Review of That Last Ghost Dance

[Kaivalya Khisti]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "That Last Ghost Dance" by L. C. Hayden.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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The story is set at The Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation. The residents of the reservation, the Paiute Tribe, have had to overcome several challenges to preserve the Paiute way of life. Much devastation has been done to their land, and the struggle of the tribe continues. Now, Joe Kuyuidokado Reynold, or Kuyuidokado as he is known, is dead. He was performing the Ghost Dance created by tribal ancestors to drive the ‘typo’, or white people, away and restore the land to the Indians when he was killed. Who must have killed the tribal head? And why? Reporter Aimee Brent is convinced that something malicious is happening at the reservation. What would that be? Read That Last Ghost Dance by L. C. Hayden to find out.

The book is simply brilliant. Once I started reading the book, I did not want to put it down. It is a quintessential mystery story set against the backdrop of preserving the integrity of a dwindling community. What I liked the most about the book was how the author sowed red herrings throughout the book book. Just when you feel like you have solved the mystery, there is an unforeseen twist.

There are several characters in the story, but the author gives each character equal importance. The character development is well-researched and accurate. All characters were relatable. Sometimes they were lovable, at times malicious, but they always added a layer of mystery that was a lot of fun to unravel.

The readers remain absorbed in the story as the author paints realistic pictures of the reservation and the events happening there. The pace of narration is perfect. The author keeps readers on the edge, ensuring there is not a single dull moment.

There was nothing that I did not like about the book. It is professionally edited. I did not encounter any grammatical errors. All the while that I was reading the book, I felt like I was in the desert with Aimee, conversing with all the characters. I liked the story Hayden has woven around Aimee and Bryan. Bryan’s story was especially poignant. I gladly rate the book 5 out of 5 stars.

I strongly recommend this book to readers who enjoy mystery tales. Readers who love rustic tribal tales, and like to understand tribal cultures, should read this book. The author has written this book to celebrate the achievements of the Paiute tribe, with the optimism that despite their struggle being long and difficult, they will survive. Readers should read this book with that spirit.

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That Last Ghost Dance
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[Edwardsjay]

This is not my genre of book so I won't read it. Anyway, thank you for an honest review.

[NetMassimo]

The setting of this novel is unusual and interesting for the descriptions of the tribe's life and struggle, which is a plus added to the mystery. Thank you for your great review!