There was so much potential for this to be an important book. It addresses the oft not discussed culture of the Kiowa Nation, the dangers of fracking, the political mistreatment and dismissal of Native Americans, and the advantage that is taken of First Nation members by "collectors". More importantly, it addresses them in an approachable way, simply showing the devastation without apportioning blame (which, as we all know, is when the people that should be taking responsibility stop listening). Which is why I am sad and disappointed that this book is such a mess.

As other reviewers have said, it is repetitive, but that doesn't quite capture the scope to which this book repeats itself. I find myself questioning the capability of the editor and the publisher, which I don't often do. There was clearly a severe lack effort to properly edit and make the book A BOOK and not just a collection of writing exercises. The author writes in the acknowledgements that this began as part of a writer's workshop, and those roots are clear. Certain chapters are just writing exercises- write an action sequence, write a bottle conversation, write a surprise conflict, describe a room as if you're in the dark. They're shoved in here to pad out a mystery that had no right to be a mystery.

D.M. Rowell is writing author-insert fan-fiction here. I have nothing against fan-fiction, but this is clearly written to serve the author's fantasies rather than to tell a cohesive story. But her writing style is engaging and it promises more- which is why I read to the end without enjoying the journey. Take out the mystery. Age up your character to fit their challenges. Show me the challenges of coming home to a place that wanted you but othered you. Show me the fight of the underdog and the strength that comes in middle age from a life well-earned, instead of thrusting this story on the shoulders of a girl still at the beginning of her story. Show me why it takes so much more strength to go home than it does to take on a major corporation. I want to see more from this author, but I want her to believe in her character and her character's story, instead of just writing down how she wished conversations had gone earlier in life.