Fallen Man continues Hillerman's interest in Chee and Leaphorn as both policemen and Navajos. While the earlier novels such as Coyote Waits (1990; see separate entry) and Sacred Clowns (1993; see separate entry) present Leaphorn as Chee's supervisor, this novel brings the two detectives together as more equal partners. It is interesting to note how both men have developed in interesting ways. In part to win Janet Pete's respect, Chee has become an acting lieutenant of the Navajo Tribal Police, a position with which he is not fully comfortable. As a Navajo, Chee feels conflicted about advancing up a hierarchy to achieve greater status. To make matters worse, the job does not fit his character. Always an impetuous cop himself in previous novels, he now has the responsibility of controlling the impetuousness of his subordinates, especially Bernie Manuelito.

Similarly, the retired Leaphorn has a new set of problems...