Silent Are the Dead by D. M. Rowell is the embodiment of the perfect sequel to an amazing book, carrying the reader along at a breakneck pace as the loose threads from the first book move toward solution.
Exquisitely written, with an insight into the culture of Kiowas, an indigenous North American tribe, the storytelling rings true as it sweeps the reader through a fascinating mystery. The fast pace is only temporarily relieved by the relative calm of the main character Mud's next step in her quest to merge the two worlds in which she stands, one foot in each. The change in pace is drastic, which is no doubt the point; one must take time to centre oneself, to connect with what is important, to be effective in ones goals. Then the speed returns, taking the reader on another amazing ride to the end of the book.
The author doesn't preach, demonstrating the true strength of a skillful storyteller as the characters navigate clues of deceit, duplicity, and danger to solve the mysteries facing them. The suspense and tension is palpable in Rowell's hands, making the book difficult to put down.
I look forward to the next instalment of Mud's storyline.
Thank you for the incredible ARC of #SilentaretheDead from #NetGalley.

“Silent Are the Dead” by D.M. Rowell is a captivating sequel in the Mud Sawpole series, where cultural heritage meets modern threats in a high-stakes mystery. Mud Sawpole, a former Silicon Valley professional who has returned to her Kiowa roots, faces her toughest challenge yet as she navigates illegal fracking operations and the betrayal of tribal members who steal sacred artifacts.

The novel beautifully blends Kiowa traditions with modern dilemmas, making it more than just a mystery—it’s an exploration of identity, belonging, and the significance of cultural preservation. Mud’s struggle between her professional obligations and her commitment to the tribe adds depth to her character, while the vivid descriptions of Kiowa ceremonies and landscapes immerse the reader in the setting.

Rowell’s narrative keeps the tension high as Mud and her cousin Denny race against time to solve a murder and recover the stolen relics. The complex web of deceit and danger is further enriched by the portrayal of the tribe’s internal politics and the external threats from corporate interests. While the book can be enjoyed as a standalone, it’s clear that Mud’s journey is far from over. “Silent Are the Dead” is a compelling and culturally rich mystery that fans of Indigenous fiction will appreciate. Highly recommended!

I did not read the previous book in the series, however, I do not believe it impaired my understanding of this story. Silent Are The Dead, in my opinion, is much more a way to divulge Kiowa culture, than it really calls the reader's attention as a mystery/thriller. I thought the main characters are too much steriotyped and not relatable but the story can be entertaining.
I thank the author, her publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.

I didn't realize this was the second book in a series, so that could be why I had a hard time getting into this one. I do appreciate that it was fast-paced and all the knowledge about the culture. If you are a fan of the first book, you'll probably enjoy this one.

4 stars for an informative mystery set on a Kiowa reservation in Oklahoma.
The blurb: " Mud Sawpole recently returned to the Kiowas after leaving a high-powered career and was plunged into the vortex of a crime that nearly consumed her and the tribe. The danger hasn’t gone away—and now, Mud faces an even greater threat. There’s an illegal fracking operation underway that threatens the sanctity of the Kiowas’ ancestral homeland, but there’s also an evil hidden right within the heart of the tribe."
This book 2 in the series, and I have not read book 1. It worked for me as a stand alone. I liked that the author incorporates Kiowa traditions into the narrative of the mystery. The author is a Kiowa Storyteller, a person designated by tribal elders to carry on the traditions and culture of the Kiowa nation. The author has used her experiences working in Silicon Valley and as a Storyteller to create Mud Sawpole, a Kiowa Storyteller and currently working in Silicon Valley as head of a startup advertising firm specializing in computer companies.
There is a murder that appears to have been committed by a tribal elder, but probably was not. Mud and her cousin Denny race against the clock to find the real killer and stop the illegal fracking operation. They do resolve both. I was not sure of who the killer was until the end.
One Quote, by Mud: "My grandfather James Sawpole was the Tribe Storyteller; the last reader of our Winter Count Chronicles. During tribe gatherings Grandpa shared stories from our history, keeping us united as a people."
Thank You Crooked Lane Books for sending me this eARC through NetGalley.

#SilentaretheDead #NetGalley.
Pub Date Nov 19 2024

Never Name the Dead and Silent Are the Dead are the first and second books in the Mud Sawpole series, books about a mixed-race woman called Mud who grew up on the Kiowa reservation, moved to California to establish a career in marketing, and has returned at least temporarily at the behest of her grandfather, the tribe’s storykeeper. Mud’s grandfather asks her to return as soon as possible to the reservation to help him with illegal fracking on his land. When Mud arrives at the airport, though, her grandfather does not meet her, and instead, she has to catch a ride from another tribal member. Upon arriving on the reservation, she finds the tribe pitted against each other over not only the possible fracking, but also a historical artifact that has been passed from one generation to the next and has now gone missing – allegedly by Mud’s grandfather himself. These two books follow a continuous storyline over two days, during which Mud tries to find the missing medal, rid the reservation of the frackers, and solve two murders before returning to her home in California.


