The Eagle Catcher (1995) by Margaret Coel is the first installment in the Wind River Mystery series, a gripping blend of Native American culture, crime fiction, and atmospheric storytelling. Set on Wyoming’s Wind River Reservation, the novel follows Father John O’Malley, a Jesuit priest grappling with his own demons, and Vicky Holden, an Arapaho lawyer determined to reclaim her roots. When tribal chairman Anthony Castle is found murdered—his body arranged in a ritualistic pose resembling an eagle catcher—the pair must navigate tribal politics, family secrets, and federal bureaucracy to uncover the truth.
Coel’s meticulous research into Arapaho traditions and reservation life lends authenticity, while the slow-burn chemistry between O’Malley and Holden adds emotional depth. The novel’s strength lies in its respectful portrayal of Indigenous struggles—land disputes, cultural preservation, and the clash between modernity and tradition—without sacrificing the pulse of a whodunit.
A standout in the genre, The Eagle Catcher paved the way for Tony Hillerman’s successors, offering both a compelling mystery and a window into contemporary Native American life.
