Finding Moon

Finding Moon follows an American newspaper manager's journey into Southeast Asia during the chaotic final days of the Vietnam War. Moon Mathias abandons his Colorado life to search for his recently-discovered niece after his mother's medical emergency prevents her from completing the mission. The story moves through the Philippines and into areas of mounting political tension as Moon seeks information about his deceased brother's helicopter business and family. His search becomes complicated when two of his brother's former clients request help with their own missions - finding an ancestral urn and locating a missing missionary. Moon navigates an unfamiliar world of danger and intrigue while piecing together the truth about his brother's life in Southeast Asia. The plot unfolds against the backdrop of the fall of Saigon, with Moon relying on an evolving network of local contacts and expatriates to advance his search. Through Moon's physical and spiritual journey, the novel explores themes of family duty, personal redemption, and the complex relationships between Western and Eastern cultures in a time of historical upheaval.

Readers note this standalone thriller differs from Hillerman's Navajo detective series. Many found the Southeast Asian setting and characters less compelling than his usual American Southwest focus. Readers appreciated: - The historical context of 1975 Vietnam/Cambodia - Moon's character growth throughout his journey - The detailed descriptions of Filipino culture - The methodical pacing and building tension Common criticisms: - Slow start that takes time to engage - Less developed supporting characters - Plot points that stretch credibility - Writing style feels different from Hillerman's usual work Average ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4/5 (90+ reviews) Several reviewers called it "forgettable compared to the Leaphorn/Chee series." One reader noted "The protagonist lacks the depth we expect from Hillerman's Native American characters." Multiple reviews mentioned struggling through the first 50 pages before the story gained momentum.

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🔹 While Tony Hillerman is renowned for his Navajo Tribal Police mysteries, "Finding Moon" (1995) was his only novel set in Southeast Asia, inspired by his experiences as a combat veteran in World War II. 🔹 The novel is set specifically in April 1975, during Operation Frequent Wind - the final evacuation of American civilians and at-risk Vietnamese from Saigon before its fall to North Vietnamese forces. 🔹 Hillerman conducted extensive research into Filipino culture and superstitions for the book, incorporating authentic details about local customs and beliefs that influence the protagonist's journey. 🔹 The character name "Moon" Mathias was inspired by a real Colorado newspaper editor Hillerman knew during his early journalism career. 🔹 The book received the Spur Award from the Western Writers of America, despite being set in Asia rather than the American West, demonstrating its broad appeal beyond Hillerman's usual geographic focus.