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Leaphorn & Chee #7
Skinwalkers
Navajo Tribal Police Officer Jim Chee and Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn investigate murders that lead them into spine-tingling and mystical world of Navajo witchcraft. Three unsolved homicides and an attempt on Chee's life have left the Navajo Tribal Police baffled. Are the murders somehow connected, although they occurred 120 miles apart? Or are they random acts of violence? Chee and Leaphorn's efforts to solve the seemingly unrelated individual crimes leave them with clues that point toward one suspect, in this suspenseful mystery.
282 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 1, 1986
About the author
Tony Hillerman
199 books1,680 followersTony Hillerman, who was born in Sacred Heart, Oklahoma, was a decorated combat veteran from World War II, serving as a mortarman in the 103rd Infantry Division and earning the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and a Purple Heart. Later, he worked as a journalist from 1948 to 1962. Then he earned a Masters degree and taught journalism from 1966 to 1987 at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, where he resided with his wife until his death in 2008. Hillerman, a consistently bestselling author, was ranked as New Mexico's 25th wealthiest man in 1996. - Wikipedia
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November 20, 2024
INVERTIRE L’INCANTESIMO
Window Rock in Arizona.
Tony Hillerman è un “viso pallido” affascinato dagli “indiani”. Cioè, dai pellerossa. Quelli che adesso chiamiamo “nativi americani”. Sì, proprio quelli che furono sterminati in un genocidio. E ai rimasti fu imposta la legge della riserva.
Nello specifico, i nativi di cui qui si parla di più sono i Navajo. E infatti, il luogo dell’azione è all’interno della Navajo Nation, in quella zona che in US chiamano Four Corners, il nordest dell’Arizona al confine con Utah, New Mexico e Colorado.
Black Mesa in Arizona vicino al confine con lo Utah.
Prima storia con i due protagonisti preferiti di Hillerman: entrambi della polizia tribale, uno è tenente ed è più o meno di mezz’età, Joe Leaphorn; l’altro è più giovane, agente e in seguito diventerà sergente, Jim Chee.
Il loro lavoro mi ha ricordato quello dei cercatori d’oro: col setaccio raccolgono tanta roba inutile – sassi, ghiaia, spazzatura, parole superflue, false piste, indizi fuorvianti – setacciano, perlustrano, osservano, scremano, e ogni tanto trovano una pagliuzza d’oro, e poi dai dai anche una pepita. E quando sono riusciti a collezionare sufficienti pezzi d’oro, riescono anche a confezionare il gioiello, cioè, a risolvere il caso, trovare il colpevole.
Montezuma Creek in Utah.
La scrittura come nei polizieschi di rispetto è semplice, efficace, diretta. Ma questo non vuol dire che Hillerman rinunci a girare intorno, ad allargare la visuale, a raccontare anche altro (per la cronaca, Hillerman era laureato in antropologia): il lato umano e quello storico e quello culturale.
Sempre tenendo sottotraccia un filo di ironia, ma palesando il suo interesse e la sua passione per i popoli nativi, americani in questo caso, ma in generale nel senso più ampio del termine.
Navajo Nation
Pubblicato nel 1986, racconta una storia che fa a meno di cellulari e computer, ci sono ancora le cabine telefoniche, e le ricerche negli archivi cartacei, le lettere viaggiano per posta dentro una busta con l’indirizzo del destinatario scritto davanti. Ovviamente compaiono pistole, e fucili, e coltelli (coltellacci), pick-up, case su quattro ruote, e tanto tanto splendido deserto americano, come alcune di queste immagini mostrano.
Flagstaff in Arizona.
Facile intuire dal titolo che si avrà a che fare con la magia: fatture e malocchi, che per essere sciolti devono essere ritorti contro la persona che li ha scagliati (invertire l’incantesimo). Nel corpo della quale, vittima o carnefice, si ha cura di lasciare un pezzetto d’osso, arrotondato e levigato, possibilmente umano, ma animale va bene altrettanto: un ossicino spinto giù nella ferita inferta con una coltellata o infilato nel proiettile. E quindi sciamani, santoni, mutaforme… C’è chi ci crede e chi invece no: ma questi ultimi faranno comunque bene a non prendere la materia sotto gamba.
Casa del Echo
Tony, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship…
Shiprock, 482 m s.l.m., luogo sacro per i Navajo.
Window Rock in Arizona.
Tony Hillerman è un “viso pallido” affascinato dagli “indiani”. Cioè, dai pellerossa. Quelli che adesso chiamiamo “nativi americani”. Sì, proprio quelli che furono sterminati in un genocidio. E ai rimasti fu imposta la legge della riserva.
Nello specifico, i nativi di cui qui si parla di più sono i Navajo. E infatti, il luogo dell’azione è all’interno della Navajo Nation, in quella zona che in US chiamano Four Corners, il nordest dell’Arizona al confine con Utah, New Mexico e Colorado.
Black Mesa in Arizona vicino al confine con lo Utah.
Prima storia con i due protagonisti preferiti di Hillerman: entrambi della polizia tribale, uno è tenente ed è più o meno di mezz’età, Joe Leaphorn; l’altro è più giovane, agente e in seguito diventerà sergente, Jim Chee.
Il loro lavoro mi ha ricordato quello dei cercatori d’oro: col setaccio raccolgono tanta roba inutile – sassi, ghiaia, spazzatura, parole superflue, false piste, indizi fuorvianti – setacciano, perlustrano, osservano, scremano, e ogni tanto trovano una pagliuzza d’oro, e poi dai dai anche una pepita. E quando sono riusciti a collezionare sufficienti pezzi d’oro, riescono anche a confezionare il gioiello, cioè, a risolvere il caso, trovare il colpevole.
Montezuma Creek in Utah.
La scrittura come nei polizieschi di rispetto è semplice, efficace, diretta. Ma questo non vuol dire che Hillerman rinunci a girare intorno, ad allargare la visuale, a raccontare anche altro (per la cronaca, Hillerman era laureato in antropologia): il lato umano e quello storico e quello culturale.
Sempre tenendo sottotraccia un filo di ironia, ma palesando il suo interesse e la sua passione per i popoli nativi, americani in questo caso, ma in generale nel senso più ampio del termine.
