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writer595's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
claudia2945's review against another edition
4.0
Another good tale from Tony Hillerman's daughter. It was especially fun, because some of it is set in Santa Fe. She manages a complex set of plot lines with ease and keeps her characters interesting.
cj_mo_2222's review against another edition
4.0
I am so glad this series has been continued and really enjoyed the book. The ending/conclusion was a little over-complicated, but still a good book.
alannabarras's review against another edition
3.0
This was a fun light read, with a murder mystery complex enough that I couldn't predict exactly how it would end without being so complex I had to try too hard to keep up. The writing style wasn't my favorite, although that was just as likely purely a difference in opinion as it was an actual lack of quality.
My primary issue reading this book was that this is the 22nd novel in this series, but the first I had read. It felt more like wandering into a stranger's family reunion at times than following an adventure. That being said, I liked the characters - in future I would just pick up books from earlier in the series to get more of the backstory.
My primary issue reading this book was that this is the 22nd novel in this series, but the first I had read. It felt more like wandering into a stranger's family reunion at times than following an adventure. That being said, I liked the characters - in future I would just pick up books from earlier in the series to get more of the backstory.
linda48's review against another edition
4.0
This is another fine book by Anne Hillerman. She captures the feel of the Navajo nation, how the families interact, the social norms of the Navajo and Hopi and the vast landscape, with its hidden beauty and dangers, in the Nation and surrounding areas. She also sends Jim Chee to Santa Fe where we can get the feel of that beautiful and entrancing city itself.
The mystery of a missing person is magnified by associated murders tied in with ancient burials and pottery pieces. The mysteries are well crafted and carry through from beginning to end. Is is an engaging and maintains the reader's attention throughout.
My two nitpicking faults are:
WHY?? Why do publishers allow books to get through with grammatical or syntax errors or with words out of place? It seems to be more and more often that I read a book and get through the first two-thirds easily and enjoyably and then BAM! Manuelito spotted the "truck white" in front of the house. Throws the whole cadence off.
Without spoiling the ending there is an episode with botanicals that results in injury and/or death. Yet there is no follow up on this rather large crime. I know there are laws that were broken here and yet, the individual moves out of the area and everyone just forgets about it. I don't think that's how it's supposed to work......
But I still enjoyed the book and I will read all of her future books. In fact, I've pre-ordered the next book that is to be published in April.
The mystery of a missing person is magnified by associated murders tied in with ancient burials and pottery pieces. The mysteries are well crafted and carry through from beginning to end. Is is an engaging and maintains the reader's attention throughout.
My two nitpicking faults are:
WHY?? Why do publishers allow books to get through with grammatical or syntax errors or with words out of place? It seems to be more and more often that I read a book and get through the first two-thirds easily and enjoyably and then BAM! Manuelito spotted the "truck white" in front of the house. Throws the whole cadence off.
Without spoiling the ending there is an episode with botanicals that results in injury and/or death. Yet there is no follow up on this rather large crime. I know there are laws that were broken here and yet, the individual moves out of the area and everyone just forgets about it. I don't think that's how it's supposed to work......
But I still enjoyed the book and I will read all of her future books. In fact, I've pre-ordered the next book that is to be published in April.
jenlisy's review against another edition
4.0
Anne Hillerman does a wonderful job continuing her father's characters adventures. Wonderful mystery with great characters!
cjrayl's review against another edition
3.0
When the power is out and its dark, the kindle is a god send. In this case I have numerous books that I have downloaded that were free or for minimal cost. In this case, it was a Hillerman book and I thought it would be a good diversion while dealing with the snow, cold, and darkness. As indicated by my rating, it was just okay. I hadn't looked closely enough at the author's name and I assumed it was by Tony Hillerman. However, by on the second or third page I realized that I was sadly mistaken.
Overall the story is good. The mystery was okay but it was easy to piece together clues to figure out the final end. Ms. Hllerman's fidelity to the Navajo culture deserves a nod to writing excellence but she labors on over things far longer than necessary. The fact that she touches upon the robbing of ancient grave sites and the illegal selling of the artifacts, does justice to this desecration of a culture and history that is often overlooked.
Hillerman's characters are decently developed with the main character, Bernie (Bernadette) being the driving force of the story's progression. The few Caucasian characters are not seen in a favorable light but do work well with the story and their personality and behavior are necessary foils to the events taking place. For those who like a light mystery with a touch of intrigue, they may enjoy this story.
Overall the story is good. The mystery was okay but it was easy to piece together clues to figure out the final end. Ms. Hllerman's fidelity to the Navajo culture deserves a nod to writing excellence but she labors on over things far longer than necessary. The fact that she touches upon the robbing of ancient grave sites and the illegal selling of the artifacts, does justice to this desecration of a culture and history that is often overlooked.
Hillerman's characters are decently developed with the main character, Bernie (Bernadette) being the driving force of the story's progression. The few Caucasian characters are not seen in a favorable light but do work well with the story and their personality and behavior are necessary foils to the events taking place. For those who like a light mystery with a touch of intrigue, they may enjoy this story.
jennybeastie's review against another edition
4.0
I continue to really enjoy this series, and I think that Anne Hillerman is really coming into her own as a writer. Still wielding the consistent legacy of her father's commitment to the people and region she's writing about, but Bernie just continues to develop and flower as a character. Very interested to see what paths both she and Chee elect to pursue in the future.
cass_wilson's review against another edition
3.0
Picked it up at a CVS in Vegas. Decent mini thriller