ISBN: 0-7887-3894-1 Order from: Recorded Books
Deftly depicting the Southwest and the Indian cultures, this measured, steady mystery plot satisfies despite slightly distracting viewpoint shifts,
Reviewed by David on June 16, 2001
Genre: Mystery (Police Procedural, Amerind)
Synopsis: This is an unabridged recording of Hunting Badger.
When bandits attack and rob a casino on a Ute reservation, killing a guard and getting several hundred thousand dollars in cash, the FBI take over the investigation. Sergeant Chee of Navajo Tribal Police, returning from vacation, is recruited as one of many searchers under the control of FBI agents. As in the past, Chee's knowledge of the country, and FBI's bungling, push him to investigate things on his own. Along with his old mentor, Joe Leaphorn, now retired from the force, Chee considers old legends and human nature to find the truth.
Full Review: As before, the beatiful, stark world of the American Southwest, and the Amerind cultures there form an ever-present backdrop to the author's mysteries. Chee and the retired Lt. Leaphorn are excellent policemen: thoughtful, observant, suspicious, and knowing the territory and the people much better than the federal agents in charge of the circus-like investigation.
Both men are newly involved with women friends, which adds life to the narrative without too much distraction. Keeping two viewpoints—Chee's and Leaphorn's, however, does diminish the intensity and reader's involvement a bit.
Beautifully realized environment and culture, colorful and plausible characters, and solid plotting add to enjoyment in this short, satisfying novel.
Overall: 6; Plot: 5.5; Characters: 5.5; Style: 6.5; World-building: 6; Originality: 5.5;
Copyright date 1999, Recorded Books, 1999, Audio cassette, 4 cassettes
ISBN: 0-7887-3894-1 Order from: Recorded Books