Navajo Nation
Pubblicato nel 1986, racconta una storia che fa a meno di cellulari e computer, ci sono ancora le cabine telefoniche, e le ricerche negli archivi cartacei, le lettere viaggiano per posta dentro una busta con l’indirizzo del destinatario scritto davanti. Ovviamente compaiono pistole, e fucili, e coltelli (coltellacci), pick-up, case su quattro ruote, e tanto tanto splendido deserto americano, come alcune di queste immagini mostrano.
Flagstaff in Arizona.
Facile intuire dal titolo che si avrà a che fare con la magia: fatture e malocchi, che per essere sciolti devono essere ritorti contro la persona che li ha scagliati (invertire l’incantesimo). Nel corpo della quale, vittima o carnefice, si ha cura di lasciare un pezzetto d’osso, arrotondato e levigato, possibilmente umano, ma animale va bene altrettanto: un ossicino spinto giù nella ferita inferta con una coltellata o infilato nel proiettile. E quindi sciamani, santoni, mutaforme… C’è chi ci crede e chi invece no: ma questi ultimi faranno comunque bene a non prendere la materia sotto gamba.
Casa del Echo
Tony, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship…
Shiprock, 482 m s.l.m., luogo sacro per i Navajo.
September 1, 2017
Those looking for a great mystery series who have yet to discover Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee are in for a treat with Skinwalkers. Tony Hillerman created an entire genre with these novels. Though they've been copied, no one has ever quite blended Native American beliefs and traditions, with modern day mystery in the same entertaining way at which Hillerman was so skilled.
Skinwalkers is one of Hillerman's finest pairings of young Navajo Tribal Police Officer, Jim Chee, and the legendary Lt. Joe Leaphorn. This one begins when a shotgun blast into Jim Chee's trailer has both Chee and Leaphorn trying to figure out how the attempt on Chee's life ties together with two murders in the sprawling Indian territory over which they have jurisdiction.
The seasoned Leaphorn begins to have respect for young Chee as they work on different ends to solve this mystery. Leaphorn has his own personal problems to deal with as well in this entry; his beloved wife may have the onset of Alzheimer's disease. It is a distraction he can't afford once the danger begins escalating.
Sprinkled throughout this complex and entertaining mystery novel are insights into the Navajo people, from the way they speak, to their customs and broad family ties. But the thread that may tie everything together is something the older Leaphorn despises, and the younger Chee embraces. That aspect of the investigation is the complex mythology of Navajo witchcraft. You see, the killings may involve something very ancient in the Navajo culture, called a Skinwalker.
This is simply a great read, full of description of the Four Corners landscape, which is interwoven with the traditions of the Navajo. The story itself begins at a languid pace, but gradually takes on urgency as the body count starts to rise. The good police work of Leaphorn and Chee may not be enough to save either of them this time out.
Chee's growing recognition among his people as a Hataalli (Medicine Man) who can perform the Blessing Way will play an integral part in this excellent entry in the Leaphorn/Chee canon. Widely regarded by fans of the series and critics alike as one of the best entries in the series, Skinwalkers is like an orange soda on a hot day in the New Mexico desert; it's incredibly refreshing, and really hits the spot.
Skinwalkers is one of Hillerman's finest pairings of young Navajo Tribal Police Officer, Jim Chee, and the legendary Lt. Joe Leaphorn. This one begins when a shotgun blast into Jim Chee's trailer has both Chee and Leaphorn trying to figure out how the attempt on Chee's life ties together with two murders in the sprawling Indian territory over which they have jurisdiction.
The seasoned Leaphorn begins to have respect for young Chee as they work on different ends to solve this mystery. Leaphorn has his own personal problems to deal with as well in this entry; his beloved wife may have the onset of Alzheimer's disease. It is a distraction he can't afford once the danger begins escalating.
Sprinkled throughout this complex and entertaining mystery novel are insights into the Navajo people, from the way they speak, to their customs and broad family ties. But the thread that may tie everything together is something the older Leaphorn despises, and the younger Chee embraces. That aspect of the investigation is the complex mythology of Navajo witchcraft. You see, the killings may involve something very ancient in the Navajo culture, called a Skinwalker.
This is simply a great read, full of description of the Four Corners landscape, which is interwoven with the traditions of the Navajo. The story itself begins at a languid pace, but gradually takes on urgency as the body count starts to rise. The good police work of Leaphorn and Chee may not be enough to save either of them this time out.
Chee's growing recognition among his people as a Hataalli (Medicine Man) who can perform the Blessing Way will play an integral part in this excellent entry in the Leaphorn/Chee canon. Widely regarded by fans of the series and critics alike as one of the best entries in the series, Skinwalkers is like an orange soda on a hot day in the New Mexico desert; it's incredibly refreshing, and really hits the spot.
November 3, 2015
Leaphorn was a hotshot. But Leaphorn was wrong about this.
This was a good, exciting entry in Hillerman's Navajo Mystery series. (#7). People are being killed in various ways on the reservation with no apparent rhyme or reason. Who's doing this and why?
...
The book opens particularly well in a long and exciting sequence that basically ends with Jim Chee's cat saving his life. The cat becomes quite a character in this book.
Jim Chee has a Navajo view of animals and hates interfering with them, but he takes mercy on this abandoned manx and even ends up building a little cat door in his trailer so the cat can come in when it wants to.
That's what ends up saving Jim Chee's life.
But Chee doesn't want to make a pet out of the cat, whom he calls "Cat."
That was exactly what he couldn't allow to happen. If the cat was to make the transition - from someone's property to self-sufficient predator - it couldn't rely on him, or on any person. To do so was to fail. Chee had been surprised when he first realized that he cared how this struggle ended. Now he accepted it. He wanted the cat to tear itself free. He wanted belagana cat to become natural cat. He wanted the to endure.
But at the same time he cares about it and doesn't want it to die. I mean, he doesn't want to pet it - and trust me, the cat does NOT want to be touched - but he would be upset if it was eaten by a ky-oat*.
The whole cat subplot is very cute. I love grumpy men who seemingly have no love for animals, but yet would never hurt one and end up caring for one. My papi was the same way. If there was a dog, he'd call it "Dog." He never wanted to have any pets and loathed having animals in his home. But at the same time he was a good man and would never allow any animal to suffer. He had compassion and mercy on animals when he could've been cruel and cold.
