James B. (Kilroy) reviewed The Wailing Wind (Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee, Bk 15) on + 8 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
In my humble opinion, this is the best story of the series. It is a haunting tale that stays with you long after you finish reading it. All of Hillerman's Chee/Leaphorn stories are filled with Navajo flavor, mystery, and great characters. If you have not discovered this wonderful author, You are missing one terrific yarn spinner.
Lou N. (bookmanpc) reviewed The Wailing Wind (Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee, Bk 15) on + 53 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
It is hard to go wrong with Hillerman. I have read most of the Leaphorn/Chee books now and not in the right order and I STILL enjoy getting one I haven't seen.
There is a spare, taut quality to the writing that reminds me of the desert itself.
I enjoy them all!
There is a spare, taut quality to the writing that reminds me of the desert itself.
I enjoy them all!
Kayote B. (kayote) reviewed The Wailing Wind (Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee, Bk 15) on + 254 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
An excellent Hillerman--and since Hillerman's are usually quite good that's saying a lot.
I am very glad to see a lot of Bernie in this book. She's a latecomer to the series, but one of my favorite characters, and a good balance for the other two.
The story was interwoven wonderfully, tying old & new cases & odd happens that rattle around old cop's minds together well. Sometimes it seems that Hillerman stretches a bit to bring Leaphorn in, but not in this one.
I don't think I'll read it again, though. The ending, while everything is explained, is a bit too sad for me. Good to read once, but not one I want to pick up again.
I am very glad to see a lot of Bernie in this book. She's a latecomer to the series, but one of my favorite characters, and a good balance for the other two.
The story was interwoven wonderfully, tying old & new cases & odd happens that rattle around old cop's minds together well. Sometimes it seems that Hillerman stretches a bit to bring Leaphorn in, but not in this one.
I don't think I'll read it again, though. The ending, while everything is explained, is a bit too sad for me. Good to read once, but not one I want to pick up again.
Marilyn A. (tipi-author) reviewed The Wailing Wind (Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee, Bk 15) on + 14 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Another great Jim Chee - Joe Leaphorn mystery. Great plot, fascinating characters, and a lot of information about Native American lore and customs.
Vikki P. (vikki322) reviewed The Wailing Wind (Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee, Bk 15) on + 145 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A lost gold mine, a corpse in an abandoned pickup truck, and an eerie wailing heard on Halloween are among the delicious plot elements Tony Hillerman cooks up in his 15th novel featuring Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee. The two Navajo cops, one old and one young--who originally debuted in separate series but have been collaborating for many books now--are among the most engaging, fully human characters in crime fiction. As usual, Hillerman puts them to work in a suspenseful, satisfying tale that integrates a wealth of Navajo lore plus breathtaking evocations of the American Southwest, all delivered in prose as clear, clean, and easy-flowing as a mountain stream. Longtime readers will be delighted by several developments, including a prominent role for the appealing Officer Bernadette Manuelito and a glimpse at the phlegmatic Leaphorn's testy side. But Hillerman welcomes new arrivals as well, with enough exposition to get you oriented.
Joan H. (bellavoce35) reviewed The Wailing Wind (Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee, Bk 15) on + 15 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This was the first book by Tony Hillerman that I have read. I must say I thoroughly enjoyed it. The Wailing Wind was a quick read and I look forward to reading more by this author.
Sharon C. (DustyShu) reviewed The Wailing Wind (Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee, Bk 15) on + 67 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Definitely not the best mystery I've ever read. Probably won't read anything else by this author. It just didn't capture my attention for very long.
Helpful Score: 1
Tony Hillerman has created some great characters. Those plus his giving you a view of lives and culture that we know so little about. Another very good Hillerman.
Peter E. (pensign) -
Helpful Score: 1
Everything Hillerman writes is both entertaining and educational. Great book!
Mary H. (LilCricket) reviewed The Wailing Wind (Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee, Bk 15) on + 23 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A haunting tale of obsessive greed, of lost love and murder, as only Tony Hillerman can write. This is his best book yet.
Dale V. (dvnashville) reviewed The Wailing Wind (Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee, Bk 15) on + 12 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I love all the Tony Hillerman books... fascinating insights into Native American culture, great scenic descriptions, characters you care about, interesting and captivating plots.
Rosalie P. (rosalie02138) reviewed The Wailing Wind (Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee, Bk 15) on + 28 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Another excellent Hillerman book. Particularly always enjoy his descriptions of Navajo culture and religion.
