The Tale Teller: A Leaphorn, Chee & Maneulito Novel by Anne Hillerman

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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.

The Body in the Bookmobile by Connie B. Dowell (A Millie Monroe Mystery Series — Book 1)

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I read this book for free via my Kindle Unlimited subscription.

Synopsis

Newly dropped out from law school and feeling a bit adrift, Millie Monroe lands what should be an easy-peasy job as a library bookmobile driver in a new-to-her town in scenic, small-town Virginia. On her first day there, she moves in with her cousin, finds a good craft beer joint, and likes her new coworkers. Things seem like they'll be okay ... until they aren't. On her first day of work, a retired librarian is found dead in her van. As is typical of the cozy genre, despite multiple warnings from police not to investigate, Millie and her friends do—and things go haywire from there!

My Thoughts

This was a fun little mystery, but emphasis on "little." Why do I say that? I feel like the book's plot wasn't too deep or complicated. While not all books need to be really twisty, the "twists" advertised in this book's Amazon description didn't really do much for me. It wasn't a bad mystery, though, by any stretch. I just wanted a bit more to the plot and action than what we got. 

I also felt like the book's ending was a bit pat, easily wrapped up before we really got going without much in the way of clues to the reader as to what was going to happen until it suddenly did. And I didn't really believe the main character's motivation for investigating. It's typical in a cozy genre to want to roll your eyes a little as the protagonist, against ALL advice to the contrary, gets themselves embroiled in the mystery, because otherwise there wouldn't be a book—but Millie just didn't convince me.

I liked the cover art very much, and this book would grab my eye if I saw it on a bookshelf, especially since I am a bibliophile. I am a sucker for mysteries set in libraries, book shops, and now bookmobiles. The Body in the Bookmobile appears to have been professionally edited—yay!—but I found some irritating homonyms that were not caught in a proofread. "Breaks" for "brakes" and "pearl two" for "purl two" being two that come to mind instantly. That said, as an editor and proofreader, I know we are not perfect at what we do, and a small amount of errors are acceptable, so it is what it is. (Knitters, please try not to groan at "pearl two.")

I did like the tiny bit of action in the end. I don't want to spoiler you, so all I'll say about that is Millie's way of confronting someone in a time of high stress is something I haven't seen too often in a cozy, and I kind of respect her for it.

I plan on reading Book 2 in the series, A Villain in the Vineyard, because I liked the characters and I want to see what happens next in their lives. The two main characters started Book 1 by making big changes in their lives, which means there is room for character growth and interpersonal relationships to be expanded upon, so I'm curious to see how they develop. 

If you're looking for a light, fun cozy mystery with characters you'd probably like having a beer with, this book may be a good fit for you. 

Get the Book

You can find The Body in the Bookmobile by Connie B. Dowell on Amazon. At the time of this writing, the book is free on Kindle Unlimited or available for purchase on Kindle. I did not see a paperback version offered at the time of this review. Inquire with your local bookstore or library about availability in those venues.