Actually, my abuelita on the other side was the same way. She was gifted a bird once and she called it "Bird." But my father would have never harmed an animal and actually, despite his grumpiness, would always make sure an animal had food and water and was cared for. A good man, although a hard one.
The way people treat animals is super-important. Never date a man or woman who harms animals or thinks animals' lives have no value or would be cruel to an animal. A man doesn't have to be all lovey-dovey with animals or have pets, but there's a huge difference between a man who doesn't care for having a pet and one who would show cruelty to an animal. Seeing how your man interacts with animals is a number one thing to do in assessing if he's worth your time or not. If he doesn't have compassion and mercy on animals, he's a piece of shit. It's good if you find out about any cruel streaks right away.
Jim Chee is also a good man, although I hesitate to call Jim Chee a mensch. Still don't think he's earned that title from me.
The cat subplot and it's end solution were very fun and satisfying to this reader.
"Look out, Cat," he said. And the cat, instead of diving for the exit flap as it normally did when he came anywhere near this close, moved down the trailer. It sat under his bunk, looking at him nervously.
It took a millisecond for Jim Chee to register the meaning of this.
Something out there.
...
In other Jim Chee news, it looks like he and that #&$I(&(&^@ Mary Landon might be breaking up. Hallelujah and praise the Lord!!!!
He unplugged his coffeepot, filled his coffee cup with water, swirled it gently, and drank it down.
("I never saw anybody do that before," Mary Landon had said.
"What?"
"That with the water you rinsed your cup with." Empty-handed, she had mimicked the swirling and the drinking.
It still had taken him a moment to understand. "Oh," he had said. "If you grow up hauling water, you don't ever learn to pour it out. You don't waste it, even if it tastes a little bit like coffee."
"Odd," Mary Landon said. "What the old prof in Sociology 101 would call a cultural anomaly."
It had seemed odd to Chee that not wasting water had seemed odd to Mary Landon. It still seemed odd.)
Mary Landon's continued refusal to even attempt to understand basic psychology is DRIVING ME UP THE WALL. I'm over here hoping and praying that they are broken up for good. I hate her. On the plus side, Chee is checking out Janet Pete's legs. Perhaps that will lead to something.
...
In other news, this is the first book in which Leaphorn and Chee work together. They get off to a rather rocky start. Leaphorn is older, more cynical, and Chee is more mystical and more religious, following the old Navajo ways. But they are both good men and hopefully they will strike up a friendship.
...
Joe Leaphorn's got his own problems, this book is filled with his worries and concerns with his wife Emma, who is rapidly succumbing to the demon Alzheimer's. It's hard and painful for him, and any reader familiar with this demon will be feeling immense sympathy for both him and his ailing wife. It's heartbreaking.
...
Tl;dr - One of the more fun, and more satisfying Hillerman entries.
*How some people say "coyote."
This was a good, exciting entry in Hillerman's Navajo Mystery series. (#7). People are being killed in various ways on the reservation with no apparent rhyme or reason. Who's doing this and why?
...
The book opens particularly well in a long and exciting sequence that basically ends with Jim Chee's cat saving his life. The cat becomes quite a character in this book.
Jim Chee has a Navajo view of animals and hates interfering with them, but he takes mercy on this abandoned manx and even ends up building a little cat door in his trailer so the cat can come in when it wants to.
That's what ends up saving Jim Chee's life.
But Chee doesn't want to make a pet out of the cat, whom he calls "Cat."
That was exactly what he couldn't allow to happen. If the cat was to make the transition - from someone's property to self-sufficient predator - it couldn't rely on him, or on any person. To do so was to fail. Chee had been surprised when he first realized that he cared how this struggle ended. Now he accepted it. He wanted the cat to tear itself free. He wanted belagana cat to become natural cat. He wanted the to endure.
But at the same time he cares about it and doesn't want it to die. I mean, he doesn't want to pet it - and trust me, the cat does NOT want to be touched - but he would be upset if it was eaten by a ky-oat*.
The whole cat subplot is very cute. I love grumpy men who seemingly have no love for animals, but yet would never hurt one and end up caring for one. My papi was the same way. If there was a dog, he'd call it "Dog." He never wanted to have any pets and loathed having animals in his home. But at the same time he was a good man and would never allow any animal to suffer. He had compassion and mercy on animals when he could've been cruel and cold.
Actually, my abuelita on the other side was the same way. She was gifted a bird once and she called it "Bird." But my father would have never harmed an animal and actually, despite his grumpiness, would always make sure an animal had food and water and was cared for. A good man, although a hard one.
The way people treat animals is super-important. Never date a man or woman who harms animals or thinks animals' lives have no value or would be cruel to an animal. A man doesn't have to be all lovey-dovey with animals or have pets, but there's a huge difference between a man who doesn't care for having a pet and one who would show cruelty to an animal. Seeing how your man interacts with animals is a number one thing to do in assessing if he's worth your time or not. If he doesn't have compassion and mercy on animals, he's a piece of shit. It's good if you find out about any cruel streaks right away.
Jim Chee is also a good man, although I hesitate to call Jim Chee a mensch. Still don't think he's earned that title from me.
The cat subplot and it's end solution were very fun and satisfying to this reader.
"Look out, Cat," he said. And the cat, instead of diving for the exit flap as it normally did when he came anywhere near this close, moved down the trailer. It sat under his bunk, looking at him nervously.
It took a millisecond for Jim Chee to register the meaning of this.
Something out there.
...
In other Jim Chee news, it looks like he and that #&$I(&(&^@ Mary Landon might be breaking up. Hallelujah and praise the Lord!!!!
He unplugged his coffeepot, filled his coffee cup with water, swirled it gently, and drank it down.
("I never saw anybody do that before," Mary Landon had said.
"What?"
"That with the water you rinsed your cup with." Empty-handed, she had mimicked the swirling and the drinking.
It still had taken him a moment to understand. "Oh," he had said. "If you grow up hauling water, you don't ever learn to pour it out. You don't waste it, even if it tastes a little bit like coffee."
"Odd," Mary Landon said. "What the old prof in Sociology 101 would call a cultural anomaly."
It had seemed odd to Chee that not wasting water had seemed odd to Mary Landon. It still seemed odd.)
