The car fire didn’t kill Navajo Tribal Policeman Delbert Nez—a bullet did. And the old man in possession of the murder weapon is a whiskey-soaked shaman named Ashie Pinto. Officer Jim Chee is devastated by the slaying of his good friend Del, and confounded by the prime suspect’s refusal to utter a single word of confession or denial.Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn believes there is much more to this … this outrage than what appears on the surface, as he and Jim Chee set out to unravel a complex weave of greed and death that involves a historical find and a lost fortune. But the hungry and mythical trickster Coyote is waiting, as always, in the shadows to add a strange and deadly new twist.
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i enjoyed
this book very much
Tony Hillerman creates for his readers a very real, desert setting along with consistent, believable characters. This book, as well as his others with these same characters, was a pleasure to read.
One of Hillerman’s earlier books, before Leaphorn and Chee join forces, so it is not as rich as his later works. They are looking to solve the murder of a fellow police officer from two different perspectives, independent of each other, and the story slows in some places. There is one particularly clever twist, however, when Chee discovers the …
Hillerman’s books featuring tribal policemen Chee and Leaphorn are usually a good, quick read and the inclusion of Indian culture in the plots help keep them interesting as well. On the down side, Hillerman’s repeated referral to characters “making a wry face” is in danger of becoming a drinking game. I would rate this one 4 stars out of 5.
Loved it!
I always like Tony Hillerman. HIs descriptions of the Southwest and Native American life are colorful and accurate. I love his characters.
I loved this book as I do all of this authors and now even the ones his daughter writes. I will miss his written works.
It is like all of Hillerman’s books – a great read!
I love all Tony Hillerman books
I find I learn something new about the southwest and Indian culture every time I read one of Hillermans books.
Very detailed in the customs of the Navajo and the spiritual aspect. I will definitely read more by this author. It was a good read and I enjoyed it. Having visited that part of the country brough back some great memories.
One of the great American writers.
I like to read Hillerman’s books because of all the information about the American Indian history and their belief systems. Too bad we don’t share and maintain some of these beliefs.
Author appears to fairly knowledgeable about South West. Builds characters very well and stays consistent.
I’ve read Tony Hillerman’s books for a few years now. pretty much keeps you guessing till the end on who “the bad guy is”. Really enjoy his stories.
This book about thr Navajo Tribal Police and the area they patrol is very authentic and i love reading about them.
Hilleman is always a good read. his daughter’s books are just about as good as his.
Leaphorn and Chee
what a great pair?
Love Tony Hillerman. His daughter’s books are also very good and in same vein.
I enjoy Hillerman’s descriptions of the desert southwest and the native American characters.