Helpful Score: 1
"Grade A...thrilling, chilling...another Hillerman treasure...We couldn't do better for a true voice of the West." Denver Rocky Mountain News. Sgt. Jim Chee and former Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn are joined by officer Bernadette Manuelito in this Navajo adventure.
Frank H. (perryfran) reviewed The Wailing Wind (Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee, Bk 15) on + 1228 more book reviews
Another very good entry in the Leaphorn and Chee series by Hillerman. I have only read a few of these but I really enjoy the series and started reading them after watching and enjoying the TV series Dark Winds on AMC. This is the fifteenth book in the series and unfortunately I have been reading these very much out of sequence. However, the stories can definitely be read without knowing the backstories of all the characters.
In this one Leaphorn is retired, Chee is a sergeant with the Navaho Tribal Police and Bernadette Manuelito is an officer on the force. Bernie is out on patrol when she gets a call to investigate an abandoned vehicle. Turns out the vehicle contains a dead man who appears to have died naturally. However, he was actually shot and had been moved with no apparent visible blood resulting in Bernie being dinged for mishandling the scene. The dead man did have the phone number of a rich ex-con in his pocket and nearby was an old Prince Albert tobacco tin containing some tracer gold. The ex-con was a wealthy oil-lease magnate named Wiley Denton who confessed to shooting a con man named Marvin McKay dead two years previously. McKay was trying to get into a partnership with Denton to find the lost Golden Calf goldmine and as part of the deal receive $50k from Denton. Denton got a light sentence and served his time for manslaughter. This had case always bothered Leaphorn who wondered what became of Denton's beautiful young wife Linda, who vanished the day of the killing. So is this second murder related to the Denton case? The murdered man, Thomas Doherty, also had some evidence in his truck related to the Golden Calf goldmine. So can Leaphorn, Chee, and Bernie sort out what really happened and why?
As usual, I enjoyed this one very much. Hillerman's knowledge of the Navaho adds so much to the story and his descriptions of desert southwest are really special. I'll be looking forward to reading more in this series.
In this one Leaphorn is retired, Chee is a sergeant with the Navaho Tribal Police and Bernadette Manuelito is an officer on the force. Bernie is out on patrol when she gets a call to investigate an abandoned vehicle. Turns out the vehicle contains a dead man who appears to have died naturally. However, he was actually shot and had been moved with no apparent visible blood resulting in Bernie being dinged for mishandling the scene. The dead man did have the phone number of a rich ex-con in his pocket and nearby was an old Prince Albert tobacco tin containing some tracer gold. The ex-con was a wealthy oil-lease magnate named Wiley Denton who confessed to shooting a con man named Marvin McKay dead two years previously. McKay was trying to get into a partnership with Denton to find the lost Golden Calf goldmine and as part of the deal receive $50k from Denton. Denton got a light sentence and served his time for manslaughter. This had case always bothered Leaphorn who wondered what became of Denton's beautiful young wife Linda, who vanished the day of the killing. So is this second murder related to the Denton case? The murdered man, Thomas Doherty, also had some evidence in his truck related to the Golden Calf goldmine. So can Leaphorn, Chee, and Bernie sort out what really happened and why?
As usual, I enjoyed this one very much. Hillerman's knowledge of the Navaho adds so much to the story and his descriptions of desert southwest are really special. I'll be looking forward to reading more in this series.
R E K. (bigstone) - , reviewed The Wailing Wind (Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee, Bk 15) on + 1453 more book reviews
Tony Hillerman has created interesting and complex characters that I enjoy following in his novels. When Bernadette Manuelito finds a dead man in a pickup in a dry gulch she assumes he died of a heart attack. Because of her inexperience as a new policeman she missed the real cause of death. As a result she doubts her ability in police work and so do others. However, her boss, Sgt. Jim Chee, believes in her. The problem is that he is also attracted to this young woman and finds it difficult to separate his feelings from his judgment of her abilities. Enter retired Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn who trained Chee who also believes in Bernadette's abilities. All are investigating the crime but is Leaphorn who finds a link that may help solve the crime. I enjoyed this fast paced little mystery. For me, it was good read.
A lost gold mine, a corpse in an abandoned pickup truck, and an eerie wailing heard on Halloween are among the delicious plot elements Tony Hillerman cooks up in his 15th novel featuring Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee. The two Navajo cops, one old and one young--who originally debuted in separate series but have been collaborating for many books now--are among the most engaging, fully human characters in crime fiction. As usual, Hillerman puts them to work in a suspenseful, satisfying tale that integrates a wealth of Navajo lore plus breathtaking evocations of the American Southwest, all delivered in prose as clear, clean, and easy-flowing as a mountain stream. Longtime readers will be delighted by several developments, including a prominent role for the appealing Officer Bernadette Manuelito and a glimpse at the phlegmatic Leaphorn's testy side. But Hillerman welcomes new arrivals as well, with enough exposition to get you oriented.