Mary Landon's continued refusal to even attempt to understand basic psychology is DRIVING ME UP THE WALL. I'm over here hoping and praying that they are broken up for good. I hate her. On the plus side, Chee is checking out Janet Pete's legs. Perhaps that will lead to something.
...
In other news, this is the first book in which Leaphorn and Chee work together. They get off to a rather rocky start. Leaphorn is older, more cynical, and Chee is more mystical and more religious, following the old Navajo ways. But they are both good men and hopefully they will strike up a friendship.
...
Joe Leaphorn's got his own problems, this book is filled with his worries and concerns with his wife Emma, who is rapidly succumbing to the demon Alzheimer's. It's hard and painful for him, and any reader familiar with this demon will be feeling immense sympathy for both him and his ailing wife. It's heartbreaking.
...
Tl;dr - One of the more fun, and more satisfying Hillerman entries.
*How some people say "coyote."
January 13, 2024
In Navajo indigenous spirituality there is only dark witchcraft, the witchiness of the skinwalkers, which some continue to believe in @ 21st century.
This is what this mystery winds itself around - those who believe in skinwalkers, even to the point of trying to kill them or reverse their spells against them - and those who do not believe in skinwalkers, even though they must remain alert to those who do and be wary of their actions, especially those who truly believe they are the skinwalkers and have access to all their dark powers and lethal spells.
This is an electrifying page turner and a race against the killer’s clock by Chee and Leaphorn, the Navajo Tribal Police officers, to save as many lives as possible - including their own.
One of Hillerman’s best. Start here if you’re interested in exploring the series.
This is what this mystery winds itself around - those who believe in skinwalkers, even to the point of trying to kill them or reverse their spells against them - and those who do not believe in skinwalkers, even though they must remain alert to those who do and be wary of their actions, especially those who truly believe they are the skinwalkers and have access to all their dark powers and lethal spells.
This is an electrifying page turner and a race against the killer’s clock by Chee and Leaphorn, the Navajo Tribal Police officers, to save as many lives as possible - including their own.
One of Hillerman’s best. Start here if you’re interested in exploring the series.
March 5, 2011
Enjoyed it. As usual, nice description of the landscape and setting. Leaphorn is particularly distracted by his wife's medical issues. Chee is less distracted by his female friends than normal, as things are ending with Mary and he skirmishes professionally with Janet. Suspenseful plot.
March 10, 2019
I listened to the audiobook and I enjoyed the narrator. I also enjoyed the story and how it incorperated some of the Native American Folklore/Mythology into the mystery. I've never read or listened to a Tony Hillerman book before and I was please with the story and the characters. I would consider reading another booy in this series. I found that I liked Chee as a character and even by the end of the story he still seemed a little mysterious to me, but it could be due to listening to the 7th book in the series. So it could be beneficial to pick up the previous 6 books in the series.
October 19, 2016
Excellent but strange story set in the Navajo nation. Officer Jim Chee is being stalked by someone who believes he's a witch. The Navajo take witchcraft very seriously and there are a series of related murders. Mr. Hillerman does a great job with the native culture and traditions as well as describing the desert and reservation terrain.
December 20, 2017
Hillerman’s collection of mysteries set in the Navajo/Hopi lands of Arizona/New Mexico/Utah. One side benefit of reading this stories is what the reader learns about historical and contemporary Hopi and Navajo culture. Hillerman has created two attractive detectives, former fabled Navajo tribal policeman Joe Leaphorn and current policeman and apprentice Jim Chee, who is also studying to be a traditional medicine man.
August 16, 2019
Loved all Hillerman books with Leaphorn and Chee
March 15, 2024
Leaphorn and Chee work together for the first time, as someone shotguns Chee's trailer.
It would seem to be a one-off, but Chee is still around, while Leaphorn is all but gone from his own series.
It would seem to be a one-off, but Chee is still around, while Leaphorn is all but gone from his own series.
October 21, 2016
Skinwalkers is a real page turner. This is my first dip into Hillerman's mystery series featuring Lt. Joe Leaphorn and Officer Jim Chee of the Navajo Tribal Police. I know absolutely nothing about Navajo culture and next to nothing about the tribe's history so I can't vouch for the authenticity of Hillerman's book but I can testify that this was highly entertaining and the mystery of was suitably tricky (I sort of guessed who might be involved but I had no idea how it could have been done). Lots of spooky elements of Navajo witchcraft--not all of which is benign--and a string of deaths that might be the work of a 'skinwalker', a practitioner who has turned away from the traditional harmony of the Navajo Way.
Both Leaphorn and Chee are wonderful characters and a pleasure to be with. There were great descriptions of the Navajo reservation, which stretches across the four corners where Arizona, New Mexico, Wyoming and Colorado meet. I appreciated the many details of life on the Reservation and its sometimes fraught relations with US white officialdom. Plus there is a feral cat who turns out to be something of a hero--how could I not love this one?
I started in the middle of the series because this was the earliest one the library had on hand but I'm anxious to read more.
Both Leaphorn and Chee are wonderful characters and a pleasure to be with. There were great descriptions of the Navajo reservation, which stretches across the four corners where Arizona, New Mexico, Wyoming and Colorado meet. I appreciated the many details of life on the Reservation and its sometimes fraught relations with US white officialdom. Plus there is a feral cat who turns out to be something of a hero--how could I not love this one?
I started in the middle of the series because this was the earliest one the library had on hand but I'm anxious to read more.
October 8, 2023
2023 reread notes:
Holds up well, some 35 years after I first read it. This was the first Leaphorn and Chee book, his first bestseller, and it's a short, sweet read. I could see more flaws than I recalled, especially at the end, but it's still a fine Indian-country mystery-thriller. The opening chapter is particularly fine: Jim Chee's adopted stray cat is a literal life-saver for him!
I was prompted to reread by seeing this comment from Dana Stabenow: "The first chapter of Skinwalkers is hands down an example of the best writing in the genre or, hell, the English language." Woot!
This would make a fine entry-point into the series. Recommended reading. Hillerman was a great writer and a great raconteur. He's missed.
Holds up well, some 35 years after I first read it. This was the first Leaphorn and Chee book, his first bestseller, and it's a short, sweet read. I could see more flaws than I recalled, especially at the end, but it's still a fine Indian-country mystery-thriller. The opening chapter is particularly fine: Jim Chee's adopted stray cat is a literal life-saver for him!
