"Call the Mothers tackles an issue of enormous importance that has been treated journalistically and in some scholarly works, but does so from the perspective of the activism of mothers in search of their children. From this original perspective, Shaylih Muehlmann treats her subjects with sensitivity, urgency, and grace. The book's humility, humanity, and scrupulous research and scholarship make it a truly outstanding contribution."--Elizabeth Ferry, Brandeis University "Call the Mothers stands alone as a short, insightful, and readable book on one of the fundamental stories of Mexico's last two decades. It has some strikingly original sections and is packed with intelligent discussions of key issues, including the police and impunity, the importance of innocence, and the role of women in contemporary social movements."--Benjamin Smith, author of The Dope: The Real History of the Mexican Drug Trade "This timely and important book showcases Mexican women's agency and activism when confronting state violence, corruption, and uncertainty. Well crafted and clearly written, this book treats a delicate subject with great empathy and sensibility, brilliantly showing Mexican people's resistance and resilience to the injustices committed in the name of the war on drugs."--María Cruz-Torres, author of Pink Gold: Women, Shrimp, and Work in Mexico "While migration across the US-Mexico border garners attention, homicides, kidnappings, and other violence in Mexico are a profoundly important story. Call the Mothers offers rich accounts of women activists who take the initiative, demanding closure and justice. This eloquently written work, supported with thoughtful and informative context, makes for emotionally and factually compelling reading."--Josiah Heyman, University of Texas at El Paso "This is a book by an anthropologist who was disillusioned by what she perceived as academic writing's lack of resonance and became an activist, but was then asked by her fellow travelers to document the reality that she witnessed and present it to readers in the United States. And they were right to do so. It is vital that American readers learn about the plight of Mexico's more than 113,000 disappeared persons and their families and friends, whom the Mexican state continues to ignore."--Claudio Lomnitz, Columbia University