What do you think?
Rate this book
Navajo Nation Mystery #10
Falling Girl: A Navajo Nation Mystery
An icy chill foretells a harsh winter for the Navajo people—and for perpetually down on his luck Harley Ponyboy the situation grows increasingly desperate. What evil is this that dogs his every step? When a lucky lottery ticket comes his way, Harley uses the new resources to search for a lost love—only to find she has fallen to appalling depths. His stubborn resolve to help puts him on a collision course with her abusive companion…and with his own mortality. Fast paced and unflinching, Chappell’s knowledge and respect for the Navajo people shines through as readers welcome back old friends, along with a surprise addition to the Navajo Nation family. Characters as unforgettable as a New Mexico sunset lead readers on yet another journey through the color, mystery and ethereal aura of that land which is the Diné Bikeyah.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 2, 2020
739 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
R. Allen Chappell
20 books157 followersR. Allen Chappell, the author of eight novels and a collection of short stories, grew up with the Navajo, went to school with them and later worked alongside them, forging enduring friendships along the way. "Those friendships," the author says, "became the inspiration for this series."
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
May 25, 2025
After listening audiobooks and reading books only in Spanish for a month and a half before a short trip to Madrid, I was looking forward to a break where I could just listen to a book without straining my brain to process the language and the content. So the next book in Navajo Nation detective series seemed a perfect choice. And it didn't disappoint.
Of course, by the tenth installment, the characters seem like old friends. This time its perpetually down on his luck Harley Ponyboy who is propelled onto the center plot-stage by his rags to riches lottery win, and his old friends Charlie Yazzi and Thomas Begay will do their best to save him from the mortal trap he promptly stumbles into.
Navajo taco shack. (Image credit: tinyfroglet, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons)
Of course, by the tenth installment, the characters seem like old friends. This time its perpetually down on his luck Harley Ponyboy who is propelled onto the center plot-stage by his rags to riches lottery win, and his old friends Charlie Yazzi and Thomas Begay will do their best to save him from the mortal trap he promptly stumbles into.
Navajo taco shack. (Image credit: tinyfroglet, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons)
July 14, 2020
Very entertaining and enjoyable series.
This one is fast paced and features Harley Ponyboy who has unexpected good luck by winning a lottery ticket and his involvement with a woman from his past.
This one is fast paced and features Harley Ponyboy who has unexpected good luck by winning a lottery ticket and his involvement with a woman from his past.
April 11, 2020
Harley Ponyboy comes into some money, goes looking for the woman he met in Book #7 - The Bible Seller, and finds more than he anticipated. Now his priorities have changed and Harley, Thomas and Charlie look to protect Harley's future from a very bad man traveling with Harley's questionable love interest. I really liked this series, I became involved with the lives of the main characters and was so sad to finish this last book. Very entertaining and enlightening.
March 24, 2020
Since first reading Navajo Autumn last year, I've read every book in this series. I have not reviewed all of them, but I have loved each one and was so excited that R. Allen Chappell had a new entry in the series!
In Falling Girl, Harley Ponyboy takes the lead and adjusts to changes in his circumstances in a purely Harley Ponyboy way! Harley adapts to his new situation(s) in ways humorous and expected, but also in ways that show growing maturity as he depends less on his friends to counteract the threat. His initiative is different from that of Charlie Yazzie or Thomas Begay, but effective.
I adore this series and the characters. If you have the opportunity, get the first book in this series of the Four Corners region of the Southwest and immerse yourself in the culture, characters, and plots because Chappell just keeps getting better!
Kindle Unlimited.
In Falling Girl, Harley Ponyboy takes the lead and adjusts to changes in his circumstances in a purely Harley Ponyboy way! Harley adapts to his new situation(s) in ways humorous and expected, but also in ways that show growing maturity as he depends less on his friends to counteract the threat. His initiative is different from that of Charlie Yazzie or Thomas Begay, but effective.
I adore this series and the characters. If you have the opportunity, get the first book in this series of the Four Corners region of the Southwest and immerse yourself in the culture, characters, and plots because Chappell just keeps getting better!
Kindle Unlimited.
February 15, 2020
“Falling Girl,” tenth book in R. Allen Chappell’s Navajo Nation Mystery Series, is one of its best. This volume belongs to Harley Ponyboy, one of Chappell’s more peculiar and—as we come to realize here—most nuanced characters. It’s impossible not to root for him in this fast-moving, occasionally amusing, but ultimately suspenseful tale. Very hard to put down. Yes, there are omitted words and peculiar commas. But they don’t interfere with the success of “Falling Girl.”
