Black Thunder: An Ella Clah Novel (Ella Clah, 16)

This novel in the continuing story of Investigator Ella Clah of the Navajo Police is the Thurlo's next to last one, as Aimee Thurlo died suddenly only a couple of years ago. It continues the overall story but involves a new set of crimes and seeming contradictiions for Ella as she has to try to "walk in beauty" between 2 conflicting viewpoints of Navajo life--that of the Traditionalists and of the Modernists. She holds the reader's attention at all times while presenting a modern day view of life on the Rez. Each novel continues the overall story, so each character is like an old friend, someone we have gotten to know or will get to know better. The plot is intriguing, and this is one of those really good books that you just don't want to see end. The Ella Clah novels probably make more sense if they are read in chronological order, but one can still start with any one and skip around and still know what is going on. I read all the Tony Hillerman Navajo detective novels before beginning the Thurlo's novels. Hillerman describes the physical settings and the landscape better, but I think the Thurlo's develop their plots better, and their novels have more suspense.

Love mysteries with cultural twists. Better than latest Hillermans

I was looking for some reading by a New Mexican author to complement my Tony Hillerman books and found Aimee & David Thurlo. Black Thunder is the lastest in their Ellah Clah series. It was the first of their books that I read and I wish I had started with the novels at the beginning of the series. Each book stands on it's own. But, I like to have the background. These books are fast paced and interesting reading, They highlight the modern conflicts between the Navaho and the larger American culture outside the "Rez". Using Ellah Clah, the main character, and her family and friends, as well as her enemies, the books educate and entertain through police investigations about events in and around the "Rez". Ellah, as lead investigator, is strong and intelligent. She uses the differences between cultures to her advantage and never forgets her Navaho heritage. They emphasize strong family relationships and support in each novel. I have since begun acquiring the other novels in the series and started to read them in order of publishing. Black Thunder, as the most recent. is better that the early novels. It is written more smoothly and the story flows well. It shows a maturity that the early novels lack, to a degree. It is insightful about the relationships and differences between the characters in the book and highlights the personalities. If you like fast paced crime stories with an unusual twist and setting, all of the books in this series are a good investment. I will obtain them all and will re-read them over the years. Black Thunder is a good start to collecting these novels.

The Thurlos have done it again. Their main skill is in bringing to life what is, for many of us, a foreign setting and making us understand and enjoy it. This is true of the Ella Clah books and of the Sister Agnes novels (although not very foreign to this survivor of a Catholic boarding school!). Clah's on-going dilemma about her place in the Dineh continues to ring true, and is a microcosm for each person's striving to find their place in the world. It is beautifully worked. A rattling good mystery, a fascinating setting and vivid writing.

I have read many of the stories about Ella and enjoy the character, I like reading about the culture. Always a good read.

The Ella Clah novels of Aimee & David Thurlo have given me much reading pleasure. Black Thunder is another exciting adventure as Ella investigates a serial killer. At the same time, Ella struggles with a parent's frustrations, a love-life she never seems to have time for, and finding a balance between her Native American culture and her career as a police officer.As always the Thurlo's stories have rich dialogue. Their multi-faceted characters have become familiar as the series has progressed. I've enjoyed seeing her daughter grow up and her mother reach for new meaning in her life as a community elder. I am very pleased to highly recommend this book.

One of the many books I have read in this series, this is one of my favorites. The storyline twisted and turned, keeping me captive while attempting to detect more clues. Thoroughly enjoyable.

Oh my. This was a treat. Having now been on all the adventures Ella had to share, I feel as though I am returning from vacation but yearning to stay a bit longer. The bond of daughter to mother is so meaningful and acknowledging each have their own walk in life makes the family bond that much more appreciated.A most enjoyable series and have enjoyed Aimee' s writing style even though it was simplistic at times. Hope she will find Ella off with her team on another case soon. However, the Sister Agatha series should bring harmony back into my reading adventures.

It was good I would recemend it to everyone there was nothing I didn't like I'm looking forward to more books

The Ella Clah novels are interesting detective novels which give an insight into Navajo culture. Ella Clah and her perspectives deepen with each novel.She becomes a more developed character, as does her mother Rose. A really enjoyable read. I'm making my way through the lot!