Picture a Colorado storyteller who weaves Native American history with pulse-pounding mysteries—meet Margaret Coel! A New York Times bestselling author, Coel is celebrated for her Wind River Mysteries series, set on Wyoming’s Arapaho Wind River Reservation. Her tales of crime and culture, starring Arapaho lawyer Vicky Holden and Jesuit priest Father John O’Malley, have captivated readers worldwide, blending gritty suspense with heartfelt humanity.
Born and raised in Denver, Coel’s Colorado roots run deep, shaping her vivid portrayals of the American West. With a knack for storytelling that rivals Tony Hillerman, she’s not just a mystery writer—she’s a historian who brings the past to life, making her novels a thrilling portal into Arapaho culture and the rugged landscapes of Wyoming.
The Making of Margaret Coel
Margaret Coel was born on October 11, 1937, into a family of pioneer railroaders in Denver, Colorado. A fourth-generation Coloradan, her father’s tales of steam engines sparked her love for history. After graduating from Marquette University with a journalism degree in 1960, Coel honed her craft at the Boulder Daily Camera, writing features that captured the pulse of her home state. Her early career as a journalist laid the groundwork for her meticulous research and vivid storytelling, skills that would later define her novels.
Coel’s fascination with the Arapaho people began in the 1970s while researching her nonfiction book, Chief Left Hand. Visits to the Wind River Reservation, where she connected with elders and attended ceremonies, deepened her respect for Arapaho culture. This passion inspired her to pivot from nonfiction to fiction, launching her mystery-writing career with The Eagle Catcher in 1995.
Margaret Coel’s Unforgettable Stories
Coel’s Wind River Mysteries series, spanning 20 novels from 1995 to 2016, is her crowning achievement. Set against the stark beauty of Wyoming’s Wind River Reservation, the series follows Vicky Holden, a determined Arapaho attorney, and Father John O’Malley, a compassionate Jesuit priest, as they unravel crimes rooted in real injustices. Their complex friendship, laced with unspoken romantic tension, adds emotional depth to Coel’s tightly crafted plots.
Standout titles include The Eagle Catcher, where a tribal chairman’s murder unearths historical secrets, and The Ghost Walker, which explores ghostly legends and missing persons. The Spirit Woman, a Willa Cather Award winner, delves into Arapaho mythology, while Winter’s Child, the series finale, wraps up with a poignant adoption mystery. Coel’s style—crisp, character-driven, and steeped in cultural authenticity—earns comparisons to Tony Hillerman, with her novels selling over a million copies worldwide.
Beyond mysteries, Coel penned nonfiction gems like Goin’ Railroading, a vivid account of her father’s railroad days, and Chief Left Hand, a biography of an Arapaho leader. Her ability to blend historical accuracy with gripping narratives makes her work a masterclass in storytelling.
Why Margaret Coel Matters
Margaret Coel’s impact transcends the mystery genre. Her novels shine a spotlight on Arapaho culture, challenging stereotypes and celebrating the tribe’s resilience and diplomacy. By weaving contemporary issues like land rights and cultural heritage into her stories, Coel educates readers while keeping them on the edge of their seats. Her work has earned six Colorado Book Awards, a WILLA Literary Award, and praise from the Arapaho community, who honored her with a special celebration.
Coel’s legacy lies in her ability to humanize complex characters and histories, inviting readers to see the world through Arapaho eyes. Though she retired the Wind River series in 2016, her stories continue to inspire, proving that great mysteries can also be profound cultural journeys.
- Born: October 11, 1937, in Denver, Colorado
- Key Works: The Eagle Catcher, The Ghost Walker, The Spirit Woman, Winter’s Child
- Awards: Six Colorado Book Awards, WILLA Literary Award, Frank Waters Award
- Hometown: Boulder, Colorado
Ready for a thrilling ride through the Wind River Reservation? Snag The Eagle Catcher and dive into Margaret Coel’s captivating world of mystery and culture!