February 9, 2020
Another great story from R. Allen Chappell. The woman from The Bible Seller is back and worse than ever. The guy she's travelling with is pure evil; so vicious he is a threat even to her. Harley Ponyboy is going to have to watch his back trail!
February 1, 2025
Kindle Unlimited
Falling Girl, book 10 of 14 in the Navajo Nations Mystery series, is all about Harley Ponyboy - and his young son! It is an excellent Tale, we see a lot of the Four Corners area, the Navajo, and both Navajo police and FBI are represented well. I've always enjoyed Harley, but in this one, you really get to see him at his best. And as always, the wiser heads of Charlie and Thomas try to keep things in motion and harmless. And, also as always, there are times when that doesn't look good at all.
Reviewed on February 1, 2025, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, BookBub, and Kobo.
Falling Girl, book 10 of 14 in the Navajo Nations Mystery series, is all about Harley Ponyboy - and his young son! It is an excellent Tale, we see a lot of the Four Corners area, the Navajo, and both Navajo police and FBI are represented well. I've always enjoyed Harley, but in this one, you really get to see him at his best. And as always, the wiser heads of Charlie and Thomas try to keep things in motion and harmless. And, also as always, there are times when that doesn't look good at all.
Reviewed on February 1, 2025, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, BookBub, and Kobo.
August 3, 2020
Another great Navajo Nation mystery!
I love the characters in these mysteries. They are unique yet believable. The plot keeps you guessing without being over complicated. Fans of Hillerman will appreciate the rich Navajo culture on every page.
I love the characters in these mysteries. They are unique yet believable. The plot keeps you guessing without being over complicated. Fans of Hillerman will appreciate the rich Navajo culture on every page.
July 21, 2020
Great cultural mystery!
I’ve been reading Tony Hillerman for so long and now I’ve discovered another author who can bring to life the Navajo culture set in a mystery.
I’ve been reading Tony Hillerman for so long and now I’ve discovered another author who can bring to life the Navajo culture set in a mystery.
March 7, 2020
This series, Navajo Nation Mystery, just keeps getting better. The characters grow through each new adventure. This books concentrates on Harley Ponyboy and a streak of good luck followed by schemer from the past. The books follows a growth in Harley and the fierceness of his protection of family. Couldn't put the book down and looking forward to the 11 book in the Navajo Nation Mystery series by R. Allen Chappell.
May 21, 2020
Amazing Story Telling
R.Allen Chappell has created a series of stories that interrelated, but can stand alone as individual books.he weaves a bit of Southwest magic into each book. The books are almost impossible to put down until completed.
Chappell has moved beyond the Thurlo’s Jim Chee novels. He is a true craftsman in story telling. These books can appeal to young readers to mature readers.
R.Allen Chappell has created a series of stories that interrelated, but can stand alone as individual books.he weaves a bit of Southwest magic into each book. The books are almost impossible to put down until completed.
Chappell has moved beyond the Thurlo’s Jim Chee novels. He is a true craftsman in story telling. These books can appeal to young readers to mature readers.
Read
June 7, 2020Starting late
As it happens Falling Girl was my first experience of RA Chappell's work. Tragic even gut- wrenching in the familiar grit of sexual violence toward women, sadly common across cultures. I found the mystery very original, the characters sympathetic and of course the "character" the land to be fascinating. I will probably be with these stories for some time to come.
As it happens Falling Girl was my first experience of RA Chappell's work. Tragic even gut- wrenching in the familiar grit of sexual violence toward women, sadly common across cultures. I found the mystery very original, the characters sympathetic and of course the "character" the land to be fascinating. I will probably be with these stories for some time to come.
February 8, 2020
Harley Ponyboy comes into his own
Harley Ponyboy takes front and center in an adventure that gives him new character and resources. He shows he is well capable a of taking on the new challenges of family and providing for them with just a bit of luck thrown in. However his newfound good fortune is seriously challenged from the past.
Harley Ponyboy takes front and center in an adventure that gives him new character and resources. He shows he is well capable a of taking on the new challenges of family and providing for them with just a bit of luck thrown in. However his newfound good fortune is seriously challenged from the past.
March 13, 2020
Your books are so awesome!
Having grown up out west I've always been interested in my native American neighbors. We have a small reservation outside town and all the kids attended the same school as us. Reading these books is like reading my town newspaper, only with more juicy news and gossip filled in making the reading that much more enjoyable!
Having grown up out west I've always been interested in my native American neighbors. We have a small reservation outside town and all the kids attended the same school as us. Reading these books is like reading my town newspaper, only with more juicy news and gossip filled in making the reading that much more enjoyable!
April 5, 2020
The Falling Girl
This book is a page turner! I could not put it down for wanting to know what occurs next. Well written, Full of action, and it will keep your interest to the very last page. I highly recommend you read it.
