Hillerman populates the novel with a rich cast of characters whom he reveals through their speech, their actions, and their thoughts. He also describes their physical appearance so that readers form specific and distinguishing images of them. Jim Chee is portrayed as a "traditional" Navajo who has studied to become a hatathali, a traditional singer who can conduct traditional curing rituals; he is also a universityeducated (University of Arizona) lawman as is his former supervisor, now retired, Joe Leaphorn (Arizona State University). The relationship between the two is complicated and thus interesting. Chee has worked with "the Legendary Lieutenant" in the past and respects him highly, but he is not yet completely comfortable with Leaphorn.

However, in light of Leaphorn's new status as a private investigator, "just Mr. Leaphorn now" and Chee's as Acting Lieutenant in charge of the Tuba City office, they work on a more equal...