Los Alamos author Mike Katko is holding a launching and book signing Sunday for his new book Big Medicine Pretty Party. Courtesy photo

BY MIKE KATKO
Los Alamos

With his first novel, Big Medicine Pretty Water, author Mike Katko delivers a story of an often-overlooked place and moment in United States history; the American Southwest during prohibition with a Native American heroine. Taking inspiration from his Native American great-grandmother, he weaves a tale from historical facts, creating a moment of monumental change in northern New Mexico and the world. 

Big Medicine Pretty Water powerfully shows the meaning and importance of spirit in all living things and the interconnection between everything. The author believes that much of the story was channeled to him through his great-grandmother Brigida Tolmich. An abducted Apache girl who became a housewife for a Sargent Tolmich assigned to Ft. Garland, Colorado, in the 1860s. Katko’s story, he says, is an author’s way of giving her voice when she never had that chance in this world. Written by the author as an homage to her memory and all the other Native American women lost in retelling history. 

“The details carry you immediately into the story. The reader is there with the characters in 1927 New Mexico. The writing makes it an unputdownable book until the end, with a twist. It cries for a series and makes you question for days; did this happen?—Judy Chavez, Grant Public Schools, Grants New Mexico

“A compelling story told at a brisk, engaging pace.  As with all good works of historical fiction, I particularly like the way the narrative weaves so much actual history into the story.”—Scott Fuqua, Attorney at Law, Santa Fe, NM

Big Medicine Pretty Water is currently taking pre-orders for autographed copies in paperback print versions at Mikekatko@msn.com and at MikeKatko.com. The tour and book launch will be 3 p.m., Dec. 18 at the historic Fuller Lodge in Los Alamos, NM. Print and eBook copies will be available on Amazon in January.