The American Southwest, known in Chicano myth as Aztlan, is rediscovered by a phantom jaguar known as El Jefe ( the chief). His discovery takes him into New Mexico and the mountains near the Salinas ruins outside of Mountainair. His autumn arrival is announced in the darkness of the night by a bloodcurdling roar which echoes throughout the hills and awakens rancher Raul Lucero, who senses his life as a hunting guide is in jeopardy. Raul's niece, Nina Lucero, is stalked by Felix Aguilar, an Albuquerque police detective, soon revealed to be a serial killer of young women found murdered on Albuquerque's West Mesa. The mystical powers of El Jefe ultimately work to save not only Nina but also Lillian Gonzalez, a young Mexican immigrant targeted by Aguilar in his demented killing spree. Raul makes it through a stressful hunting season, which includes a shooting accident investigated by Roscoe Powers, a no-nonsense game warden. A colorful assembly of townsmen, including the barber Shorty Sisneros and his son, Manny, lend their voices and actions to the incredible events. Includes Readers Guide.