ISBN: 1-55690-134-8 Order from: Recorded Books
In this farily dark mystery, a solid, satisfying story of crime investigation and the Indian culture are overshadowed by the human folly.
Reviewed by David on July 08, 2001
Genre: Mystery (Police Procedural, Amerind)
Synopsis: This is an unabridged recording of Dance Hall of the Dead.
Lt. Joe Leaphorn of the Navajo Tribal police, works outside of his territory when the disappearance of two boys, one a Navajo, is investigated by the Zuni police. When it becomes apparent that something deadly is going on, Joe's search for the missing boy and the truth slowly inches forward as he interviews everyone involved and brings his tracking skills to bear. Unfortunately, the Zuni spirits seem involved, and whether real or faked, something or someone seems as ruthless and as determined as the sacred figures from the legends. But what is the motive?
Full Review: Joe Leaphorn is both methodical and intuitive. His investigation is compassionate, and the FBI coordinating the search seem as clueless as in many other investigations of the series. Joe's quest for truth eventually brings him to the resolution, but not before human folly—greed, ambition, and fear—take a heavy toll. While the culture and the setting—the Southwestern Indian lands—are well portrayed, this book is dark, and overshadowed by a noir sense of futility. Definitely enjoyable, but darker than other Hillerman's mysteries, this early book is recommended more for Joe Leaphorn's character and observations than for the somewhat telegraphed puzzle.
Overall: 6; Plot: 6; Characters: 5.5; Style: 6.5; World-building: 6; Originality: 5;
Copyright date 1973, Recorded Books, 1991, Audio cassette, 5 cassettes
ISBN: 1-55690-134-8 Order from: Recorded Books