Best Tony Hillerman Books of 2023

• Best Overall: The Dark Wind: A Leaphorn and Chee Novel
• Best Budget: Listening Woman: A Leaphorn & Chee Novel (A Leaphorn and Chee Novel Book 3)
• Best Value: Skeleton Man: A Leaphorn and Chee Novel (A Leaphorn and Chee Novel, 17)
• Editor's Choise: The Blessing Way: A Leaphorn & Chee Novel (A Leaphorn and Chee Novel, 1)

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#1: The Ghostway: A Leaphorn and Chee Novel (A Leaphorn and Chee Novel, 6)

Specs:

• Title: The Ghostway: A Leaphorn and Chee Novel
• Author: Tony Hillerman
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Publication date: 1984
• Pages: 336 pages
• Format: Paperback

What we like:

• The Ghostway is the sixth book in Tony Hillerman's Navajo series featuring Navajo Tribal Police officers Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee. The book follows Leaphorn and Chee as they investigate the death of a prominent Navajo artist while dealing with personal and spiritual crises. Hillerman's writing is as evocative as ever, vividly depicting the stark beauty of the American Southwest and the Navajo people's complex culture. The plot of the mystery is well-executed and keeps the reader guessing until the very end, with numerous plot twists to maintain interest.

What we don't like:

• Hillerman takes his time establishing the scene and exploring the cultural and spiritual elements of the story, which may frustrate some readers. Moreover, there are numerous characters and cultural references to keep track of, making the book at times somewhat difficult to read. However, these elements are part of what makes Hillerman's books so compelling to his fans.

Our Verdict:

The Ghostway is an absolute must-read for fans of Tony Hillerman's Navajo series. The book demonstrates Hillerman's ability to weave a captivating mystery while also exploring the rich culture and spirituality of the Navajo. The characters of Leaphorn and Chee continue to develop and grow, making this an enjoyable read for longtime series fans. Those who appreciate Hillerman's writing will find much to enjoy in The Ghostway, despite the fact that its slower pace and dense cultural elements may not appeal to everyone.

 #2: The Fallen Man: A Leaphorn and Chee Novel

Specs:

• Title: The Fallen Man: A Leaphorn and Chee Novel
• Author: Tony Hillerman
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Publication date: 1996
• Pages: 336 pages
• Format: Paperback

What we like:

• The Fallen Man is an excellent addition to Tony Hillerman's Navajo series, which stars Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee. In this book, the detectives investigate the mysterious death of a man who falls from a cliff in the Grand Canyon, while also facing numerous personal and professional obstacles. As always, Hillerman's writing is evocative and immersive, capturing the beauty and majesty of the American Southwest and examining the complex cultural and spiritual traditions of the Navajo people. The mystery is well-crafted and keeps the reader guessing, with numerous plot twists to keep the story moving forward.

What we don't like:

• Some readers may find The Fallen Man's pacing a bit slow, as Hillerman takes his time establishing the scene and exploring the story's cultural elements. In addition, some of the character interactions can feel a bit stilted or contrived, and the mystery's resolution may not be entirely satisfying to all readers. However, these criticisms are relatively minor and do not significantly detract from the book's overall appeal.

Our Verdict:

Overall, The Fallen Man is a highly enjoyable addition to Tony Hillerman's Navajo series, showcasing his talent for crafting compelling mysteries while also delving into the rich cultural and spiritual traditions of the Southwestern United States. Longtime fans of the series will find Leaphorn and Chee's continued development and maturation to be gratifying. Those who appreciate Hillerman's writing will find much to enjoy in The Fallen Man, despite the fact that its slower pace and cultural elements may not appeal to everyone.

 #3: Skinwalkers (A Leaphorn and Chee Novel Book 7)

Specs:

• Title: Skinwalkers: A Leaphorn and Chee Novel Book 7
• Author: Tony Hillerman
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Publication date: 1986
• Pages: 320 pages
• Format: Paperback

What we like:

• Skinwalkers is a compelling mystery that immerses readers in Navajo culture and tradition. As Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee investigate a series of ostensibly unrelated crimes, Hillerman expertly interweaves the personal and professional lives of these two protagonists. The book examines cultural identity, spiritual belief, and the conflict between traditional practices and contemporary society. The setting is vividly depicted, capturing the beauty and solitude of the Navajo lands, and the characters are intricately portrayed. The mystery is expertly crafted, with numerous plot twists to keep the reader guessing.

What we don't like:

• Particularly if they are looking for a more straightforward mystery, some readers may find the book's slow pace and emphasis on cultural elements a bit off-putting. Moreover, the book's depiction of particular cultural practices and beliefs may not be entirely accurate or sensitive, which may cause concern among some readers. Nevertheless, these criticisms are relatively minor and do not significantly diminish the book's overall quality.

