Death at Rainy Mountain

Modern-thinking Kiowa healer Tay-bodal, whose study of anatomy and physiology sets him apart from other tribal doctors in the north of Texas in 1866, is caught up in tribal politics after one of its warriors is murdered. War threatens when handsome Cheyenne Robber, beloved of White Otter, is accused of killing one of her suitors from another clan. Although he had challenged his rival in front of others, Cheyenne Robber swears he didn't kill the man. Chief White Bear, whom the whites call Santana, asks Tay-bodal to help find the true murderer. Breaking tribal tradition, Tay-bodal examines the body of the dead man and discovers that he was strangled and his neck subsequently broken. Recognizing this as a particularly cowardly way to kill, Tay-bodal wonders why any Kiowa would have used it. The healer must break more tribal customs, become a target himself and end up at Fort Sill before he successfully solves the case. Although the pace is slow and her prose often stiff, Medawar, a Cherokee, reveals legendary Native Americans as believable people and offers her readers a comprehensive look at historical Kiowa life and values. (July)