I try as much as possible to buy books from the local book shop (Bahrisons in Gurgaon - it has a great collection) rather than Amazon. Like everyone else the main motivation is browsing through the books trying to discover new books / authors. Once in a while the reading gods smile upon me - this is one of those instances. As I browsed their extensive collection I picked this book up on just the blurb not ever having heard of the book or the Author.
The book is a whodunit set in an alternative history where not all native American tribes were vanquished by the Europeans. Cahokia Indians joined the union of American states on negotiated terms and retain significant powers and self respect within their state. It is 1922 , prohibition rages in the United States and there is a great amount of tension between the Tamaha (natives) and the Takata (white) populations in Cahokia . In this fraught setting there is a murder of takata - not just a murder but what looks like an aztec style sacrifice pointing to Tamaha involvement.
The responsibility to solve this crime rests with a pair of detectives who are friends from the world war. A flashy smooth talking Takata and his reticent Tamaha born orphan partner. Dramatis personae includes the traditional Tamaha ruler or the "Sun" and his nephew - the "Moon".
The story is very well written , with great language and strong plot. It reminds me of Yiddish Policeman's Union , another alternate historical by one of my favourite authors. The writing is good enough for me to try and seek out other works by Spufford.
