Good and interesting read: My first book by this author, and if I get a hand on another I will gladly read it. The mystery plot is quite decent and the cultural background mixed into it makes the reading also a learning experience. It is not a bad thing to pickup bits and pieces of information about topics that one would never make inquiries into. Even though that some experts in the field might argue that the author does not portray the native Indian groups involved in the novel correctly, I think that it is still quite sufficient for a general knowledge, after all if you really want to know about native Indians you would not get it out of mystery novels.

A favorite author. Enjoyable all the way through. ( )

An early entry in the Leaphorn - Chee series this book was OK as a mystery. Hillerman won't be one of my favorites (although he is one of my husband's favorites) but the book was enjoyable enough that I will probably read more of his work. On the whole I think that the Thurlos portrayal of the Navajo tribal police is more interesting but one book may not be enough of a sample. This is especially true since much of this particular novel deals with Hillerman's perception of Zuni culture.

I haven't read all of the Joe Leaphorn mysteries yet, but I really should. I would like to start at the beginning and read them in order, to get a good take on his life.

Everytime I read one, I really like it, this book included. ( )

Two Native American boys have vanished into thin air, leaving a pool of blood behind them. Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn of the Navajo Tribal Police has no choice but to suspect the very worst, since the blood that stains the parched New Mexican ground once flowed through the veins of one of the missing, a young Zuni. But his investigation into a terrible crime is being complicated by an important archaeological dig...and a steel hypodermic needle. The unique laws and sacred religious rights of the Zuni people are throwing impassable roadblocks in Leaphorn's already twisted path, enabling a craven murder to elude justice...or, worse still, to kill again.

Tony Hillerman is past president of the Mystery Writers of America and has received their Edgar and Grand Master awards. Other honors include the Center for the American Indian's Ambassador Award, the Silver Spur Award for best novel set in the West and the Navajo Tribe's Special Friend Award. He lives with his wife in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Performed by George Guidall. 6 Hours/5 compact discs. Unabridged.
Available as Audio Book on CD only
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