Genre Fiction
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The Way of the Bear: A Novel (A Leaphorn, Chee & Manuelito Novel, 8)
Fossil harvesting, ancient lore, greed, rejected love and murder combine in this gripping new installment of New York Times bestselling author Anne Hillerman's Leaphorn, Chee & Manuelito series.
An unexpected death on a lonely road outside of Utah's Bears Ears National Monument raises questions for Navajo Tribal Police officers Jim Chee and Bernadette Manuelito. Why would a seasoned outdoorsman and well-known paleontologist freeze to death within walking distance of his car? A second death brings more turmoil. Who is the unidentified man killed during a home invasion where nothing much seems to have been taken? Why was he murdered?
The Bears Ears area, at the edge of the Navajo Nation, is celebrated for its abundance of early human habitation sites and the discovery of unique fossils which revolutionized the scientific view of how early animals dealt with their changing world. Chee and Manuelito appreciate the area's scenery and wealth of human and scientific resources, but their visit to this achingly beautiful place is disrupted by a current of unprecedented violence that sweeps them both into danger. Illicit romance, a fossilized jawbone, hints of witchcraft, and a mysterious disappearance during a blizzard add to the peril.
It takes all of Manuelito's and Chee's experience, skill, and intuition to navigate the threats that arise and see justice served.
An unexpected death on a lonely road outside of Utah's Bears Ears National Monument raises questions for Navajo Tribal Police officers Jim Chee and Bernadette Manuelito. Why would a seasoned outdoorsman and well-known paleontologist freeze to death within walking distance of his car? A second death brings more turmoil. Who is the unidentified man killed during a home invasion where nothing much seems to have been taken? Why was he murdered?
The Bears Ears area, at the edge of the Navajo Nation, is celebrated for its abundance of early human habitation sites and the discovery of unique fossils which revolutionized the scientific view of how early animals dealt with their changing world. Chee and Manuelito appreciate the area's scenery and wealth of human and scientific resources, but their visit to this achingly beautiful place is disrupted by a current of unprecedented violence that sweeps them both into danger. Illicit romance, a fossilized jawbone, hints of witchcraft, and a mysterious disappearance during a blizzard add to the peril.
It takes all of Manuelito's and Chee's experience, skill, and intuition to navigate the threats that arise and see justice served.
Editorial Reviews
"Anne Hillerman is a star." - J. A. Jance, New York Times bestselling author
"Anne Hillerman's taken familiar characters and locations and struck out on a literary legacy all her own." - Craig Johnson, author of the Walt Longmire Series
"Anne Hillerman brilliantly continues the Hillerman legacy, expanding the mystery genre by making Bernadette Manuelito America's most popular Native American female law enforcement officer." - David Morrell, New York Times bestselling author
"Tony Hillerman fans will appreciate Anne keeping his fictional creations, Jim Chee and Joe Leaphorn, alive and thriving. The storytelling gene has been proudly passed on from father to daughter." - Book Reporter on STARGAZER
"Hillerman's writing becomes stronger with every new installment in the series, deepening the development of each character. . . . The picturesque Southwest, as well as the history of the Navajo, come through on each page." - Library Journal (starred review) on THE TALE TELLER
"The Tale Teller is more than just a police procedural set in the Southwest; it's a reading experience not to be missed. Anne Hillerman has reached a new level of storytelling in this one, and she deserves recognition as one of the finest mystery authors currently working in the genre." - New York Journal of Books on THE TALE TELLER
"Hillerman seamlessly blends tribal lore and custom into a well-directed plot, continuing in the spirit of her late father, Tony, by keeping his characters (like Chee) in the mix, but still establishing Manuelito as the main player in what has become a fine legacy series." - Booklist on SONG OF THE LION
"The latest from Hillerman continues worldbuilding in a tale that will reward long-term readers." - Kirkus Reviews on SONG OF THE LION
"Fans of Leaphorn, Chee, and Manuelito, characters created by the author's father, Tony Hillerman, will savor this multilayered story of suspense, with its background of contemporary environmental versus developme...
