Skinwalkers

Hillerman adds interest to his books by weaving the storyline around the culture and beliefs of Native Americans. The action of this title revolves around murders committed within the jurisdiction of the Navajo Tribal Police. The reader is not successful with the vocal characterizations. The women tend to have unpleasant screeching or croaking voices. Since the most offensive characterizations are limited to small parts, listeners should still enjoy the book. The Literate Ear encourages customers to donate audiobooks to the library of their choice. The company is commended for its efforts on behalf of libraries. C.W. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

May 30, 2005
Vibrant with the spirit of the Navajo people of the Southwest, Hillerman's new story is a spellbinder, like his Edgar Winner Dance Hall of the Dead and other praised novels. Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee of the tribal police work together here, trying to solve crimes that resist logic. There are no clues to three homicides or to the attempted murder of Chee. Leaphorn thinks a "skinwalker,'' or witch, could have attacked the victims, all adherents of shamanism, as they are otherwise unrelated. The skinwalkers represent a schism between witchcraft and the traditional Navajo Way. A second attempt on Chee bolsters Leaphorn's suspicion since Chee is an aspiring shaman. The story gathers momentum and tension as the partners get closer to the moment when the murderer comes into the open, and the tragic reason for the crimes becomes painfully clear. 30,000 first printing; BOMC alternate; author tour.