|
Among these, the principal continuing character in the series is Joe Leaphorn---one of the most interesting and convincing fictional analytical detectives ever created. VERDICT The Blessing Way" is one of the best in a series of masterpieces. Jimmy Hall is doing some sort of electronic research. In "The Blessing Way", the reader is likely to narrow down the possible solutions at an early point, but be still a bit surprised by the ending. THE SETUPSeveral individuals converge in an isolated portion of the Navajo Reservation, which happens to be an area test missiles from the Tonapah Proving Grounds frequently overfly.
Besides, this is one of those novels you re-read every 2-3 years---I think this is my fifth reading---so, the "mystery" is still very enjoyable, even knowing the overall plot. Anthropologist Jeremy Canfield is studying Anastasi remains (avoided by Navajos). In my opinion, this is a masterfully structured mystery. This is one of those novels to buy in hardcover, because it will be getting plenty of use over the next several decades. The novel also features many fascinating insights into Navajho customs and mythology, not to mention Leaphorn's commentary on "White" culture. Some aspects of the "mystery" are predictable---but I do not consider that to be a flaw (as do some reviewers).
Luis Horseman is hiding from the law. Canfield's colleague, ethnologist Bergen McKee, is following-up reports of "Navajo wolves", that is, witches. In a well-structured mystery the reader should allow the reader he satisfaction of getting a little ahead of the protagonist on some issues, but still surprised by twists. After Luis is killed, his younger brother Billy Nez searches for his killer. The landscape of the "Four Corners" region is vividly described. Navajo Tribal Policemen Joe Leaphorn is first trying to find Luis, and later his killer.CAVEATSI find stupid deceitful women annoying, and Ellen Leon was particularly annoying.COMMENTS"The Blessing Way" is filled with rich compelling characters.
Billy's girlfriend Ellen Leon is looking for him. Before his death, Luis had seen a "Navajo wolf", and the sheep of local Navajo Charlie Sossi were killed, alledgedly by a "Navajo wolf".
Hack, they were not even close to stuck - they had no where to even start and they got lucky. There was no thrills because one of the main characters kind of runs into the Bad Guys and, after that, how can there be suspense.And when we do find out what is going on we can't help but feel that the clues just kind of dropped into the lap of the good guys. Joe Leaphorn seems like a good cop and Bergen McKee seems like a smart teacher. Most of it bad luck but still just luck. Also, the book kind of gives away the who but not the why or what or how and does not give it away till the last chapter. This is the book for you.
Lt. They were stuck and it is only luck that they figured out what was going on. First off, the point of view was with two different characters from two different cultures. I didn't have a chance in figuring out the mystery. Too much luck.I'm sorry but this book is good for reading on a train or a jet or a car but don't waste a rainy day on it. Hey, that's great.
But you need more pages if you plan to really dig in and give me their characters - their fears, hopes, merits, flaws, dreams, pains, problems, so on.
He may not be a believer, but "he still treasures the old ways of his people." Navajo cultural practices, (for good or ill), are very similar when lumped together under the category "witchcraft." The rituals practiced on the "good side" of Navajo tradition are the ceremonials or "sings." The difference, however, is that while the good sings are meant to heal or bring luck, the bad ones are intended to hurt and curse. And the author's appreciation of the natural wonders of the American Southwest and its people are what makes his books so singular. Although not the best book in the series, the mystery is a good one and "The Blessing Way" provides excellent background material for those who want to continue reading about Joe Leaphorn, Jim Chee and life in Four Corners. He finds Luis' corpse on a desolate mesa with a mouth full of sand. "The Blessing Way" is the first mystery in the series. Perhaps not every one of Hillerman's eighteen novels measures up to the 5 star, or even 4 star, excellence standard, (whose would)., but his character development and the cultural details he provides for the people he writes about: Hopi, Zuni, "Anglos/whites," federal agents, and the Navaho Tribal Police are outstanding. Unfortunately, while investigating the case, additional corpses turn up and Leaphorn's and McKee's lives are in serious jeopardy. For the first time in a while he feels safe.
Leaphorn is skeptical of traditional values, native culture, and the supernatural, although he takes reports of witchcraft, and other related, phenomena, seriously. I have read almost all of Tony Hillerman's Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee Navaho mystery series, and these books are, without exception, extraordinary. The body, abandoned at the crime scene, yields no useful clues nor are there any tracks to follow. Rumors of witchcraft, a Wolf-Witch, abound on the reservation. Leaphorn goes in search of Luis, tracking him through the Four Corners region of New Mexico and Arizona, when he makes a macabre discovery.
Lt. They know something is going on in the upper uninhabited areas of Navajo country and must discover what it is before more people are killed. I predict that after reading one book, your will not be satisfied until you begin another.Jana PerskieListening Woman (Joe Leaphorn Novels)Skinwalkers (Joe Leaphorn/Jim Chee Novels)The Shape ShifterTony Hillerman's Navajoland: Hideouts, Haunts, and Havens in the Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee Mysteries Anthropologist Bergen McKee, for reasons academic, had accompanied the Lieutenant on previous searches for this "creature." McKee is a professor studying Navajo spirits and myths and a friend of Leaphorn's. Many kinds of witches are associated with transgression of taboos and societal standards, especially those relating to family and the dead. Leaphorn had heard of Wolf-Witch sightings long before the murder. The reader learns so much while being entertained.
Every Navajo knows that no human being kills like that. Luis Horseman believes he murdered someone in a drunken brawl and is in hiding, holed-up near Many Ruins Canyon. Protagonists Joe Leaphorn, the "Legendary Lieutenant," and Jim Chee work for the Navajo tribal police and both are members of the Navajo Tribe. Jim Chee is a staunch believer in traditional Navajo culture and he is studying to be a healer, or shaman, while he works as a police officer.
He's not a traditional Navajo but talk about witches means that there's trouble brewing.Who killed perennial troublemaker Luis Horseman. As good as it was, there was better to follow. It's usually family troubles seeking a scapegoat, in his opinion.
Like heat waves off the desert, this mystery shimmers with tension.This is the first appearance of that extraordinary detective, Joe Leaphorn, published in 1970. This review is posted by a grateful fan who enjoyed all of his fine mysteries. Describing a landscape of desolate but evocative beauty and giving the reader a solid glimpse into traditional Navajo culture, customs and superstitions, this book launched a series that became an American original.
Professor McKee, anthropologist, is inclined to discount the gossip about witchcraft on the Navajo reservation. What was the thing that killed five prize sheep behind Ben Yazzie's hogan. Like many other readers, I was inspired to tour the Navajo Reservation and learn more about the people there.Tony Hillerman died Oct 26, 2008 at the age of 83.
Joe Leaphorn, Navajo policeman, isn't so sure. Why did the tall Navajo have to buy a new hat although he still had the silver decorations from the old one.
Is a little confusing to the reader, I did not actuallty like the book until the middle of it when it got really suspenseful and interesting.
|
