The First Eagle

I can't agree with those who sound disappointed in this book by Hillerman. I think it may have been a little more difficult to compeletly understand because following the technical description about the difference between the bubonic plague, the hantavirus, and the three varieties of viruses that generate these plagues took perhaps more effort than in some of his previous books. It was an excellent mystery, but perhaps some were also disappointed in the fact that it took less understanding of the navajo ways and myth than his other books, and relied instead on more understanding of the biological and medical nature of the two plagues and the ways of white society. All in all, as mysteries go, I'd rate this a top notch one. I don't think it would be fair to penalize his writing because it isn't exactly like his other excellent books.

After reading this (or any other Hillerman book), you will want to read them all. Everything I have read of Hillerman's (including non-fiction) has been well worth reading. If you like this, you would probably also enjoy Judith A. Jance's Hour of the Hunter and her Joanna Brady books, starting with Desert Heat (Joanna Brady Mysteries, Book 1). Also, check out the Glynis Tryon novels by Miriam Grace Monfredo. [email protected]

I understand why some of the other reviewers say that this is one of Mr. Hillerman's weaker efforts, however, I disagree with the conclusion that he is coasting. When I first began the book it was like meeting an old friend, all of the familiar likeable characters are there as is the imagery. If they are present in a lesser degree than in earlier works, I think it because Mr. Hillerman is justifiably building on the earlier works. There is no need to re-invent the wheel. The work also shows its quality in the development of even minor characters such as Mac Guiness. He and his trading post have been seen throughout the series but in First Eagle Tony Hillerman has visibly aged each. You can almost see the dust in the trading post and smell the stale whiskey. This "character-aging" is poignant with the current condition of Jim Chee's uncle Hosteen Nicae. Moreover, the plot is chilling and intelligently developed. Tony Hillerman has hit upon a real, significant issue. The medical-scientific discussions were lucid and well thought out. Finally, Jim Chee should definitely dump Janet Peet.

The First Eagle is one of the best ones yet written by Hillerman. A very tightly woven plot, great characters (Chee and Leaphorn) and a great cast of supporting characters made this hard to put down once I started it. I savored all the southwest imagery that Hillerman manages to convey so clearly and marveled at the way he can bring the Navaho culture to such vivid life. I think the only drawback might be that those who are not fans of Chee/Leaphorn might find this a bit hard to understand, but for the rest of us, its a great, satisfying book with a terrific ending. I only wish Hillerman would write more of these gems.

Tony H. is the BEST! One can only dream of meeting Joe Leaphorn or Jim Chee. This is the greatest. Jim Chee is so accurately depicted, I feel I could buy him a cup of joe in a 4corners cafe. Jim Chee shows us what honor is all about, how we must disreguarge public acknowledegement and accept what life gives us. We must DO THE RIGHT THING. Jim Chee is the person I most want to be like. Mr. H's novels are the best I have ever read.