Stolen Voices: Missing and Murdered in Big Horn County by Bonnie Bley

Stolen Voices

Book Cover: Stolen Voices
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Publisher: 2025
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Stolen Voices: Missing and Murdered in Big Horn County is a multi-award-winning true crime investigative book that exposes the devastating crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) in Montana. Through intimate storytelling, extensive research, and firsthand interviews, this book shines a light on the injustices faced by Indigenous communities and the voices that refuse to be silenced.

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Big Horn County, Montana, has one of the highest rates of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in the United States. On New Year’s Day 2020, 16-year-old Selena Not Afraid vanished under mysterious circumstances. Her body was discovered 20 days later in a field that had already been extensively searched. Before a full investigation could take place, her death was hastily ruled “accidental hypothermia”—a disturbingly common conclusion in Crow and Northern Cheyenne communities. The unanswered questions surrounding her case—and the systemic silence that followed—ignited outrage and sorrow.

Award-winning author Bonnie Bley brings these stories into the light, weaving together personal narratives, investigative reporting, and historical context to expose the alarming pattern of violence and neglect that has plagued Indigenous communities for generations. Families are left searching for answers as law enforcement agencies fail to provide justice. Community members, activists, and grassroots organizations work tirelessly to raise awareness, push for policy change, and demand accountability.

This book is not just a collection of cases—it is a call to action. Each chapter reveals the heartbreak of loss, the resilience of those left behind, and the growing movement to bring justice to the stolen voices that have been ignored for far too long. From missing persons reports with little follow-up to suspicious deaths labeled as accidents, Stolen Voices uncovers the deeper issues at the heart of this crisis.

Why readers are calling it a must-read:

  • True crime with social impact – Not just unsolved cases, but the systemic injustices behind them
  • Powerful Indigenous voices – Firsthand perspectives from Crow and Cheyenne families
  • A call to awareness – A compelling, deeply personal account of a national crisis gaining momentum
  • Investigative depth – Extensive research backed by advocacy and storytelling

If you are drawn to investigative journalism, Indigenous advocacy, or gripping true crime narratives, Stolen Voices is essential reading. This book serves as a tribute to the victims, a rallying cry for justice, and a testament to the strength of a community refusing to be forgotten.

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