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grumpy_dragon_48's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
ogokoo's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
informative
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
lgcullens's review against another edition
4.0
Idly rummaging through some used books on the salvaged table at the village recycling station, the cover of this book caught my eye. Seeing it was one of Tony Hillerman's books, I began thumbing through it and recognized the book as one of the Joe Leaphorn / Jim Chee Navajo Tribal Police series I'd read (likely in the 1990s).
Academics, murderous villainy, rattlesnakes, skinwalkers, and even Butch Cassidy all mix in the twists of this tale. Coyote is a trickster in much of Native American myth, and Coyote's imposed fate plays a guiding role in the solution of this plot's puzzle. 'Gently impressive mystery fiction' is the best phrase I've come across to describe Tony Hillerman's writing.
I've found Tony Hillerman's books an enjoyable pastime over the years, and having spent a little time in the Four Corners region could easily visualize the settings.
Academics, murderous villainy, rattlesnakes, skinwalkers, and even Butch Cassidy all mix in the twists of this tale. Coyote is a trickster in much of Native American myth, and Coyote's imposed fate plays a guiding role in the solution of this plot's puzzle. 'Gently impressive mystery fiction' is the best phrase I've come across to describe Tony Hillerman's writing.
I've found Tony Hillerman's books an enjoyable pastime over the years, and having spent a little time in the Four Corners region could easily visualize the settings.
cubro's review against another edition
4.0
An excellent entry in the Leaphorn and Chee series. Beautifully written. Wonderful characterizations. A terrific mystery. Rich portrayal of Navajo culture. A delight.
raehink's review against another edition
4.0
Leaphorn and Chee solve another mystery...this one involves the magical Coyote figure. Ya gotta love Hillerman.
edsantiago's review against another edition
4.0
I’m late to the Hillerman game. Nothing can be gained by my writing a review nobody will ever read; but I need to write this for my own sake, to teach me.
I’m sad. I can’t remember which Hillerman I read or when, but it was at least twenty years ago and it didn’t impress me. Which is a damn shame, because this one sure did, and now I’m feeling the pain of having missed out for so long. I like to live the maxim of “I’ll try anything twice” — because the first time should be forgiven, because so many unknown tangents can sneak in to spoil it — and it took me far too long to give Hillerman a second try.
What a voice. He takes time to set scenes, describe them vividly; his characters do, too, valuing listening and storytelling, demonstrating a respect for others that we don’t often see. The pace is gentle, the story intriguing and surprising. Thoughtfulness and deliberation are virtues here.
I’m sad. I can’t remember which Hillerman I read or when, but it was at least twenty years ago and it didn’t impress me. Which is a damn shame, because this one sure did, and now I’m feeling the pain of having missed out for so long. I like to live the maxim of “I’ll try anything twice” — because the first time should be forgiven, because so many unknown tangents can sneak in to spoil it — and it took me far too long to give Hillerman a second try.
What a voice. He takes time to set scenes, describe them vividly; his characters do, too, valuing listening and storytelling, demonstrating a respect for others that we don’t often see. The pace is gentle, the story intriguing and surprising. Thoughtfulness and deliberation are virtues here.
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