Hearts of the Missing

Potenza’s outstanding debut and series launch is sure to please fans of mysteries that respectfully depict Native American culture and beliefs. Sgt. Monique “Nicky” Matthews works for the Fire-Sky Pueblo police on New Mexico’s Tsiba’ashi D’yini reservation. When a missing person case is resolved as a suicide, the deceased’s relatives and Nicky’s own mysterious visions lead her to suspect murder. Despite resistance from her hostile captain, Nicky and her intriguing—but possibly untrustworthy—new colleague, Frank Martin, investigate a connection to a pair of unsolved killings from two years earlier. Their search puts them into conflict with a powerful casino magnate and brings an old flame back into Nicky’s life with unpredictable consequences. Nicky, a strong, nuanced lead, inhabits a world populated by well-developed supporting characters. Another plus is Potenza’s vivid portrayal of the desert landscape. Readers will look forward to seeing a lot more of Nicky and her friends. (Dec.)