Discover books similar to "People of Darkness"

People of Darkness cover

Tony Hillerman

People of Darkness

4.08

Part of "Leaphorn & Chee" series

"People of Darkness" by Tony Hillerman is a captivating mystery novel that takes readers into the heart of the Navajo Nation. The book, published in 1980, is the third in Hillerman's series featuring Navajo police officers Jim Chee and Joe Leaphorn. The story begins with the discovery of a murdered tourist in a lonely spot on the Navajo Reservation. The victim, a wealthy white woman, has been dressed in traditional Navajo clothing and left with a ceremonial arrow, leading the local authorities to suspect a ritual killing. Jim Chee, a young Navajo tribal policeman, is assigned to the case and soon finds himself drawn into the complex world of Navajo beliefs and traditions. As Chee investigates the murder, he discovers a web of secrets and lies that stretch back decades. He encounters a cast of colorful characters, including a reclusive medicine man, a beautiful singer, and a ruthless cattle rancher. Along the way, he must also confront his own doubts and fears about his place in the world and his commitment to the Navajo way of life. Meanwhile, Joe Leaphorn, a veteran Navajo policeman, is working on a separate case involving a missing anthropologist. As he digs deeper, he uncovers a connection between the two cases that threatens to expose a long-buried scandal. Hillerman's writing is both evocative and precise, bringing the stark beauty of the Southwest to life in vivid detail. He skillfully weaves together Navajo mythology and contemporary police work, creating a unique and compelling narrative. The book is not only a gripping mystery but also a thoughtful exploration of cultural identity, tradition, and the challenges of modernity. In "People of Darkness," Hillerman has crafted a novel that is both entertaining and intellectually stimulating. It is a must-read for fans of mystery novels, as well as anyone interested in Native American culture and history...

List of books similar to "People of Darkness":

The Dark Wind cover

Tony Hillerman

The Dark Wind

If you enjoyed 'People of Darkness', you might like to continue exploring Tony Hillerman's Leaphorn and Chee series. In 'The Dark Wind', Navajo Tribal Police officer Jim Chee investigates a theft on the reservation that leads to a web of crime and deceit.

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Dance Hall of the Dead cover

Tony Hillerman

Dance Hall of the Dead

Another great choice from the Leaphorn and Chee series is 'Dance Hall of the Dead'. In this novel, Joe Leaphorn must unravel the mystery of a missing archaeologist and a centuries-old artifact, while Chee investigates a bizarre double murder.

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The Blessing Way cover

Tony Hillerman

The Blessing Way

In 'The Blessing Way', the first book in the Leaphorn and Chee series, Navajo Tribal Police officer Jim Chee is called to investigate a murder on the reservation, which leads him on a dangerous journey through Navajo culture and history.

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Listening Woman cover

Tony Hillerman

Listening Woman

In 'Listening Woman', Leaphorn and Chee team up to investigate a series of murders on the reservation, while also dealing with their own personal demons and the challenges of Navajo tradition and modernity.

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Sacred Clowns cover

Tony Hillerman

Sacred Clowns

In 'Sacred Clowns', Chee investigates the murder of a Hopi artist and the disappearance of a young girl, while also exploring the complex and sometimes contradictory world of Hopi culture and religion.

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Coyote Waits cover

Tony Hillerman

Coyote Waits

In 'Coyote Waits', Leaphorn and Chee team up again to investigate a mysterious shooting on the reservation, while also dealing with issues of trust, loyalty, and the power of tradition.

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A Thief of Time cover

Tony Hillerman

A Thief of Time

In 'A Thief of Time', Leaphorn and Chee investigate the disappearance of a colleague and the theft of ancient artifacts, while also exploring the complex relationship between Native American culture and the dominant society.

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The Ghostway cover

Tony Hillerman

The Ghostway

In 'The Ghostway', Chee investigates a series of murders that seem to be connected to an ancient Navajo ceremony, while also dealing with the challenges of his own personal life and the demands of his culture.

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The Fallen Man cover

Tony Hillerman

The Fallen Man

In 'The Fallen Man', Leaphorn and Chee investigate the death of a famous archaeologist and the theft of a priceless artifact, while also exploring the complex and sometimes contradictory world of Navajo culture and tradition.

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The First Eagle cover

Tony Hillerman

The First Eagle

In 'The First Eagle', Chee investigates the murder of a white man on the reservation, while also dealing with the challenges of his own personal life and the demands of his culture.

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Hunting Badger cover

Tony Hillerman

Hunting Badger

In 'Hunting Badger', Leaphorn and Chee team up to investigate a series of murders that seem to be connected to a secret military operation on the reservation, while also exploring the complex and sometimes contradictory world of Navajo culture and tradition.

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