Anne Hillerman's "Leaphorn & Chee" Series in Reading Order
Anne Hillerman, daughter of renowned mystery writer Tony Hillerman, continues the legacy of her father's beloved "Leaphorn & Chee" series. She brings the same thrilling mystery and captivating Navajo culture to life, weaving intricate plots with a deep understanding of the characters and their world.
If you're new to the series or simply want to ensure you're reading the books in the correct order, here's the recommended reading order for Anne Hillerman's "Leaphorn & Chee" novels:
Note: The first 10 books in this list were written by Tony Hillerman. While not essential to enjoy the series, reading them first provides a more complete understanding of the characters' past and the setting.
Tony Hillerman's Leaphorn & Chee Series
- The Blessing Way (1970): The first book in the series introduces us to Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn and Officer Jim Chee, Navajo Tribal Police officers.
- Dance Hall of the Dead (1973): Leaphorn investigates a murder connected to an ancient Navajo ritual.
- The Thief (1974): Leaphorn is pulled into a case involving a stolen sacred object.
- Listening Woman (1977): Chee is assigned to a case that puts him at odds with traditional Navajo ways.
- Skinwalkers (1986): Leaphorn faces a mysterious case involving a series of unexplained deaths.
- A Thief of Time (1988): Chee grapples with the death of a beloved Navajo elder.
- Talking God (1989): Leaphorn and Chee investigate a series of murders tied to ancient Navajo beliefs.
- Coyote Waits (1990): Leaphorn and Chee are drawn into a case that tests their beliefs and loyalty.
- The Fallen Man (1991): Leaphorn and Chee are on the trail of a ruthless criminal.
- The Dark Wind (1993): Leaphorn and Chee team up to solve a murder that threatens the peace of the Navajo Nation.
Anne Hillerman's Leaphorn & Chee Series
- The Mystery of the Thieving Magpie (2017): Leaphorn's partner, Chee, investigates a string of mysterious thefts in a Navajo community.
- The Sixth Man (2018): Leaphorn and Chee face a complex case involving a group of missing boys and a chilling conspiracy.
- The Spider Woman's Daughter (2019): Leaphorn and Chee investigate a shocking murder connected to the unsolved case of the spider woman.
- The Land of Enchantment (2020): Leaphorn and Chee return to a familiar case involving a mysterious figure from the past.
- The Shooting Star (2021): A new case brings the seasoned detectives to an isolated Navajo community facing a dark secret.
- The Mountain Shadows (2023): Leaphorn and Chee investigate a case involving a young woman missing in the mountains.
This list provides a clear guide to reading the "Leaphorn & Chee" series, ensuring you experience the stories in the order intended by both Tony and Anne Hillerman. The series offers a unique blend of mystery, suspense, and cultural exploration, making it a compelling read for fans of crime fiction and those interested in the rich tapestry of the Navajo Nation.
