Hunting Badger

While retired Lt. Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee are hunting down the people responsible for a casino robbery, we learn that they may be tied to a legend of a mysterious Indian (George Ironhand) that seems to have the ability to fly. Tied in with this is the concept of "Hunting Badger." As with all of Tony Hillerman's stories you have the feeling you are there. In fact if you have visited or live in the area (Four Corners canyons) that the mystery takes part in, you will be better able to identify with the people and landmarks. And as with his other books there is an overt and covert story. I have read the book but the addition of the voice of George Guidall in the recorded version ads a dimension to the story by helping visualize the people and correcting pronunciation of certain words. I suggest you read the book and listen to the recorded version. The First Eagle (Jim Chee Novels)

In "Hunting Badger," Tony Hillerman's continuation of the Lt. Joe Leaphornand Jim Chee mystery, the author once more captures, with vivid description,riveting detail, exciting plot, and superb characterization, life on and about theNavajo reservation. Leaphorn and Jim Chee team up once again to solve a crime in the Four Cornerscanyons. Hillerman takes a real-life crime (In 1998 three "survivalists" steal a truck,murder a policeman, and then disappear. The FBI and other law organizations failin their investigations.) and adapts it to his own fictional form. He does so,upholding once more his reputation as one of the most exciting writers around. His"police procedural" is in a unque--and original setting--in the middle of the Navajonation."Hunting Badger" takes us in and around and through the ins and outs of that areabefore finally climaxing in triumph for Leaphorn and Chee, not to mentionHillerman. This is perhaps his most suspenseful book in some time. It's good toread Hillerman when he's in top form and this edition fully lives up to hisreputation! ([email protected])

Having traveled the Four Corners area a lot the past few years, as I read this book, I could envision all the locations that Hillerman cites in Hunting Badger - Tuba City, Chinle, Window Rock, Farmington, etc. I found myself enchanted and drawn away, driving down those dusty washboard reservation roads, imagining that I was riding along with Chee and Leaphorn as they chased down George Ironhand, Buddy Baker, and Everett Jorie.Hillerman's vast knowledge and familiarity with the geographical terrain and the Navajo traditions that are woven into his novels are a proven recipe for success. Though Leaphorn is still adjusting to his life as a retired Navajo Tribal Police Lieutenant, his sharp mind and investigative skills have not dulled. In Hunting Badger, Hillerman continues Sergeant Jim Chee's progression as a Navajo Shaman, in juxtaposition with his occupation as a police officer, which Chee's grandfather reluctanctly accepts as the way of this present world. Chee also moves slightly out of Leaphorn's shadow, taking on a less subservient role as the retired Leaphorn gives Chee more credit for his ability as an investigator.This novel is well-written from start to finish - several times I found myself following the wrong trail as I tried to figure out whodunit and why, only to be brought back on track by Chee and Leaphorn. Made me want to return to the Four Corners area once more, to look at the beautiful terrain as Chee and Leaphorn would see it.Peace Out.

Hillerman has written another great book. I read it in just a couple of sittings and it was hard to put down. Chee is back where he belongs as a sargeant and Leaphorn is, well, Leaphorn. It seemed a well thought out story with Hillerman's usual great writing. Some plot twists but I did get the "right" bad guy before the end of the story. He is building the relationships in the book, Chee and Bernie and Joe and Louisa. To me, this is a good thing. Note to Tony, let them both be happy with someone. Chee has had enough girl friends and it has been too long for Leaphorn since he lost his wife. My opinion is that this book deserves 5 stars. Read it.

One year has passed since Navaho Reservation police Sergeant Jim Cheer participated in a FBI-directed hunt of two cop killers. However, though numerous law enforcement organizations joined the search, the suspects were never caught. Jim hated the incident, as the rival police teams seemed to trip over one another in their efforts to be the hero.Jim's wishes to never work with the FBI ever again when he hears three commandos attacked and robbed a casino on the Ute Reservation. One cop is dead and another seriously injured. Evidence points to the culprits hiding in the same vicinity as that of last year's killers. Against his own desires, Jim, accompanied by retired officer Joe Leaphorn, joins the latest manhunt.HUNTING BADGER is the great Tony Hillerman at his awesome best. By interweaving Navaho and Ute myths and history into a modern day story line, Mr. Hillerman teaches and entertains his audience. Adding to the warm feeling emitted by the delicious plot is the return of cherished friends. Mr. Hillerman is a sure thing to provide enticing, pleasurable reading experiences and this latest triumph adds luster to his lofty reputation.Harriet Klausner