majkia's review against another edition
4.0
Very interesting with lots of Navajo and Zuni cultural, religious and psychological details.
Interestingly, I was also reading Once and Future Witches, so I was reading two books with culturally diverse ideas about witches.
Interestingly, I was also reading Once and Future Witches, so I was reading two books with culturally diverse ideas about witches.
amylynn1031's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
marcirenee1974's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
jhp's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
uncle_remus's review against another edition
4.0
I like that this series is not about how the Navajo / Zuni lived before white man, or how he lived (and died) under the advancement of white man. I like how it shows how they live currently (or near currently) - on Reservations, trying to hold on to traditional beliefs while influenced by White Men - be it universities (both educational institutions and visiting anthropologists), Christianity, drugs/alcohol, or capitalistic greed. I like how there is not a single facet denoting all Natives, but each tribe is distinct in culture, and within that, each character has a distinct personality; sometimes at conflict with each other, but always united in their conflict against White Men.
Still no Jim Chee.
Still no Jim Chee.
bobf2d33's review against another edition
4.0
You should read all the Tony Hillerman mysteries. This is no exception. One of the few I missed. It seems like they just released all of the Hillerman books in e-book format and the libraries now have them.
amarj33t_5ingh's review against another edition
5.0
This was my very first Hillerman novel, and I was (to borrow that all-so-famous cliche) 'hooked from the first page.' Hillerman's authentic insight into Native American modernity disallows his narrative from regressing into some hyper-sympathetic cultural misappropriation lunacy. That said, 'Dance Hall of the Dead' has a tight plot which moves rapidly without obfuscating the reader. We have grizzled Leaphorn navigating archaeological frameworks, tribal vendettas and all this to solve the disappearance of two tribal boys. This truly is a novel of 'world's collide' dimension.
valfreya's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book - I was reading it at night, and I even got a bit unsettled! The descriptions of the setting are really thorough and gave me such a sense of place, which some books just don't accomplish. The narrator definitely has his own voice, and he moves through his investigation very methodically, patiently waiting for people to realize they can't avoid his questions. At the same time, the story is very sad, and the ending isn't exactly happy. I want to read the entire series. (I'm glad I started close to the beginning!)
cjrayl's review against another edition
5.0
The complexity of this novel surpasses Hillerman's first book. The blending of Zuni facts and religion into the story serves to show the differences and gaps between the two peoples while observing these differences through the perspective of Leaphorn, the Navajo policeman. Sound confusing? It really isn't.
The story itself revolves around the death of one young man and the disappearance of another. Based on the myths of the Kachina, Leaphorn sets off to find the missing young man before he too is killed. Yet the overarching question is why? Why are these two young men targets? Could it be the possible drug drop that was going to take place? Or, maybe it has something to do with jealousy and the upcoming ceremonies on the Zuni Nation? Why is the archeology dig so important?
If you like a well crafted mystery, you will enjoy this book. Plus, as with Hillerman's books you will learn more about the four corner lands and the nations that call it home.
The story itself revolves around the death of one young man and the disappearance of another. Based on the myths of the Kachina, Leaphorn sets off to find the missing young man before he too is killed. Yet the overarching question is why? Why are these two young men targets? Could it be the possible drug drop that was going to take place? Or, maybe it has something to do with jealousy and the upcoming ceremonies on the Zuni Nation? Why is the archeology dig so important?
If you like a well crafted mystery, you will enjoy this book. Plus, as with Hillerman's books you will learn more about the four corner lands and the nations that call it home.