Book Review Changing Woman's Hair

 

Book Two in the Marin Sinclair Series 

Themes of cultural identity, ancestral power, and political intrigue are at the heart of Jan Payne's newest novel, with Marin Sinclair as the main protagonist. A storyline with many twists and turns, Marin faces multiple external threats as she seeks to understand her heritage and mythical ideology while navigating perilous situations with destructive forces all around. Marin is trying to restore balance and a sense of harmony in her life, but sometimes not successfully. 

Changing Woman is a sacred figure in Dine mythology, a spirit force, and plays a central role in the storyline. Marin has a unique relationship with Lewis George, also known as Raven, a mystical figure. His guidance and presence persist throughout the story, though often not understandable to her. 

Marin is devastated over the loss of her dear friend Vangie to cancer, who appointed Marin as guardian to her teenage son, Garrett. He is rebellious and also blames Marin for his mother's death, as well as his father.  While struggling with a decision to take on this responsibility, Marin finds herself in some precarious situations. She discovers Garrett and his friends are caught up in some dangerous situations involving bootlegging alcohol. The supernatural, featuring wolf witches and their ancient magic, is combined with modern crimes, political schemes, and mysterious bombings, all of which pervade the storyline. Navajo Nation Police Sergeant Justin Blue Eyes and Federal agent Cullen Mac Pherson are characters from book one who become involved in the investigation of bomb threats, corruption at a local casino, and the questionable politics of a Senator's bid to win Arizona votes.

Payne adeptly navigates the reader through plausible subplots that develop throughout the story. Her characters are well-developed, with their personalities and motivations established with some backstory on their goals and conflicts, keeping my interest throughout the story. I found many of the events and situations the characters faced were intriguing and creatively crafted by Payne. I did not sense closure on Marin's story and would guess book three might be ahead.  It was an enjoyable read and should be added to your Fall reading list.  

ALL ABOUT THE AUTHOR JAN PAYNE 

Drawing from her years in the Southwest and the Navajo Nation, Jan Payne writes about courage, regret, hope, and restoration in a world of created kinships.

She lived on the Diné (Navajo) reservation in Sanostee, located on the New Mexico side of the Lukachukai Mountain Range. There, she spent her summers climbing mesas, taking horseback camping trips, exploring ghost towns in the Colorado mountains, or working with her dad to break and train horses. Her two most memorable summer jobs were at a Durango, Colorado, dude ranch, where she worked with pack mule trains, and a brief stint as a camp cook at a uranium mining site.

A graduate of Shiprock High School in Shiprock, New Mexico, Payne also holds university and medical degrees, as well as a graduate degree in Christian Studies from Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia, where she focused on writing redemptive fiction.

Payne is a member of Western Writers of America and Women Writing the West and lives in the Leech Lake area of northern Minnesota with her husband and three big dogs—Kaibab, Rudi, and Orrin.