Skinwalkers

Those looking for a great mystery series who have yet to discover Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee are in for a treat with Skinwalkers. Tony Hillerman created an entire genre with these novels. Though they've been copied, no one has ever quite blended Native American beliefs and traditions, with modern day mystery in the same entertaining way at which Hillerman was so skilled.

Skinwalkers is one of Hillerman's finest pairings of young Navajo Tribal Police Officer, Jim Chee, and the legendary Lt. Joe Leaphorn. This one begins when a shotgun blast into Jim Chee's trailer has both Chee and Leaphorn trying to figure out how the attempt on Chee's life ties together with two murders in the sprawling Indian territory over which they have show more jurisdiction.

The seasoned Leaphorn begins to have respect for young Chee as they work on different ends to solve this mystery. Leaphorn has his own personal problems to deal with as well in this entry; his beloved wife may have the onset of Alzheimer's disease. It is a distraction he can't afford once the danger begins escalating.

Sprinkled throughout this complex and entertaining mystery novel are insights into the Navajo people, from the way they speak, to their customs and broad family ties. But the thread that may tie everything together is something the older Leaphorn despises, and the younger Chee embraces. That aspect of the investigation is the complex mythology of Navajo witchcraft. You see, the killings may involve something very ancient in the Navajo culture, called a Skinwalker.

This is simply a great read, full of description of the Four Corners landscape, which is interwoven with the traditions of the Navajo. The story itself begins at a languid pace, but gradually takes on urgency as the body count starts to rise. The good police work of Leaphorn and Chee may not be enough to save either of them this time out.

Chee's growing recognition among his people as a Hataalli (Medicine Man) who can perform the Blessing Way will play an integral part in this excellent entry in the Leaphorn/Chee canon. Widely regarded by fans of the series and critics alike as one of the best entries in the series, Skinwalkers is like an orange soda on a hot day in the New Mexico desert; it's incredibly refreshing, and really hits the spot. show less

Finally! This is the book where Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee meet and start working together, well at least they start working together once they stop working against each other. The contrasts between the old (!) man Joe and the young up-and-comer Jim is fun to read about.

Skinwalkers are witches and someone is killing people so the first thought of many is Skinwalkers. When Chee becomes a target Leaphorn is tasked with saving him as well as solve the other murders.

As usual there is a complicated plot, many family relationships to sort out and a satisfying ending to the story. Also, as usual, I had no idea where things were going.

I'll be reading more in this series, I enjoy it a great deal.

Another Navajo Reservation mystery by Hillerman that is really a sociology book. The novel is full of information about the culture and religion of the Indians of the American Southwest and to call this series a mystery series doesn't do the content justice. In this installment Chee and Leaphorn work together and the differences in their personalities is reflected in the way they approach the case. Leaphorn, the older of the two, uses the latest crime solving methods while Chee, relies on more traditional Navajo methods. Each of the two men is also involved in personal conflicts that they have to work through while dealing with the everyday problems of being policemen. The mystery is always there at the heart of the novel, but this is show more one of those mystery series that is more like social commentary that foreshadows many of the current problems in the isolated and poor segments of the population. show less

I have several Tony Hillerman books in my tbr stack. I've thoroughly enjoyed the native American reads by Margaret Coel and her Wind River series. Mr. Hillerman's books seem to follow the same type of genre. "Skinwalkers" is the first book that I've read by Mr. Hillerman. It certainly did not disappoint.
In "Skinwalkers", Lt. Joe Leaphorn and Officer Jim Chee of the Navajo Tribal Police work together to investigate several murders. Their investigation leads them to Navajo witchcraft, involving the mystical creatures known as "Skinwalkers", who use their powers for evil, and have the power to possess or turn themselves into animals.
Mr. Hillerman does an outstanding job of creating an interesting, fastmoving plot, with interesting and show more believable characters. The reader will also walk away with a better understanding of the native American people.
I would also highly recommend watching the Dark Wind series, which is based on Mr. Hillerman's novels. Season 4 is due out next year. show less

I have several Tony Hillerman books in my tbr stack. I've thoroughly enjoyed the native American reads by Margaret Coel and her Wind River series. Mr. Hillerman's books seem to follow the same type of genre. "Skinwalkers" is the first book that I've read by Mr. Hillerman. It certainly did not disappoint.
In "Skinwalkers", Lt. Joe Leaphorn and Officer Jim Chee of the Navajo Tribal Police work together to investigate several murders. Their investigation leads them to Navajo witchcraft, involving the mystical creatures known as "Skinwalkers", who use their powers for evil, and have the power to possess or turn themselves into animals.
Mr. Hillerman does an outstanding job of creating an interesting, fastmoving plot, with interesting and show more believable characters. The reader will also walk away with a better understanding of the native American people.
I would also highly recommend watching the Dark Wind series, which is based on Mr. Hillerman's novels. Season 4 is due out next year. show less

I was introduced to Tony Hillerman novels by chance. I was desperate for books and my friend was having a sort out and gave me a bagful of books; at least ten of them were Hillerman books. I love the these police stories. They include details of the different natives Indian tribes and details about different beliefs and cultures. The characters are all personable and it's easy for them to become your friends. This book is no different and I recommend that everyone should read at least one of his books.

Lt. Joe Leaphorn and Officer Jim Chee cross paths again in this mystery, only this time Chee is one of the ones in danger! But none of the killings seem connected. Some are shot, some are knifed and none of them live nearby. A very small clue, soon ties two of them together, but something is still missing. Can they figure it out before Chee's killer strikes again? Is it witchcraft and Skinwalkers? I love these books and the characters. This one had a touching side story of Leaphorn's wife, who he fears may be battling Alzheimers. And I love learning about Navajo ways, like how it is disrespectful to stare at people in the face instead of looking to the side and giving them privacy whereas we think people should look us right in the eye show more so that we know we have their full attention. A very good read. 3.75 stars show less