Blog Archives
Spiritual and Reverential
In Black Yéʼii (The Evil One), a young man and his family find themselves the target of a deadly revenge plot tied to a Navajo deity. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I wrote a book, Caught in a Web, that was published in 2018. At the end of the book, there was the secret- a made-up version of what took place in the house where 4 members of MS-13 were killed. The secret was the idea of three cops who, out of protection fabricated the story. As long as the secret was never mentioned or spoken of, everyone should have been safe. It was this final chapter in Web that was the springboard for Black Yéʼii. I felt it created a wonderful opportunity for me to develop another story, one with three converging storylines that mesh and join at the ending.
Did you plan the tone and direction of the novel before writing, or did it come out organically as you were writing?
It came organically. I’m a pantser, not a planner. I might have an idea of what I want to write when I sit down at the computer, but there are times when characters have a mind of their own and I follow their lead. The Navajo are spiritual and reverential towards the earth, and in particular, dreams, visions, and symbols. I knew about Yéʼii from my research. There are many, much like the Catholics have many saints. But the Navajo will never mention by name, or speak of Black Yéʼii because they feel if they do, they are inviting it into their lives. Black Yéʼii literally translates most closely to The Evil One, the subtitle of my book, and it is this evil that permeates MS-13 and other antagonists in the book that I draw on. In a scene from the book, George and Brian, two protagonists who are themselves spiritual, compare Black Yéʼii to Satan, and the evil he brings into the world.
I found the incorporation of Navajo mythology a compelling addition to this psychological thriller. What kind of research was required to put this book together?
Thank you! I appreciate your question. I worked with Navajo on words, Navajo phrases. I try in all my books to be as exact as I can be. Readers are quick to spot falsehoods. I worked with a wonderful woman, Brenda Hat from the Navajo Nation, and with the Navajo Nation Museum, along with various websites on the Navajo. I am a recipient of a podcast featuring a Navajo elder and his son as he explains Navajo culture. My interest in and love of the Navajo actually began when I started reading Tony Hillerman, who I believe was the first to incorporate Navajo beliefs and mysticism into his stories.
What is the next book you are working on, and when can fans expect to see it released?
My next book is tentatively titled Dead of Night, and because I’m still writing it, there is no release date as of yet. My publisher, Black Rose Writing, has been a wonderful home for my writing, and once I finish it, I will submit it to them, and they will determine the publication date. Dead of Night is another thriller-crime-mystery, and it takes place both in Milwaukee and in Waukesha, both in Wisconsin.
Author Links: GoodReads | Bluesky | Facebook | Website | Substack | Amazon
Can Detectives Graff, O’Connor, and Eiselmann find the killers and put a stop to the killing before anyone else dies?
Black Yéʼii (The Evil One)
Black Yéʼii is a gripping psychological thriller that plunges readers into the duality of love and evil in a small Wisconsin town. The story weaves between past trauma and present terror as Angel Benevides, his mother, and his friends made up of adopted brothers become the targets of a deadly revenge plot tied to the enigmatic and fearsome Navajo deity, Black Yéʼii. The book begins with a chilling home invasion and murder, setting the tone for a narrative filled with complex characters, moral dilemmas, and shocking twists. Lewis masterfully interlaces Navajo spiritual elements with the gritty realism of crime, creating a world where loyalty, courage, and survival are tested at every turn.
Joseph Lewis writes with an unflinching eye for detail. The opening chapter hooked me immediately, its brutal depiction of the home invasion was both horrifying and mesmerizing. His vivid descriptions made Carmen Benevides’s fear palpable, and the attackers’ malice leaped off the page. Lewis’s knack for pacing is remarkable. Each scene flows naturally into the next, leaving no room for filler. The dialogue is sharp and often tinged with an authenticity that adds layers to each character, particularly the enigmatic George Tokay.
The incorporation of Navajo mythology into a modern crime thriller is both unique and compelling. The concept of Black Yéʼii as a metaphor for the darkness within human nature is thought-provoking. I particularly enjoyed the moments where George reflects on his cultural heritage, it brings a poignant depth to the narrative. I felt that the supernatural elements were sometimes underutilized. While they added intrigue, I wished the story explored more of Black Yéʼii’s mystical presence rather than keeping it primarily symbolic. The balance of cultural richness and crime drama is a fresh take that sets this book apart. Angel’s tragic arc is heart-wrenching, and his vulnerability contrasts sharply with the cruelty of his attackers. George Tokay, as a central figure, is fascinating. His connection to both the spiritual and physical battles in the story gives him a unique edge.
The camaraderie among the brothers is a highlight, especially their moments of quiet reflection at the lake. These softer scenes provide a necessary counterpoint to the violence and elevate the story from a simple thriller to something more emotionally resonant.
Black Yéʼii is an intense and thought-provoking read that merges psychological tension with cultural depth. While its graphic content won’t be for everyone, those who appreciate dark, character-driven thrillers will find it hard to put down. I’d recommend it to readers looking for a story that lingers in the mind long after the last page.
Pages: 425 | ASIN : B0DH8P5TNV
LITERARY TITAN 