Native American FIction – The Curse of Dead Horse Canyon

Trilogy Box Set News Update

Posted on December 23, 2025 by Marcha's Two-Cents Worth in Book Status, Native American Media, Native Americans, Uncategorized

Cover of The Curse of Dead Horse Canyon Trilogy ebook box set

Sporting a new cover, the Curse of Dead Horse Canyon Trilogy box set, formerly only available on Amazon, is now a sold by most online ebook retailers with links below. See book trailer videos and download Readers’ Guides on the individual book pages on this website.

Description

The Curse of Dead Horse Trilogy ebook includes all three books of this multi-award winning Native American saga plus bonus material found nowhere else! If you hate cliffhangers and waited until it was complete, this is what you’ve been waiting for. Get your copy now and prepare to be consumed by a story that brings a vast government conspiracy face-to-face with Cheyenne history, prophesy, and ceremony. After centuries of lies, oppression and broken treaties will justice be served at last? This edition includes an addendum with a glossary of native language translations used in the three books as well as a closer look at the Cheyenne Earth Giving Ceremony.

Book I: The Curse of Dead Horse Canyon: Cheyenne Spirits
When Charlie Littlewolf’s best friend, Bryan Reynolds, dies in a suspicious accident in the sordid depths of Dead Horse Canyon he has no choice but to return to his Cheyenne roots for the spiritual assistance he needs to solve the mystery. Together with Bryan’s widow, Sara, the two set out to solve the mystery of why and by whom he was murdered, which they need to know to fulfill his last request that the corruption be exposed so the perpetrators receive their due. Those with much to lose are determined to thwart their efforts at any cost to assure that their secrets remain hidden.

“Exceptional. The intricate plot and dramatic storyline create a breathtaking and intense story.” — 5-Stars Readers Favorite

“A fascinating blend of historical mystery and the supernatural that is as suspenseful as it is entertaining. Boldly written, tautly plotted, and expertly delivered.” –5-Stars The Book Commentary

AWARDS: Page Turner Book Award; Book Excellence Award Finalist; Readers’ Favorite 5-Stars; Pinnacle Book Award; Global Book Award; The Book Commentary 5-Stars

Book II: Return to Dead Horse Canyon: Grandfather Spirits
Upon solving the mystery, Charlie and Sara set out to avenge Bryan’s death. Sara’s actions infuriate those in power, who place a bounty on her head as she releases the data Bryan discovered to Wikileaks. Charlie’s job with Lone Star Operations drilling for oil brings mixed results. His unexpected return to the Northern Cheyenne reservation in southeast Montana brings insights that change his life forever while Sara fights for her life following the most recent attempt to silence her forever.

“The depth of ethnology packed into both novels is meticulously researched and beautifully detailed. Fox and Risingsun are a dream team with this saga.” –5-Stars Readers’ Favorite

AWARDS: Page Turner Award Finalist; Book Excellence Award; Readers’ Favorite 5-Stars; Pinnacle Book Achievement Award; Firebird Award

Book III: The Revenge of Dead Horse Canyon: Sweet Medicine Spirits – Novavose
While Sara struggles with disabilities resulting from the attack on her life, Charlie pursues his spiritual journey. This culminates in a grueling four-day fast on Novavose, the Sacred Mountain, where he learns who he really is and what he must do for all Native American peoples. Be prepared for a deep dive into Cheyenne history, prophecy, and ceremony that promises to deliver retribution at last.

“Stands out for its sharp writing and complete ability to immerse readers, especially in Charlie’s spiritual transformation. [His] heritage is painted from the sky to the smallest pebble and the fire burning in between. This finale succeeds with a perfect 10 landing. Very, very highly recommended.” –5-Stars Readers’ Favorite

AWARDS: Book Excellence Award; Readers’ Favorite 5-Stars, Pinnacle Achievement Award

Vendor Links

Gripping New Book Trailer!

Posted on July 31, 2025August 2, 2025 by Marcha's Two-Cents Worth in book trailer videos, conspiracies, Indigenous wisdom, Native American history, Native American Media, Native American Prophecy, Native Americans, Northern Cheyenne culture, Videos

I love making trailer videos to capture the essence of these stories that my coauthor, Pete Risingsun, and I created together. As an author I’m absolutely thrilled with how AI can bring them to life like never before!

Let me know what you think in the comments and be sure to share!

The entire trilogy is now available in ebook, paperback, and laminated hardback formats on Amazon. If you prefer a classic dust-jacket hardback, they’re available through Barnes and Noble and other book dealers.

