labajas5280's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.0
rlse's review against another edition
I finished this but didn’t connect much. I couldn’t tell you a word of the baddies’ motivation.
libraryjen's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
3.0
I've read and enjoyed several Leaphorn and Chee books so I decided to go back to the beginning and see how it all started. This book felt a little unpolished to me. Hillerman definitely got better and the characters grow in good ways as the series continues.
psgrieser's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
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
laura904's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
yellowchevron's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
4.0
tmbrundage's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.5
dmwhipp's review against another edition
4.0
As a lover of mysteries who enjoys a good series, I’m surprised it took me so long to give Tony Hillerman a try. Book 1 in the Leaphorn and Chee series doesn’t actually feature Chee. The story focuses on Leaphorn investigating a possible homicide while his anthropologist friend visits to research Wolf-Witch sightings in the area and it’s soon clear both incidents are related.
It took a bit to get used to the writing style and unfamiliar references to Native American culture and superstitions. I also had to double check that this was the first book, since the references to some characters made it seem as if I was already supposed to know of them. Eventually, I was comfortable with Hillerman’s unique rhythm and enjoy the characters and plot, as well as the wonderful setting. I’ll be reading more in the series down the road.
It took a bit to get used to the writing style and unfamiliar references to Native American culture and superstitions. I also had to double check that this was the first book, since the references to some characters made it seem as if I was already supposed to know of them. Eventually, I was comfortable with Hillerman’s unique rhythm and enjoy the characters and plot, as well as the wonderful setting. I’ll be reading more in the series down the road.
mgrey15's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
The aspects of Navajo culture that are discussed are interesting, informative, and important to the storytelling. I liked Leaphorn as a character, less so McKee. It does suffer a bit from the female perspective—the main female character, a white woman, is treated as helpless by McKee, and that got old fast.
Content Warnings
Minor: Blood and Gun violence