The Shape Shifter

The Shape Shifter is Tony Hillerman's final novel in his Leaphorn/Chee series, published in 2006. The story centers on retired Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn investigating a cold case from his early career when new evidence surfaces. The investigation focuses on a valuable Navajo rug from the 1860s, believed destroyed in a trading post fire decades ago. When Leaphorn sees a photo of the supposedly burned rug in a magazine, he begins to question the original case's conclusions and the identity of a body found in the fire. The novel connects multiple historical threads including the Navajo Long Walk of the 1860s, the Vietnam War, and traditional Navajo beliefs. Through its exploration of greed, identity, and transformation, the book examines how the past continues to influence the present in both Native and non-Native communities.

Readers view The Shape Shifter as a solid but not standout entry in the Leaphorn & Chee series. Many note it provides satisfying closure to Leaphorn's character arc while exploring Navajo culture and beliefs about skinwalkers. Readers appreciated: - Deep dive into Navajo mythology and traditions - Return of familiar characters - Historical details about reservation life - Complex weaving of past and present narratives Common criticisms: - Slower pacing than earlier books in the series - Less suspense and action - Plot relies heavily on coincidence - Too much exposition and backstory Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (8,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (500+ reviews) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (900+ ratings) Several readers noted this book works better as a character study than a mystery. As one Amazon reviewer stated: "The mystery takes a backseat to Leaphorn's personal journey and reflections on his career."

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Iron Lake by William Kent Krueger Cork O'Connor, part Ojibwe former sheriff, solves crimes in Minnesota's remote lake country while bridging Native and non-Native worlds.

Dance Hall of the Dead by Tony Hillerman Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn pursues a case involving Navajo and Zuni cultural artifacts, missing children, and complex relationships between Southwest tribes.

Winter Count by Margaret Coel Arapaho attorney Vicky Holden investigates historical injustices on the Wind River Reservation while uncovering present-day crimes.

The Way of the Wolf by Martin Cruz Smith Tribal investigator Emmett Parker works to solve murders connected to Native American artifacts while dealing with tensions between tribal and federal law.

🔍 The Long Walk of the Navajo (1864-1868) referenced in the book was a forced relocation where approximately 9,500 Navajo people were marched 300 miles to Fort Sumner, New Mexico 📚 This was Tony Hillerman's 18th and final Leaphorn & Chee novel, published in 2006, just two years before his death 🏺 Traditional Navajo rugs featured in the story often tell complex stories through their patterns and are woven with symbolic meaning, with some vintage pieces valued at over $100,000 🌟 Hillerman received the Special Friends of the Dineh Award from the Navajo Nation for his culturally respectful portrayal of their traditions and people in his works 🔎 Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn is based on real-life Navajo Police Officer Sgt. Dan Darling, whom Hillerman met while working as a journalist