This book is dense in information. The actual story is pretty straightforward, but is surrounded by so much cultural anthropology and mysticism that it takes a while to wade through. I think it's part of a series, based in the Northwest with several Native Americans in law enforcement as central characters. For this book, it's Jordan Tidewater, who is both tribal sheriff and a shaman -- and a beautiful single mother. There was so much material, but it all kind of finished up in a hurry. ( )