This is definitely a fast-moving book – Mud arrives in the airport and at the start of Never Name the Dead, and immediately hits the ground running, hopping from one character to the next, unsure what’s happening and why so many people are looking for her grandfather, and I’ll be honest, I barely kept up with this first one. I do generally want something slower-paced, so this caught me off guard. I don’t think it’s necessarily a flaw, though – I know plenty of readers who want a book to sweep them away and catch them by surprise, and it certainly does that. It made for a fast read – I flew through the first one and right into the second, hoping for a more satisfying conclusion than what I got from Never Name the Dead. And while Silent Are the Dead was still fast-paced, I feel like it took a little more time to ground the characters and the action in their surroundings. Silent Are the Dead had just about the perfect pacing for me – I was still invested in the mystery and Mud’s own character growth, but I didn’t feel like I was drowning in it quite as much.

The real strength of these books lies in their excellent worldbuilding. I don’t have much knowledge specific to Kiowa history and culture, so I really valued the immersion I got as a reader. We learn a great deal about how Kiowa receive spiritual guidance, both from the world around them and from their elders. We learn about some core values, and see how that affects Mud’s interactions with her tribe and the obstacles she runs into during her investigation. And I really appreciated how all of these details are woven into the narrative. In one particularly poignant scene in Silent Are the Dead, Mud is finally forced to stop her search, eat and rest and listen to her family’s guides. It was only after this scene, when she follows her great aunt’s advice and properly prepares for a sweat, that she starts making real progress. I loved this moment in the book – Mud expresses the same impatience that I initially felt as a reader, having watched Mud hop from one character to the next without much advancing insight, but I liked that the start of the mystery’s resolution was built right into her community’s spiritual practices, rather than working against them.

In all, I’ll give the series an 8 out of 10. There’s a lot to like here, with the story being deeply rooted in Kiowa culture and spiritual beliefs, and the plot is fast-paced and engaging. Readers who are willing to hop aboard the adventure will enjoy it, even if some might prefer something that lingers a little more on the character development.

While I did enjoy Silent are the Dead, it wasn't as engaging as the first Mud Sawpole title, Never Name the Dead. I suspect the problem wasn't the author or the book, but rather my own distraction. I do look forward to third title in the series, and am grateful to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read the eARC.

The second in the Mud Sawpole series, although I haven’t read the first, and this is unnecessary as it could be a standalone book.
Mud (a nickname from birth) makes an emergency visit to family in Oklahoma - to the Kiowa Indian tribe of which she is the new StoryTeller - a position of standing within the tribe. But she also needs to try and keep afloat her business in Silicon Valley and search deep within herself to find answers to the tribal problems involving illegal fracking and then a murder.
Mud works with cousin Denny, and encounters quite a few obstacles, including time out with an aunt to find herself.
A real page turner - couldn’t put it down, although unlike my usual genre.
Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC

"Find the tribe that knows your song." (Unknown)

Mae "Mud" Sawpole embraces just that. She is a member of the Kiowa Nation in Carnegie, Oklahoma. Life pointed her in a different direction as she left the familiar for Silicon Valley in California. Her hard work and dedication allowed her to set the foundation for a start-up company. She and her team were in the midst of drawing in a new client when the phone call came in from Carnegie. She's needed back home.

The Kiowa Tribe Museum has been presented with the Jefferson Peace Medal that dates back to the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1804. This relic has been treasured by the tribe. Gerald Bean, the curator, has been questioned about tribal artifacts that have gone missing. Although, presently, there is no definitive proof, there are a lot of suspicions as to the future safety of these artifacts in the museum.

When Mud finally reaches Carnegie, she is met by her cousin, Denny, who is more like a brother to her. The two of them realize that there is more going on here than what meets the eye. In fact, Anna ManyHorse, the tribal legislator, alerts them to possible illegal fracking on this ancestral land as well. Soon coincidences line up with the possibility that someone within their own tribe may be up to no good.

Silent Are the Dead reads perfectly as a standalone even though it is the second book in this series. Never Name the Dead is the first. D.M. Rowell fills this one with thievery and fraud of Kiowa artifacts, illegal fracking, a room full of rattlesnakes, and a dead body out of the blue that keeps showing up in odd places. The draw is in the fine writing and in the honoring of the Kiowa tribe throughout. This is the perfect opportunity to support Native American authors and their remarkable culture.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Crooked Lane Publishers and to D.M. Rowell for the opportunity.