I was prompted to reread by seeing this comment from Dana Stabenow: "The first chapter of Skinwalkers is hands down an example of the best writing in the genre or, hell, the English language." Woot!
This would make a fine entry-point into the series. Recommended reading. Hillerman was a great writer and a great raconteur. He's missed.
April 17, 2019
Until this case Lt. Joe Leaphorn and Officer Jim Chee had never met. Both are part of the Navajo Tribal Police force, but Leaphorn is based at Window Rock whereas Chee operates out of Shiprock, 120 miles to the north, across the rugged Chuskas Mountains. Their initial encounter is awkward. Someone blasted shotgun holes through Chee's trailer. Leaphorn's interrogation skirts the unspoken question, what are you not telling me? Like every other investigator, they both know that an intended murder victim almost always has an idea of who and why they have been targeted.
This incident is only the latest of a series of puzzling incidents. Irma Onesalt, an overbearing tribal government employee was killed as she was driving her car. Dugai Endocheeney was stabbed to death. Wilson Sam was apparently pushed off a cliff to his death. The victims did not know each other. The incidents occurred miles apart. There is absolutely no similarity in M.O. Coincidence? Or are these four events related in some way?
Leaphorn and Chee are something of an “odd couple.” Leaphorn is married to a woman from a traditional family. Chee is dating a college student from Wisconsin. Leaphorn considers superstition, particularly beliefs in witchcraft, to be toxic. His animosity is provoked by the pervasive hold these beliefs continue to have among the Dinee. Chee feels a strong connection with his traditional roots and has even completed training in the performance of the “Blessing Way,” a complicated ritual he learned from one of the elders. He finds belief in witchcraft consistent with the balance central to Navajo cosmology. “The origin story of the Navajos explained witchcraft clearly enough, and it was a logical part of the philosophy on which the Dinee had founded their culture. If there was good, and harmony, and beauty on the east side of reality, then there must be evil, chaos, and ugliness to the west.” (p.73) Almost all the people they interrogate believe witches (“Skinwalkers”) might be connected with the murders; no one wants to actually say so. Better to answer the questions of these strangers with silence.
Dinee customs enrich this story. It is never polite to look directly at a person or to stare; it is an invasion of privacy. Always allow sufficient time to pass before approaching someone's house in order to permit the occupants to adjust to the arrival of an outsider. There is a taboo against speaking the name of the dead. Leaphorn recalls how Irma Onesalt was so offensive and rude that scores of people would have had a motive to kill her. We might call her a busybody. Leaphorn concludes his mother would have called her: “one who tells sheep which weed to eat.” (p.95)
Technically, the FBI is responsible for these murder investigations. However, since none of the agents speak Navajo, and some are even ignorant of these customs, any real progress will be made only through the efforts of the Navajo Tribal Police. Officially, they act as interpreters, but their broad “interpreting” affords additional insight into Dinee customs.
All of Hillerman's books capture the unique landscape and atmospheric shifts of color of New Mexico. This story takes place in August. It is the end of the hot dry summer season, but the autumn monsoons have not yet begun. Lightning and storm clouds are visible in the distance, but that acute smell of impending desert rain still eludes. When it does fall, it will fill the arroyos and transform dusty paths that pass for roads into thick muddy troughs. Visits to the disparate crime scenes convey the remoteness of the scattered dwellings. In these areas mail is delivered to a local trading post and held until the recipient makes a trip in for supplies.
SKINWALKERS is Hillerman's seventh Leaphorn/Chee mystery. I had originally intended to read these books in order, but when I saw this title on the shelf at our local library I couldn't resist. I've read two previous books, and this one is among the best in the series.
NOTES:
maps for the Chee/Leaphorn books, including Skinwalkers: http://ehillerman.unm.edu/maps#sthash...
This incident is only the latest of a series of puzzling incidents. Irma Onesalt, an overbearing tribal government employee was killed as she was driving her car. Dugai Endocheeney was stabbed to death. Wilson Sam was apparently pushed off a cliff to his death. The victims did not know each other. The incidents occurred miles apart. There is absolutely no similarity in M.O. Coincidence? Or are these four events related in some way?
Leaphorn and Chee are something of an “odd couple.” Leaphorn is married to a woman from a traditional family. Chee is dating a college student from Wisconsin. Leaphorn considers superstition, particularly beliefs in witchcraft, to be toxic. His animosity is provoked by the pervasive hold these beliefs continue to have among the Dinee. Chee feels a strong connection with his traditional roots and has even completed training in the performance of the “Blessing Way,” a complicated ritual he learned from one of the elders. He finds belief in witchcraft consistent with the balance central to Navajo cosmology. “The origin story of the Navajos explained witchcraft clearly enough, and it was a logical part of the philosophy on which the Dinee had founded their culture. If there was good, and harmony, and beauty on the east side of reality, then there must be evil, chaos, and ugliness to the west.” (p.73) Almost all the people they interrogate believe witches (“Skinwalkers”) might be connected with the murders; no one wants to actually say so. Better to answer the questions of these strangers with silence.
Dinee customs enrich this story. It is never polite to look directly at a person or to stare; it is an invasion of privacy. Always allow sufficient time to pass before approaching someone's house in order to permit the occupants to adjust to the arrival of an outsider. There is a taboo against speaking the name of the dead. Leaphorn recalls how Irma Onesalt was so offensive and rude that scores of people would have had a motive to kill her. We might call her a busybody. Leaphorn concludes his mother would have called her: “one who tells sheep which weed to eat.” (p.95)
Technically, the FBI is responsible for these murder investigations. However, since none of the agents speak Navajo, and some are even ignorant of these customs, any real progress will be made only through the efforts of the Navajo Tribal Police. Officially, they act as interpreters, but their broad “interpreting” affords additional insight into Dinee customs.
All of Hillerman's books capture the unique landscape and atmospheric shifts of color of New Mexico. This story takes place in August. It is the end of the hot dry summer season, but the autumn monsoons have not yet begun. Lightning and storm clouds are visible in the distance, but that acute smell of impending desert rain still eludes. When it does fall, it will fill the arroyos and transform dusty paths that pass for roads into thick muddy troughs. Visits to the disparate crime scenes convey the remoteness of the scattered dwellings. In these areas mail is delivered to a local trading post and held until the recipient makes a trip in for supplies.
