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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Makes me want to visit this part of the country as did the author’s father. Love the characters.
Loved it!
I am a long-time fan of the Hillermans. I loved this book. The characters are wonderful. The plot is interesting and keeps the reader guessing. An added plus for me is the glimpse into the Native American culture and customs.
Anne Hillerman has done a wonderful job of continuing the Joe Leaphorn/Jim Chee Navaho Mysteries series, and the addition of Bernadette Manuelito as Jim Chee’s wife adds even more to the series.
Author is a little wordy. Not as direct as her father, but not too bad.
Always learn something about the native culture in well written mystery
Anne Hillerman has done a wonderful job of picking up where her father left off. The much-loved characters of Chee & Leaphorn have come to life again.
I’m a big Hillerman fan. Great writing.
Just a different voice from Tony Hillerman. I would have to change gears from his books, but the same characters make it difficult.
I have read all of the Hillerman series both Tony and his daughter. I found that I learned a lot about native culture through his stories. She has continued on in his footsteps and because I loved the characters it is comforting to see them continue on.
Like all Hillerman stories there is a beautiful blend of the Native American culture and modern day. The mystery keept me guessing with lots of interesting characters. The setting is well written so the reader really feels imersed how do you spell immersed. Can hardly wait to see the next installment.
Excellent as usual.
Confusing but delightful
Follows in her father’s footsteps successfully. Only the name has changed.
I love any Hillerman story – father or daughter – for the likable characters and interesting setting.
I always enjoyed the Tony Hillerman novels and his daughter has done a nice job of further expanding the Bernie Manualito character while maintaining the other Tony Hillerman cast.
My first read of Hillerman since Tony died. His daughter writes just as neat a story as he did, using the same characters. I will be following her!
I like that Anne has continued the story of the same characters that her father started. I’ve been reading Hillerman since my first introduction to them in 1990.
This is a great read.
i liked this book. Anne HIllerman writes as well as her father. I am glad she is continuing the series.