ISBN: 1-55690-136-4 Order from: Recorded Books
A slow but evocative story with a tangle of mysteries satisfies with both an excellent portrayal of the Navajo and Hopi culture, and a thoughtful, steady investigation by the protagonist.
Reviewed by David on June 09, 2001
Genre: Mystery (Police Procedural, Amerind)
Synopsis: This is an unabridged recording of The Dark Wind.
A small plane making clandestine deliveries flies over the Southwestern desert. A wind-powered water pump is vandalized repeatedly in the disputed Navajo/Hopi territory. And a dessicated corpse of a man is found on a dusty Hopi trail.
Navajo policeman Jim Chee is called upon to investigate these mysteries. While distrusted by the rival Hopi, held in contempt by the Drug Enforcement Agency, and amidst the poverty and drought stricken country, Chee finds beauty and friendship, history and courage in the stark, ancient land.
With little support from his superiors, Sgt. Chee steadily pursues the mysteries, bringing the logic of his western education as well as knowledge and skill of his Navajo culture to bear.
Full Review: The plot is slow and steady, requiring the reader to accept the slow, subtle unraveling of the story. Once accepted, however, the pace becomes perfectly matched to the setting, and the investigation proceeds in the slow but inevitable progression satisfying in its steady unraveling of clues. The mysteries collide a bit too serendipitously, but perhaps appropriately for the slightly mystical motif of the book.
The respectful and slightly ambiguous portrayal of the American Indian tradition is more pronounced and reminiscent of that in the Perry's (titl|Vanishing Act|ASIN=0804113874) and sequels.
In this tale of revenge and greed, the Navajo culture, and the stark desert country are as important as human characters. The blend of mystery, history, sensitively handled religious belief and plain stubborn insistence on solving puzzles combine in a satisfying experience.
Overall: 6; Plot: 6; Characters: 5.5; Style: 6.5; World-building: 6; Originality: 5.5;
Copyright date 1982, Recorded Books, 1991, Audio cassette, 6 cassettes
ISBN: 1-55690-136-4 Order from: Recorded Books