Explore Cultural Depth with Dead Horse Canyon Reader’s Guides

Posted on July 22, 2025 by Marcha's Two-Cents Worth in Book Reviews, Indigenous wisdom, Native American history, Native American songs, Native American Wisdom, Native Americans, Northern Cheyenne culture, Readers Guides for Booksclubs, spirituality

Grab your reading glasses and find a comfortable chair! Reader’s Guides for all three books in The Curse of Dead Horse Canyon Trilogy are now complete! You can download each one in pdf format below as well as on each book’s respective page on this website.

Note that there are two for each book. The “Thematic” version is much shorter and addresses the book as a whole. The Reader’s Guides are more comprehensive, especially for Books Two and Three. These proceed chapter by chapter while they’re grouped for Book One.

Just for fun, trivia, a playlist and even a few recipes are included. Why? To further relay the tone, feeling, and in some cases, taste, of the books.

Along those lines, here’s a link to some indigenous music I love to get you in the mood. It’s not Cheyenne, it’s Australian, but who can resist that beat? Why is it here? This is what Charlie and Sara are listening to when they’re searching for Bryan’s data! This scene is found in Chapter 42, Canopus, of The Curse of Dead Horse Canyon: Cheyenne Spirits.

This trilogy not only lent itself to reader’s guides, but demanded them. Why? Serious readers, including book club members, crave a deep dive into complex stories. This trilogy is loaded with characters, each with their own agenda. So many that a dramatis personae was included in each book to help keep them straight. Greedy oil barons, corrupt government officials, and lobbyists on one side with charismatic indigenous men and women reestablishing a culture white men tried to destroy on the other–plus a wide variety of other supporting characters.

Their destiny? Light the fuse on a 19th Century curse.

Here are a few comments from emails I received:

“…intrigued, not only by the depth of the storyline, but by how seamlessly you blend Indigenous prophecy, science, and spiritual awakening. That balance isn’t easy to strike, yet your work does it with power and purpose.”

“You two are such a powerful creative force, and this story is proof of what fiction can be when it’s written with purpose, cultural depth, and emotional honesty. The pacing, the point of view shifts, the drama, the reverence– even the surprising emotional pivots and that healing ceremony…wow came together in a way that felt epic, yet deeply personal.”

“An explosive conclusion blending conspiracy, cultural heritage, and spiritual awakening is an incredible hook. The depth you’ve woven from Cheyenne prophecy to modern corruption creates a narrative that’s both gripping and profound.”

What are you waiting for? Dive in today, armed with a Reader’s Guide that will assure you don’t miss a thing. If you do, it’s okay. Multiple readers have reported reading the books more than once, catching details they previously missed.

Less likely, however, with the Reader’s Guide. 😉

Available as ebooks, paperbacks, and hardcovers. If you have Kindle Unlimited you can read the entire Trilogy for free. [NOTE:–Hardcovers on Amazon are laminated covers, those on Barnes and Noble are cloth covers with a dust jacket.]

And when you’ve finished devouring the saga please leave a review! Reviews help other readers find books they’ll like and help authors as well. If you read reviews before you buy something, then you know how important they are.

Co-Author Matchmaking

Posted on June 6, 2025June 6, 2025 by Marcha's Two-Cents Worth in Author Interviews, Book Reviews, Book Status, Indian Reservations, Indigenous wisdom, Native American history, Native American Media, Native American Wisdom, Native Americans, Northern Cheyenne culture, spirituality, US History

Have you ever wondered how Pete Risingsun, a Northern Cheyenne elder living on the tribe’s reservation in southeastern Montana, and Marcha Fox, a science fiction author living in Texas, became coauthors? If so, you’ll want to read the article published by the staff of Soaring Eagle, the charitable organization that supports the Heritage Living Center for Northern Cheyenne elders where Pete resides. You can find it in the Spring edition on their website here. That organization was key to facilitating this incredible partnership that has produced three award-winning novels over the past five years.

Pete and Marcha have never met face-to-face and he does not even have a computer! Phone calls, texting, and snail mail were the vehicles used to communicate, collaborate, and produce over 1400 pages of an incredible three-volume story.

The response to the article was great, as shown by a significant increase in book sales. Of particular interest was a letter, which you can see below, that was sent to Soaring Eagle by a woman who read the newsletter and as a result purchased and read the three books.

