laurenalexsc's review against another edition
3.0
Actually 3.5. The writing/dialogue left something to be desired but I loved the characters, character development, and I didn't guess the twist!
readswithrosie's review against another edition
4.0
Part drama, part action, and part mystery, this novel set in the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota intertwines Native traditions into an exciting and fast-paced race to find the culprits of a heroin dealing ring infiltrating their reservation.
Virgil Wounded Horse is a vigilante (according to his ex’s mom a “hired thug”)- he handles crimes on the reservation that the feds won’t. His sister was killed in a car accident years ago, and he’s been raising his nephew Nathan since then. However, when Nathan overdoses on heroin and was caught with pills in his school locker, Virgil knows he needs to find out who is behind the drug spikes on the reservation. And fast.
What started as a slower paced story turned into a page-turning drug bust that beautifully weaves Native traditions into the action. I love the character development in this story, and was completely drawn in by the cultural dynamics at play. Perfect when paired with a chilly afternoon by the lake, plenty of layers, and a charcuterie board to snack on. 4.4⭐️
Virgil Wounded Horse is a vigilante (according to his ex’s mom a “hired thug”)- he handles crimes on the reservation that the feds won’t. His sister was killed in a car accident years ago, and he’s been raising his nephew Nathan since then. However, when Nathan overdoses on heroin and was caught with pills in his school locker, Virgil knows he needs to find out who is behind the drug spikes on the reservation. And fast.
What started as a slower paced story turned into a page-turning drug bust that beautifully weaves Native traditions into the action. I love the character development in this story, and was completely drawn in by the cultural dynamics at play. Perfect when paired with a chilly afternoon by the lake, plenty of layers, and a charcuterie board to snack on. 4.4⭐️
vegfashionista's review against another edition
5.0
Stayed up until 1 am on a backpacking trip to finish. It was initially a bit hard to follow then really found its groove. Engrossing, enjoyable read.
insidealot's review against another edition
emotional
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
cami19's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
abauer's review against another edition
4.0
Winter Counts gave me a serious sense of foreboding from the start. With an eye-opening look at life on the reservation and an intense third act, this slow-burn thriller did not disappoint.
mos411's review against another edition
3.0
Winter Counts by David Heska Wanbli Weiden tells the story of Virgil Wounded Horse, a vigilante on the Rosebud Native American reservation in South Dakota. Virgil looks after his nephew, Nathan, after his sister passed away at a young age. When Nathan gets involved in the rise of heroin on the reservation, Virgil makes it his mission to uncover the truth of who is pushing drugs to his tribe and to stop it once and for all.
Winter Counts was an entertaining read. The suspense was well built throughout as Virgil investigates what’s happening on the reservation. I also really enjoyed reading about Virgil’s journey to acceptance of his heritage and his tribe’s beliefs.
This is a debut novel, and I think it shows at times where the dialogue could be a little cheesy and with a few awkward transitions. I’m excited to see how the author grows in his future books!
Winter Counts was an entertaining read. The suspense was well built throughout as Virgil investigates what’s happening on the reservation. I also really enjoyed reading about Virgil’s journey to acceptance of his heritage and his tribe’s beliefs.
This is a debut novel, and I think it shows at times where the dialogue could be a little cheesy and with a few awkward transitions. I’m excited to see how the author grows in his future books!
afro8921's review against another edition
4.0
Winter Counts is a face paced story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It's a mystery set in an Native American reservation. I really enjoyed learning about tribal relationships and about life on a reservation. It's a really engaging read.