The Blessing Way
by Tony Hillerman
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Book Summary Information
Author: Tony HillermanEdition: Mass Market Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2009-05-26
ISBN: 0061808350
Number of pages: 304
Publisher: Harper
Book Reviews of The Blessing Way
Book Review: A Blessing of a Novel
Summary: 5 Stars
THE SETUP
Several individuals converge in an isolated portion of the Navajo Reservation, which happens to be an area test missiles from the Tonapah Proving Grounds frequently overfly. Luis Horseman is hiding from the law. After Luis is killed, his younger brother Billy Nez searches for his killer. Jimmy Hall is doing some sort of electronic research. Billy's girlfriend Ellen Leon is looking for him. Anthropologist Jeremy Canfield is studying Anastasi remains (avoided by Navajos). Canfield's colleague, ethnologist Bergen McKee, is following-up reports of "Navajo wolves", that is, witches. Before his death, Luis had seen a "Navajo wolf", and the sheep of local Navajo Charlie Sossi were killed, alledgedly by a "Navajo wolf". Navajo Tribal Policemen Joe Leaphorn is first trying to find Luis, and later his killer.
CAVEATS
I find stupid deceitful women annoying, and Ellen Leon was particularly annoying.
COMMENTS
"The Blessing Way" is filled with rich compelling characters. Among these, the principal continuing character in the series is Joe Leaphorn---one of the most interesting and convincing fictional analytical detectives ever created. The novel also features many fascinating insights into Navajho customs and mythology, not to mention Leaphorn's commentary on "White" culture. The landscape of the "Four Corners" region is vividly described.
Some aspects of the "mystery" are predictable---but I do not consider that to be a flaw (as do some reviewers). In a well-structured mystery the reader should allow the reader he satisfaction of getting a little ahead of the protagonist on some issues, but still surprised by twists. In "The Blessing Way", the reader is likely to narrow down the possible solutions at an early point, but be still a bit surprised by the ending. Besides, this is one of those novels you re-read every 2-3 years---I think this is my fifth reading---so, the "mystery" is still very enjoyable, even knowing the overall plot. In my opinion, this is a masterfully structured mystery.
VERDICT
The Blessing Way" is one of the best in a series of masterpieces. This is one of those novels to buy in hardcover, because it will be getting plenty of use over the next several decades.
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