Song of the Lion

A car bombing at a high school basketball game in Shiprock launches Navajo Police Officer Bernadette Manuelito into a complex investigation. The explosion kills a young man and appears to target attorney Aza Palmer, who is set to mediate a controversial resort development near the Grand Canyon. Officer Jim Chee is assigned to protect Palmer while the investigation unfolds, taking him to Tuba City for a contentious land development conference. The case spans the vast Navajo Nation territory across Arizona and New Mexico, interweaving tribal politics with modern business interests. The story connects Navajo spiritual beliefs and tradition with contemporary crime solving, particularly through the symbol of Náshdóítsoh - the mountain lion protector. The narrative integrates police procedural elements with authentic representations of Navajo culture and life on the reservation. The novel examines themes of progress versus preservation, exploring conflicts between economic development and sacred land protection within Native American communities. Song of the Lion continues Anne Hillerman's extension of her father Tony Hillerman's celebrated mystery series while maintaining its deep connection to Navajo culture.

Readers note this third novel in Anne Hillerman's continuation of her father's Leaphorn & Chee series maintains the authentic Navajo cultural elements while expanding Officer Bernadette Manuelito's role. Readers appreciated: - Detailed descriptions of Southwestern landscapes and Navajo traditions - Character development of Bernie Manuelito - The blend of police procedural with Native American culture Common criticisms: - Slower pacing than Tony Hillerman's original works - Less complex mystery elements - Too much focus on day-to-day details vs. plot advancement One reader stated "The cultural insights remain strong, but the mystery feels thin compared to earlier books in the series." Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (1,100+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.3/5 (200+ ratings) Many longtime series fans expressed satisfaction with Anne Hillerman's continuation of the series, though some prefer her father's writing style and plot structures.

Spider Woman's Daughter by Anne Hillerman Navajo police officers investigate a shooting while navigating family ties and tribal traditions across the Southwest landscape.

Cave of Bones by Anne Hillerman A missing instructor and a dead body lead Tribal Police Officer Bernie Manuelito through Navajo country in a case that connects to ancient pottery and sacred ruins.

The Cold Dish by Craig Johnson A Wyoming sheriff investigates murders on the reservation while balancing tribal politics and long-buried secrets.

Dance Hall of the Dead by Tony Hillerman Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn pursues a case involving Zuni religious practices and the disappearance of two young boys in the American Southwest.

Bone Rattler by Eliot Pattison A Scottish prisoner turned detective solves murders in colonial America while learning from Native American wisdom and customs.

🏜️ Written in 2017, "Song of the Lion" is the third book in Anne Hillerman's Bernadette Manuelito series, continuing her father Tony Hillerman's beloved Navajo detective novels 🌵 The book's title references the Mountain Lion, which holds deep spiritual significance in Navajo culture as a symbol of protection and leadership 📚 Anne Hillerman worked as a journalist for over 20 years before taking up her father's mantle and continuing his legendary Leaphorn & Chee series 🎨 The novel incorporates authentic details about the controversial development of the Grand Canyon Escalade project, a real-world proposal that sparked debate about tourism versus preservation 🏺 The author consulted with Navajo cultural experts to ensure accurate representation of traditional beliefs and practices, including the significance of ancient petroglyphs featured in the story