[.ca] Hunting Badger (ISBN 0061097861)

More of the great combo of Leaphorn and Chee:
Hunting Badger, set in the Four Corners region of the US (junction of New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah, which come together at four perfect 90-degree angles) which will be familiar to Hillerman's devoted readers, focuses on the violent ripoff of a casino on the Ute reservation. The wonderful character list includes the usual reservation cops, and a lady interest for both Leaphorn (whose beloved wife has died) and Chee (who took fer-frikkin'-ever to get over Janet Pete, his first love). But just as strong a character is the land itself, always a forceful and important presence in TH's wonderful books. There's even mining geology information in Hunting Badger. What you get in a good Tony Hillerman book is more than a story with memorable characters told in economical prose; you also get vivid mental pictures of the bleak beauty of the Southwest, insightful glimpses of Navajo culture, geology and geography lessons, and spiritual shaman lore. For character development and follow-through, don't read this first; go back at the very beginning of this Leaphorn/Chee series and start with the first one. But if you just want a good book to read on the plane and this is the one that's available in the airport bookstore, then go ahead and buy it. You won't regret it.

Once Again in Dinetah:
Once again, Tony Hillerman uses his excellent knowledge of the ways and beliefs of the Navajo and other southwestern Indian peoples to craft a mystery that is at once engaging and educational. His frequent digs at the lumbering "Federal Bureau of Incompetence" are softened by his revelations of the guys working in the agency, trying to do their job under constant oversight from the politicians and bureaucrats in Washington. But what really makes his work stand out is that his people, good and bad, come across as real people. If you've never read a Tony Hillerman book, this is one you will either love or hate, and if you hate it I pity you. If you're a Hillerman fan, then this is good, solid Hillerman, neither his best nor his least. But then I've never read one of his books I didn't like!

Hillerman does it again.:
While retired Lt. Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee are hunting down the people responsible for a casino robbery, we learn that they may be tied to a legend of a mysterious indian (George Ironhand) that seems to have the ability to fly. Tied in with this is the concept of "Hunting Badger." As with all of Tony Hillerman's stories you have the feeling you are there. In fact if you have visited or live in the area (Four Corners canyons) that the mystery takes part in, you will be better able to identify with the people and landmarks. And as with his other books there is an overt and covert story. I have read the book but the addition of the voice of George Guidall ads a dimension to the story by helping visualize the people and correcting pronunciation of certain words. I suggest you read the book and listen to the recorded version.

Another Best Seller:
Hillerman once again presents us with a masterpiece. "Hunting Badger" unites readers favorites lEAPHORN and CHEE in a case filled with nail-bitting suspense and gut-wrenching danger. Hillerman has that unmatched writing talent that makes readers want to travel the scenic vistas of his tales. If you haven't experienced one of Hillerman's wonderous works, "Hunting Badger" is your chance. Beverly J Scott Author of Righteous Revenge

A different kind of hero:
If you want an action filled story that's full of blood and gore then this is not the book for you. If on the other hand you like a hero that would never consider himself a hero and uses his mind rather that his fists then you may like this book. If you have an interest in learning about different cultures then you will definitely like this book. Even though he usually leaves his pistol in the glove compartment of his pickup officer Jim Chee always seems to get his man. In his spare time he is learning to be a Navajo medicine man.