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I'd given away my copy when I read it the first time, so I'm back for seconds. This was Tony Hillerman's first Navajo-themed mystery, with Joe Leaphorn playing a minor role. I recently read that his editor had asked him to enlarge Leaphorn's part in the story. Anthropologist Bergen McKee, Leaphorn's friend from college, is a self-deprecating hero (Leaphorn had studied Anthropology). He even gets a second chance at romance. The mystical parts of Navajo beliefs and traditions are compelling, and I can picture the scenes as the protagonists cross the landscape from classic films such as "The Searchers". The descriptions of the cliffside dwellings that play a crucial part in this book are especially fascinating to one who has studied archaeology. We even learn that the ancient inhabitants had planned for escapes in case of attack.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The Joe Leaphorn detective novels are superbly written. The are gentle--no "in your face" violence. The crime is there. It is solved by a smart policeman who is also a Navajo. Interwoven in the novel are descriptions of the Navajo culture. Hillerman's use of language is excellent; his descriptions of the Arizona landscape are marvelous. HIs characters are real. How I wish Hillerman were still alive.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I'm an addict! Tony Hillerman never disapoints. The writing style is easy to follow and always interesting, even when the subject matter is difficult to convey, as in the case of describing complex details of a diverse culture. It never ceases to amaze me that a "belagaana" could have developed such a clear understanding of the Dinee culture. There is a growth and development process apparent in his series, from "The Blessing Way" up to "The Shape Shifter". It pleases me that he continued to learn rather than resting with what he first knew. Being an "off Rez" Dinee, I like to read these books and remember some things. It also helps me understand some of the subtle cultural differences I've encountered and didn't understand, myself. These help me understand, a little better, the world I live in as compared the one I grew up in. My brother, not a good reader, even enjoys Tony Hillerman books. That says something about his writing style. He can hold the interest of a person who has to struggle to read. I've collected all of the Leaphorn/Chee series and read them over every few years. I've had to replace copies that wore out. This seems to be the case for other members of my family, even though we have wildly diverging tastes. I highly recommend reading any of the series, together, or separately, as they each stand alone. I read something like two hundred books a year, and know a goodie when I see it. Perhaps Tony Hillerman is on his way to being a classic. Collecting his books makes good sense.Read full review
This book arrived when it said it would. I appreciate that. I have been a fan of Tony Hillerman for many years. Am re- reading my favorite books. I particularly enjoy his descriptions of Indian culture in the four corners area. And he fights a great mystery.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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