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
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  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
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  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
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  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 17010th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  5. 5. The Sinister Pig

    In this gripping mystery novel, a former Navajo Tribal Police officer, Jim Chee, and his partner, Bernie Manuelito, are drawn into a complex investigation involving illegal drug trafficking and government corruption. The story unfolds as they delve into the suspicious activities surrounding a seemingly abandoned oil pipeline in the New Mexico desert. As they navigate a web of deceit and danger, they uncover a sinister plot that threatens both their lives and the integrity of their community. The narrative is rich with cultural insights and the stark beauty of the Southwestern landscape, adding depth to the suspenseful and intricate plot.

  6. 6. The Wailing Wind

    In this gripping mystery novel, Navajo Tribal Police officers Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee are drawn into a complex investigation involving a long-cold murder case that resurfaces when a new death occurs. As they delve into the tangled web of greed, betrayal, and cultural tensions surrounding the search for a legendary lost gold mine, they must navigate both the physical and spiritual landscapes of the Navajo Nation. The story intricately weaves elements of Navajo tradition and modern detective work, highlighting the challenges and insights that come with bridging these two worlds.

  7. 7. Hunting Badger

    In this gripping mystery novel, Navajo Tribal Police officers Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee are drawn into a complex investigation following a daring casino robbery and the murder of a fellow officer. As they delve deeper into the case, they uncover connections to a legendary Ute outlaw and navigate the intricate dynamics of Native American traditions and modern law enforcement. The story weaves together elements of cultural heritage, personal redemption, and the relentless pursuit of justice, all set against the stark and beautiful backdrop of the American Southwest.

  8. 8. The Fallen Man

    In this mystery novel, a skeleton is discovered on a remote cliff in the Navajo Nation, prompting Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn to come out of retirement to investigate. As Leaphorn delves into the case, he uncovers a complex web of secrets involving land disputes, family tensions, and cultural conflicts. With the help of his former colleague, Sergeant Jim Chee, Leaphorn navigates the intricacies of Navajo traditions and modern challenges to unravel the truth behind the mysterious death, ultimately revealing a tale of greed and betrayal.

  9. 9. The Shape Shifter

    In this gripping mystery, retired Navajo Tribal Police Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn is drawn back into the world of crime-solving when a mysterious artifact, believed to have been destroyed in a fire decades ago, resurfaces. As Leaphorn delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of deception, betrayal, and long-held secrets that challenge his understanding of justice and morality. Set against the rich backdrop of the American Southwest, the story weaves together elements of Navajo culture and tradition, creating a compelling narrative that explores the complexities of identity and the enduring impact of the past.

  10. 10. The First Eagle

    In this gripping mystery set against the backdrop of the Navajo Nation, seasoned Tribal Police Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn and his younger colleague, Officer Jim Chee, find themselves entangled in a complex investigation involving a deadly outbreak of the bubonic plague. As they delve deeper into the case, they uncover a web of secrets and deceit that stretches from the high desert mesas to the corridors of power in Washington, D.C. With time running out and lives at stake, the duo must navigate cultural tensions and personal dilemmas to unravel the truth behind the mysterious deaths and the elusive figure known as "The First Eagle."

  11. 11. Sacred Clowns

    In this gripping mystery set against the backdrop of the Navajo Nation, two tribal police officers, Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee, are drawn into a complex investigation involving the murder of a schoolteacher and the disappearance of a sacred ceremonial clown. As they navigate the intricate web of tribal politics, cultural traditions, and personal vendettas, the detectives must unravel the clues hidden within the sacred rituals and the secrets of the past. The story intricately weaves together themes of cultural identity, justice, and the clash between modernity and tradition, offering readers a profound insight into the rich tapestry of Native American life.

  12. 12. Talking God

    In this gripping mystery, Navajo Tribal Police officers Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee find themselves entangled in a complex web of cultural intrigue and murder that spans from the sacred lands of the Navajo Nation to the bustling streets of Washington, D.C. As they delve deeper into the case, they uncover a plot involving stolen Native American artifacts, political machinations, and a mysterious corpse found on a train. The duo must navigate the delicate balance between traditional beliefs and modern justice to unravel the truth, all while confronting personal challenges and the ever-present tension between their heritage and the outside world.

