Prisoner Prodigal Pawn follows the adventures of the Mozingo family as they try to unravel a conspiracy that has led to one of their own, Elton Mozingo, to be set up for murder. The story is an insider's tale, set in the city of Albuquerque, New Mexico and revolves around a law firm, an Indian casino, tribal politics, and delves into questions of race and identity throughout. The Mozingo brothers, Elton and Charles, as well as their convicted-felon father, BP, are the eponymous prisoner, prodigal son, and pawn caught up in an elaborate embezzlement scheme that its perpetrators would kill to keep hidden. Elton Mozingo has learned that the law firm he works for is responsible for his father being unjustly incarcerated. For the past twelve years, he has struggled with the stigma of having a father in prison, and the weight of his guilt for never visiting him. Elton sets out on a trail to fight for his father's freedom, and to free himself of his guilt and shame, but when a close colleague is murdered and the death scene implicates him, Elton comes face to face with his greatest fear, ending up like his father. As a fugitive from justice, Elton soon realizes that the death of his colleague and the pursuit of his father's innocence are connected. Bill Baxter, of the Baxter and Baxter law firm wants Elton captured before he uncovers much more of the past that will destroy him and his firm. Rather than go to his estranged brother, a tribal police officer, Elton turns to the aid of a childhood friend, Oda Raines who uses him to pursue an agenda of her own. She has been an outspoken critic of the tribal leaders for the corruption associated with the casino. The firm's largest client is the local Native American tribe, whose wealth from its gaming operations is at the heart of Elton's troubles. Oda is ultimately faced with the choice of either being kicked off the reservation to silence her, or to abandon her principles and work with the firm and turn on Elton. The chase for freedom leads Elton on a suspense filled journey where the forces at play eventually push Elton and his brother together on a quest of vengeance against those that created the wedge between them. Prisoner Prodigal Pawn, with its diverse characters will appeal to readers who enjoy thrillers, but also to readers of varied cultural backgrounds, looking for a new kind of protagonist to root for. In addition, the subplot takes a look at a phenomenon quietly sweeping across the Native - American landscape, that of tribal members who are being disenrolled due to - some would say- the greed associated with the success casino gambling on Native - American soil.
