As a recent fan of the Charlie Moon mystery series, I've noticed the author's use of humor in the novels has developed a pattern of slapstick (in its latter novels primarily) that can be overbearing and somewhat unrealistic, but Dead Soul gratefully avoids that trap. In fact, this is inarguably the best novel of the entire series I've read to date. Warning: readers who prefer hard-boiled mystery will not find it in a Charlie Moon novel. The allure of the series is based on its combination of mysticism and humor. Detective noir, it's not, nor does it pretend to be. However, if you enjoy witty dialogue, scenic descriptions, Native American mysticism, outrageous antics, and laugh-out-loud humor, then you are in for a treat. In this latest adventure, Charlie Moon--part-time tribal investigator and full-time rancher--is tapped by the tribal Chief to "unofficially" investigate the murder of fellow tribesman Billy Smoke, chauffeur to prominent Senator Patch Davidson, who was crippled during the attack. Coincidentally enough, the Senator's BoxCar ranch abuts Charlie Moon's Columbine ranch, and the Senator also asks Charlie to "unofficially" investigate a possible national security leak within his ranch headquarters. Charlie is reluctant to wade in waters already tread by the FBI and the Secret Service, but feels obligated to fulfill his responsibility to the tribe. As the two investigations begin to overlap, he is once again thrust into one dangerous (and outrageous) situation after another as he comes into contact with hardened BoxCar's foreman Henry Buford--formerly with the Defense Intelligence Agency, the Senator's stunning assistant Miss James, his spoiled nephew Allan Pearson, and a gang of burly bikers. Meanwhile, Charlie's aunt and shaman elder Daisy Perika's latest vision of a red-haired campus policewoman adds intrigue to the mystery while her mystical conversations with the pitukupf--the dwarf who lives in a badger hole--add a touch of dry humor to the tale. Unlike previous installments, the story ends on a slightly more serious note well worth the buildup of suspense, and the addition of a romantic interest for Charlie Moon enhances characterization of the series' enigmatic and happy-go-lucky main character.