  13. 13. Skinwalkers

    A Leaphorn and Chee Novel

    In a gripping tale set against the backdrop of the Navajo Nation, a series of mysterious murders draws Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn and Officer Jim Chee into a complex investigation that intertwines Navajo traditions with modern detective work. As they delve deeper, the detectives encounter the eerie world of skinwalkers—shape-shifting witches from Navajo folklore—challenging their beliefs and testing their resolve. The story masterfully weaves cultural insights with suspense, as Leaphorn and Chee navigate a landscape where ancient customs and contemporary crimes collide, ultimately uncovering a chilling conspiracy that threatens their lives and the community they serve.

  14. 14. The Ghostway

    In this gripping mystery, Navajo Tribal Police officer Jim Chee finds himself entangled in a complex web of cultural traditions and modern crime. When a young Navajo man is found dead and a mysterious old man disappears, Chee must navigate the intricate world of Navajo rituals and beliefs to uncover the truth. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he confronts the challenges of balancing his cultural heritage with the demands of his job, all while unraveling a case that leads him from the sacred lands of the Navajo Nation to the bustling streets of Los Angeles. The story masterfully weaves elements of suspense, cultural insight, and personal introspection, offering a vivid portrayal of the intersection between tradition and modernity.

  15. 15. The Dark Wind

    Set against the stark and haunting backdrop of the Navajo Nation, this gripping mystery follows Navajo Tribal Police Officer Jim Chee as he navigates a complex web of crime and cultural tension. When a small plane crash reveals a cache of drugs and a series of seemingly unrelated events, including a vandalized windmill and a mysterious murder, Chee must unravel the connections between them. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he confronts the challenges of balancing traditional Navajo beliefs with modern law enforcement, ultimately uncovering a conspiracy that threatens the delicate harmony of his community.

  16. 16. People Of Darkness

    In this gripping mystery, a Navajo Tribal Police officer named Jim Chee finds himself embroiled in a complex investigation involving a series of murders linked to a mysterious religious cult and a long-buried secret from the past. As Chee delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of deceit, betrayal, and greed that spans decades, all while navigating the cultural tensions between traditional Navajo beliefs and modern influences. The story is rich with atmospheric descriptions of the Southwestern landscape and offers a compelling exploration of identity and justice.

  17. 17. Listening Woman

    In this gripping mystery set in the vast and rugged landscapes of the American Southwest, a seasoned Navajo Tribal Police officer, Joe Leaphorn, is drawn into a complex web of ancient rituals and modern crimes. As he investigates the brutal murder of an elderly blind woman and a young boy, Leaphorn uncovers a series of enigmatic clues that lead him deep into the heart of Navajo culture and spirituality. With the desert as both ally and adversary, he must navigate a world where tradition and modernity collide, revealing secrets that challenge his understanding of justice and truth.

  18. 18. The Blessing Way

    Set against the stark and mystical backdrop of the Navajo Nation, this gripping mystery weaves together the ancient traditions of the Navajo people with the modern world. The story follows Joe Leaphorn, a Navajo Tribal Police officer, as he investigates a series of mysterious deaths that seem to be linked to a malevolent witchcraft practice known as "the Blessing Way." As Leaphorn delves deeper into the case, he must navigate the complex interplay of cultural beliefs, personal vendettas, and the harsh realities of life in the desert, all while confronting his own understanding of the spiritual and the tangible.

  19. 19. The Spell Of New Mexico

    An Anthology

    This captivating collection of essays delves into the enchanting allure and profound beauty of New Mexico, as seen through the eyes of various writers and thinkers. Each contributor shares their unique perspective on the region's mesmerizing landscapes, rich cultural tapestry, and the deep spiritual connection it fosters. The essays explore the interplay between the natural environment and human experience, revealing how the land's mystique has inspired countless artists, writers, and adventurers throughout history. Through vivid descriptions and personal reflections, the book paints a vivid picture of a place where the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary.

    Purchase from Bookshop.org