Jean Hager Books In Order

Publication Order of Iris House B&B Books

Publication Order of Mitch Bushyhead Books

Publication Order of Molly Bearpaw Books

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas

Publication Order of Anthologies

Jean Hager
Jean Hager is a best-selling romance and cozy mystery author. Hager is credited for two mystery series, both featuring characters who have a deep interest in the Cherokee Nation. The author is exceptionally talented, and her writing styles makes her stand out. Hager has also written numerous books in her other pseudonyms that include Sara North, Leah Crane, Jeanne Stephens, and Marlaine Kyle. Her work has earned her many awards and a lot of respect among her peers. Hager currently resides in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The Grandfather Medicine
The Grandfather Medicine is the first book in the Mitch Bushyhead series. This story introduces Mitchell Bushyhead, a police chief who is half Cherokee, half white. Despite his dual origin, Mitch had never given his Cherokee origin much thought. Having grown in a non-Indian neighborhood in Buckskin, Oklahoma, no one had treated him any differently. However, this all changed when he becomes a policeman. He began to notice the difference in the cultures, communities, and ways of life. When a local Indian artist is murdered, Mitch discovers that he has to learn about the Cherokee people first before he can unravel the mystery behind the killing. Does Joe Pigien, the Indian artist’s death, have anything to do with his roots?

With his deputy’s help, Mitch gets introduced to the Cherokee community, the cultures, and their beliefs. Virgil Rabbit is a full-blooded Cherokee, and he knows a lot about his people. The deputy ends up taking Mitch to a medicine man who provides details that make it easy for Mitch to find the artist’s killers. The medicine man also helps Mitch uncover the larger evil that caused Joe Pigien’s murder. This murder awakens something in Mitch that he never thought necessary. The police chief discovers how important it is for him to learn about his Cherokee roots and, if possible, get involved in the community.
Mitch is a great character, and it is incredible how he leaves no stone untouched when it comes to the murder investigation. While he has been emotionally absent as he mourns his wife’s death, something begins to stir in Mitch when he starts to learn about his roots. This wholesome awakening also helps him consider building a relationship with his daughter’s teacher, something that makes those around him very happy. The rest of the cast is just as impressive. The author has taken the time to develop them all, making it easy for you to relate to them. Curious to know how the story ends for Mitch and his budding relationship? You will have to read this book to the end.

The Grandfather Medicine is a fast-moving mystery characterized by intriguing characters, a solid plot, and a tension that continues to escalate the more the story progresses. This story will leave you with a lot to ponder on, and the ending will send you in search of the next book in the series. It is fun following Mitch as he works to complete his tasks in the office, raise a daughter, and provide a safe home in a small town. While you may figure out the killer way before the author reveals him, the way the story unfolds will keep you turning the pages. This book is slightly over 200 pages, so you can enjoy it all in one sitting.

Seven Black Stones
Seven Black Stones introduces Molly Bearpaw, a woman trying to resolve a few mysterious killings. On his death bed, Zebediah Smoke claims that the ApportionerApportioner wasn’t happy with all that was going on in this little town. Zebediah states that when the ApportionerApportioner was angry enough, she would punish those involved, just like she did in the past. The punishment came in the form of mysterious deaths, and once this started, it would be hard to stop. Zebediah’s words were spoken in his property that bordered the calf-completed bingo hall, and his great-nephew was there to hear him. With him is a retired professor who purposely came to record this older man’s stories.

At first, both the professor and Zeb’s nephew dismiss these as an old man’s rantings. However, when Zeb’s words start becoming true, they start to believe him. The first person to get punished is Ed Whitekiller. Found dead in his garage, Ed is taken to the morgue only for it to be discovered that he died of carbon monoxide poisoning. While the sheriff wanted to close this as a suicide case, Molly thinks otherwise. Ed’s daughter also feels that there is more to her father’s death. It is also hard to ignore the seven black stone left in Ed’s pickup truck after his death.

Trying to resolve the cause of Ed’s death isn’t going to be easy. While Molly is almost sure that the perpetual womanizer and chronically unemployed man was murdered, there are too many people who would want him dead. Top on this list, his angry wife, who cannot hide her hatred even in death. There is also Ed’s latest lover’s husband. Could this be a crime of passion, or is there more to it? Another dead man, found a stone throw away from Zeb’s shack, complicates this investigation even further. Just what is happening, and can Molly unravel it before more people lose their lives? Who is killing these men, and what do those seven black stones found on both crime scenes signify?

Seven Black Stones is an intriguing story that will capture your attention from the beginning. The old man’s words help build the tension, and once they start coming true, you cannot help but hope that someone uncovers the truth quickly. Molly is a wonderful character, and it is amazing how she stays focused on this investigation even when her boss wants to move past these cases quickly. The introduction to the Cherokee teachings and way of life brings a unique twist to this story and will interest any native American writing fan. This, in addition to the flawless narration, solid plot, and great characters, turn this book into a page-turner.