This was a great debut novel. There was an abundance of information on Kiowa culture and on that area of Oklahoma, and I really enjoyed learning about all of it while immersed in the mystery. This was a beautiful story and it caught my attention early on. I can’t wait to read the next book in the Mud Mystery series.

Thank you Net Galley and Crooked Lane Books for this digital arc in exchange for my honest review which is not affiliated with any brand.

“Never Name the Dead” is definitely not a book that takes it slow. As soon as the main character arrives in Oklahoma to check on her grandfather, it’s immediately clear that all is not well, and it’s not long until she is neck-deep in a mystery that includes missing treasures and a dead body. Between the twist and turn-packed plot, and the ample exposure to Kiowa culture and history, I happily breezed through the book while enjoying it on several simultaneous different levels.

To voice only one quibble, it would be that Rowell sometimes held the reader’s hand a little too much. Not only when sharing information when related to all things Kiowa, but a few other spots, like when the main character and narrator “Mud” takes a sentence or two to explain what an IPO was. However, while occasionally distracting, as mentioned before this is only a quibble. Overall, “Never Name the Dead” is a great ride, and I do hope to see more mysteries with a distinctly Native American twist.

I highly recommend Never Name The Dead. The storyline is quite believable, as are the characters. I'm a lover of Native American customs and history, and enjoyed the description of how the Kiowa have kept their stories alive. I'll be looking for more from D.M. Rowell.

Highly recommend! This story is beautifully written and the characters stay with you long after you finish the book. The first book to read by this author but definitely not my last!

This is an extremely well written novel hooking the reader into the book from the very beginning. I also loved the detailed Indian culture and history. Great characters and an interesting and fun plot made this a great read for me. Highly recommend for all mystery book lovers!!!!

Rowell effortlessly creating an exciting thrill ride of twists, turns, suspense, and tension.
The writing is smooth and clear.
This is a well written, mystery/thriller, that kept my attention from the first chapter to the last.
Just when you think you've figured something out, you're sent for another loop.
I've never read a storyline like this before and it was amazing.
I have to say that the book worked really, really well for me as I enjoyed everything.

Crooked Lane Books,
Thank you for this eARC!