A New York Times BestsellerAnne Hillerman brings together modern mystery, Navajo traditions, and the evocative landscape of the desert Southwest in this intriguing entry in the Leaphorn, Chee, and Manuelito series.When Tribal Police Officer Bernadette Manuelito arrives to speak at an outdoor character-building program for at-risk teens, she discovers chaos. Annie, a young participant on a solo … she discovers chaos. Annie, a young participant on a solo experience due back hours before, has just returned and is traumatized. Gently questioning the girl, Bernie learns that Annie stumbled upon a human skeleton on her trek. While everyone is relieved that Annie is back, they’re concerned about a beloved instructor who went out into the wilds of the rugged lava wilderness bordering Ramah Navajo Reservation to find the missing girl. The instructor vanished somewhere in the volcanic landscape known as El Malpais. In Navajo lore, the lava caves and tubes are believed to be the solidified blood of a terrible monster killed by superhuman twin warriors.
Solving the twin mysteries will expose Bernie to the chilling face of human evil. The instructor’s disappearance mirrors a long-ago search that may be connected to a case in which the legendary Joe Leaphorn played a crucial role. But before Bernie can find the truth, an unexpected blizzard, a suspicious accidental drowning, and the arrival of a new FBI agent complicate the investigation.
While Bernie searches for answers in her case, her husband, Sergeant Jim Chee juggles trouble closer to home. A vengeful man he sent to prison for domestic violence is back—and involved with Bernie’s sister Darleen. Their relationship creates a dilemma that puts Chee in uncomfortable emotional territory that challenges him as family man, a police officer, and as a one-time medicine man in training.
Anne Hillerman takes us deep into the heart of the deserts, mountains, and forests of New Mexico and once again explores the lore and rituals of Navajo culture in this gripping entry in her atmospheric crime series.
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Each new story is getting better.
Although not up to the high standard set by Tony Hillerman, this book nonetheless entertains. The plotting is very good. And only falls down in not understanding the Navajo culture nearly as well as Tony did. It would be hard to measure up against his cultural knowledge, true, but Anne could make more of an effort to learn and to show us more of this ancient culture’s beliefs.
The characters and the story line are the best part! Love these books.
This book transported me to the Southwest and gave an me insight into another way of life. The story was gripping and intricate keeping me engrossed for the whole time.
Another excellent Hillerman!
I enjoyed all of Tony Hillerman’s novels set in the four-corners area featuring interesting characters and culture of the native tribes. I was excited to learn that his daughter, Anne, has continued the series. Her portrayal of the characters and setting live up to my expectations. I am grateful to her for taking this on.
I love Hillerman books. You get a glimpse into another culture.
I enjoy following the adventures of the police characters created by Anne Hillerman’s father, Tony Hillerman. Realistic characters and scenery from the Four Corners area. Besides writing a good mystery, with twists and turns, the reader learns about the Navajo culture, as well as the Hopi.
Loved it. Anne Hillerman is as good as her father. A must read.
Not enough Jim Chee.
The daughter is as good as her father in all ways. I love learning about the Navajo nation. She spins a realistic story that keeps you guessing until the end.
Better than many other books I have read recently, but somehow not up to the standard the author set in the previous books in the series.
The Hillerman tradition of great Navajo stories continues! This one is just like all of them–great reading, a wonderful way of understanding a different culture. So glad We have more now that Tony is gone!
Anne Hillerman has done a wonderful job keeping Tony Hillerman’s characters alive and growing in their roles. She gives the reader a view into Navaho culture and traditions. I can’t wait for her next book.
Almost as good as her father’s books.
In the Hillerman tradition
I enjoy taking Officer Manuelito point of view while including older characters that her father developed.
Enjoyed the twists and turns, also enjoyed reading about the places that we visited last fall
I loved learning more about the Navajo culture.