Anne Hillerman's 'Shadow of the Solstice': A Struggle for Consistency in the 'Leaphorn, Chee & Manuelito' Series

SHADOW OF THE SOLSTICE

A Leaphorn, Chee & Manuelito Novel, Book 10

by Anne Hillerman

Harper, 2025

★★✰✰✰

The Navajo Nation police are on high alert when a U.S. Cabinet Secretary schedules an unprecedented trip to the little Navajo town of Shiprock, New Mexico. The visit coincides with a plan to resume uranium mining along the Navajo Nation border. Tensions around the official’s arrival escalate when the body of a stranger is found in an area restricted for the disposal of radioactive uranium waste. Is it coincidence that a cult with a propensity for violence arrives at a private camp group outside Shiprock the same week to celebrate the summer solstice? When the outsiders’ erratic behavior makes their Navajo hosts uneasy, Officer Bernadette Manuelito is assigned to monitor the situation. She finds a young boy at grave risk, abused women, and other shocking discoveries that plunge her and Lt. Jim Chee into a volatile and deadly situation.

Meanwhile, Darleen Manuelito, Bernie’s high spirited younger sister, learns one of her home health clients is gone–and the woman’s daughter doesn’t seem to care. Darleen’s curiosity and sense of duty combine to lead her to discover that the client’s grandson is also missing and that the two have become ensnared in a wickedly complex scheme exploiting indigenous people. Darleen’s information meshes with a case Chee has begun to solve that deals with the evil underside of human nature.

After not receiving a review copy of Shadow of the Solstice by Anne Hillerman, the daughter of the late Tony Hillerman, I struggled to find a copy at local bookstores when it was released. Eventually, I procured the book from my local library and read it relatively fast.

The Leaphorn, Chee & Manuelito series is a continuation of Tony Hillerman's Leaphorn and Chee novels, now written by his daughter. With ten books published in the new series to date, it’s clear that Anne Hillerman has a deep affection for her father’s characters and the fictional universe he created. Although her writing style differs from his, I consider her works a legitimate extension of his literary contributions.

Shadow of the Solstice primarily focuses on Lieutenant Jim Chee and his wife, Officer Bernadette 'Bernie' Manuelito, with retired detective Joe Leaphorn making only a brief cameo at the end of the story. The main plot revolves around a fraud scheme targeting the Navajo population, particularly individuals struggling with addiction—a storyline that resonates with contemporary issues. While the plot is effective overall, several dramatic chapters hinder the pacing.

Additionally, there is a subplot about an environmental organization's efforts against uranium mining on the reservation. My speed-reading abilities were put to the test during this narrative thread, as I did not maintain a strong interest in it. This subplot felt like a rehash of similar plots I have encountered in other books, making it somewhat tedious.

There is also a side plot concerning Bernie’s aging mother, who has recently moved in with the couple. While the narration was competent, this storyline seemed to serve as filler material, contributing to uneven pacing throughout the book.

Shadow of the Solstice presented a considerable reading challenge for various reasons. I finished it quickly, but the narrative proved convoluted, with pacing inconsistencies, storyline issues, and complications with the timeline. The final act was especially perplexing, as the characters practically appeared to occupy two distinct locations simultaneously. In the end, I found it disappointing and don't recommend it, not even to loyal Hillerman readers.

⁓B.J. Burgess

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