Plot summary, “Skinwalkers” by Tony Hillerman in 4 Minutes - Book Review
0"Skinwalkers" is a mystery novel written by Tony Hillerman, an American author known for his Navajo Tribal Police procedural series. The book was first published in 1986 and is the seventh installment in the series. The series primarily features the fictional Navajo police officers Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee as they solve crimes and navigate the cultural complexities of the Navajo Nation.
In "Skinwalkers," the story follows the two Navajo police officers, Joe Leaphorn, and Jim Chee, who find themselves working on a complex and puzzling case. The term "skinwalker" refers to a figure in Navajo folklore, a witch or a sorcerer with the ability to transform into an animal to cause harm or commit evil deeds.
The plot revolves around the mysterious death of a tribal police officer and the disappearance of a powerful and wealthy man's niece. As Leaphorn and Chee investigate the events, they encounter a series of strange occurrences and unexplained phenomena, hinting at the involvement of supernatural forces. The officers must navigate their way through both the modern world and the traditional Navajo beliefs to solve the case.
Throughout the novel, Tony Hillerman weaves in rich descriptions of Navajo culture, customs, and landscapes. He captures the essence of the Navajo way of life while presenting a compelling and engaging mystery. As with many books in the series, "Skinwalkers" delves into the clash between Navajo traditions and the outside world, providing readers with a deep and respectful understanding of the Navajo people and their beliefs.
Tony Hillerman's writing style combines captivating storytelling with well-researched cultural insights, making "Skinwalkers" a highly regarded and influential work in the genre of Native American and Southwestern mystery fiction. The book's success contributed to the enduring popularity of Hillerman's Navajo Tribal Police series, which spans multiple novels and remains cherished by readers who appreciate well-crafted mysteries with cultural depth.