I am a latecomer to the world of Tony Hillerman's Leaphorn & Chee series, now known as the Leaphorn, Chee & Manuelito series. My journey into this captivating universe began after I watched the first season of AMC's Dark Winds in 2022. Strangely enough, I stumbled upon several of Hillerman's novels at local thrift stores around the same time the show premiered. I can't help but wonder if I had encountered his books in the past but simply overlooked them. Given my strong memory, I find it hard to believe I wouldn’t have recalled seeing those distinctive covers.
Tony Hillerman launched his Leaphorn & Chee series with the novel The Blessing Way in 1970; and continued to enrich this literary landscape until his passing in 2008, leaving behind a legacy of compelling stories, with his final work, The Shape Shifter, published in 2006. Following her father’s death, Anne Hillerman took up the mantle to continue the series, releasing her first entry, Spider Woman's Daughter, in 2013. To date, she has penned nine novels in the series, with a tenth installment, Shadow of the Solstice, set for release in April 2025.
In Anne Hillerman's ninth installment, titled LOST BIRDS, we find Joe Leaphorn, who may be long retired from the Navajo Tribal Police, yet his detective instincts are as keen as ever. As a private investigator, Leaphorn's skills are crucial in tackling a complex new case, revolving around a woman raised by a bilagáana family. She believes she is Diné, holding onto one promising clue: an old photograph featuring a classic Navajo child’s blanket. As Leaphorn digs deeper, he uncovers suspicious circumstances surrounding her adoption, leading him to question the character of her adoptive family. His quest for the truth guides him to an old trading post and unveils a deadly trove of buried family secrets that threaten to change everything.
The investigation takes an alarming turn when Leaphorn receives a call from Cecil Bowleg, a man he met decades prior. The anxiety in Cecil's voice is visible. However, before he can explain his dire situation, the call is abruptly interrupted by an explosion, causing Cecil to vanish without a trace. True to his disciplined resolve, Leaphorn is undeterred and remains committed to uncovering the truth, even as threats loom. The inquiry into the explosion partially falls into the hands of Officer Bernadette Manuelito, who stumbles upon an unexpected connection to Cecil’s missing wife. Simultaneously, she finds herself immersed in another troubling investigation: an elderly weaver whose prized sheep have been mercilessly attacked and killed by feral dogs.
As I reflect on LOST BIRDS, I typically compare a ghostwriter's capabilities to that of the original author. However, in this instance, it feels a tad different since a relative is taking over the writing—specifically a daughter continuing her late father's literary legacy. Yet, I find myself nitpicking certain aspects: the novel lacks intricate descriptions of the vivid Navajo landscapes that I had hoped to encounter. Instead, what I get is a somewhat generic mystery that could have been crafted by any author. There are subplots woven throughout this story—perhaps one too many if you ask me—resulting in distractions that may pull readers in different directions. While I did enjoy many of these subplots, I couldn’t shake the feeling that they were a bit overwhelming for a single novel.
Overall, LOST BIRDS is a straightforward mystery—more character-driven than description-driven. If you’re already familiar with Joe Leaphorn, Jim Lee, and Bernadette Manuelito, then you’re likely to find enjoyment in this latest installment. If you’re a newcomer to the series, you might like it too; it certainly provides a decent entry point; though I recommend starting from the beginning to fully grasp the nuances of these beloved characters and their interconnected stories. ╌★★★✰✰
I loved Tony Hillerman, and read many of his books. I wonder if I can remember where I left off? It’s so cool that Anne has taken over the series!
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