Andrew K. (kuligowskiandrewt) -
Helpful Score: 1
They say that confession is good for the soul. Assuming that's true, I will admit that I was a big fan of Tony Hillerman and his Navaho series Joe Leaphorn, Jim Chee, and the rest. BUT I was disappointed in the last few novels in the series. When Mr. Hillerman left us, I thought that would be the end of the line for my special glimpse into life on the Navaho reservation and that my last memories would be of average work from a writer who typically turned out extraordinary stories.
A great big THANK YOU to his daughter, Anne Hillerman. Not only did she pick up her father's mantle and provide us with another story in the series, BUT she also restored the quality that the name Hillerman had come to represent. One of Ms. Hillerman's tricks perhaps the secret of her success with this book was to put the spotlight on Officer Bernadette Manuelito (finally married to Jim Chee), who was never more than a supporting character when her father documented the series. That's not to say that Leaphorn, Chee, and the rest are not present but that there are other talented and interesting characters worth some time in the sun.
I hope this is NOT a one-shot, and that this excellent series has found a new life with Anne Hillerman.
RATING: 4½ stars, rounded up to 5 stars out of appreciation for the return of these beloved characters and the excellent job in doing so.
A great big THANK YOU to his daughter, Anne Hillerman. Not only did she pick up her father's mantle and provide us with another story in the series, BUT she also restored the quality that the name Hillerman had come to represent. One of Ms. Hillerman's tricks perhaps the secret of her success with this book was to put the spotlight on Officer Bernadette Manuelito (finally married to Jim Chee), who was never more than a supporting character when her father documented the series. That's not to say that Leaphorn, Chee, and the rest are not present but that there are other talented and interesting characters worth some time in the sun.
I hope this is NOT a one-shot, and that this excellent series has found a new life with Anne Hillerman.
RATING: 4½ stars, rounded up to 5 stars out of appreciation for the return of these beloved characters and the excellent job in doing so.
Paula G. (Paulathegreat) reviewed Spider Woman's Daughter (Leaphorn, Chee and Manuelito, Bk 1) on + 148 more book reviews
The writing isn't bad. The plotting and pacing is OK, but it just isn't Leaphorn, Bernie or Chee.
Leaphorn isn't depressive. Chee isn't in some existential personal struggle between Dine' and White. Bernie is a girl. Not a tough, cop girl a real girl.
I would be interested in reading Anne Hillerman's own books with her own characters, but she doesn't have the same edge as her father.
Leaphorn isn't depressive. Chee isn't in some existential personal struggle between Dine' and White. Bernie is a girl. Not a tough, cop girl a real girl.
I would be interested in reading Anne Hillerman's own books with her own characters, but she doesn't have the same edge as her father.
Jeffree I. (jeffree) reviewed Spider Woman's Daughter (Leaphorn, Chee and Manuelito, Bk 1) on + 16 more book reviews
I had been missing Leaphorn and Chee a lot since Tony Hillerman died, sad that I would never read their stories again. I was ecstatic to hear his daughter took over the series. I really enjoyed this book, even though it was a bit different from her father's writing style. I especially liked that Anne gave Bernadette a much larger role. My husband is reading the book now and he doesn't like it as much as Tony's writing. May just be a gender thing.
Judy B. reviewed Spider Woman's Daughter (Leaphorn, Chee and Manuelito, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
Anne has more of her father's voice in this one. Looking forward to the next one!
Gerrald B. (gerraldb) reviewed Spider Woman's Daughter (Leaphorn, Chee and Manuelito, Bk 1) on + 28 more book reviews
Good story to keep characters alive for us. Not her dad but good work.
