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cmbohn's review against another edition
4.0
After trying the first Joe Leaphorn book by Tony Hillerman last year, I decided to check this audiobook out from the library. It's the second in that series, and just like the first, this one is set in the Arizona/New Mexico area known as Navajo country. But this time, Leaphorn is spending most of his time with the Zuni and it is their beliefs that are the center of this book. A young Zuni named Ernesto Cata, who was chosen to represent one of the Zuni gods at their winter festival, disappears. The next day his Navajo best friend George Bowlegs goes missing too. Soon the Zuni boy is found murdered, but Bowlegs stays missing, so it's Lt. Leaphorn's job to find him.
I found this one to be a little predictable. Normally, I would not rate a book very highly if I figure out the murderer way before the detective. But I enjoyed learning about the Zuni way of life so much, that I'm still giving it 4 stars. I hope that the series improves as time goes on, so I'm willing to give it another try.
I found this one to be a little predictable. Normally, I would not rate a book very highly if I figure out the murderer way before the detective. But I enjoyed learning about the Zuni way of life so much, that I'm still giving it 4 stars. I hope that the series improves as time goes on, so I'm willing to give it another try.
jennybeastie's review against another edition
4.0
So sad, but so fascinating, with the delve into Zuni and their Kachina traditions. I very much appreciate that Leaphorn is an outsider into this religion, and a respectful one, who does not seek to tread on others' mysteries.
pupkupsandpaperbacks's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
mirificmoxie's review against another edition
4.0
4 Stars
[b:Dance Hall of the Dead|425100|Dance Hall of the Dead (Leaphorn & Chee, #2)|Tony Hillerman|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1420978805s/425100.jpg|47092] certainly improved upon its predecessor, [b:The Blessing Way|867387|The Blessing Way (Leaphorn & Chee, #1)|Tony Hillerman|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1179033344s/867387.jpg|3100762]. Hillerman seemed to have a better idea of where the series would go and was able to continue to develop the characters.
The mystery itself was still straightforward. These aren't [a:Agatha Christie|123715|Agatha Christie|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1321738793p2/123715.jpg] books, but they are still very engaging. What I love about the series is how Hillerman brought the setting to life. Dance Hall of the Dead not only explores Navajo culture but also Zuñi culture. People have a bad habit of lumping all Native American culture together, so it was interesting to see both cultures especially considering this was written in the 70's. Even though many books have copied off of this series, I would still recommend it to any Mystery fans.
RATING FACTORS:
Ease of Reading: 4 Stars
Writing Style: 4 Stars
Characters and Character Development: 4 Stars
Plot Structure and Development: 3 Stars
Level of Captivation: 4 Stars
Originality: 4 Stars
[b:Dance Hall of the Dead|425100|Dance Hall of the Dead (Leaphorn & Chee, #2)|Tony Hillerman|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1420978805s/425100.jpg|47092] certainly improved upon its predecessor, [b:The Blessing Way|867387|The Blessing Way (Leaphorn & Chee, #1)|Tony Hillerman|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1179033344s/867387.jpg|3100762]. Hillerman seemed to have a better idea of where the series would go and was able to continue to develop the characters.
The mystery itself was still straightforward. These aren't [a:Agatha Christie|123715|Agatha Christie|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1321738793p2/123715.jpg] books, but they are still very engaging. What I love about the series is how Hillerman brought the setting to life. Dance Hall of the Dead not only explores Navajo culture but also Zuñi culture. People have a bad habit of lumping all Native American culture together, so it was interesting to see both cultures especially considering this was written in the 70's. Even though many books have copied off of this series, I would still recommend it to any Mystery fans.
RATING FACTORS:
Ease of Reading: 4 Stars
Writing Style: 4 Stars
Characters and Character Development: 4 Stars
Plot Structure and Development: 3 Stars
Level of Captivation: 4 Stars
Originality: 4 Stars
theretiredlibrarian's review against another edition
3.0
It was ok. Only read it because it’s on Amazon’s list of 100 mysteries and thrillers to read in a lifetime.
omnibozo22's review against another edition
4.0
While the mysteries are rather slight in the Hillerman books, the cultural and physical settings are the real attractions. These are very easy, fast reads that I always enjoy. There are only a couple left in the series that I will go find now... plus, I've read two by his daughter, who writes in the same genre.
I've just been picking them up when I find them in the used bookstore, so they haven't been in strict sequence for me. Think I'll finish 'em off via Kindle.
I've just been picking them up when I find them in the used bookstore, so they haven't been in strict sequence for me. Think I'll finish 'em off via Kindle.
meganpbennett's review against another edition
dark
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Dance Hall of the Dead sees Navajo police officer Joe Leaphorn heading out to the Zuni Reservation, helping to investigate a potential murder that gets immediately complicated. Why was the boy killed? And what happened to the friend he was meeting?
There's a lot of things happening around the main story - solving the first murder and finding the missing boy - but some of it is connected. You'll have to read to figure out what is connected and how it's connected.
There's a lot of things happening around the main story - solving the first murder and finding the missing boy - but some of it is connected. You'll have to read to figure out what is connected and how it's connected.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism and Blood
Moderate: Animal death
prgchrqltma's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting enough in abridged form that I'd listen to more of the series.