De Þdd̜es dansesal (1973)

I liked this quite a bit more than the first Leaphorn novel. There's a heavier noir tone throughout. I'll probably give the third one a go at some point. ( )

In this second entry in the series, Leaphorn is starting to take shape as a character, and I like him. He is patient, thoughtful, doesn't resent (too much) having to work within the limited jurisdiction and authority of his position as a Navajo police officer. The puzzle this time was quite interesting, as well. Two young Native American boys, one Navajo and one Zuni, have disappeared. One is feared dead, and the other may be a suspect. Several law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and probably the DEA, are involved in searching for them, as boundaries are crossed, and drug-dealing may be a factor. I especially like the fact that Leaphorn is no superhuman cop; he hasn't been shot, beaten, or frozen half to death in every book. And he doesn't always manage to save the day. So far, he doesn't have an adversarial relationship with a superior, a substance abuse problem, or a complicated love life either. Handled well, those story elements can keep a series going, but this one doesn't need them. The Native American beliefs and practices featured were incorporated easily into the narrative, without feeling "educational". ( )

I first read this book as a teenager back in the 1980s. I loved this series! I read a few books before life intervened and I no longer had a lot of time to read. College ...relationships ....marriage ...work....kids. Those things tend to suck up so much time that books take a back seat. Now that the kids are grown and I'm older, I have time for books again.....and I'm re-visiting favorites. Tony Hillerman definitely made my list of required reading!

Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn is with the Navajo police. When a 12-year old Zuni boy and a 14-year old Navajo disappear, Leaphorn knows he has to work fast to find the boys. One boy is found dead...gruesomely murdered. Did the other boy kill him? If not, where is the other boy? Leaphorn soon discovers there is much more to this case than a missing child.

I listened to the audio version of this book (Recorded Books). Narrated by George Guidall, the unabridged audio is just over six hours long -- easy listening length. Guidall reads at a nice even pace and has a pleasant voice. I enjoyed his performance. Listening to the audio really brought the story to life. Excellent listening experience!

This book features Joe Leaphorn by himself. His usual partner, Jim Chee, is not in this story. I remembered immediately why I love this series. The story is well-written and deeply rich in Navajo life and culture. The mystery is intriguing and has great action and suspense. I read this book so many years ago that I didn't remember much about the plot....I was still surprised by the ending. I'm so glad I'm re-visiting this series.

There are 18 books in this series by Tony Hillerman, and 5 more added by his daughter, Anne. I'm going to enjoy reading my way through this series! I'm glad his daughter is continuing the stories!

On to the next book -- Listening Woman. ( )

Number 16 in the Crime Masterworks series by Orion. The second Tony Hillerman 'Navajo' book set amongst the native american tribes in New Mexico and the first one I have read. Also the first from my crime masterworks shelf.

The book also won the 1973 Edgar Award for Best Novel. The title is a loose translation of a Zuni concept, Kothluwalawa.

This one revolves around a young Zuni having been murdered and his friend from a different tribe (the Navajo). The Navajo is missing - what has he got to hide? As the story unfolds we learn more about the tribes and customs of the different groups, especially their concepts of the after life and worship.

The end is no really that surprising though, rather sign-posted for me. Look for the characters that should not really be there. They are the ones that are involved.

At 184 pages (don't know if the page count is entered onto Goodreads and therefore won't count towards my overall total- maybe if a librarian is reading this it can be rectified) the strory does skip along but Leaphorn the police officer who investigates does have some periods of introspection so four stars. ( )

law-enforcement, Hopi, Navajo, murder-investigation, historical-research, lore*****

I figured it was time to revisit a series that I had enjoyed some years ago, so when it was offered as audio by Chirp I Leaphorned at the chance. Bad pun, I admit it. However this is a good convoluted mystery full of misdirection, Zuni and Navajo lore, suspense, red herrings, and the universal squabbles between branches of law enforcement. I loved it and plan to reread the entire series before winter is through with us!
George Guidall has always been an exceptional narrator. ( )