One Sentence Summary:
A Navajo tribal police officer must solve the murder of a man found frozen in the Colorado mountains, leading to a complex case involving family secrets and government cover-ups.
Book Genre:
Crime Fiction/Mystery
Main Topic of the Book:
The search for truth and justice in a murder case that uncovers deep-seated secrets and conflicts within a Native American community and government agencies.
Key Ideas:
- Navajo beliefs and traditions are interwoven with modern law enforcement techniques to solve complex crimes.
- Identity, family ties, and culture play a significant role in shaping the characters and their actions.
- The impact of historical events, such as the Navajo Long Walk and the relocation of families, on present-day relationships and tensions.
- The clash of traditional ways and modern life in the Navajo Nation and its effect on individuals and the community.
- The struggle for justice and truth in the face of powerful institutions that seek to cover up their wrongdoings.
Main Parts of the Book and Short Summary:
- Introduction: The book opens with tribal police officer Jim Chee responding to a call for a fallen man on the Colorado Plateau. At first, it seems like the man’s death was a simple accident, but Chee soon discovers that he was murdered.
- The Investigation: Chee enlists the help of his mentor, retired Navajo police lieutenant Joe Leaphorn, in solving the case. They follow leads that take them to different parts of the Navajo Nation and eventually meet the victim’s family and the members of the neighboring community that may have had a motive for the murder.
- The Conflict: As the investigation progresses, Chee and Leaphorn uncover secrets that shock the victim’s family and lead to conflict within the community. They also face opposition from government agencies that are trying to conceal their involvement in an illegal uranium mining operation on Native American land.
- The Resolution: Through their persistence and use of Navajo cultural traditions, Chee and Leaphorn manage to solve the case and bring justice to the victim’s family. However, they must also come to terms with the truth about a dark chapter in their people’s history and its consequences.
Key Takeaways:
- The importance of cultural heritage and traditions in shaping individuals and their actions.
- The impact of historical events and the legacy of colonialism on modern-day Native American communities.
- The significance of perseverance and determination in the face of powerful institutions and unjust systems.
- The role of storytelling and traditional knowledge in solving complex crimes.
Author’s Background and Qualifications:
Tony Hillerman was an American author known for his mysteries set in the Southwest, particularly the Navajo Tribal Police series featuring Jim Chee and Joe Leaphorn. He was born in Oklahoma and lived for many years in New Mexico, where he gained insight into Navajo culture and traditions. Hillerman was a former journalist and professor of journalism, with a deep appreciation for Native American culture and history. He was also awarded the Grand Master Award by the Mystery Writers of America for his contributions to the genre.
Target Audience:
Readers who enjoy crime fiction, particularly those with an interest in Native American culture and the Southwest region of the United States. Also, those interested in exploring themes of justice, identity, and the complexities of family and community dynamics.
Publisher and First Publication Date:
HarperCollins Publishers, 1996