The story itself begins at a languid pace, but gradually takes on urgency as the body count starts to rise. This is simply a great read, full of description of the Four Corners landscape, which is interwoven with the traditions of the Navajo. You see, the killings may involve something very ancient in the Navajo culture, called a Skinwalker. That aspect of the investigation is the complex mythology of Navajo witchcraft. But the thread that may tie everything together is something the older Leaphorn despises, and the younger Chee embraces. 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. It is a distraction he can't afford once the danger begins escalating. 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.

The seasoned Leaphorn begins to have respect for young Chee as they work on different ends to solve this mystery. 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 jurisdiction. Skinwalkers is one of Hillerman's finest pairings of young Navajo Tribal Police Officer, Jim Chee, and the legendary Lt. 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. Tony Hillerman created an entire genre with these novels. Those looking for a great mystery series who have yet to discover Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee are in for a treat with Skinwalkers.

Skinwalkers hillerman