The year is 1761 and the place is Guevavi Mission. Father Ygnacio Pfefferkorn just left his beloved Ati Mission to take over for the priest, Father Guevavi, who became too fond of Tequila. While traveling to his new mission Father Ygnacio contacted malaria and arrived at the Guevavi Mission deathly ill. He was healed by Jevho, a Pima Indian medicine man and slowly regained his strength to pick up where Father Guevavi had left off. With Father Guevavi not performing his priestly duties, several Apache raids, disease and a large amount of death Father Ygnacio had his work cut out for him. Many of the people had left the mission.
Patrick O’Meara showed up telling the tale of how he and brother did not get a long so his brother recently left to go out on his own, that is until a young Pima boy ran and told Patrick they found his brother murdered. This was not a normal murder, Michael O’Meara’s body was crucified. The evidence seems to point to the Indians. Father Ygnacio Pfefferkorn places everything on the line to prove their innocence. Unfortunately by doing so, he is putting his own life in jeopardy.
One of my favorite things about reviewing books, is picking up a book I normally would not read and absolutely loving it! I admit this book appealed to this Tucson born girl, but even if you have never been out west this is a good story to read. I enjoyed reading about Father Ygnacio Pfefferkorn (a real historical figure) and learning more about the relationship between the Indians and the white man (in this case the role the Catholics had) back in the 1700′s. If you enjoy history and love a good mystery I think you will enjoy Florence B. Weinberg’s story Sonora Moonlight.
About:
Born in the high desert country, in Alamagordo, New Mexico, Florence loved exploring the wilderness on foot and horseback. She taught for twenty-two years at St. John Fisher College in Rochester, NY, and for ten at Trinity University in San Antonio. She published four scholarly books, many articles and book reviews, doing research in the U.S. and abroad. After retiring in 1999, Florence Weinberg devoted herself to writing fiction, she produced eight novels, ranging from fantasy to historical romance and mystery. She enjoys music, traveling, hiking, biking, gardening, and swimming. To find out more about Florence B. Weinberg please visit her website.
