“All of Tony Hillerman’s Navajo tribal police novels have been brilliant, but A Thief of Time is flat-out marvelous.”—USA TodayFrom New York Times bestselling author Tony Hillerman, A Thief of Time is the eighth novel featuring Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn and Officer Jim Chee as they find themselves in hot pursuit of a depraved killer.At a moonlit Indian ruin where “thieves of time” ravage sacred … killer.
At a moonlit Indian ruin where “thieves of time” ravage sacred ground in the name of profit, a noted anthropologist vanishes while on the verge of making a startling, history-altering discovery. Amid stolen goods and desecrated bones, two corpses are discovered, shot by bullets fitting the gun of the missing scientist.
There are modern mysteries buried in despoiled ancient places, and Navajo Tribal Policemen Leaphorn and Chee must plunge into the past to unearth an astonishing truth and a cold-hearted killer. In his breakout novel, Hillerman paints a stunning portrait of the psychology of murder—and offers a heart-rending example of love and forgiveness.
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I love picking up one of Tony’s books every now and then; they’re always a great, timeless read. I particularly enjoy this book because he did a lot of his research around Bluff, our home town, and on the San Juan River . . . Tony was a great friend and a gentle spirit. The issue of pot hunters is with us still, more than ever, so dive in and be …
the prose is elegant, the descriptions vivid, the pace captivating
For those who love the smell of pinion trees and Canyon de Chelly – these are spot on
Navajo and Hopi writing doesn’t get any better than Hillerman. Fans are thrilled that his daughter is carrying on his characters in more books. Love how his books are NOT predictable, you never see it coming, then look back and say….ah, now I get it. Tony, you were gifted! Enjoy your well deserved rest in Heaven.
The key characters are two Navajo tribal policemen. The veteran is Joe Leaphorn who is the mentor of the other policeman, Jim Chee. They are searching for a renown anthropologist, Dr. Eleanor Friedman-Vernal, who specializes in unique ancient Navajo pottery. Others knew of her reputation and often tried to follow her. This trip leads to her …
Unsurpassed knowledge of the Navajo people, guides Tony Hilleman’s books.
All of Tony hillerman’s mysteries are terrific. He takes us into a culture, giving us a new perspective on relationships with others and the world. This is the first of the series I read years ago. It is realistic in its portrayal of archaeology and full of great descriptions.
I like all of Hillerman’s novels, but this one was unforgettable. I had to read it again recently and it was just as good as I remembered.
One of Tony Hillerman’s best. Very descriptive and informative of Navajo culture.
The Leaphorn/Chee novels really capture the culture of Navajo people and the vastness of the Navajo Nation. They take you out of yourself and into the world of Native America.
Hillerman was an excellent author. His characters and description was impeccable.
This is the one that got me hooked on all of Tony Hillermans stories. I’ve read quite few of them more than once.
Tony Hillerman’s classic Navajo mystery series has held up well over time. Set in about 1989, it jars a little against the current age of cell phones, as the Navajo Tribal police stop at phone booths to call the FBI… but that just enhances the difference between the Res and the Anglo world of the 1970’s. Set near Ship Rock, the descriptions of …
This may be my favorite that I’ve read in this series so far. I’ve been to Chaco Canyon and Four Corners and so the area is somewhat familiar, which made it easy to visualize. The story is really interesting and the solution to the mystery a bit surprising. I like the cultural details in this series.
Really intriguing cultural writing drawing you in to the plot, the people and the -places. Tony Hillerman is/was an excellent writer and new his culture and people well. He opens a world to his readers that may be foreign and strange, but is fascinating , enlightening and profound.
One of Hillerman’s best.
Hillerman delivers interesting characters while at the same time allowing a reader to glimpse into the culture of the Navajo people. His mysteries are well crafted, and a reader should quickly understand why he was honored by the Navajo nation.
Main character Leaphorn is one interesting character, enjoyed the mystery and history of this tale.
Love the author and all his books
It was a pleasure reading.