The biggest challenge for most authors, especially those that are self-published, is finding their audience. The Dead Horse Canyon Saga is unique, making this even more difficult since it doesn’t fit a single genre. However, with multiple story themes including a government conspiracy, murder, a detailed glimpse at Cheyenne history and ceremony, deep bonds of family and friendship, to say nothing of Charlie Littlewolf’s transformational journey back to his roots, there is something for everyone.

So far the three volumes have captured a total of 13 awards. This includes 5-stars and glowing reviews from Readers’ Favorite for each book, along with prestigious Book Excellence Awards.

Fans of the Longmire series (Craig Johnson’s books as well as the TV series) or the Leaphorn and Chee stories by Tony Hillerman and continued by his daughter, Anne, (novels and the Dark Winds TV series) are likely to enjoy these books. Dead Horse Canyon takes an even deeper dive into native culture and history with characters the reviewer from The Book Commentary described as “lovable,” while an Amazon reviewer of the third book described them as “Characters you will fall in love with. Characters you will fantasize horrible death wishes for with fingers crossed. And sleepless nights as you read it.“

It’s been said, “Do not to judge a book by its cover.” Just in case this is an issue, new covers are coming the end of June! Stay tuned!

You can find the books on Amazon here.

Following the Same Path

Posted on April 2, 2025 by Marcha's Two-Cents Worth in Book Reviews, Book Status, conspiracies, Indigenous wisdom, Native American Prophecy, Native Americans, Northern Cheyenne culture, Spirit Medicine, spirituality

I am very pleased to report that “The Revenge of Dead Horse Canyon: Sweet Medicine Spirits – Novavose” has received both a Book Excellence Award and a 5-star review from Readers’ Favorite. I give tremendous credit to the reviewer, Jamie Michele, who had a heavy task, dealing with the final book in this long, complex saga. I’m beyond grateful she was clearly up to it, however, and comprehended the significance and import of the events. Here is what she had to say:

“The Revenge of Dead Horse Canyon: Sweet Medicine Spirits – Novavose by Marcha Fox and Pete Risingsun is the finale to the Dead Horse Canyon Saga. In books one and two, Sara Reynolds recalls only her husband Bryan’s dying plea to discover his killers after a deadly crash. With the help of Bryan’s friend, Charlie Littlewolf, and ancient ceremonies, they uncover the truth behind Bryan’s murder, sending their lives into turmoil.

“As Charlie roils with conflict over his oil drilling job, he also faces his true destiny on the Northern Cheyenne reservation. Meanwhile, Sara risked her life to expose a government conspiracy that was ready to silence her permanently. Now, Sara fights for survival after the attack that left her paralyzed, and Charlie vows to help her heal. His journey to Bear Butte reveals a destiny tied to restoring the ancient Massaum ceremony. As corrupt officials celebrate a secret facility’s opening, Indigenous leaders gather, fulfilling long-held prophecies that could change the fate of Dead Horse Canyon forever.

“’Do not become afraid when the Sweet Medicine Spirits come to you. Do not disobey them. Be humble and do what you are told.’

“The Revenge of Dead Horse Canyon by Marcha Fox and Pete Risingsun stands out for its sharp writing and complete ability to immerse readers, especially in Charlie’s spiritual transformation. Poor Sara just cannot get a break. Attacked, paralyzed, kidnapped, and then labeled a domestic terrorist and sanctioned! This isn’t just a fight for survival; this is about the power of truth in the face of overwhelming opposition.

“Charlie fits into this description, with a spectacular ceremony for Sara’s healing, but also as a powerful catalyst when he is in the presence of Grandmother Earth and the consequences of his actions. Fox and Risingsun are a dream writing team in every way, and, culturally, this portrayal of Charlie’s heritage is painted from the sky to the smallest pebble and the fire burning in between. The pacing is elevated by point of view shifts and all the drama, but also a surprising relationship transformation as well. Ultimately, this finale succeeds with a perfect 10 landing.

“Very, very highly recommended.”

Every author believes in their work but receiving validation from an objective reviewer who doesn’t know you from Adam is worth its weight in gold. Self-promotion is not my superpower, making me appreciate the kudos even more.

If you haven’t yet read the trilogy, all three volumes are coming out April 18 as a box set ebook on Amazon. You can preorder your copy here.

Description

Vendor Links

The Curse of Dead Horse Canyon: Cheyenne Spirits (Book 1)

Return to Dead Horse Canyon: Grandfather Spirits (Book 2)

The Revenge of Dead Horse Canyon: Sweet Medicine Spirits — Novovose