As far as murder mysteries go, this one falls a bit on the silly side for me. I definitely clocked who the involved parties were within the first 10 chapters. I’m a big fan of Bones, so the description of the murder wound plus meeting one of the other characters quickly after made it very obvious.

I found Mud to be thinking about the wrong things at the wrong time, but that’s super relatable to me. Denny on other hand, was completely insufferable and hot headed. I couldn’t wait to finish some scenes with him just to get away from him.

I understand the connectedness of the crimes, but I do wish that the fracking investigation and the murder mystery were two separate stories. I think they both take from each other, which is how life goes, but the execution makes for a distracting read. It did not make for a more complex story, it just felt a bit cluttered. With the fracking story in particular, it didn’t feel like the stakes were all that high and it sometimes felt like an afterthought.

To be fair, I did not read the first book as this is an ARC from NetGalley, but I think the story provides enough context and motivations for the characters.

I did love the very direct voice of the experience and struggles of the Kiowa people. I think some would call it heavy handed, but I think it served as a really good anchor for the setting. Much like Mud, at all times you are reminded of where you are. I enjoyed that aspect a lot.

I think if you’re looking for a murder mystery this is a pass. However it serves as a really strong “slice of life” type of story that you’ve probably not encountered.

One of my first reads that is deep in Native American culture, this is the second book of the Mud Sawpole series. Carrying on from book 1 we find Mud overtired and still running around to fix the tribes issues, having just solved a murder and dealt with the theft of a tribal relic she is now faced with solving the illegal fracking problem near her grandfathers land, the dodgy salesman running the operation and a new even more confusing murder which seems to involve her high school love. Stuck between two worlds Mud is torn between helping her people and preserving their culture as well as making sure her business is still standing when she gets back.

I honestly felt like as well as being fully drawn into the story, it was also educational and gave a fresh and sincere perspective

The main purpose of this novel isn't to tell a gripping crime story, but to tell us as much as possible about Kiowa culture, traditions, history and rituals, just as a Kiowa storyteller should.
As I didn't know much about Kiowa culture it was quite interesting although there were no big surprises regarding the case(s) and sometimes the story felt too long-winded and a bit incredible because our heroine was awake well over 30 hours without sleeping a minute.

When I started this book, I didn't realize it was the second in the series, but luckily, D.M. Rowell includes plenty of backstory/information regarding the Kiowa culture to keep everyone informed and understanding the story. I enjoyed this book, despite the rattlesnakes (no thanks!), and I have to say that the murder kept me thinking and made me want to figure it out before Mud & Denny did. I also really appreciated the inclusion of all of the cultural references of the Kiowa. I had never known anything about the Kiowa before reading this book, and am very interested in it now. I definitely want to go back and read the first Mud Sawpole book, and I look forward to any other books in the future. Very well done, and I'd say more of a 4.5 than just a 4!

This is the second book, which appears to start where the first ended. There is enough background information to understand what is happening.

Mae "Mud" Sawpole is a Kiowa woman who has left the tribe to start a business in Silicon Valley. Mud returns to Oklahoma at the behest of her grandfather.

Mud and her cousin, Denny, must work together to solve the mystery of the dead white man, who is stealing precious artifacts, and who is allowing fracking on tribal land.

This story blends together the rich history of the Kiowa people with a fast-paced thriller. I enjoyed reading this and understanding more of the Kiowa culture. I also appreciated the glossary for the definitions of the words used from the Kiowa language. Just a reminder to myself (and all) -- just because it is different doesn't make it bad.

Thank you, Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley, for the opportunity to read the eARC of Silent are the Dead.

3.75 stars
Very unique. wish i read book 1 first
Back on tribal land, Mud Sawpole discovers an illegal fracking operation threatening the Kiowas ancestral home. A local businessman involved in artifact thefts is murdered, and a tribe elder is accused. With her cousin Denny, Mud investigates the death while also fighting to stop the frackers destroying Kiowa land. Embracing tribal customs, she seeks answers but uncovers more questions. Racing against time, Mud and Denny search for the real killer and confront the possibility of a traitor among them. As danger looms, Mud may become the next victim.

“Silent Are the Dead” by D. M. Rowell is a gripping sequel in the Mud Sawpole series that delves deep into the heart of the Kiowa tribe’s struggles and triumphs. The protagonist, Mud Sawpole, returns to her roots after a high-powered career, only to find herself embroiled in a whirlwind of crime that threatens to engulf her and her tribe.

