It's been a long time since I've read a Detective Joe Leaphorn mystery, so when I saw The Tale Teller by Anne Hillerman pop up on my library app's search results when I was looking for a mystery audiobook to listen to, I immediately borrowed it!
Synopsis
Navajo policeman Joe Leaphorn is retired from the Tribal Police, but he is still active as a private investigator. He agrees to look into an unusual case of a donation to a local Navajo museum going missing sometime between the time it was sent and the time it arrived at the museum. Complicating matters are the fact that the donor is anonymous and there is a need to keep these inquiries quiet so as not to create scandal for the museum or its director.
Meanwhile, Sergeant Jim Chee is investigating a series of robberies of family jewelry and other valuables from members of the Navajo community, and his wife, Officer Bernie Manuelito, discovers a dead body on a popular trail while out on a run.
As each investigates his or her own cases, parallels start to be drawn, clues start to merge, and time starts to run out to find the answers before someone gets hurt.
My Thoughts
Hands down, I loved this book! I didn't want to stop listening to it when I had to go and do other things. It was the perfect novel to get lost in as I worked with my hands (I am an avid crafter and like to read and craft at the same time...thank God for audiobooks!)
When I saw the author name, I assumed Anne Hillerman was related to Tony Hillerman, original author of the famous Joe Leaphorn series. Turns out she is his daughter and has carried on his work after his death. I had read Tony Hillerman's first few books in the Leaphorn series when I was a young teenager, and I loved them, so I'm thrilled to see there are more books. I know that once I finish going through Martha Grimes's Richard Jury series in order, I'll probably start reading the Leaphorn series in order.
What I specifically liked about this book was the characters. Leaphorn, Chee, and Manuelito all came to life under the beautiful narration of Christina Delaine, and I quickly forgot I was listening to a narrator. But for a character to come to life via a voice artist, they must be written well. Bernie, Joe, and Jim are all complete characters on their own. I especially appreciate how strong and capable women are written in this book, and that respect for women is emphasized. The mysteries were great, too—there were no pat endings or loose ends. The way the mysteries intertwine was particularly well done. And finally, I appreciate learning some of the beliefs and traditions of the Navajo people, for whom I have great respect. The book gives you enough references that, should you choose to inform yourself of what happened to the Navajo people historically, you can learn more.
Get the Book
The Tale Teller by Anne Hillerman is available on Amazon (hard copy or Kindle ebook) or Audible (audiobook).
While I am an Amazon affiliate and appreciate any support you give by clicking on my links, I also support libraries and indie bookstores. Small businesses and libraries can always use the business, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic shut them down for a long time. If you prefer to shop local, click here to find an independent bookseller near you. As I mentioned above, I borrowed this in audiobook format from my local library via the Libby app.
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