Many writers have tried to follow Hillerman's trail, setting murder mysteries in Native American cultural landscapes. Many do a fine job. But, as The Wailing Wind beautifully demonstrates, there's only one Tony Hillerman. In this book he's at the top of his game. --Nicholas H. Allison
Many writers have tried to follow Hillerman's trail, setting murder mysteries in Native American cultural landscapes. Many do a fine job. But, as The Wailing Wind beautifully demonstrates, there's only one Tony Hillerman. In this book he's at the top of his game. --Nicholas H. Allison
Amber P. (CarpeFeline) reviewed The Wailing Wind (Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee, Bk 15) on + 15 more book reviews
good Hillerman with twists and his popular characters
Classic Hillerman a good read
Lora C. (tcarlora) reviewed The Wailing Wind (Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee, Bk 15) on + 20 more book reviews
If you like mysteries and your like the Southwest then you have to read Tony Hillerman. Its just the right amount of easy read, have to think a little book to get you through those hot summer nights.
Another good mystery from Tony Hillerman.
Cyndi J. (cyndij) reviewed The Wailing Wind (Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee, Bk 15) on + 1032 more book reviews
15th in the series with Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee of the Navajo Tribal Police and still with that amazing way of bringing to life such remote territory. A man is found shot in his pickup truck a long way from anywhere, but there are threads tying him to a long ago murder and disappearance. In the last book I thought new readers might be better off starting earlier in the series, but in this one I feel he really showed the relationship between the two men without needing those prior books. It's a rather sad ending although the reader (and of course the detectives) are expecting it. Officer Bernadette Manuelito starts to have a bigger role now.
Helen K. (Billie-K) reviewed The Wailing Wind (Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee, Bk 15) on + 459 more book reviews
FROM THE PUBLISHER
To Officer Bernie Manuelito, the man curled on the truck seat was just another drunkwhich got Bernie in trouble for mishandling a murder scenewhich got Sgt. Jim Chee in trouble with the FBIwhich drew ex-Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn out of retirement into an old crime he longed to forget. Legends of the area's lost gold mines join the mountains and canyons of the Navajo Reservation as an important part of Hillerman's plot, but his tale turns on an obsessive love and memories of a missing woman's voice wailing in the darkness. An evocative novel by a master at the top of his form.
To Officer Bernie Manuelito, the man curled on the truck seat was just another drunkwhich got Bernie in trouble for mishandling a murder scenewhich got Sgt. Jim Chee in trouble with the FBIwhich drew ex-Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn out of retirement into an old crime he longed to forget. Legends of the area's lost gold mines join the mountains and canyons of the Navajo Reservation as an important part of Hillerman's plot, but his tale turns on an obsessive love and memories of a missing woman's voice wailing in the darkness. An evocative novel by a master at the top of his form.
I read it years ago but didn't recognize the title. I think I may have read all his books already.
Officer Bernadette Manuelito found the dead man slumped over in the cab of a blue pickup abandoned in a dry gulch off a dirt road -- with a rich ex-con's phone number in his pocket ... and a tobacco tin nearly filled with tracer gold. It's her initial mishandling of the scene that spell trouble for her supervisor, Sgt. Jim Chee of the Navajo Tribal Police -- but it's the echoes of a long ago crime that call the legendary former Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn out of retirement. Years earlier, Leaphorn followed the trail of a beautiful, young, and missing wife to a dead end, and his failure has haunted him ever since. But ghosts never sleep in these high, lonely Southwestern hills. And the twisted threads of craven murders past and current may finally be coming together, thanks to secrets once moaned in torment on the desert wind.
Oooh. Such a story of poetic justice!
Mark J. (ZIPPER) reviewed The Wailing Wind (Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee, Bk 15) on + 35 more book reviews
Navajo police officer, now Sgt.Jim Chee come to the aid of a department's officer, Bernadette Manuelito who found a dead man abandoned in a dry gulch and potches the crime scene...
Greed, lost love, murder
Angela M. (musichick) reviewed The Wailing Wind (Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee, Bk 15) on + 49 more book reviews
My husband is a Hillerman fanatic!
Mary-Graham M. reviewed The Wailing Wind (Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee, Bk 15) on + 2 more book reviews
This book was given to me when I moved to New Mexico, but I'm just not that into fiction. The person who gave it to me said it was a great read, but like I said. . . Sorry I can't tell you more!
