The American Southwest

Author Tony Hillerman is well known for his mysteries set in the American Southwest, especially the Four Corners region of New Mexico, Utah, Colorado and Arizona. Portions of this novel are set in that area. Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn is based in Window Rock, Arizona, but investigates a murder near Gallup, New Mexico.

Washington, D.C.

Most of the novel is set in the nation's capitol of Washington D.C, also referred to as the District of Columbia. The city is home to many monuments and landmarks including the Washington Monument and the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History.

Smithsonian Museum of Natural History

The climactic action takes place in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C. where the body of conservator Henry Highhawk is found.

Sacred Masks of the Americas Exhibit

An temporary exhibit at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History that includes...