I first encountered Jennifer Leeper as a fellow author at Barking Rain Press, and it’s my pleasure to share her latest work with you.
Author Name: Jennifer Leeper
Book Title: THE POISON OF WAR
Book Genre: Crime/Mystery
Release Date: November 19, 2019
Publisher: Prensa Press
Synopsis: Two Mexican drug smugglers are murdered on Native American soil and the only clues left behind are two single arrowheads in this compelling page-turner of tribal secrets and distrust at the border.
When detective Frank Silva of the Tohono O’odham Nation arrived at the scene of the crime he immediately feared his investigation would require him to turn inward–to his own people–in search of the killer. The 16-year-old archery star? The son of the tribe’s most respected shaman? A member of the cartel whose drug mules have been exploiting easy passage through Tohono O’odham lands?
A complex web of lies, love and intrigue in the heart of the reservation pulls readers into a place and time in limbo straddling the U.S.-Mexican border which is struggling to retain its heritage and independence.
Two maverick detectives form an intriguing team trusting each other with not only their lives, but with the fate of the Tohono O’odham Nation in the crime mystery. The Poison of War, from award-winning author Jennifer Leeper, highlights the Tohono O’odham reservation’s evolving struggle against Mexican cartels and their friction with border agents who hold the line stretching across the middle of the reservation.
The novella’s setting of the American Southwest, particularly on a Native American reservation, and the style and cultural background of the detective protagonist draw resemblances to Tony Hillerman’s works including Dance Hall of the Dead and The Blessing Way. For fans of Leeper’s work and fortuitous newcomers, The Poison of War is a stunning tale that highlights timely issues of the U.S.-Mexico border, immigration, drug trafficking and the reservation culture of the Tohono O’odham tribe.
About the author: Jennifer Leeper is an award-winning fiction author whose previous or forthcoming publications credits include Independent Ink Magazine, The Stone Hobo, Poiesis, Every Day Fiction, Aphelion Webzine, Heater Magazine, Cowboy Jamboree, The New Engagement, Alaska Quarterly Review, Falling Star Magazine and The Liguorian. She has had works published by J. Burrage Publications, Hen House Press, Inwood Indiana Press, Alternating Current Press, Barking Rain Press, Whispering Prairie Press, Prensa Press and Spider Road Press. Jennifer lives in Kansas City with her husband and two sons. You can find her works, both current and forthcoming, at thepoisonofwar.com.
Delighted to be introduced to this intriguing mystery! Would you believe I am reading a MG novel with a character from this same Indian nation? Please check out Dusti Bowling’s mystery adventure 24 HOURS IN NOWHERE set in Arizona!
Beth, thanks for your interest and especially for the book recommendation! I’ll definitely check out 24 HOURS IN NOWHERE. I’m always thrilled to know of other authors who write about the TO. Now you have me intrigued! 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, Beth, and offering a recommendation!
Happy to do so and good luck with your new release!
Thanks Judy!
Judy, thanks for hosting me!