Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of the second book in this series. I struggled with the first book and I'm sad to say, I also struggled with the second. I did enjoy learning about the Kiowa tribes and while the mystery was okay, I just don't think this series is for me.

11-19 update; Reviewed on TikTok and added link below.
The personal journey, extended family relationships, and resonance with the land captivated me. Strands of identity, loyalty, ancestors, and community weave into a layered tale of a Kiowa storyteller’s homecoming. As she strives to protect her family from frackers, 'Mud' discovers deadly layers of crime.

Adventure, intrigue, Kiowa culture, and relationships pushed to their breaking or connecting points fuel Silent are the Dead. Mud shines as a clear-hearted, brave yet vulnerable hero. Her loyalties to her people crowding her career tension. A tangled web of corruption, danger and murder tightens around her.

Her cousin Denny serves as an entertaining counterpart for their high-stakes investigation. The close presence of a former lover who now has a husband and a baby adds to the complications. I liked the lowkey LGBT aspect of the book. It's simply a given, without drama. Rowell brings a refreshing voice to the mystery space.

The cultural issues, Mud’s quest, and the relationships engaged me more than the mystery, and I found the book entirely satisfying. For me, the antagonists lacked dimension, yet that didn't detract from my immersion in Mud and Denny's suspenseful, tight-deadline rush to solve everything.

The audiobook’s clarity is excellent. It's an easy listen, yet for me, the narrator's pacing and enunciation are smooth, and I’m sure most readers will find this an enjoyable listen.

There’s a wonderful spirit in this novel and it lands beautifully. I hope to experience more books by D. M. Rowell.

Highly recommended for readers who savor mystery, suspense, LGBT+, #ownvoices indigenous representation, and / or diversifying your audiobooks.

Thank you, DreamScape Media for the ALC via NetGalley for consideration. These are solely my opinions.

This is a gripping and thought-provoking read that will captivate fans of crime, mystery, and thriller genres, particularly those who appreciate stories that blend cultural heritage, identity, and environmental justice, making it a great fit for readers who enjoy complex, layered narratives that explore the intersection of tradition and modernity.

Medium paced, Mud has returned to their tribe, the Kiowas, after leaving their career. They come home to find scandal, secrets, and danger.

I did not realize that this was a sequel, I would be willing to read the first book and then read again - should've investigated that more! Cat and mouse game as Mud tries to research and uncover the secrets before another murder happens.

Great job narrator kept me engaged and with the story.

This was a really interesting/different book! I felt like I learned about their Indian culture throughout (whether it was based on facts or made up it was still interesting). This book was about a murder but it was also about a girl coming into her own, finding her path in life. I liked it a lot and would read more by DM Rowell! Great narration!

4 stars!

Thank you Netgalley for the advanced reader copy!

Publish date: 11/19/2024

I was not aware that there was a book that preceeded this one. Although, I did not read the first book, it was not hard to keep up with the characters once I got going.
I enjoyed reading about the traditions, and culture throughout the book. It didn't appear as if it was forced.
Mudd was a main character that took us on a journey of emotions, and self doubt as she immersed in who she was as the tribes story teller to solve a murder, and help Eli.

It is her cousin Denny's fault that Mud Sawpole got the nickname "Mud" on her Kiowa reservation. We eventually learn how that happened. Mud has long been gone from her reservation and her indigenous roots, running a successful operation in California. Her business seems to be a marketing firm that creates stories for the brands it represents. This fits, because Mud's beloved grandfather is the anointed storyteller for their tribe. He has long since designated Mud as his heir to this title, but she chose to leave and has been happy with the decision. But her return has her deeply reflecting about where she belongs. This is the second entry in this series and I need to go back for the first story, which involved Mud's return to the reservation to help her grandfather. She has not been home for ten years.

