The Ghostway

The Ghostway is the sixth novel in Tony Hillerman's Navajo Tribal Police series, focusing on Sergeant Jim Chee's investigation of a mysterious shooting at a Shiprock laundromat. The case draws connections between Los Angeles and the Navajo Nation, beginning with the death of one man and the disappearance of another. Chee must track down a missing teenage girl while untangling a complex web of violence that spans from urban California to the remote corners of the reservation. The investigation leads him through traditional Navajo burial grounds and modern city streets as he pieces together the connections between seemingly unrelated events. The story explores the contrast between traditional Navajo ways and contemporary American society, examining how these cultural tensions affect both the investigation and the personal choices faced by the characters. Through its crime narrative, the novel presents a nuanced portrayal of life on the reservation and the challenges of maintaining cultural identity in a changing world.

Readers describe The Ghostway as a solid entry in the Jim Chee series, though not Hillerman's strongest work. Many note it maintains a steady pace with engaging Navajo cultural elements. Readers appreciated: - Detailed portrayal of Navajo traditions and beliefs - Development of Jim Chee's character - The Los Angeles setting providing contrast to the usual reservation backdrop - Clear explanations of complex cultural concepts Common criticisms: - Plot moves slower than other Hillerman mysteries - Some found the LA sections less compelling - Several readers mentioned confusion about character relationships - Multiple plot threads that don't fully connect Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (8,900+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (450+ reviews) Reader quote: "The mystery itself is secondary to the rich cultural details and Chee's internal struggles with tradition versus modernity" - Goodreads reviewer Several readers noted this book works better for those already familiar with the series rather than as an entry point.

Death Along the Spirit Road by C.M. Wendelboe A Native American FBI agent investigates a murder on the Lakota reservation while navigating conflicts between tribal traditions and federal law.

Dance Hall of the Dead by Tony Hillerman Two boys disappear during a Zuni ritual, leading Navajo police lieutenant Joe Leaphorn through an investigation steeped in Native American culture and archaeological mysteries.

Iron Lake by William Kent Krueger Former sheriff Cork O'Connor investigates crimes in Minnesota's remote north country while bridging his Irish-American and Ojibwe heritage.

The Devil's Tomahawk by Margaret Coel An Arapaho attorney and a Catholic priest work together to solve murders on the Wind River Reservation while uncovering historical tribal artifacts.

The Blessing Way by Tony Hillerman Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn's first case involves a corpse found on Navajo land and a string of supernatural events that test both modern police work and traditional beliefs.

🔍 The Ghostway was published in 1984 and was the sixth book in Hillerman's Navajo Tribal Police series, though it can be read as a standalone novel. 🏺 Hillerman meticulously researched Navajo customs and beliefs about death, including the complex "ghost way" ceremony that gives the book its title. 🌟 The author received the Center for the American Indian's Ambassador Award for his authentic and respectful portrayal of Native American cultures in his writing. 🗺️ The book's settings span over 700 miles, from the Navajo Nation in New Mexico to Los Angeles, California - one of the few times in the series that the action moves significantly off the reservation. 👮 The character of Jim Chee was inspired by real Navajo police officers Hillerman met while working as a journalist in the American Southwest.