David Heska Wanbli Weiden is an enrolled citizen of the Sicangu Lakota Nation and received his MFA from the Institute of American Indian Arts. He's a MacDowell Colony Fellow, a Tin House Scholar, and the recipient of the PEN/America's Writing for Justice Fellowship. He lives in Denver, Colorado.
A Violent Masterpiece (2026) Jordan Harper "Jordan Harper is many crime writers' favorite author, and I'm a charter member of that club. I've been appreciating his work for a long time, but I was absolutely blown away by A Violent Masterpiece. This book may be his best yet, and that's really saying something. Move over, James Ellroy, we might have the quintessential L.A. crime novel here. Amazing action, characters, and prose - this one's got it all. An incredible book."
Salt Bones (2025) Jennifer Givhan "Part horror, part crime, part family drama, Salt Bones is a wonderfully compelling story about a family torn apart and struggling to reconnect. I loved the richly drawn characters, the thrilling plot, and the soaring, poetic prose that made me linger over each sentence. Salt Bones is a triumph."
Big Chief (2025) Jon Hickey "We've been waiting for the great Native American political novel, and here it is - a gripping story that illustrates the intricacies and intrigues of reservation politics. The book examines Native sovereignty, power, and corruption at the fictional Passage Rouge Nation, as well as issues of Indigenous community, family, and identity. Not to mention, Jon Hickey creates fantastically compelling characters and weaves in a healthy dose of Native humor. A tremendous debut."
They All Fall the Same (2025) Wes Browne "Gritty, haunting, and unflinching, They All Fall the Same is part of the new wave of Southern Gothic crime fiction taking over the literary world. Fierce and vivid characters, a riveting plot, and loads of action make this one of the best books of the year and a must-read classic."
The Father She Went to Find (2024) Carter Wilson "The Father She Went to Find is a blast! I loved Penny Bly, the genius who can remember every line of every book she's ever read and the details of each meal she's ever had. Not to mention, she has an amazing talent for creating portraits that reveal the inner nature of the person being drawn. Her journey across the country to find her missing father kept me reading throughout the night. A thriller with heart, amazing characters, and plot twists I didn't see coming. A true page-turner, this book is a winner from one of our best crime novelists. I can't recommend this great book enough!"
Blood Sisters (2023) Vanessa Lillie "Combines pulse-pounding action with Cherokee myth and customs. I loved Syd Walker, a compelling new character who's dealing with her own disturbing family history while trying to unravel the disappearance of several Native women. I hope we'll see more of Syd Walker soon!"
Redemption (2023) (Eva 'Lightning Dance' Duran, book 1) Deborah J Ledford "Redemption is a page-turner! I loved reading about sheriff's deputy Eva Duran and her battle against dark forces on the reservation. Sharp characters, a great setting, and a plot that keeps you guessing. A riveting thriller that hits hard and keeps you hooked."
Panther Gap (2023) James A McLaughlin "Panther Gap has rattlesnakes, shoot-outs, drug cartels, and international intrigue, as well as a riveting plot and characters who will stay with you long after you finish. On top of all that, there's flat-out amazing prose and some of the best nature writing you'll find anywhere. Panther Gap is a modern classic of the American West."
Out of Esau (2022) Michelle Webster-Hein "Out of Esau is a tremendous achievement. A literary page-turner with prose that dips and soars, and characters that leap off the page. I was deeply moved by this tale of love, faith, and family, and I know you will be, too. This wonderful novel is one of the best books of the year."
Beasts of the Earth (2022) James Wade "All Things Left Wild was one of my favorite novels of the last two years, as was River, Sing Out. But neither of those novels could have prepared me for the dark and compelling vision of Beasts of the Earth. I found myself rooting for the characters throughout their near-Biblical tribulations, and the storyline kept me turning the pages, desperate to find out what would happen next. Here we have a novel that blends realism with existentialist philosophy to redefine contemporary Southern fiction. Don't miss this tour de force of modern literature."
Shutter (2022) (Rita Todacheene, book 1) Ramona Emerson "Get ready for the next wave of Indigenous thrillers! Shutter is a soulful and mesmerizing exploration of the paranormal, set against the backdrop of New Mexico and the Navajo Nation. Written in tough, edgy prose, this book grabs you by the shoulders and refuses to let you leave. Ramona Emerson is a welcome new voice in Native literature."
Better the Blood (2022) (Hana Westerman, book 1) Michael Bennett "Stunning. Better the Blood is a tremendous debut, and Hana Westerman, the Maori detective at the center of the story, instantly becomes one of the great characters in crime fiction on any continent. This novel has it all: a gripping mystery, complex and memorable characters, and timely social and cultural commentary. Don't miss it."
They Can't Take Your Name (2021) (Wrongful Conviction, book 1) Robert Justice "A riveting story of injustice and redemption, this unforgettable novel will stick with you and change the way you view the world. Like a solo by Coltrane, Robert Justice pushes the boundaries of character, setting, and plot, exploring themes of injustice and bias in the criminal justice system. It's also a tale of love and loyalty, and the struggle to remain honorable in oppressive circumstances. A fantastic debut."
Angels in the Wind (2021) (Mile High Noir) Manuel Ramos "Thrilling, heartbreaking and engrossing, Angels in the Wind is the best yet from one of the masters of the genre."
The Removed (2021) Brandon Hobson "Astonishing. This moving and affecting novel tells the story of a Native family in crisis, each person dealing with the aftereffects of grief and trauma following the murder of a beloved son. But this is a book of hope and healing, a remarkable tale of resilience in the face of unimaginable pain. Written with lyrical and evocative prose and a deep reverence for Cherokee culture and tradition, The Removed is an important contribution to indigenous fiction and American literature."
The Effort (2021) Claire Holroyde "Page-turner of the year! In the grand tradition of Stephen King's The Stand, Pat Frank's Alas, Babylon, and J.T. McIntosh's One in Three Hundred, this book is the story of a massive comet that threatens to end human existence and those who fight to prevent that catastrophe. Call it a techno-thriller, call it apocalyptic fiction -- I call it great writing. This is an important and provocative novel, one that should be read by all who care about the future of the planet and humanity's role in its preservation. Claire Holroyde is an exciting new voice in modern fiction, and we're lucky to have this stirring and fully imagined book."