Our Verdict:

Skinwalkers is an outstanding addition to Tony Hillerman's Navajo series, showcasing his ability to create compelling mysteries while exploring intricate cultural and spiritual themes. The book is highly descriptive and immersive, with a strong sense of place and vividly rendered characters. Those who enjoy Hillerman's writing will find much to enjoy in Skinwalkers, despite the fact that its slower pace and emphasis on cultural elements may not appeal to everyone.

 #4: A Thief of Time: A Leaphorn and Chee Novel

Specs:

• Title: A Thief of Time: A Leaphorn and Chee Novel
• Author: Tony Hillerman
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Publication date: 1988
• Pages: 288 pages
• Format: Paperback

What we like:

• A Thief of Time is a well-written, suspenseful, and thought-provoking mystery. Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee investigate the disappearance of an archaeologist and her team, while also dealing with a string of thefts of ancient artifacts. Hillerman's writing is evocative and engrossing, transporting the reader into the rugged and isolated Southwest landscape. The characters are well-developed and multifaceted, especially Leaphorn and Chee, whose personal and professional struggles add depth to the story. The book also provides insightful commentary on cultural preservation and the commercialization of archaeology.

What we don't like:

• The book's slow pace and emphasis on cultural elements may be a drawback for some readers. In addition, while Hillerman's depiction of Navajo culture is generally accurate and respectful, some readers may take issue with certain aspects of the portrayal. There is also a plot that is occasionally difficult to follow due to its complexity.

Our Verdict:

Overall, A Thief of Time is a satisfying mystery that explores cultural identity and preservation in an engaging and insightful manner. The writing is immersive and evocative, and the characters are well-drawn and complex. Those who enjoy Hillerman's writing and are interested in exploring the Southwest's unique culture and landscape will find much to enjoy in A Thief of Time, despite the book's slow pace and complex plot.

 #5: The First Eagle: A Leaphorn and Chee Novel

Specs:

• Title: The First Eagle: A Leaphorn and Chee Novel
• Author: Tony Hillerman
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Publication date: 1998
• Pages: 288 pages
• Format: Paperback

What we like:

• The First Eagle is a suspenseful mystery in which Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee investigate the death of a Native American artist whose body was discovered on sacred tribal land. The writing of Hillerman is richly descriptive, painting a vivid picture of the rugged Southwest landscape and the intricate cultural dynamics of the Navajo people. The characters are well-developed and interesting, especially Leaphorn and Chee, who struggle with personal and professional obstacles throughout the novel. The plot of the mystery is intricate, with plenty of turns to keep readers guessing until the very end.

What we don't like:

• Some readers may find the slower pace and emphasis on cultural elements a drawback. In addition, while Hillerman's depiction of Navajo culture is generally accurate and respectful, some readers may disagree with certain aspects of the depiction. In addition, there is a substantial amount of backstory and references to earlier books in the series, which may be confusing to readers who are unfamiliar with the Leaphorn and Chee novels.

Our Verdict:

Overall, The First Eagle is a captivating mystery that will appeal to fans of the Leaphorn and Chee series as well as those interested in exploring the unique culture and landscape of the Southwestern United States. Hillerman's prose is engrossing and captivating, and his characters are intricate and well-developed. Those who appreciate a well-crafted mystery and a nuanced examination of cultural dynamics will find much to appreciate in The First Eagle, despite the book's slower pace and complex cultural elements.

• Start with the first book: If you're new to Hillerman's work, it's best to start with the first book in his Navajo series, The Blessing Way, which introduces his protagonist, Navajo Tribal Police Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn.
• Consider the setting: Many of Hillerman's books are set in the American Southwest, and he often uses the landscape and culture of the region as a major element of his stories. If you're a fan of this region or want to learn more about it, look for books that are set in New Mexico, Arizona, or Utah.
• Look for themes: Hillerman's books often explore themes of tradition, spirituality, and the clash between Native American and Western culture. If you're interested in these themes, look for books that touch on them.
• Consider the format: Hillerman's books are available in a variety of formats, including paperback, hardcover, and ebook. Consider which format you prefer before making a purchase.

What is the best book by Tony Hillerman to begin with?

As stated previously, The Blessing Way is an excellent introduction to Hillerman's work.

Are Hillerman's works suitable for young adults?

Although Hillerman's books are not excessively graphic, they deal with mature themes and may not be appropriate for very young readers. The books are generally suggested for readers older than sixteen.

Does Hillerman write series?

Yes, many of Hillerman's books are part of a series featuring Navajo Tribal Police officers Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee.

Do the books need to be read in order?

Although Hillerman's books can be read as stand-alone stories, there are frequently recurring characters and storylines that span multiple books. This understanding can be enhanced by reading the books in chronological order.

How many books by Tony Hillerman are there?

Hillerman authored 18 novels featuring Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee, in addition to several nonfiction works about the Southwest.

The works of Tony Hillerman are a treasury of mystery, culture, and tradition. Whether you are a longtime fan or a newcomer to his work, you can choose from a variety of excellent books. Utilize our buying guide and frequently asked questions section to locate the ideal Tony Hillerman book for your reading list.