SKINWALKERS is Hillerman's seventh Leaphorn/Chee mystery. I had originally intended to read these books in order, but when I saw this title on the shelf at our local library I couldn't resist. I've read two previous books, and this one is among the best in the series.
NOTES:
maps for the Chee/Leaphorn books, including Skinwalkers: http://ehillerman.unm.edu/maps#sthash...
July 17, 2010
Am just beginning yet another mystery that will be totally engrossing....
And I finished reading this book I was thinking yes, it was totally engrossing! Initially, Officer Jim Chee is shot in his trailer. As the story continues, Chee begins working with Lieutneant Leaphorn on a murder investigation. This is no ordinary murder investigation - it is one that involves Navajo skinwalkers! As you are reading their journey through their investigation, you learn about what the Navajo beliefs are on witchcraft and what skinwalkers are. You also learn as the story goes along that Chee is somehow involved with the murders. Throughout the twists and turns of the investigation, the reader has a sense of who the real murderer is - but, just as soon as this happens, another twist occurs in the story and the reader is left once again unsure!
Hillerman has incredible skill of allowing the reader to "feel" as though you are actually there on the reservation. You also always learn some aspect of Navajo culture as you read Hillerman's books. In "Skinwalkers" you learn of Navajo witchcraft. An excellent read!
And I finished reading this book I was thinking yes, it was totally engrossing! Initially, Officer Jim Chee is shot in his trailer. As the story continues, Chee begins working with Lieutneant Leaphorn on a murder investigation. This is no ordinary murder investigation - it is one that involves Navajo skinwalkers! As you are reading their journey through their investigation, you learn about what the Navajo beliefs are on witchcraft and what skinwalkers are. You also learn as the story goes along that Chee is somehow involved with the murders. Throughout the twists and turns of the investigation, the reader has a sense of who the real murderer is - but, just as soon as this happens, another twist occurs in the story and the reader is left once again unsure!
Hillerman has incredible skill of allowing the reader to "feel" as though you are actually there on the reservation. You also always learn some aspect of Navajo culture as you read Hillerman's books. In "Skinwalkers" you learn of Navajo witchcraft. An excellent read!
June 10, 2017
The suspense factor was perfect!!!!!!
August 17, 2019
I found this better than the last few in the series. The two cops/detectives finally meet. In so many ways they are opposites. Young/older, religious/agnostic, single/married, impulsive/cautious and so on. Neither particularly likes the other but both grow to think of the other in a more positive way by the end of the story. Both are dealing with potential personal loss in their lives. The story involves murders and attempted murders separated by over a hundred miles. Could these have anything in common? Read and find out!
March 18, 2024
Skinwalkers (Navajo Mysteries, #7) by Tony Hillerman
First published 1986 by HarperCollins
I listened to the audio cassette edition published in 1990 by Recorded Books, LLC and read by George Guidall.
Summary -
Navajo Tribal Police Officer Jim Chee and Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn investigate murders that lead them into spine-tingling and mystical world of Navajo witchcraft. Three unsolved homicides and an attempt on Chee's life have left the Navajo Tribal Police baffled. Are the murders somehow connected, although they occurred 120 miles apart? Or are they random acts of violence? Chee and Leaphorn's efforts to solve the seemingly unrelated individual crimes leave them with clues that point toward one suspect, in this suspenseful mystery.
My brief thoughts -
I first read this book back in th 1990's and subsequently watched the movie version and reread the book at least two more times over the years. It's probably one of my favorites in the series and I always enjoy it. This time I listened to the unabridged cassette edition over a period of over three months while puttering at my work bench. I enjoy the combination of the Navaho culture with the police procedural. Very well done and informative as well.
First published 1986 by HarperCollins
I listened to the audio cassette edition published in 1990 by Recorded Books, LLC and read by George Guidall.
Summary -
Navajo Tribal Police Officer Jim Chee and Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn investigate murders that lead them into spine-tingling and mystical world of Navajo witchcraft. Three unsolved homicides and an attempt on Chee's life have left the Navajo Tribal Police baffled. Are the murders somehow connected, although they occurred 120 miles apart? Or are they random acts of violence? Chee and Leaphorn's efforts to solve the seemingly unrelated individual crimes leave them with clues that point toward one suspect, in this suspenseful mystery.
My brief thoughts -
I first read this book back in th 1990's and subsequently watched the movie version and reread the book at least two more times over the years. It's probably one of my favorites in the series and I always enjoy it. This time I listened to the unabridged cassette edition over a period of over three months while puttering at my work bench. I enjoy the combination of the Navaho culture with the police procedural. Very well done and informative as well.
April 2, 2009
I don't usually read murder mysteries, but I guess that is the point of book clubs to get you to read what you normally wouldn't. I found this particular mystery to be well written, just enough plot to keep me interested in the homicide cases that develop between two officers of the Navajo Tribal Poilce, Lt. Joe Leaphorn and Officer Jim Chee.
Both of these men are main characters in other Tony Hillerman novels, but he brings them together in this multiple homicide thriller about the dark and sinister world of the Navajo witches "Skinwalkers."
This is my first Tony Hillerman novel so I don't know if he goes more in depth with the characters in his other novels, but in this one I am left wondering about the lives of the main characters, Lt. Joe Leaphorn and Officer Jim Chee. He gives you just enough so that you need to read the other novels to find out what happens with Emma (Leaphorn's wife who has been ill) and with Mary Landon(Chee's long distance relationship that seems to be fizzling out) and Janet Pete (a lawyer and Chee's possible new love interest).
I do like the unusual style with which he writes, although I found it a bit confusing at first, he likes to explore the inner thoughts of the characters, the way they think about the events that have taken place and flashbacks to other conversations where Hillerman had not yet provided all the details.
Both of these men are main characters in other Tony Hillerman novels, but he brings them together in this multiple homicide thriller about the dark and sinister world of the Navajo witches "Skinwalkers."
This is my first Tony Hillerman novel so I don't know if he goes more in depth with the characters in his other novels, but in this one I am left wondering about the lives of the main characters, Lt. Joe Leaphorn and Officer Jim Chee. He gives you just enough so that you need to read the other novels to find out what happens with Emma (Leaphorn's wife who has been ill) and with Mary Landon(Chee's long distance relationship that seems to be fizzling out) and Janet Pete (a lawyer and Chee's possible new love interest).
