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Book Review of The Blessing Way: A Leaphorn & Chee Novel (A Leaphorn and Chee Novel)

The Blessing Way: A Leaphorn & Chee Novel (A Leaphorn and Chee Novel)
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Years ago, while Tony Hillerman was still writing these stories, I read them all. They are unique stories about the American Southwest, specifically the Apache, Hopi, Navaho, and Zuni Indian tribes. What I loved about these stories was the authenticity (to my mind) of the Indians, their supernatural beliefs, and their efforts to balance their modern lives with their cultural heritage.

Because these stories made such a profound impression on me when I read these years ago, I wanted to re-read one (or some) of these classic stories. This story sets the scene for the future of this series. This first novel is more about the Indian culture than Joe Leaphorn and the Navajo Police.

This tale is a bit rougher than subsequent stories by Tony Hillerman. Another issue is that Joe Leaphorn is missing from most of this book; he's at the opening and then returns near the end. However, the clues, the culture, and the juxtaposition of modern vs. ancient beliefs make for an engaging read.

Joe Leaphorn And Jim Chee Series
** 1. The Blessing Way (1970)
2. Dance Hall of the Dead (1973)
3. Listening Woman (1978)
4. People of Darkness (1980)
5. The Dark Wind (1982)
6. The Ghostway (1985)
7. Skinwalkers (1986)
8. A Thief of Time (1988)
Plus ten more stories by Tony; later picked up by his daughter, Anne