As this story opens, the prior story is referenced by a cleansing ceremony related to the return of a stolen artifact that Mud helped recover. Mud has not yet returned home, so the two novels happen immediately in sequence. Many artifacts are being purchased for bargain prices and sold for many times the acquisition price by an unsavory man and his partners in the tribe. Mud's grandfather continues to be upset as well that people are conducting illegal fracking operations on a property bordering his land, contaminating his creek. His efforts to get them to stop are futile and the people on the sight are hostile and possibly dangerous. Mud's cousin Denny convinces her to spend her last couple of days in the area trying to address both the artifact purchases and the fracking.

Early on, we meet some of the players in tribal government and many people Mud remembers from growing up on the reservation. When a key person is murdered, various unexpected things start to unfold and Mud is drawn in. Throughout, she is conflicted over her responsibilities to her business and her responsibilities to family and the tribe. This whole novel was very satisfying. There are some really funny parts. Along the way, we learn about the old ways and the loss of the old ways,. The mystery is quite good and the audio version had great voicing by Katie Anvil Rich.

I really wanted to love this one but sadly it just wasn’t for me. There were entirely too many characters for me to try to keep straight in my head. I wasn’t sure if it’s because I haven’t read the first book. I’m going to try to go back and read the first book and see if that will help me with the character’s.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Katie Anvil and I liked her voice and felt like she did a good job.

It was so interesting to learn about a new cultur and traditions. Showing us how some people even far from home still keep thier heritage, while others are ready to sell it for money. The story was very well presented and the reveal was unexpected.

I enjoyed this second Mud Sawpole mystery even more than the first one. As with Never Name the Dead, this book weaves Kiowa culture throughout the story. This book takes place directly after the events in the first book. Rowell really stepped up her game in this one! There were times I was on the edge of my seat (rattlesnakes) and I LOVED the part where Mud and Denny visit their Aunt and Mud does a sweat lodge. I listened to the audio of this one and the narrator does a good job too. I hope Rowell writes more of these!

Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for an advance copy of this audiobook for review.

This second entry in the Mud Sawpole mysteries picks up almost immediately after the end of book one, in which Mud rushed back from California to her Oklahoma hometown when her grandfather called out of the blue. She discovered there were frackers on her grandfather's land who were threatening him, and someone had been stealing artifacts important to the Kiowa from the tribe museum.

At the opening of this novel, right after the tribal meeting, Eli, an elder, is adamant with Denny and Mud. He wants a family headdress returned that his deadbeat son Buck, stole and sold. Then Georgie, Mud's former girlfriend and Buck's wife, alerts them that a body is in the tribal office. Except, then it vanishes.

Mud and Denny head over to the museum to speak with Gerald, with Georgie unfortunately in tow.

Mud is anxious to return to California and her urgent business concerns, but she is also concerned about the museum thefts and the frackers. Now, the dead body is at the museum, and the headdress is missing, Denny convinces her to help him clear Eli's name before calling the police. Georgie sticks with museum employee and her friend Brenda instead of concerning herself with investigating the situation at the museum.

Denny and Mud travel all over, talking to different people, have a near deadly and terrifying encounter with rattlesnakes, attempt to figure out who would have the clout and connections to be involved in both illegal fracking and theft of artifacts, which leads them to suspecting someone in the tribal office is involved.

Though you don't have to read book one to understand this story, I would strongly urge readers to start there. There is important information imparted by the author about Mud's family relationships and background, and historic and cultural information about the Kiowa that explains the depth of disrespect by the people damaging land through fracking, and the desecration of Kiowa culture by someone attempting to steal, forge and sell items of great family significance.

This book was engaging with never a dull minute. The pace starts fast and only takes one small, vital break while Mud reconnects with herself and her place in her culture, then races off again. The peace with which she approaches matters after a much needed talk with her Aunt Cora helps her slow her thoughts down enough to identify the person(s) behind the fracking and brings her to a realization about her holding on to some things from her past. She also figures out who is the murderer.

The writing is great, and I loved getting a slightly better understanding of Kiowa beliefs (e.g., the importance of owls) and it added wonderfully to the depth of the story.

