Wild Inferno

Boy am I getting absent minded--Yikes! I read this a few weeks ago and was absolutely SURE I had written a post, but apparently not. This is the 2nd in the "Jamaica Wild" series by Sandi Ault (the first being Wild Indigo) and I like them so well that I have now finished all 4 books (see also posts for Wild Sorrow and Wild Penance). Representing the BLM, Jamaica is working as liaison to the tribes who have come to Chimney rock, an ancient Native American ruin, to celebrate the astronomical event know as the "Standing Moon"--which occurs only every 18 years. Unfortunately there is a wildfire rapidly approaching the site. Challenging terrain and limited resources are hampering fire control efforts,  making it appear that the Indians may have to be evacuated over their vehement protests. Among the participants are Mama Anna, Jamaica's medicine teacher from the Tanoah Pueblo, who was looking after and has brought along Jamaica's adopted wolf, Mountain.  When Jamaica goes into the fire area to look for a missing man, she finds instead one of the "Hot Shot" firefighters who whispers with his dying breath, "Save the grandmother." The missing man is later found in the burned over area, dead not from the fire but from a blow to the head. Did the firefighter, whose compatriots were also caught in the burnover, kill him? At first, someone breaking into her tent and backpack seems like random but unusual vandalism. When the brake lines on her jeep are cut, however, it is clear that someone is out to stop her investigating further. Another action packed book, rich with detail about southwest Native Americans and the beautiful country of New Mexico and Colorado. Highly recommended.