Salvador Zuni is a master carver in the old tradition in New Mexico. He is also a cheat, making synthetic amber and selling it as the genuine article. He has the Indian reservation as a good cover and Hannah goads him into these illegal acts by using her son. Harold is a special child and needs additional care. Hannah is a uniquely angry person who feels like she is in prison because of her late husband's wishes.

As Sal investigates a shadow and a sound, he finds the body of the trader who sells his amber, someone who knew about his fraud. Then the body disappears. Was this warning a message from the gods or from someone trying to scare him.

Ben Pecos came to the pueblo in New Mexico as a psychologist. This was his mother's former home and now he can pay back Indian Health Services for some of his education. Ben didn't always feel Native American because he wasn't aware of some of the rites and practices. One of his first discoveries was a corpse. Ben's love interest is Julie; they are working on rekindling a relationship that ended 4 years ago. Julie is with a morning tv show, came her to do research for her work and questioned Sal about fetishes used in hunting and healing.

As you read this enjoyable book, you will find a mixture of a good mystery, some twists and turns you may not anticipate, a good story and a mystic atmosphere sprinkled with tribal rituals and unanswered questions. Enjoy!