I do like the unusual style with which he writes, although I found it a bit confusing at first, he likes to explore the inner thoughts of the characters, the way they think about the events that have taken place and flashbacks to other conversations where Hillerman had not yet provided all the details.
May 23, 2016
Two conscientious Tribal police work to solve several apparently unrelated murders before one of them is killed by the perpetrator. The young, impulsive and spiritual Jim Chee teams up with the experienced, methodical and superstition-hating Joe Leaphorn.
Like a nonfundamentalist Christian, Chee believed in the poetic metaphor of the Navajo story of human genesis. Without believing in the specific Adam's rib, or the size of the reed through with the Holy People emerged to the Earth Surface World, he believed in the lessons such imagery was intended to tech. To hell with Leaphorn and what he didn't believe.This is a complex tale of what people will do and believe when faced with tragedy, hidden in a crime story (the mystery isn't difficult to solve from early chapters). Once again Hillerman has done an excellent job bringing us inside a culture and landscape few know or experience inside our country's borders. Though it is #7 in Hillerman's Navajo Mysteries series, it can be read as a stand-alone.
December 29, 2010
I haven't read a murder mystery in years, probably not since I was into Agatha Christie as a teenager, but, after reading Hillerman's Skinwalkers, I might start reading more. Hillerman is clearly a master of setting, with the gathering storm in the southwestern desert reflecting the gathering momentum of the unsolved murders at hand on the Navajo Reservation. I liked both Chee and Leaphorn as the two police officers tackling the case of three seemingly unrelated homicides; they were smart, level-headed, and unpretentious. Nothing flashy about these cops. Even though I had a suspicion as to who the murderer was throughout the book, the plot was complex enough that I couldn't figure out the mystery until Chee and Leaphorn had pieced it together. This is a great book to read when you've been reading too much non-fiction, or when you want to really enjoy your vacation or plane ride without feeling depressed by some realistic drama novel.
May 5, 2015
Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee meet up in this thriller. Each of these 2 law enforement officers are dealing with their spouses having difficult times. For Leaphorn's Emma, doctors fear she may have Alzheimer's disease while Jim Chee's Mary Landon remains in Wisconsin to go to graduate school. Leaphorn and Chee must also team up to find the common thread in a series of four murders. Leaphorn and Chee both suffer gunshot wounds. Chee's far more serious than Leaphorns. A lightening fast reading 300 pages features Tony Hillerman's best suspense. The unique characters come alive off the pages. It's easy to tell Leaphorn and Chee dislike each other but mesh to solve murders. All in all another 5 stars out of a possible 5 stars, "Skinwalkers" is a hit that delivers a powerful punch. If you've never read any of Tony Hillerman's works you're missing something special. Stop waiting and jump right in !
August 23, 2016
I never thought I'd say this, but oh my word, this book made me homesick! I loved that Skinwalkers explored the the Southwest in a way that felt both really familiar, but also exposed me to details of Navajo culture that were new and fascinating. Tony Hillerman's obvious respect for the Navajo is evident throughout the book, but he doesn't romanticize his view and portrays realistic struggles of reservation life.
The mystery is perfectly paced and the detectives compliment each other in really appealing ways. I'm sorry that I didn't pick up this series sooner.
The mystery is perfectly paced and the detectives compliment each other in really appealing ways. I'm sorry that I didn't pick up this series sooner.
April 25, 2013
A nice quick mystery about witching and the people that are convinced to do one person's killing in the name of witchery. The ultimate reason for the killings is one of the oldest motives in the book and Chee and Leaphorn do figure it out...almost too late for Chee but since there are so many others in this series I'm not giving anything away to say that Chee survives to work another case or two.
November 30, 2018
Honestly this was one of the dullest books I've ever read. The characters felt like they did nothing at all. I mean seriously they wandered around and just sort of happened upon things that started to make sense within the case. Leaphorn was more worried about his wife (rightfully so) then he was about actually catching a murderer on the reservation. Chee felt like that only truly intelligent character and yet very little time felt like it was spent on him as a police officer. The pacing was so slow I actively went out of my way to find other things to do rather then read. I almost had to bribe myself to even finish 15 pages a night so I could finish the book before my book club met up to discuss it.
Of the entire 216 pages only the last 25 or so were actually something I enjoyed. I only enjoyed the last 10% of the book because it was the only part where things actually happened and the "police" (I use that term very loosely in this as they were mostly just lucky and not actually good at their jobs) managed to mostly figure out what was going on. We won't talk about the fact that they weren't even the ones to take down the bad guy because that just felt like a low blow from the author. We also won't discuss the fact that said bad guy was mentioned a total of around 10 by name. We met the person once and then BOOM, the bomb is dropped that they are the bad guy. Where did that even come from?
Westerns are definitely not my favorite thing, be them movies or books, so this was already starting off not well. Between the actual writing, the pacing, and the extraordinarily poor characters I can honestly say I will not be picking up another Tony Hillerman book in the future. Even though technically this is book seven in the series I didn't feel like I was missing any vital information, other then who the lady Chee kept mentioning, was. I felt like everything could be read on it's own and for that I am thankful.
Check out more reviews on beautyandthebookwormonline.wordpress.com
Of the entire 216 pages only the last 25 or so were actually something I enjoyed. I only enjoyed the last 10% of the book because it was the only part where things actually happened and the "police" (I use that term very loosely in this as they were mostly just lucky and not actually good at their jobs) managed to mostly figure out what was going on. We won't talk about the fact that they weren't even the ones to take down the bad guy because that just felt like a low blow from the author. We also won't discuss the fact that said bad guy was mentioned a total of around 10 by name. We met the person once and then BOOM, the bomb is dropped that they are the bad guy. Where did that even come from?
Westerns are definitely not my favorite thing, be them movies or books, so this was already starting off not well. Between the actual writing, the pacing, and the extraordinarily poor characters I can honestly say I will not be picking up another Tony Hillerman book in the future. Even though technically this is book seven in the series I didn't feel like I was missing any vital information, other then who the lady Chee kept mentioning, was. I felt like everything could be read on it's own and for that I am thankful.
