The Wailing Wind

The Wailing Wind, Tony Hillerman's fifteenth installment in the Joe Leaphorn/Jim Chee series, connects a present-day murder with an unsolved case from the past. When Officer Bernadette Manuelito discovers a body in an abandoned truck, the investigation draws in both active and retired members of the Navajo Tribal Police. The case revolves around the mysterious Golden Calf mine, a wealthy businessman named Wiley Denton, and his missing wife. Former Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn returns to active investigation when his expertise is needed, working alongside Sergeant Jim Chee and Officer Manuelito to uncover the truth. The story combines elements of traditional police procedural with aspects of Navajo culture and the rugged landscape of the American Southwest. The novel explores themes of greed, justice, and the complex relationships between past crimes and present consequences.

Readers found this to be a solid entry in the Leaphorn/Chee series, though not among Hillerman's strongest works. Many noted it serves as an accessible introduction for new readers while delivering familiar elements for fans. Readers appreciated: - The cultural details about Navajo life and traditions - The connections to real Southwest locations - The interweaving of an old cold case with current events - The continued character development of Jim Chee Common criticisms: - A slower pace compared to other Hillerman novels - Less involvement from Joe Leaphorn than expected - Some found the plot resolution predictable Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (8,900+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (420+ reviews) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (1,200+ ratings) One frequent reader comment notes: "The mystery takes a back seat to the atmosphere and characters, but that's not necessarily a bad thing." Several reviewers mentioned they missed the deeper philosophical elements present in earlier books in the series.

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🏜️ The book was published in 2002 and is the 15th novel in Hillerman's acclaimed Navajo Tribal Police series. 🌵 Tony Hillerman served as president of the Mystery Writers of America and won their prestigious Grand Master Award in 1991. 🏺 The "wailing wind" referenced in the title has special significance in Navajo culture, often associated with spiritual messages and omens. 🚔 The character of Officer Bernadette Manuelito was inspired by real female Navajo police officers who pioneered law enforcement roles on the reservation. 📍 The book's setting spans parts of New Mexico and Arizona within the Navajo Nation, which covers over 27,000 square miles and is the largest Native American reservation in the United States.