This book is a page turner! I could not put it down for wanting to know what occurs next. Well written, Full of action, and it will keep your interest to the very last page. I highly recommend you read it.
May 19, 2020
Another home run
Those Chappelle's characters I very well grounded they can come out with some things totally unexpected out of character for them which makes for an interesting read this was another good one but I take it it's the last one or is there a number 11 more please
Those Chappelle's characters I very well grounded they can come out with some things totally unexpected out of character for them which makes for an interesting read this was another good one but I take it it's the last one or is there a number 11 more please
February 9, 2020
Well worth five dollars
I have read this series severs times. I like the cast that much and enjoy being with Them. Wish for a proofreader/spellchecker, thoigh.
I have read this series severs times. I like the cast that much and enjoy being with Them. Wish for a proofreader/spellchecker, thoigh.
March 1, 2020
A very enjoyable addition to the series — this time featuring Harley Ponyboy.
March 3, 2020
Fantastic characters!
I couldn’t put this book down. I’ve read every book in the series and adore the wonderful characters and the culture.
I couldn’t put this book down. I’ve read every book in the series and adore the wonderful characters and the culture.
March 30, 2020
I had hoped this book (and author) would help fill the gap that Tony Hillerman's passing brought to we readers who are drawn to. It started well. But I felt it bogged down in several ways.
You have to LIKE the characters enough to route for them. I liked the main character from the beginning but he never engaged me to the point I wanted to know more.
I did not care for his "sidekick" at the beginning and never found a reason to change that feeling.
The only engaging character was the little boy.
Sadly, this book began to bore me because it didn't seem to change much. I tried to figure out why and I think (for me at least) I couldn't buy into the lead characters occupation. I just could not connect the dots between his job and the plot of the book.
But bear in mind, I started reading this at the beginning of the coronovirus in my state. I began when it was zero but we all knew it was coming. I finally sped-read it until the last chapter. By that time the count was still zero in my county but in the 50s for the state. As I write this review the state now has over 500 confirmed cases. Maybe I was affected by this world-wide event.
The writing had no gaffaws -- if it had, I think I would have quit. It was an "okay" book in general. Hopefully, you will feel differently.
You have to LIKE the characters enough to route for them. I liked the main character from the beginning but he never engaged me to the point I wanted to know more.
I did not care for his "sidekick" at the beginning and never found a reason to change that feeling.
The only engaging character was the little boy.
Sadly, this book began to bore me because it didn't seem to change much. I tried to figure out why and I think (for me at least) I couldn't buy into the lead characters occupation. I just could not connect the dots between his job and the plot of the book.
But bear in mind, I started reading this at the beginning of the coronovirus in my state. I began when it was zero but we all knew it was coming. I finally sped-read it until the last chapter. By that time the count was still zero in my county but in the 50s for the state. As I write this review the state now has over 500 confirmed cases. Maybe I was affected by this world-wide event.
The writing had no gaffaws -- if it had, I think I would have quit. It was an "okay" book in general. Hopefully, you will feel differently.
August 18, 2025
I really enjoy all of these books, and have nearly finished all that are published at this time. I do want to note that reading these books can be quite challenging at time. It took me 3-4 books to get use to commas missing where they really are needed, commas where they aren't needed at all - and actually cause you to reread to figure out what the author is writing, numerous incomplete sentences (really make you pause as you have to figure out if the incomplete sentence goes with what came before or what comes next), and other grammatical mistakes. Hey, I'm a fan, so spare me the rebukes. I am also an author (very different field), and I have always been so grateful for a good editor before my work goes to print. While I appreciate the author's intent to keep the cost of the books down, I think there would be an even larger audience if the books weren't so hard to follow so often. A good copy editor is worth it. Yellow Dirt is the one I just finished, and it was full of all of these. One tip I got and use, read aloud what you have written to see if it "sounds" right, flows as intended.
May 22, 2021
An outstanding book!!
Harley has a son! When Eileen left him 2 years ago she was pregnant and had a beautiful healthy son. When Harley tracks her to her cousin's camp he finds Harley Jr, and a letter from Eileen granting him custody of the boy. Surprise Harley Sr. won a considerable amount of money in the state lottery and now is now able to properly care for the child and quickly falls deeply in luv with Little Harley. But Eileen has found another bad boy to hang with and he soon hatches a plan to separate Harley from most of his money. Will Harley fall victim to their nefarious plan? A truly outstanding book. Highly recommended.