Check out more reviews on beautyandthebookwormonline.wordpress.com
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2024
I enjoyed Skinwalkers a lot, more than most in this series, and that's saying something.
Tony Hillerman's first three Navajo country mysteries feature the legendary Navajo Nation Police Lieut. Joe Leaphorn, who is middle-aged and happily married; the next three introduce us to the young officer Jim Chee, single and interested in a particular white woman. Skinwalkers is the first book where they work together. It's not an immediately amicable relationship, largely because of their very different views of Navajo religion (Chee is a budding traditional "singer") and especially their disagreement on the subject of witches or "skinwalkers". Leaphorn also suspects that it must in some way be Chee's fault that someone tried to kill him in his sleep. They do each recognize the other's smarts.
I don't want to say more for fear of spoiling the story, but it's lovely to see how they work together to solve seemingly impenetrable mysteries while both facing extreme danger. Both are also dealing with serious problems with the women they love.
The last few chapters are full of suspense, even though the existence of subsequent books strongly implies that both officers survive. I'm not sure I could have handled it without that reassurance.
I like the cat. She (always called "it", but clearly female) has an important role in the story.
I also appreciated that in the end I understood exactly what happened. This is not always the case, in this series or others.
Tony Hillerman's first three Navajo country mysteries feature the legendary Navajo Nation Police Lieut. Joe Leaphorn, who is middle-aged and happily married; the next three introduce us to the young officer Jim Chee, single and interested in a particular white woman. Skinwalkers is the first book where they work together. It's not an immediately amicable relationship, largely because of their very different views of Navajo religion (Chee is a budding traditional "singer") and especially their disagreement on the subject of witches or "skinwalkers". Leaphorn also suspects that it must in some way be Chee's fault that someone tried to kill him in his sleep. They do each recognize the other's smarts.
I don't want to say more for fear of spoiling the story, but it's lovely to see how they work together to solve seemingly impenetrable mysteries while both facing extreme danger. Both are also dealing with serious problems with the women they love.
The last few chapters are full of suspense, even though the existence of subsequent books strongly implies that both officers survive. I'm not sure I could have handled it without that reassurance.
I like the cat. She (always called "it", but clearly female) has an important role in the story.
I also appreciated that in the end I understood exactly what happened. This is not always the case, in this series or others.
August 28, 2024
Very enjoyable murder mystery! Took place on the Navajo reservation, back in the 80’s or 90’s, so had some super interesting cultural information and absolutely gorgeous descriptions of the scenery and the surrounding desert. Only three stars because these, in my opinion, were the best parts of the book. I loved learning about the tribe (even if it wasn’t perfectly authentic to real life) and information about their language, theologies, superstitions, and just general ways of life. The author REALLY has a talent for describing all of the minute details that come with setting: the way that the dust rolled in from the plains and grayed out the sun, the redness of the setting sun behind massive desert mesas, etc. I found myself on almost every page imagining myself in the exact places he was describing, melting under the full heat of the sun.
As for the actual plot and murder mystery though…not super engaging. There was probably only one point, towards the very end, when I felt a real sense of danger and tension, flipping frantically through pages to find out what happened next. For the most part the narrative stuck to being tame, slow, and methodical. I guessed the twist at the end before it was revealed, but I will admit that I was shocked when it finally struck me.
Overall a good, fun, entertaining murder mystery, and a great start to my thrift haul of old gems 😁👍
As for the actual plot and murder mystery though…not super engaging. There was probably only one point, towards the very end, when I felt a real sense of danger and tension, flipping frantically through pages to find out what happened next. For the most part the narrative stuck to being tame, slow, and methodical. I guessed the twist at the end before it was revealed, but I will admit that I was shocked when it finally struck me.
Overall a good, fun, entertaining murder mystery, and a great start to my thrift haul of old gems 😁👍
July 14, 2024
I once had a roommate who read all of the Tony Hillerman books, whenever she was unsure as to what to read next she could pick up another in his series. It is a gift to find a mystery series that you enjoy! Based on a number of online recommendations regarding where to start in Hillerman’s eighteen-book, Navajo mystery series, I took the online advice that Skinwalkers was a good place to start even though it’s not the first book in the series. But Hillerman is a wonderful guide, giving the reader just enough backstory, and so this was a fine place to begin.
Set in the Navajo lands of the Four Corners region, the novel opens with one of my favorite mystery conceits: a string of homicides that do not appear to be related,…or are they? The two Native detectives must contend with rumors of Navajo witchcraft and the discovery of a strange bone bead.
The series was first written in the 1970s, and there’s something rather enjoyable about being in the pre cell phone era. Rather than feeling overly dated, the story holds up well.
I enjoy a well-plotted procedural novel. This isn’t a revolutionary book, but the steady pacing, the interesting characters, and the beautiful depictions of the New Mexico landscape made it an enjoyable read.
Set in the Navajo lands of the Four Corners region, the novel opens with one of my favorite mystery conceits: a string of homicides that do not appear to be related,…or are they? The two Native detectives must contend with rumors of Navajo witchcraft and the discovery of a strange bone bead.
The series was first written in the 1970s, and there’s something rather enjoyable about being in the pre cell phone era. Rather than feeling overly dated, the story holds up well.
I enjoy a well-plotted procedural novel. This isn’t a revolutionary book, but the steady pacing, the interesting characters, and the beautiful depictions of the New Mexico landscape made it an enjoyable read.
November 8, 2020
I'd heard many good things about Hillerman and this was definitely a good read. It's not a page turner. Hillerman takes time to establish the characters and build the world. Most of the book moved fairly slowly although the pace quickened a lot at the end and there was considerable tension at that point. I'll definitely read more but probably not right away.
July 23, 2020
From page one the story held me hostage, demanding my full attention. And now, I need to go back to the beginning and read this series in order. Though this is an older series (1st book released in 1970), I can't get enough of Leaphorn and Chee.
June 5, 2021
I didn’t trust that Hillerman could keep Leaphorn and Chee distinct and keep a mystery going at the same time. I should’ve trusted him. This shifts gears as quick as a pickup on a mountain road, while still allowing for beautiful scenery, interesting side character, and quiet analyses of the melancholy frame of mind of both detectives. The last chapters are the most harrowing of any Hillerman I’ve read. Plus, there’s a great cat. So far, my favorite.
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