“Brilliant…as fascinating as it is original.”—St. Louis Post-DispatchFrom New York Times bestselling author Tony Hillerman, the first novel in his series featuring Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn & Officer Jim Chee who encounter a bizarre case that borders between the supernatural and murderHomicide is always an abomination, but there is something exceptionally disturbing about the victim discovered … there is something exceptionally disturbing about the victim discovered in a high, lonely place—a corpse with a mouth full of sand—abandoned at a crime scene seemingly devoid of tracks or useful clues. Though it goes against his better judgment, Navajo Tribal Police Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn cannot help but suspect the hand of a supernatural killer.
There is palpable evil in the air, and Leaphorn’s pursuit of a Wolf-Witch leads him where even the bravest men fear, on a chilling trail that winds perilously between mysticism and murder.
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The one that started it all. Hillerman paints a picture of Navajo country that is mesmerizing and authentic. This is a classic crime thriller, but Hillerman intertwines Navajo tradition and superstition with such skill that you’ll be looking for witches in the shadows.
I like the premise of using Leaphorn and Chee as building blocks to understanding native culture.
This series of books were first written in the 1970’s, which is necessary to understand before passing judgment on the writing style. I like the character development of the principles.
I’ve become a huge Tony Hillerman fan. His stories are top-notch and always fun to read. That said, I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the others because some of the characters (like Leaphorn, whom I adore), didn’t jump off the page like they do in later books. This is the first in the series and quite old (c. 1970), so perhaps that’s why. Still …
Enjoy the majority of the late Tony Hillerman’s novels (and now also his daughter’s). I look forward to the descriptions of the travels through the 4 Corners area (UT, AZ, CO, NM), and the Navajo Nation, the actions of the Navajo Police, the Navajo culture and beliefs. He, along with some other authors, cause me to pull out my paper maps and …
Decent book, decent story. Poor character development
I enjoy visiting the characters in this book again. And meeting new characters as well. The wisdom of ancient cultures comes through and IMHO suggests we would all be better if we knew our ancestors better. When we lived in smaller communities we seemed to care about each other more
All of Hillermans books are great. This is no exception.
Great story. One can never go wrong with Hillerman.
gotta love Jim Chee and Joe Leaphorn, alone or together.
I always enjoy Tony Hillerman but this one had too many native names for too many ridges, too many gullies, and too many trails that didn’t help me to understand the story. I never knew where I was.
Like the Joe Leaphorn books. Glad I tried the early ones.
I always enjoy Tony Hillerman books.
I enjoy the authenticity of Tony Hillermans writing
Love Joe Leaphorn!
Hillerman is a master story teller. His Native American references are authentic. I have read all of his books and have never been disappointed.
Great mystery with a Navajo culture backdrop.
I love all of Tony Hillerman’s books.
Always love Hillerman. Mystical and it makes you think of past spirits in the canyons
Hillerman’s first; got me hooked. I recommend Anna’s books, too.
I love his books. There is always something new to learn about Indian culture.