Skinwalkers Summary
Tony Hillerman

Skinwalkers Summary

Although Joe Leaphorn dominates three earlier novels — TheBlessing Way (1970), Dance Hall of the Dead (1973), and Listening Woman (1977) — Hillerman adds still more depth to his characterization of Leaphorn in Skinwalkers. Described in detail is Leaphorn's corkboard-mounted office map of "Indian Country" with his written annotations and the colored pins with which he marks crime locations. A symbol of Leaphorn's legendary eccentricity and rationalism, the map proves invaluable when it reveals connections between three seemingly unrelated killings.

Jim Chee also appears in his own set of early Hillerman novels. A police officer whose interest in his heritage is so strong that he is learning to perform a complicated Navajo ceremonial sing, Chee ironically is mistaken for a skinwalker and nearly killed. The attempt on his life precipitates the investigation that brings him together with Leaphorn to work on the same case. Chee is described physically from Leaphorn's point...

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