The narrative weaves a complex tapestry of tribal traditions, modern challenges, and the unyielding spirit of the Kiowa people. Rowell’s storytelling is masterful, blending suspense and cultural richness to create a novel that is both thrilling and enlightening. The book’s exploration of identity, heritage, and the impact of external forces on indigenous communities is poignant and timely.

As Mud Sawpole confronts an illegal fracking operation that desecrates the sacred lands of the Kiowa, she also grapples with an internal menace—a betrayal from within the tribe that involves the theft of precious artifacts. The tension escalates when this internal conflict intertwines with the external threat, leading to a crescendo of danger and deceit.

Rowell’s characters are beautifully fleshed-out, with Mud Sawpole standing out as a beacon of resilience and determination. Her journey is not just a quest to solve a mystery but a deeper search for meaning and connection to her cultural roots. The supporting cast adds layers of complexity to the narrative, each with their own motivations and secrets that enrich the plot.

The setting is a character in itself, with the vast landscapes of the Kiowa homeland serving as a silent witness to the unfolding drama. Rowell’s vivid descriptions of the environment transport readers to a place where the past and present collide, where every stone and stream holds a story.

“Silent Are the Dead” is a compelling mystery and a profound reflection on the struggles of preserving one’s culture in the face of modernity. It’s a tale of courage, community, and the unbreakable bond between a people and their land. With its intricate plot, robust character development, and thematic depth, this novel is a standout addition to the genre and a testament to Rowell’s skill as a storyteller.

I LOVED EVERYTHING about this book (after I send this review, I am buying a copy of "Never Name The Dead" the 1st in the Mud Sawpole series).).

"Silent Are The Dead" is one of the most engaging stories I have read this year, and I expect this author is headed (#1 with a bullet) for the bestseller list.

Another "one to watch" with the 2nd book in what I hope is a LENGTHY series featuring Mud Sawpole - could there be a BETTER name for a somewhat mystical crime-fighter?

If you are a fan of Thomas Perry's Jane Whitefield series, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of D.M. Rowell's "Silent are The Dead".

Kiowa, cultural-heritage, customs-and-belief-systems, historical-figures, historical-places-events, historical-research, history-and-culture, traditions, religious-symbolism, religious-practices, relationship-issues, artifact, theft, family, family-dynamics, amateur-sleuth, cultural-exploration, Oklahoma, greed, murders, investigation, storyteller, advertising, fracking, tribal-police, threats, sabotage, false-conclusions, contemporary*****

She is Mae at her advertising agency in California where there is an important deal near to closing and she has work to do on it. She is Mud in her hometown at the Kiowa reservation in Oklahoma where grandfather has called her for help with the thefts of important tribal artifacts. She is both, and there are crises in each part of her life at the same time. One of those parts includes a murder involving both greed and theft of historical items belonging to family. She and her cousin discover an illegal fracking operation which poisons all water in the area, and a confusing murder. She is an apprentice storyteller and an amateur sleuth with a deep sense of justice. Her cousin, on the other hand, hops from accusing one suspect after another. And the characters are so well depicted that I felt as if I knew them in my own world here in Wisconsin. Twisty and filled with tribal lore.
I requested and received a free temporary EARC copy from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

First and foremost, I did not know this was the second in a series! I definitely would have appreciated this much more if I had read the first one...however I LOVED the pacing of this book and feel like maybe I wouldn't necessarily need to read the first one? I'm going to read it JUST to be sure, but I feel like I got enough from this one alone! The twists in this book were top tier. I audibly gasped when the murderer came to light. I thought this was written so well and gave enough tribute to the indigenous culture. This was a 4/5 for me!

I read a lot of writing by Indigenous authors and I just did not find anything compelling about this book. I was looking forward to reading this book and the author's earlier work by I have about 40 books on Indigenous writers and this one just didn't make the cut as far as the subject matters goes. It just seemed like rehashing of other books that have already been published,

What a pleasure in this second installment featuring Mud Sawpole. Although it follows hard on the heels of Winter Counts, there is enough reference to the first book so that the series (hopefully there will be more) can begun with Silent are the Dead, but a richer experience of course would occur if the first one had been read. D. M. Rowell beautifully blends the dilemma of a former member of this Kiowa family who has successfully forged a life in Silicon Valley. One of my favorite shows, Reservation Dogs, was set and filmed in the same region of Oklahoma, so there was ease in the visual descriptions. This particular episode features a twisty mystery that incorporates Kiowa traditions, giving it a current sensibility.. Looking forward to more.