This book was nothing that I expected and a thousand things that I loved. Categorizing it is hard, though. I often see it described as thriller and would note for hardcore thriller readers that it isn't paced like a thriller - I would describe it as general YA fiction with elements of suspense and mystery.

What I loved:
🔥 The imagery. Boulley balances the straightforward expository style of YA fiction with stunning natural imagery and deep emotional insight. As our main character, Daunis, considers her role as a confidential informant in a federal drug investigation, she reflects that "each lie is a fish, with a bigger fish swallowing the one preceding." When she debates how honest to be with her adoring, but anxious, mother, she describes her emotions like "pond ice during spring thaw." These moments bring so much depth to Daunis's character and the interwoven themes of grief and belonging throughout the narrative.
🔥 The focus on tradition and ceremony. The exploration of this particular tribe's traditions feels so organic within Daunis's story. In particular, I loved the depiction of the four-day passage of the soul after death and the sacramental witness to children adopted out of their tribe ("We don't forget our lost ones"). Boulley navigates layers of identity that are personal, tribal, familial, religious and communal, helping us to understand the complexity of identity for many Indigenous Americans.
🔥 The ending. I loved absolutely everything about how Boulley concludes our mystery. The intercession of the elders. The yellow pansy ceremony. Daunis's first dance at a powwow after her mourning period. Just perfect.