A strong debut about subject matter that needs more attention. Novel follows a recent rising trend in mysteries and thrillers involving the MMIW movement. As an Indigenous reviewer I am familiar personally with this subject matter and have read several new books over the last year that cover this as well. Including two others that involve an Indigenous woman working in the police force who goes back to her Oklahoma roots. Sadly, these other novels do this storyline better. While Dove has done excellent research, the biggest issue was pacing and too many character point of views with very little distinguishing character identity. Normally when a novel features multiple POVS, they are written uniquely to give the characters their own personalities. With Dove's work there are too many characters that are similar and their POVs can be hard to distinguish. The novel could do with a few POVS retracted.

Still a great read and will recommend it.

Wow what an intense book! There is a lot going on at the beginning and I didn't always like the commentary going on in Starr's head. But I understand that it helps up learn more about her and her background.
I liked the look into Indigenous peoples and their lives and how much they have been through and are still going through.
This was a fast paced mystery, that I think many will enjoy.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Audio for making an advance reader copy of this book available to me.
MASK OF THE DEER WOMAN Woman by Laurie L. Dove is a solid debut novel about Carrie Starr, my new favorite heroine. Carrie is escaping from Chicago, and going back to her Oklahoma roots. A former detective with Chicago PD, Carrie lands a job as a tribal marshal and is instantly faced with tracking down a missing woman. In her investigation, she finds that this but one of several indigenous women who have gone missing from the reservation over the past several years. While trying to solve the puzzle of the missing women, Carrie struggles with self-destructive behaviors and doubts about her own future.
This was a worthwhile read. The setting is reminiscent of Tony Hillerman's work and the principal investigator is as flawed as a James Lee Burke character. I look forward to more from Laurie L. Dove.

Mask of the Deer Woman is a fantastic tribute to the indigenous people especially those living on tribal lands in Oklahoma. The conniving deeds performed by people in respected positions in the political realm are surprising and yet expected for personal gain no matter what the ramifications on others. I loved the plot and .mysteries presented in this novel.

Unfortunately, I was not in the right headspace to read this one, but I definitely think this is one that my library patrons will enjoy.

A gripping mystery-thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The narrative unfolds with intensity as the search for a missing woman unravels dark secrets and unexpected twists. Expertly crafted, it blends suspense and intrigue, leaving you guessing until the thrilling conclusion. I couldn’t put it down.

The storyline was interesting. Kept me engaged. Slower in some areas but suspense was there when needed. Likeable characters and multiple POVs. The twist at the end did get me but I liked it. Satisfying ending. Was left with only one question unanswered but maybe I missed it.
Only two notable downsides. The phrasing at times would throw me off and the changing of POVs wasn’t always clear and could be a bit confusing.

I thought that this was a solid book. I did not absolutly love it though because I felt that I could not connect with the characters.