White Shell Woman
James D. Doss Book Review

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Plot Summary of White Shell Woman

"

Morrow, Jan 2002, 23.95, 304 pp.
ISBN: 0060199326

    The shared mythos centers on the Anasazi priests sacrificing innocent lives in hopes of gaining favor from the WHITE SHELL WOMAN (moon) and her twin chidlren (Colorado rock formations). Now a millennium later, a Zuni girl discovers what is apparently an ancient petroglyph that leaves the experts totally divided on what the find means. Not long afterward, an archeologist dies at the treasure site.

    Ute Shaman Daisy Perika believes the modern world has once again stepped where it does not belong and knows more ill is to come from stomping on the ancient secrets. Still, needing capital for his herd of cattle, her nephew former Ute policeman rancher Charlie Moon ignores her dire warning and begins to investigate the murder and the archeological treasure. He does not yet realize the danger he faces from what seems a spiritual source as his aunt describes, but may actually prove mundane and deadly.

    The latest war between heritage and modernization, WHITE SHELL WOMAN, is an exciting entry due to the charming cast (including curmudgeon Daisy) that retains a freshness about them. The story line is filled with Native American mythos and offers the typical collision between two worlds that culminate in mayhem and murder. Fans of the sub-genre will relish James D. Doss' latest encounter, but though well written and perceptive the plot lose some of its luster as it contains a déjà vu feel to it.

Harriet Klausner

Crested sapwood supportable noradrenaline runout.

"
Harriet Klausner, Resident Scholar

Review Analysis of White Shell Woman

Our unique search engine provides a wealth of detail about books by breaking them down into many different literary elements, all of which are searchable (click here).

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale (Low to High)
Plot

Composition of Book
descript. of violence and chases - 20%
Planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 60%
Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 10%
How society works & physical descript. (people, objects, places) - 10%

Tone of story - scarey (primal ax-wielding fear)
How difficult to spot villain? - Difficult, but some clues given
Time/era of story: - present (2000-2010)
What % of story relates directly to the mystery, not the subplot? - 60%
Kind of investigator - skilled citizen investigator
Kid or adult book? - Adult or Young Adult Book
Any non-mystery subplot? - life in small town
Crime Thriller Yes
Crime plotlets: - escape/rescue from kidnappers
Murder Mystery (killer unknown) Yes
General Crime (including known murderer) Yes

Main Character
Gender - Male
Profession/status: - police/lawman
How much violence does he/she use? - just the right amount
How sensitive is this character? - middling sensitive to others' feelings
Sense of humor - Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence - Smarter than most other characters
Physique - average physique

Main Adversary
Identity: - Male
Age: - 40's-50's
Profession/status: - business executive
How much of work is main antagonist actually present in: - a moderate amount
Motive of antagonist - money/treasure
How sensitive is this character? - hard edged
Sense of humor - Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence - Smarter than most other characters
Physique - average physique

Setting
United States Yes
The US: - West

Style
Part of a series? Yes
Person - mostly 3rd
Accounts of torture and death? - generic/vague references to death/punishment
How many deaths? - 1
Amount of dialog - roughly even amounts of descript and dialog

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James D. Doss

Note: the views expressed here are only those of the reviewer(s).

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White Shell Woman James D. Doss Book Review

White Shell Woman
James D. Doss Book Review