Stolen Voices - by Bonnie Bley (Paperback)

About the Book

Creative nonfiction about a true crime epidemic in Big Horn Cty, MT, the childhood home of the author. This book recounts the stories of several victims, framed within a detailed account of the disappearance of 16-year-old Selena Not Afraid.

Book Synopsis

Murder may seem easy, and getting away with it even easier, particularly in Indian Country. Big Horn County, MT, where Ms. Bley grew up, bears the unfortunate distinction of having the highest rate of missing and murdered women and girls. Selena Not Afraid fell victim to this hidden epidemic on New Year's Day 2020, disappearing without a trace under mysterious circumstances. Her body was discovered 20 days later in an open field, previously intensively searched. The county sheriff hastily labeled her death as "accidental hypothermia" before she could undergo a thorough examination by a coroner, a cause of death that appears all too common in Crow Indian country.

The lack of answers surrounding Selena's disappearance and the questionable cause of her death sparked outrage in the community. 'Stolen Voices: Missing and Murdered in Big Horn County' compellingly recounts the stories of several young Native American Indians who have gone missing or been brutally murdered in Big Horn County. This book not only raises awareness but also sheds light on first-hand perspectives from the family members of Crow and Cheyenne tribal members who were killed. Additionally, it highlights the efforts of those working to make a difference in Indian Country, aiming to reduce instances of violence against Native women. 'Stolen Voices' a multi-award winning book delves into the deeper issues at the heart of this hidden epidemic, whose awareness is gaining momentum.

Bonnie Bley, a native of Wyoming, spent her formative years in the border reservation town of Hardin, MT, situated in the southeastern corner of Montana. Her educational journey took her to Aberdeen, SD, and Bloomington, MN, where she honed her skills and knowledge. In the late 1980s, she made Minnesota her home, and to this day, it remains the backdrop to her life.

Although Minnesota has become her primary residence, Bonnie remains deeply connected to her roots in Montana and Wyoming, considering them the bedrock of her identity. It is within this intricate tapestry of her experiences that Bonnie Bley has woven the compelling narrative of "Stolen Voices: Missing and Murdered in Big Horn County." This poignant work sheds light on the stories of Indigenous People who have tragically gone missing or been murdered in the very county where she spent her upbringing, offering BONNIE BLEY a heartfelt exploration of a community's struggles and losses.

Review Quotes

An important topic (missing and murdered Indigenous women) presented in an engaging, emotional way through dramatic reconstructions [...] The social mission of the book is powerful, and though episodic and often difficult due to the subject matter, I commend the focus and the deep feeling the author brings to the work. - Jendi Reiter - The NorthStreet Book Awards