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Leaphorn,
Chee & Manuelito Novel #3
Anne Hillerman
Harper (HarperCollins)
April 11, 2017/ ISBN 978-0062391902
Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Police Procedurals
Reviewed
by Linda Morelli
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| In
Song of the Lion, Officer Bernadette Manuelito is
at Shiprock High School when she hears a blast outside. She
discovers a fiery car in the parking lot. Not soon after,
medic Byrum Lee discovers an injured man who may have placed
a bomb in the car. FBI Agent Cordova arrives to investigate
and informs Bernie that Aza Palmer is the car’s owner
and likely target. A lawyer, Palmer has had previous threats
against his life and will serve as the upcoming mediator at
a meeting for a multi-million-dollar development planned at
the Grand Canyon. While developers are hungry for their plans
to become a reality, several Native American tribes view the
land as sacred. Discovering who has targeted Palmer will be
difficult, as many factions view the attorney as being biased.
Bernie follows clues to learn more about the young man who
has died and another possible suspect seen at the bombing
site, while Chee is assigned as bodyguard to Palmer –
a position he resents, especially since Palmer doesn't want
his protection. Lt. Leaphorn helps Bernie in the case and,
recognizing the last name of the dead young man, searches
though records of his old cases.
Although Ms. Hillerman’s previous releases didn't replicate
the fast-paced mystery and tension of her father’s books,
all of which I've read and loved, her reputation as an award-winning
author is especially clear in this latest release. She’s
brought back characters I liked from the series, such as Dashee,
Bernie’s mother and sister, and has introduced minor
characters who add dimension and intrigue to this excellent
and complex mystery. Ms. Hillerman’s descriptions of
the scenery and Navajo everyday life, tribal lore and traditions
added a richness to the story that had me savoring every scene
and learning about Navajo customs, while contributing to the
superb mystery and perilous ending. Truly an exciting read.
Reviewer's Notes: Anne Hillerman is the bestselling
author of Spider Woman’s Daughter and
Rock with Wings. Song of the Lion is her third novel
and the second in the series, the first being a continuation
of the Leaphorn & Chee series. All are excellent mysteries
set in Navajo lands.
Reviews of other titles in this series
Skinwalkers
#1 (Tony Hillerman)
Dance
of the Dead #2 (Tony Hillerman)
People
of Darkness #4 (Tony Hillerman)
Thief
in Time #8 (Tony Hillerman)
Skeleton
Man #17 (Tony Hillerman)
The
Shape Shifter #18 (Tony Hillerman)
Rock
with Wings (#1 Anne Hillerman)
Song
of the Lion (#3 Anne Hillerman) |