Ella Clah
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A stand-alone spin-off from the Ella Clah series, Plant Them Deep features Ella's mother, Rose Destea, in a mystery only a traditionalist Navajo could solve!
Medicine men and members of the Plant Watchers society report that sacred healing plants are disappearing from the Rez.
In an effort to locate and protect the rare plants, the tribal council asks Rose for help.
She faces strong opposition both from healers reluctant to reveal their secret herb-gathering spots and from people who think the Rez should be cultivated with genetically-engineered plants instead of native species.
Rose is shocked to discover that many plants appear to have been stolen, perhaps for the lucrative market for alternative and natural medications.
Soon after her notes and maps are stolen, a Navajo man is found dead near a gathering site.
Rose is convinced that he was murdered by the plant thief.
Rose has picked up a trick or two from Ella Clah, her police officer daughter; she begins an independent investigation that soon has her up to her neck in trouble.
“This book stands alone, but of course can be read by fans of the Ella Clah series as well. Informative on subjects ranging from Navajo life to botany, the book enlightens the reader as it entertains.” —New Mexico Magazine
“A tense conclusion.” —Publishers Weekly
“Suspense is their thing, the Southwest is their ‘hood, and they’re imaginative. As always, the Thurlos do a credible job describing Navajo social customs. Rose is feisty.” —New Mexican
June 16, 2005
