The Ft. Larned Incident

Book excerpt: Mardi Oakley Medawar does for the Kiowa what Tony Hillerman has done for the Navaho.” —Don Goldsmith Award-winning author Mardi Oakley Medawar In 1868, following the signing of the Medicine Lodge Treaty, things are not going well for the Kiowa. When the Indian agent once again fails to live up to his promises, he is run off by the Kiowa. Tay-bodal—a healer and member of the Rattle Band—is enduring a personal crisis, and is therefore not in the best frame of mind when he is called to investigate a murder among the bands. The son of another chief, has been murdered. The one accused of killing him is the same man who has stolen Tay-bodal's wife. Unless Tay-bodal can put aside his own dislike and prove the accused innocent—and quickly—there will be war, tearing apart the Kiowa Nation. “In her debut novel, Death at Rainy Mountain, Mardi Oakley Medawar proved a Cherokee can bring the Kiowa of another epoch alive for us.” —Tony Hillerman “Recommended for its setting . . . strong mystery. . .and a moving ending that captures the passing of friendships and Kiowa society.” —Booklist “Native American traditions, culture, and intelligence lend the whole a meaty authenticity, tempered by Tay-bodal’s pragmatism and overweening compassion. A fine work; strongly recommended.” —Library Journal Wordcraft Circle of Native American Writers and Storytellers—Writer of the Year Award