Tony Hillerman

Tony Hillerman was an American author best known for his Navajo Tribal Police mystery novels. His works often featured Navajo culture and traditions, and he received numerous awards for his contributions to literature.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Dance Hall Of The Dead

    In this mystery novel, two Native American boys disappear, leading a seasoned Navajo Tribal Police lieutenant to investigate their fate amidst the sacred Zuni and Navajo lands. The search for the truth takes him deep into the religious and cultural traditions of the Southwestern tribes, where he uncovers a complex web of ancient rituals, personal vendettas, and secrets that are as old as the arid landscape itself. As the lieutenant delves further into the case, he must navigate the delicate balance between upholding the law and respecting tribal customs, all while racing against time to solve the crime before the killer strikes again.

    The 4998th Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. A Thief Of Time

    In this gripping mystery novel set in the American Southwest, two Navajo Tribal Police officers investigate a series of puzzling crimes linked to the illegal excavation and theft of Native American artifacts. As they delve deeper into the case, they encounter a cast of characters with conflicting interests, including anthropologists, collectors, and looters. The officers must navigate a landscape steeped in history and spiritual significance while racing against time to solve the crimes and bring the perpetrators to justice, all while contending with the personal and cultural challenges that arise during their quest.

    The 5293rd Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. Skeleton Man

    In this gripping mystery set in the rugged landscapes of the American Southwest, a plane crash from decades ago resurfaces, revealing a tangled web of greed, betrayal, and long-buried secrets. As Navajo Tribal Police officers Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee delve into the investigation, they uncover connections to a missing cache of diamonds and a mysterious figure known as the "Skeleton Man." The duo must navigate cultural tensions and personal dilemmas while racing against time to unravel the truth, all set against the backdrop of Navajo traditions and the stark beauty of the desert.

    The 11894th Greatest Book of All Time
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  4. 4. Coyote Waits

    The novel revolves around Navajo Tribal Police officers Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee as they investigate the murder of a fellow officer, Delbert Nez. The case becomes complex when a seemingly obvious suspect, a Navajo shaman named Ashie Pinto, is arrested but maintains his innocence. As Leaphorn and Chee delve deeper into the investigation, they uncover a web of deception, cultural conflicts, and hidden motives that challenge their understanding of justice and tradition within the Navajo community. The story intricately weaves elements of Navajo culture and beliefs with a gripping mystery, highlighting the personal and professional struggles of the two detectives.

    The 17008th Greatest Book of All Time
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