Dust off your boots and step into the sun-baked deserts of the American Southwest, where the Leaphorn & Chee series weaves thrilling mysteries with the vibrant heartbeat of Navajo culture. Written by Tony Hillerman and continued by his daughter Anne, these 20 novels follow Navajo Tribal Police officers Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee as they unravel crimes amidst stunning landscapes and ancient traditions. Ready for a journey where logic meets mysticism?
How Leaphorn & Chee Began
Tony Hillerman, a World War II veteran and journalist, found inspiration in the rugged beauty of the Southwest and its Native American communities. Growing up in Oklahoma alongside Pottawatomie and Seminole children, he developed a deep respect for indigenous cultures. In 1970, he introduced Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn in The Blessing Way, blending police procedurals with Navajo lore. Jim Chee, a younger officer and aspiring shaman, joined in People of Darkness (1980), creating a dynamic duo. After Tony’s passing in 2008, Anne Hillerman picked up the pen, starting with Spider Woman’s Daughter (2013), expanding the series with fresh perspectives.
The Heart of Leaphorn & Chee
The series shines through its vivid settings and intricate mysteries. In Dance Hall of the Dead (1973), Leaphorn investigates a young Navajo boy’s disappearance, uncovering a murder tied to Zuni rituals. Skinwalkers (1986), a breakout hit, sees Leaphorn and Chee team up to solve chilling murders linked to Navajo witchcraft. Anne’s Cave of Bones (2018) follows officer Bernadette Manuelito, Chee’s wife, as she probes a missing person case in sacred lava fields. Each book paints the Four Corners’ mesas and arroyos with poetic detail, immersing readers in a world where modern crime clashes with timeless traditions.
Themes of cultural identity, spirituality, and balance permeate the series. Leaphorn, the skeptical anthropologist, contrasts with Chee, who embraces Navajo spiritual practices, creating a compelling dynamic. Hillerman’s respectful portrayal of Navajo life—ceremonies, family ties, and respect for nature—educates as it entertains. Anne’s novels add depth to female characters like Manuelito, weaving contemporary issues like environmental threats into the narrative, ensuring the series evolves while honoring its roots.
Why Leaphorn & Chee Resonates
The Leaphorn & Chee series redefined the mystery genre by centering Native American perspectives, earning Tony Hillerman awards like the Edgar Award for Dance Hall of the Dead and the Navajo Nation’s Special Friend of the Dineh Award. Its authentic depiction of Navajo culture has inspired readers worldwide, from fans visiting the Southwest to Navajo youth reconnecting with their heritage. Adapted into PBS films and the AMC series Dark Winds, the stories continue to captivate, proving their timeless appeal. Anne’s contributions keep the legacy alive, blending tradition with modern storytelling.
- First book published: 1970 (The Blessing Way)
- Total books: 20 (18 by Tony, 2 by Anne as of 2025)
- Key awards: Edgar Award (1974), Mystery Writers of America Grand Master (1991)
- Setting: Navajo Nation, Four Corners region
About Leaphorn & Chee
Grab The Blessing Way and dive into the Leaphorn & Chee world, where mysteries unfold under starlit desert skies!