgil is hired by a tribal councilman to trace their source. His investigation takes him to Denver and to a world more dangerous than he ever imagined. That danger will seep into the crevices aligning Virgil's own life.

Winter Counts has depth and breadth and burns slowly as we enter into these lives. Know that going. It is an intense character study that reveals the inner workings of those existing in a way of life that leads to honor at its highest point and frustration at its lowest point. Thanks to David Heska Wanbli Weiden we hear the powerful winds across the fields and the echoing voices of those who need to be heard.

I received a copy of Winter Counts through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Harper Collins Publishers and to the talented David Heska Wanbli Weiden for the opportunity.

'Winter Counts' is a gritty look inside life on a rez, and you won't be able to put it down! Virgil Wounded Horse is the closest source of justice that most of the Natives living on Rosebud reservation could hope to find. Tribal police do very little and the federal police ignore anything short of murder; So, Virgil metes out vengeance on behalf of the victims. Virgil is propositioned to take out a drug dealer that is now upping the ante and bringing heroin into the rez. While Virgil mulls the situation over tragedy strikes at home which propels Virgil into action. This is a page turner laden with the heartbreaking realities facing the Native American population, the corruption that seemingly seeps into every level of government, and the underlying journey of finding one's self while battling to survive in today's world.

A gritty crime read that starts a bit slow but introduces the reader to a culture that is lesser known in the fiction world.

While intriguing and eye-opening, this story didn't quite grip me the way I was hoping. The pace starts out slow and while it did pick up some, it didn't have a strong hold on my attention. That being said, I was glad I read it because the environment, history and spirituality of the Lakota was rich and heartbreaking and beautiful and certainly an aspect of our American society today that I was glad to be informed of.

I thoroughly enjoyed the action in this crime novel that is set in the present day on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Virgil Wounded Horse is a “half-breed” Lakota Indian who mostly makes his living as a hired thug. He has guardianship of his 14 year old nephew because Virgil’s sister died in a car crash several years before the story opens. Nathan gets mixed up with drugs and the story moves forward from there. As the story fleshes out, the reader is made aware of many of the social issues that make life so difficult for Native Americans in America today. The result was eye-opening yet presented in an action packed tale. I think this book would appeal to a wide range of readers. Based on a five star rating system I would give this book 4.5 stars.

Life on the Rosebud Indian Reservation is challenging for the vast majority of its residents. When bad things happen, the Feds don't always ensure justice prevails. That's where Virgil Wounded Horse comes in, meting out justice with his fists (and feet) in exchange for a few dollars. But when interlopers bring hard drugs to the Rez, Virgil is moved to take action without remuneration. For all the problems faced by the indigenous people of Rosebud - poverty, depression, oppression - there is also much beauty and dignity in the customs and proud heritage.. This is a great addition to the social justice fiction bookshelf.

When I got to the end of this debut thriller, I could not help but hope that a follow-up was in the works. The setting and characters pulled me into the story from the beginning and I would love to spend more time in this world if this becomes a series. Even if this remains a standalone, I hope to read more novels by this author that are set in South Dakota and offer similar insights to life on the Rosebud Reservation. This novel is a gritty one, but if you like mysteries with a noir flavor, add this one to your TBR list today and pick up a copy as soon as possible. This modern noir feels both familiar and fresh, and is action-packed from start to finish.

The main character, Virgil Wounded Horse, is the local enforcer on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Virgil delivers justice on behalf of those whom the American legal system has failed. When the story opens, we meet Virgil waiting in front of a bar to mete out justice to a powerful local man who abused a young girl. Virgil's waived his usual fee for the opportunity to kick this guy's butt pro bono. The school system fears retaliation, so vigilante justice appears to be the only option for the family in ensuring that this man gets what he deserves. The confrontation between Virgil and the scumbag gives the reader a feel for the type of person Virgil is and the ride he's going to take the reader on.

When heroin finds its way to the reservation and his teen nephew, Nathan, Virgil's vigilantism becomes very personal very quickly. He enlists the help of an ex-girlfriend, Marie Short Bear, to determine the source of the heroin that is threatening the community and to cut it off before it becomes an even bigger problem. Marie's father is an influential tribal councilman and is closely following Virgil's investigation. History, politics, and complex legalities all factor into the race to stop a drug cartel from gaining a foothold in the reservation.

The author's note and acknowledgements are must reads. Although this was a work of fiction, I liked how the author wove in real elements of life on the Rosebud Reservation, including the fact that private enforcers like Virgil actually exist, and how felony crimes committed on Native lands are prosecuted (or not). I also appreciated how much care the author took in presenting aspects of Lakota spirituality as part of the story. I felt that added another dimension to both the story and Virgil.

This review was based on the advanced digital copy I received via NetGalley. Many thanks to Ecco/Harper Collins for the early look at this exceptional debut novel!