"Anne Hillerman's taken familiar characters and locations and struck out on a literary legacy all her own." - Craig Johnson, author of the Walt Longmire Series
"Anne Hillerman brilliantly continues the Hillerman legacy, expanding the mystery genre by making Bernadette Manuelito America's most popular Native American female law enforcement officer." - David Morrell, New York Times bestselling author
"Tony Hillerman fans will appreciate Anne keeping his fictional creations, Jim Chee and Joe Leaphorn, alive and thriving. The storytelling gene has been proudly passed on from father to daughter." - Book Reporter on STARGAZER
"Hillerman's writing becomes stronger with every new installment in the series, deepening the development of each character. . . . The picturesque Southwest, as well as the history of the Navajo, come through on each page." - Library Journal (starred review) on THE TALE TELLER
"The Tale Teller is more than just a police procedural set in the Southwest; it's a reading experience not to be missed. Anne Hillerman has reached a new level of storytelling in this one, and she deserves recognition as one of the finest mystery authors currently working in the genre." - New York Journal of Books on THE TALE TELLER
"Hillerman seamlessly blends tribal lore and custom into a well-directed plot, continuing in the spirit of her late father, Tony, by keeping his characters (like Chee) in the mix, but still establishing Manuelito as the main player in what has become a fine legacy series." - Booklist on SONG OF THE LION
"The latest from Hillerman continues worldbuilding in a tale that will reward long-term readers." - Kirkus Reviews on SONG OF THE LION
"Fans of Leaphorn, Chee, and Manuelito, characters created by the author's father, Tony Hillerman, will savor this multilayered story of suspense, with its background of contemporary environmental versus developme...
Readers Top Reviews
Kaye VanceDonald R.
I’ve always looked forward to Tony Hillerman’s books. Good stories and characters. Interesting insight on The Navaho Way. I was happy that his daughter was continuing the series. I’ve enjoyed her books too, but was sort of disappointed in this one. It didn’t flow quite as smoothly and had quit a bit of extraneous dialogue and information that seemed to just be filler. Not my favorite of the Chee, Manuelito books.
D.W.Edwardsson
Having spent some time, a few years back, in the Valley of the Gods, I loved having much of this next chapter of Jim Chee and Bernie Manuelito's saga set there. It is as beautiful and powerful as described. The story has many conflicts and complications with twists and turns enough to keep you guessing, even when you think you know the answers. A great read and truly a gift for the fans of Chee and Manuelito.
D.Woodward
I have generally enjoyed this series--this particular book is very heavy on history and background on Indian history and lore--. For me--it is too much directed towards the history of that area--so it becomes more of an historical novel--than a type of mystery. The characters are quite real--and it is eventually quite moving--but seemed to take a long time for resolution. The long scenes in heavy winter and the problems therein--are very real but but that and the history seemed too lengthy. It does move eventually along--and so you are left with the idea-that more novels will come.
R&R
Very current, after the political flap over Bears Ears. I read her books for the familiar characters and the wonderous scenery. An awesome but harsh environment. I could do without the never ending drama with 'Mama" that is frustrating and detracts from the main story. PLEASE at least limit it; it is tiresome and redundant, as there is no resolution. Also, I think the author sold "smart and strong" Bernie short by having her continue to trust the ranger lady even after the very strange way she was treating Bernie. Surely Bernie would be more aware and cautious than that! Still a decent read overall, but if the Great Leaphorn can be "retired" can we please find a way to phase "Mama" out from being a dominant distraction.
R Ukura H
I have read all of Tony Hillerman's books multiple times. I have read all of Ms. Hillerman's book also. I really enjoyed this book particularly. Learning about the Bear Ears National Monument was fascinating. I had no idea that the fossils were so extensive. Coupled with the other themes I won't spoil by telling, this was a multi layered book. I would really like pronunciation guide for the Navajo words. The big cough Navajo word for the covid pandemic was funny and sad at the same time. I enjoy the words just wish I knew how to pronounce them correctly. Keep up the great story telling Ms. Hillerman! Appreciate your efforts. and walk in beauty!!
