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. It is a distraction he can't afford once the danger begins escalating. 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. The seasoned Leaphorn begins to have respect for young Chee as they work on different ends to solve this mystery. This one begins when a shotgun blast into Jim Chee's trailer has both men 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. Skinwalkers is one of Hillerman's finest pairings of the younger Jim Chee, with Navajo Tribal Police Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn.

This engrossing story of ancient Navajo tradition, and modern-day government agencies is a satisfying addition to the series. When Chee feels responsible for the death of fellow officer Delbert Nez, Leaphorn and Chee take different paths investigating the case - one which on the surface, appears to be open-and-shut. This one is not as exciting as the spectacular Skinwalkers, nor is it as deftly plotted as the enthralling Thief of Time. This series is at its best, however, when the older Leaphorn and the younger Chee interact, and that’s what you get here. Some entries focus on Chee, others with just Leaphorn. Tony Hillerman created an entire genre with these novels, and though they've been copied, no one has ever been able to blend Native American beliefs and traditions, with modern-day mystery nearly as well. Those looking to latch onto a great mystery series who have yet to discover Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee are in for a real treat if they pick up this one.

A thief of time hillerman