I listened and read this book, and loved both experiences. Voice actor Katie Anvil Rich ably embodies Mud's inner conflict as she wants to help her Oklahoma family, even as she also wants to put her California-based business on a assured footing. I loved the way Rich handled the banter between Mud and the always impulsive Denny. Georgie is suitably irritating and self-centred, while Mud's Aunt Cora has the weight of her years and the wisdom she's gained shining through her calm voice.

I loved this story, and am eager to read and/or listen to what D.M. Rowell creates next.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Crooked Lane Books and to Dreamscape Media for the ARCs in exchange for my review.

Thank you NetGalley, Dreamscape Media and the author for this ALC in exchange for an honest review

This was a fantastic read.
I loved this mystery as it is a beautiful exploration of Kiowa culture and touched on real issues experienced by indigenous people. I love being in Mud's perspective and her relationship with her culture and her community. 

The mystery is well paced and does not feel rushed. I enjoyed getting to know the characters, their motivations and how far they will go for self-preservation. It was nice guessing who the culprit is and the build up to the reveal was really good. 

Katie Anvil Rich did an phenomenal job with the narration and really pulled me into the strong  and D.M. Rowell's writing is evocative and immersive and I am looking forward to reading more.

I learned a lot from this book. This is a really wonderful way to learn about indigenous cultures without being annoying to indigenous peoples. This was a wonderful story with a few interesting twists. The narration was perfect. I loved the protagonist too!

i had to go find the first book to listen to because i didn’t realize this was a series, but i’m glad i did! this story was well written and moving and i’d definitely recommend it to fans of the genre.

Thanks to the publisher, the author and Netgalley for this eARC in BOTH print and audiobook format!

D.M. Rowell’s Silent Are the Dead is a captivating mystery that seamlessly blends cultural heritage with modern-day intrigue. This second installment in the Mud Sawpole series continues to explore the rich tapestry of Kiowa traditions while delivering a thrilling and suspenseful narrative.

Katie Anvil Rich’s narration is a standout feature of this audiobook. Her ability to capture the youthful energy and determination of Mud Sawpole, the protagonist, adds depth to the listening experience. Rich’s expressive voice and nuanced performance bring the characters to life, making the story both engaging and immersive. Her portrayal of the various characters, from the resilient Mud to the enigmatic antagonists, is spot-on, enhancing the overall impact of the narrative.

The story begins with Mud Sawpole returning to her Kiowa roots to recover a priceless artifact, the Jefferson Peace Medal.

The plot is intricately woven, with multiple layers of mystery and suspense. Rowell masterfully balances the fast-paced action with moments of introspection, allowing readers to connect with Mud on a deeper level. The twists and turns are well-timed, keeping readers captivated.

Mud Sawpole is a compelling protagonist, characterized by her strong sense of identity and unwavering determination. Her journey is both personal and professional, as she navigates the complexities of her heritage and the modern world. The supporting characters, including her cousin Denny and the various tribal elders, are well-developed and add richness to the story. Rowell excels at creating characters that are relatable and memorable.

The setting of the Kiowa reservation is vividly depicted, with Rowell’s descriptions bringing the landscape and cultural elements to life. The atmosphere is tense and charged, reflecting the high stakes of Mud’s quest. The inclusion of Indigenous history and traditions adds depth to the narrative, making it a mystery and also a cultural exploration.

Silent Are the Dead tackles themes such as identity, heritage, and the impact of external forces on the Indigenous.. Rowell explores the tension between preserving cultural traditions and adapting to modern challenges. The novel also touches on environmental issues, with the threat of fracking adding an urgent and relevant dimension to the story.

Silent Are the Dead is a compelling and thought-provoking audiobook that will appeal to fans of mystery and cultural narratives alike.

Rowell’s skillful storytelling, combined with Rich’s exceptional narration, makes for an engaging and immersive experience.

Whether you’re new to the Mud Sawpole series or a returning fan, this audiobook is sure to leave a lasting impression!

Beautiful, rich, packed with culture, and a good mystery to boot. I did not realize this was the second installation of a series, so you better believe I am getting the first and reading it asap.