Step into the captivating world of the Sam Chitto Mystery series, where Choctaw culture, gripping crime-solving, and the rugged beauty of Oklahoma collide! Authored by Lutricia 'Lu' Clifton, this unique series follows Lieutenant Sam Chitto, a Choctaw Tribal Police officer, as he unravels complex cases while navigating his heritage and personal struggles. Perfect for fans of Tony Hillerman, these novels weave mystery with cultural depth, offering a fresh perspective on the detective genre.
From the sacred ceremonial grounds of Scalp Dance to the chilling cold case in The Bone Picker, Sam Chitto’s journey is as much about justice as it is about identity. With a blend of modern forensics and ancient traditions, this series invites readers to explore a lesser-known corner of American storytelling.
How Sam Chitto Mystery Began
Lutricia Clifton, a native of southeastern Oklahoma with Choctaw roots, drew inspiration from her heritage to create the Sam Chitto Mystery series. Her fascination with Choctaw myths and history, sparked while tracing her mother’s lineage, shaped the series’ authentic cultural backdrop. Launched in 2016 with Scalp Dance, the series introduced Sam Chitto, a principled investigator whose geological expertise and tribal ties make him a standout sleuth. Clifton’s goal was to craft mysteries that honor Native American traditions while delivering page-turning suspense.
A member of the Oklahoma Writers Federation and Mystery Writers of America, Clifton’s storytelling reflects her deep connection to Oklahoma’s landscape and people. Her academic background in English from Colorado State University adds polish to her vivid prose, making the series both accessible and richly detailed.
The Heart of Sam Chitto Mystery
The series kicks off with Scalp Dance, where Sam investigates a brutal murder at a sacred Choctaw site. The case tests his ethics, as jurisdictional limits and personal losses—his father’s unsolved murder and his wife’s death—push him to the brink. The Bone Picker follows, plunging Sam into a 35-year-old cold case involving a missing Vietnam veteran and a skull found in a woman’s casket. This novel introduces the Choctaw tradition of Bonepickers, who honor the deceased by preserving their bones, adding cultural depth to the mystery.
The Horned Owl, the third installment, sees Sam tackling a gruesome murder linked to Choctaw deity Ishkitini, blending ancient myths with forensic science. Five-Dollar Indian, the fourth book, explores a suspicious Native theme park and a young boy’s death, exposing a ‘five-dollar Indian’—a fraud posing as Native for profit. Themes of justice, identity, and systemic challenges, like the inability to arrest non-Native assailants, run throughout, set against Oklahoma’s vivid landscapes, from the Ouachita Wilderness to small-town diners.
Clifton’s style is immersive, with well-developed characters like Sergeant Frank Tubbe and Jasmine Birdsong adding humor and heart. The series balances gritty crime with cultural education, shedding light on Choctaw beliefs and the complexities of tribal law enforcement.
Why Sam Chitto Mystery Resonates
The Sam Chitto Mystery series stands out for its authentic portrayal of Native American life, earning comparisons to Tony Hillerman’s Navajo mysteries. Its blend of cultural reverence and modern detective work appeals to readers seeking diverse voices in crime fiction. Finalist nominations for the Oklahoma Book Award (Scalp Dance in 2017, The Bone Picker in 2018, The Horned Owl in 2019) highlight its regional impact, while fans praise its vivid settings and relatable characters.
By tackling issues like prejudice and jurisdictional struggles, the series offers a poignant look at Native American challenges, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking. Its niche status only adds to its allure, inviting readers to discover a hidden gem in the mystery genre.
- First Book: Scalp Dance (2016)
- Total Books: Four
- Awards: Finalist for Oklahoma Book Awards (2017–2019)
- Setting: Choctaw Nation, Oklahoma
Grab Scalp Dance and dive into the Sam Chitto Mystery series’ thrilling blend of culture and crime-solving today!