Harley has a son! When Eileen left him 2 years ago she was pregnant and had a beautiful healthy son. When Harley tracks her to her cousin's camp he finds Harley Jr, and a letter from Eileen granting him custody of the boy. Surprise Harley Sr. won a considerable amount of money in the state lottery and now is now able to properly care for the child and quickly falls deeply in luv with Little Harley. But Eileen has found another bad boy to hang with and he soon hatches a plan to separate Harley from most of his money. Will Harley fall victim to their nefarious plan? A truly outstanding book. Highly recommended.
September 16, 2025
Fallen
Each book focuses on one of the main core characters. The method really brings the reader into the family of the characters and the Navajo way. I especially like the way the author adds to the background stories written in previous books. Although each book in the series is a standalone adventure, knowing the backgrounds of previous happenings certainly aids to the current adventure.
Each book of the series adds to your entertainment. I hope you enjoy these tales as much as I. The author keeps the culture of the Navajo as true as possible.
Each book focuses on one of the main core characters. The method really brings the reader into the family of the characters and the Navajo way. I especially like the way the author adds to the background stories written in previous books. Although each book in the series is a standalone adventure, knowing the backgrounds of previous happenings certainly aids to the current adventure.
Each book of the series adds to your entertainment. I hope you enjoy these tales as much as I. The author keeps the culture of the Navajo as true as possible.
August 14, 2021
Captured my interest from beginning to end.
I felt I got to know the characters. I en joyed the friendship and caring for each other. The story was captivating and pulled me in. It moved toward the end rapidly and had a good ending for the baby and his father. This bok too me out of myself and my surroundings. The Dine culture made it all the more enjoyable. Thank you, author!
I felt I got to know the characters. I en joyed the friendship and caring for each other. The story was captivating and pulled me in. It moved toward the end rapidly and had a good ending for the baby and his father. This bok too me out of myself and my surroundings. The Dine culture made it all the more enjoyable. Thank you, author!
October 6, 2021
The first thing that Harley Ponyboy does when he wins the lottery is to buy himself a red pickup truck. When he subsequently disappears, his friends Charlie Yazzie and Thomas Begay are sure that he has driven off in search of Eileen May. In spite of their disapproval, Harley still has a shred of infatuation for the woman. Awful cover but very readable, but not for readers who are driven mad by a lack of copy editing.
April 27, 2024
My favorite R.A. Chappell Navajo Mystery to date.Harley Poneyboy is the central character in this story, and has another encounter with the girl we had hoped he was rid of in book #7 THE BIBLE SELLER, Eileen May.
A surprise twist in the story leads to a wonderful personal growth in Harley, and a generosity and strength of character we didn't realize he possessed. It's a testament to the importance of family in the Navajo community.
A surprise twist in the story leads to a wonderful personal growth in Harley, and a generosity and strength of character we didn't realize he possessed. It's a testament to the importance of family in the Navajo community.
April 1, 2021
Enjoyed
Really enjoyed reading Falling Girl: A Navajo Nation Mystery. I like the relationship that has developed between the three men and their families. The book was a pleasure to read and each time I read one of R. Allen Chappell books I learn more about the Navajo Nation and what goes on in their lives. I would recommend this book to anyone who like a good mystery.
Really enjoyed reading Falling Girl: A Navajo Nation Mystery. I like the relationship that has developed between the three men and their families. The book was a pleasure to read and each time I read one of R. Allen Chappell books I learn more about the Navajo Nation and what goes on in their lives. I would recommend this book to anyone who like a good mystery.
September 26, 2021
Wonderful: A Series of Miracles for Harley Ponyboy
With an exception or 2 I love this series, and Harley Ponyboy is a wonderfully realized character. After a lifetime of bad luck things turn around for him in miraculous ways and he finally puts to rest an old , unresolved relationship. The beauty of the Four Corners area is well depicted.
With an exception or 2 I love this series, and Harley Ponyboy is a wonderfully realized character. After a lifetime of bad luck things turn around for him in miraculous ways and he finally puts to rest an old , unresolved relationship. The beauty of the Four Corners area is well depicted.
Read
June 22, 2022Review of this book.
I am sad to see that this is the last book in the series. I hope that the author intends to write more books in this series. If so, I will be happy to read them. This book had a great deal more drama and suspense to it than some of the other books. Excellent writing by the author. I hope he continues to write more books in this series.
I am sad to see that this is the last book in the series. I hope that the author intends to write more books in this series. If so, I will be happy to read them. This book had a great deal more drama and suspense to it than some of the other books. Excellent writing by the author. I hope he continues to write more books in this series.
August 9, 2023
R. Allen Chappell, the author has written another enthralling mystery set in the Navajo Nation New Mexico. Mr. Chappell's novels portray this land and the current Navajo lives to a point one almost can feel the dry winds and sand as the Navajo law enforcement and the FBI attempt to control crime on the rez.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews