Hunting Badger

Hunting Badger, set in the Four Corners region of the US (junction of New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah, which come together at four perfect 90-degree angles) which will be familiar to Hillerman's devoted readers, focuses on the violent ripoff of a casino on the Ute reservation. The wonderful character list includes the usual reservation cops, and a lady interest for both Leaphorn (whose beloved wife has died) and Chee (who took fer-frikkin'-ever to get over Janet Pete, his first love). But just as strong a character is the land itself, always a forceful and important presence in TH's wonderful books. There's even mining geology information in Hunting Badger. What you get in a good Tony Hillerman book is more than a story with memorable characters told in economical prose; you also get vivid mental pictures of the bleak beauty of the Southwest, insightful glimpses of Navajo culture, geology and geography lessons, and spiritual shaman lore.
For character development and follow-through, don't read this first; go back at the very beginning of this Leaphorn/Chee series and start with the first one. But if you just want a good book to read on the plane and this is the one that's available in the airport bookstore, then go ahead and buy it. You won't regret it.

Tony Hillerman seems unable to write a stinker. Another of his books and highly enjoyable again. I am hooked on his series, this is Joe Leaphorn (retired Lieut.) and Jim Chee, working together again and a casino robbery.

The case is twisted and full of turns and unexpected clues. What is apparent is not necessarily what is real. Leaphorn gets involved involuntarily, while Jim Chee has to contend with the dreaded FBI (as he points out this is not Full Blooded Indian) There is fraud and insurance scams going on hiding the clues, and at the back of it is the possibility that there is a witch around, a witch whose father Ironhand was also known as the badger - a man who could jump up to the top of the cliffs and down again.

Jim Chee needs to sort out his feelings for his old boss, Leaphorn, and try to work with the FBI without humiliating himself.

This is both a mystery novel and a personal journey for both Leaphorn and Jim Chee. Hillerman manages to combine the two journeys with ease and class. It is a satisfying read, utterly satisfying mystery too - unexpected yet convincing.

If you haven't tried Hillerman's mysteries yet I would recommend them in the highest.

Having traveled the Four Corners area a lot the past few years, as I read this book, I could envision all the locations that Hillerman cites in Hunting Badger - Tuba City, Chinle, Window Rock, Farmington, etc. I found myself enchanted and drawn away, driving down those dusty washboard reservation roads, imagining that I was riding along with Chee and Leaphorn as they chased down George Ironhand, Buddy Baker, and Everett Jorie.
Hillerman's vast knowledge and familiarity with the geographical terrain and the Navajo traditions that are woven into his novels are a proven recipe for success. Though Leaphorn is still adjusting to his life as a retired Navajo Tribal Police Lieutenant, his sharp mind and investigative skills have not dulled. In Hunting Badger, Hillerman continues Sergeant Jim Chee's progression as a Navajo Shaman, in juxtaposition with his occupation as a police officer, which Chee's grandfather reluctanctly accepts as the way of this present world. Chee also moves slightly out of Leaphorn's shadow, taking on a less subservient role as the retired Leaphorn gives Chee more credit for his ability as an investigator.
This novel is well-written from start to finish - several times I found myself following the wrong trail as I tried to figure out whodunit and why, only to be brought back on track by Chee and Leaphorn. Made me want to return to the Four Corners area once more, to look at the beautiful terrain as Chee and Leaphorn would see it.
Peace Out.

Tony Hillerman, the prolific author of the Leaphorn/Chee series, hits another bull's eye with Hunting Badger. I believe this novel is one of his strongest in recent years. As always, Hillerman captures the essence of the multicultural American Southwest with its ongoing blending of cultures. He also presents the cultural depth of the indigenous cultures that reach back to before recorded history. The plot involves the robbery of a tribal casino and the events that stem from that crime. The legendary Joe Leaphorn, bored in retirement, is drawn into the investigation as Jim Chee finds himself involved in investigating the case. All the expected characters appear in the novel, and Hillerman does an excellent job of allowing these characters to continue to grow even after so many books stretching over so many years. Leaphorn is adjusting to his new life, sans his job and his late wife. Chee is putting his latest romantic disappointment behind him. Both men are experiencing fresh romances in their lives, and their friendship begins to reach new levels. As he allows character, plot, and theme to play out, Hillerman tells a fabulous story. Hunting Badger should not be missed. It is one of Tony Hillerman's finest.

In "Hunting Badger," Tony Hillerman's continuation of the Lt. Joe Leaphorn
and Jim Chee mystery, the author once more captures, with vivid description,
riveting detail, exciting plot, and superb characterization, life on and about the
Navajo reservation.
Leaphorn and Jim Chee team up once again to solve a crime in the Four Corners
canyons. Hillerman takes a real-life crime (In 1998 three "survivalists" steal a truck,
murder a policeman, and then disappear. The FBI and other law organizations fail
in their investigations.) and adapts it to his own fictional form. He does so,
upholding once more his reputation as one of the most exciting writers around. His
"police procedural" is in a unque--and original setting--in the middle of the Navajo
nation.
"Hunting Badger" takes us in and around and through the ins and outs of that area
before finally climaxing in triumph for Leaphorn and Chee, not to mention
Hillerman. This is perhaps his most suspenseful book in some time. It's good to
read Hillerman when he's in top form and this edition fully lives up to his
reputation! ([email protected])

I find Tony Hillerman so relaxing. His descriptions of the desert this time were not as breath-taking, but they worked. I hear there's a map of sites mentioned in his novels. Some of these descriptions seemed written with the map in mind.
Of course, the Jim Chee and Joe Leaphorn continuing affairs of the heart are fun. I mentioned to a friend that I had just finished the new Tony Hillerman. "Is Jim Chee still in love with the school teacher?" No. Now it's a fellow (sister?) police officer. The lawyer is definitely out.
Then there's always something worth reflecting on - and this time it's on page 134, in a conversation with his uncle. While standing in a street, where a Navaho drunk is lying in the gutter, the two men watch as a white Lincoln Town Car driven by a Navaho glides by. "Which one acts like he has no relatives?"
It is followed by a discussion on healing. "To cure them, you must make them believe. You must believe so strongly that they feel it."
This reminds me of Parker Palmer, in the introduction to his book on teaching. He says, more or less, that we teach who we are. It seems that Tony Hillerman is saying the same thing about healing.

In the previous Jim Chee/Joe Leaphorn mystery, I sensed series fatigue and thought I would let go, but there was HUNTING BADGER and I thought well, one more time for old times' sake. Unfortunately, except for a strong portrayal of Chee and witty commentary on the FBI, this is tired. Female characters were never Hillerman's strong suit, but here they are mere shadows. There is no clear idea of just who the bad guys are, their characters and motives, though one is obvious almost from the beginning. Leaphorn does express chagrin that he did not see it coming and well he should. Perhaps it was intentional on Hillerman's behalf to build up the idea of Ironman, to comment on the power of legend in contemporary reality, but just letting that story line drop seems like a hurried rush to make deadline. There was another moment, an accident with gender pronouns, a his where there should have clearly been a her, that is yet more evidence of the sad lack of genuine editing skill in the publishing industry today. That said, this book does have Jim Chee, Joe Leaphorn and the remarkable landscape they inhabit, as well as Hillerman's swift, direct sentences. If someone has not previously read a book in this series, I highly recommend beginning with A THIEF OF TIME or TALKING GOD, to get a sense of its true power.

Those who love the Tony Hillerman books should really appreciate Hunting Badger. While it is lighter on some of the aspects of Navajo culture that we have come to expect in these books, the strong re-emergence of Joe Leaphorn's character is a welcome surprise. Even in retirement he is giving Sgt. Chee fits. And the introduction of a new love interest for Chee offers numerous possibilities for future stories.
What makes Hillerman's books work are these characters and their struggle to live in the modern world and yet not forsake that of their ancestors. This dynamic, which plays a significant part in each of his novels, is what makes these tales something more than average who-done-its. In fact, it is seldom the solving of the crime that is the main focus, but how it is solved. Just as the workings of Sherlock Holme's mind is central to Conan Doyle's stories, the workings of Leaphorn's mind (and the influence of Navajo culture and tradition) play a big part in Hillerman's stories. In this one, the study of Navajo myths and legends plays a big part in cracking the case.
I couldn't subsist on a steady diet of Hillerman, but I would hate not to have a new Leaphorn/Chee story each year or so to help me slow down the pace of my life and see, for a few hours, with a different perspective. Very pleasant reading.

Hillerman has created a masterpiece series about Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee, Navajo detectives working in the wide open spaces of the Navajo reservation in the four corners country of Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado. But one can see this series beginning to trickle away. Former Police Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn is now a talkative old duffer and maybe he should be retired (with laurels) from the series. Sergeant Jim Chee seems to have given up his ambition to be a Navaho singer and is now fully committed to being a cop. This story was simplistic and superficial compared to others in the series and the climax was flat and unsatisfying. Still, Hillerman at his worst has many virtues. Bernadette Manuelito is a great new love interest for Chee -- far more engaging and sexy than the unlamented feminist, Janet Pete. Cowboy Dashee and Captain Largo were more interesting in this book than in previous appearances. But the well seems to have run dry for Hillerman and Hunting Badger lacks the fascinating descriptions of landscapes and mystical ceremonies of his many previous books in the Navajo detective series. Try another one, Tony! How about sending Chee and Bernie Manuelito -- sans Leaphorn -- down to the Apache reservation in a really dark and enchanting story ?

This is another typical Hillerman, with his signature plots and style.

I find books like HB one of the best way to understand the Southwest, canyonlands between Bluff, Blanding, Shiprock and Flagstaff. Its people, from rugged ranchers, to acculturated Navajos & Hopis and the 'traditionals'. And the interesting and often exhilarating competitive cooperation between various law enforcement agencies, including Tribal Police, BIA agents, FBI, State Police, INS agents, Border Patrol etc.

before he died, Jim Chee's spiritual father, taught him one last lesson to become a hataalii singer. "When you heal people who are out of harmony, who see no beauty anywhere... you tell them that the Power that made us made all this above us and around us and we are part of this Power and if we do as we are taught we can bring ourselves back into harmony. To cure them you must make them believe. You must believe so strongly that they feel it. "

Can't miss with this book.

I started reading Tony Hillerman 2 years ago because of a review I read here at the store.com. "Fallen Man" was highly praised for painting vivid word pictures of the Four Corners countryside. When I started I had never heard of the Navajo Tribal Police and did not know an area call "four corners" existed outside of the center intersection of Bowling Green, OH. What a delightful surprise the Hillerman book turned out to be and continues to be. In these days of fast action and superficial characters and violence for violence sake, The Chee and Leaphorn stories are a welcome change. Why? The pictures of the Arizona/New Mexico countryside that Hillerman enables my imagination to conjure up are mind boggling. Having never been to the area I could only picture in my head the sunsets over the mountains, the cold snow swirling across the lonely roads, the storms raising across the plains. These pictures forced me to visit the area last summer - and I was not disappointed. The Indian traditions are deeply related in detail. Why the Navajos live like they do, act like they act and their views on the rest of us non-indians were truly amazing revelations. Finally the relationship of Chee and Leaphorn of the Navojo Tribal Police. After reading most of the books I feel like Chee is a brother or classmate and Leaphorn is my older wise uncle. Some why am I telling you all this in a review of this book? Because Hillerman continues the process in Hunting Badger. Nothing flashy, no pulse stopping ending, just a story about Chee and Leaphorn and Chee's perhaps new love interest - Sgt Manuelito and some criminals set in one of the most beautiful parts of the United States. More traditions, more scenery and more insight into the two main characters. Another good NTP yarn.

While retired Lt. Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee are hunting down the people responsible for a casino robbery, we learn that they may be tied to a legend of a mysterious indian (George Ironhand) that seems to have the ability to fly. Tied in with this is the concept of "Hunting Badger."

As with all of Tony Hillerman's stories you have the feeling you are there. In fact if you have visited or live in the area (Four Corners canyons) that the mystery takes part in, you will be better able to identify with the people and landmarks. And as with his other books there is an overt and covert story.

I have read the book but the addition of the voice of George Guidall ads a dimension to the story by helping visualize the people and correcting pronunciation of certain words. I suggest you read the book and listen to the recorded version.

[..]i have a very different opinion the adults. this is the third hillerman ive read and i was really exited to read this one. I WAS DISAPOINTED!!!! There is not much action as usual(not thats theres always much),its all driving and talking
This book starts where 3 bandits rob a ute casino,kill a cop and fly away in a plane. Jim chee teams up with joe leaphorn and they work together to find these men.One ends up killing himself,the second is a ruthless killer and the last man they actually find.The problem is that the FBI keeps trying to stop the two from solvin the crime.
The worst part of this book is that theres no climax. They kind of catch the badguys then it ends!!!!! I was very disapointed! Tony hillerman usually writes good interesting books but this was not his usual way of writing these books.

Like reviewer Billbowie (from Sac) below, I too was in the area of the 1998 FBI manhunt. I was actually in Cortez and missed the events that transpired by about 1/2 hour.
Mr. Hillerman's book is a seperate story in itself refrencing the '98 manhunt and events, but enter Jim Chee and Lt. (now civilian) Leaphorn. The book opened fast and set up events that would eventually lead to the climax, but I must say I was a bit disapointed with the quick resolution.
What make Hillerman's novels strong are the intricate chracter developments that carry over from novel to novel. You just can't get enough of Leaphorn's thinking outside conventional lines and Chee's attitude. What was missing from this novel was more of the Native American mythology/folklore that Hillerman is usually known for. Though not needed in this novel, it is generally a pleasure to read and learn about Native American spirituality and customs.
The only frustrating aspect of this book is the overly drawn out love lives of our two main characters. With each novel, there never seems to be any progression over Leaphorn's deceased wife, or Chee's ability to really go after what he secretly wants (Officer Bernie). There is some hinting in this book, but I'd like to see Mr. Hillerman tie up one of these lingering plotlines in his next book.
Otherwise, the book will keep you guessing and it is a real fun read.

Three armed men rod the Ute tribe's gambling casino, and then vanish mysteriously into the desert near the Utah-Arizona border. It looks like an inside job, and the deputy sheriff wounded in the crime looks like he might have been in on it. But when Tribal Police Sergeant Jim Chee and retired detective Joe Leaphorn start investigating, parallels emerge in this case similar to a legandary Ute outlaw. And "helpful" citizens look like they may have some hidden agenda or grudge to settle, and it's up to Chee and Leaphorn to get to the bottom of things and find who's responsible. This is of course complicated by patronizing federal agents, who are simply out of their element in tribal lands.

Hilleman maintains a good story pace, that doesn't move too fast, as with the lifestyle of the four corners, and yet never meanders or drags. He gives us very human, believeable, and nuanced characters. And he keeps us guessing, yet engages us in Chee and Leaphorn's thinking. While first appearences can be decieving, the reader never feels manipulated. It's a very solid work.

Hunting Badger is a worthy addition to Hillerman's already strong collection of mysteries. Although at the beginning of the book the mystery doesn't seem to be terribly mysterious, the plot twists a few times and is very satisfying by the end. But superceding the plot, and for the first time superceding the Navajo culture, is the character development of the two heros, Jim Chee and Joe Leaphorn. It is high praise indeed that we care more about the characters than about the outcome of the manhunt. It is such a pleasure to follow series characters that progress through life in a realistic way, and Chee and Leaphorn have done so under Hillerman's direction quite admirably. If you've not read Hillerman before this is not the novel to start with, but I highly recommend all the Hillerman stories with these two characters and this is a fine addition to the series.

Tony Hillerman's Hunting Badger was the 412th book I have read since 1997 (I am keeping track). It is also the first and last I will ever read by this author. I finish everything I read, regardless of it's content, but this one was a struggle. Maybe if I had some of the background other readers have had with this author, I would have enjoyed it. But it is my contention that a good book can be picked up anywhere, at any point in the story, even within a series, and be enjoyed, even gripping. This story falls way short of that. In fact, I didn't keep the character's straight very well, I hardly followed the plot line, and I struggled to put it all together. I found Joe Leaphorn seriously unlikely, and the other characters bland and without taste. Even the scenario descriptions of Navajo country were disappointing, because I know how beautiful it really is. And of course, the editing was so atrocious I found myself wanting to grade it, and I'm not even a teacher. I don't think there was much Mr. Hillerman could have done to ameliorate his efforts, though, the whole idea behind the plot was not interesting. In all fairness, I'm willing to concede that if I was a fan of the series I may have gotten more out of this read. However, I don't plan on buying the series or any of the books in it to find out.

Tony Hillerman's HUNTIN BADGER has Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee investigating an old robbery that resulted in the death of a tribal policeman. The FBI screwed up and a murderer escaped into the desert and mountains leaving a question of why did one of the robbers kill himself?
Chee called in from a vacation discover a gap in the theory of the FBI investigation and Leaphorn joins him at the request of an old friend.
Excellent plot with plenty of twists like the fantastic canyons of the Southwest.
Nash Black, author of HAINTS.

After reading this book, which I received as a "freebie" from a book club, I went to see the the store.com ratings. Seeing the high ratings prompted me to rate a 3 instead of the 1 or 2 stars I considered.
It appears Mr. Hillerman has written numerous other books with some of the same characters. Other authors do this and you can pretty much jump right in. In the case of "Hunting Badger" I was left clueless regarding some of the characters.
Whatever happened to Cowboy Dashee? Jim Chee? Bernie? Primm? Was anyone brought to justice? What about Bai? That was a weird twist for him. Maybe I should have given it a 2 star rating.
I loved the story setting and found Mr. Hillerman's writing gave me vivid mental pictures of areas totally foreign to me. I enjoyed his "painting" of the setting. Still, I wish he could have clued me in on what went on before this book.

Tony Hillerman has written another engaging Chee/Leaphorn mystery, and although it's not my favorite work of the series, Hunting Badger is an excellent read. As far as contemporary mystery writing is concerned Hillerman is one of the best. The continuing evolution of his main characters is as interesting as the plot. With each book we get to know new sides of Jim Chee and the Legendary Lieutenant Leaphorn who had always been somewhat aloof until his wife's death and his retirement. It's nice to see him tread new ground after all these years. As always Hillerman is extremely adept at evoking the beautiful landscape of the Four Corners region, which regular readers have come to know and love. Within the mystery genre you're not likely to find a better sustained series, and Hunting Badger, if not the best in the series, nicely continues the tradition.

As always, I enjoy reading Tony Hillerman's novels. I read and re-read them (both in print and as audio books). I was glad to see in this book that Jim Chee is getting over Janet Pete and starting to take notice of Officer Bernadette Manuelito. Chee and the retired Leaphorn solve the mystery long before the FBI guys which, of course, is pleasing. And then at the end of the book one of the robbers gets away. Now I need to be sure and read the next book in the series. This book is a good combination of Navajo culture, interesting characters, and suspense.

The only trouble with Tony Hillerman's Leaphorn/Chee series is that a new one only appears every two years or so and they only last a few hours. I have to read them in one sitting, and then...it's over. The chance to visit, to watch them solve a mystery, is over all too quickly.
Disappointing? No. This book delivers everything I want and expect from it. It entertains, it intrigues, it made time flash by. I picked it up and started reading and the next time I looked up it was 2am and I'd reached the end. Can't ask for more than that.

I've read all of Hillerman's series showcasing Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee. I've not been disappointed in any of the stories, including the latest.
Hillerman's characters are now so familiar to me that I fall right into their 'Navajo Time' rhythm and feel at home in their part of the world.
To me, the plots/crimes are almost secondary to learning about the wise Leaphorn and the hungry for knowledge Chee.
I'll continue to read Hillerman for as long as he writes. With characters like these, he will never run out of good plot lines.
P.S. I like the new love interest in Chee's life. Janet Peete was never right for him....
Enjoy!

Hillerman once again presents us with a masterpiece. "Hunting Badger" unites readers favorites lEAPHORN and CHEE in a case filled with nail-bitting suspense and gut-wrenching danger. Hillerman has that unmatched writing talent that makes readers want to travel the scenic vistas of his tales. If you haven't experienced one of Hillerman's wonderous works, "Hunting Badger" is your chance. Beverly J Scott Author of Righteous Revenge

Classic Hillerman, with a little growth on the part of Jim Chee and Joe Leaphorn. Loved returning to the high mesas and open spaces, visiting with these "old friends" and drawing myself into the magical landscape and native personalities Hillerman paints so well. Blessed with humor and clever insight, and yes, a little social commentary, our heros methodically solve the mystery that isn't quite as it first appears. And, yes, unfortunately this book should have been proofread.

I love the description of the southwest that the author gives. I've never been there, but after reading this, I wanna visit. I didn't know who the bad guy was until near the end, about the last 3rd of the book. I like the characters a lot, and the writing really flows well. I recommend this book.

Hunting Badger is another of Hillerman's novelistic odes to Indian Country, this time praising the eighty-five million acres known as Four Corners or the Big Empty. The cast of characters is familiar: the Legendary Lieutenant (Joe Leaphorn), the Woman Professor (Louisa Bourebonette), the Former Acting Lieutenant (Jim Chee), and What a Woman (NTP officer Bernadette Manuelito). As always, the characterizations are sharp and consistent, and the story line weaves through endless canyons of imagination before giving away the identity of the actual villain one-half to two-thirds of the way through.
Like other Hillerman fans, I love these characters, their ever-present "wry" faces, the lightening-bolt transitions from scene to scene, the enriched atmosphere of painted sky- and landscapes and, most of all, the heightened anticipation as one closes in on the plot resolution (which here is not up to the standards set in previous Hillerman works such as People of Darkness, The Dark Wind and A Thief of Time, but definitely does increase your pulse rate and reading speed as the light at the end of the tunnel - a muzzle flash, in this case - intensifies.
But a number of things about this work bothered me. The most obvious: the atrocious editing. The reader is constantly required to line edit: see, e.g., p. 18, line 2: "... Leaphorn had starting thinking about ..."; p. 19, line 3: a "wasn't" that should likely be a "didn't"; and you can find plenty more at pp 20, 35, 49, 64 ("It you see ..." rather than "If you see ..."), 66 (Chee referred to as "Cree"), 90, 95 ("... he'd hadn't heard it)."), 184-85 ("... he was hunting tered around out of the trash can, ..."), 189 ("He looked a Chee to see ..."), 192 and 244.
The overall effect of the foregoing examples is admittedly de minimis. But the going gets worse. At p. 124, line 5, we have Special Agent Cabot's dialogue tagged as "Lodge said." Then at p. 186 the page starts out with part of the paragraph missing entirely: "reacted, Leaphorn thought. And he noticed ..." What that refers to, I haven't the slightest. And back at p. 85 we have Leaphorn smelling "... the outdoor scents of hay, horse manure, sage and dry-country summer invading through the open window", whereas the only prior reference to the window was at p. 83, lines 10-12, where Leaphorn was putting "... his forehead against the glass, shaded his eyes and looked into what seemed to be a bedroom ..." My margin note: What open window? A similar non sequitur occurs at p. 248, lines 9-10, where we discover for the first time that potential villain Jorie is "... a lawyer and admitted to the Utah bar ..." My margin note: Where did that come from?
It also bothered me that at p. 192, lines 19-26, "Leaphorn looked very interested ..." when he hears essentially the same information (a description of the coal digs where Badger might be holed up) that he's already heard from Chee on p. 165 at lines 5-8. A similar instance of Chee and Leaphorn forgetting they've already discussed something occurs at p. 240, lines 12-18, where there is a repeat of their previous conversation at p. 216, lines 1-4.
The bottom line here is that when I buy a first edition hardcover, I expect it to evidence some decent editing. Apparently Harper Collins doesn't share this opinion. Nowadays, speed is the creed and few publishing houses seem to spend time on essential details, perhaps because they're too busy distributing hype, counting beans and devising Internet wampum. It's like the biggest software company in the world, which leaves it to consumers to find all the flaws in its programs. I find myself asking: What ever happened to editors like Max Perkins? There's a photograph of Thomas Wolfe in A. Scott Berg's biography Max Perkins, Editor of Genius: Wolfe is standing over one of three voluminous crates of loose manuscript which, under Perkins' guidance, would eventually become Of Time and the River - a massive editing job which occupied Perkins for over two years. Today it appears that no one is willing to spend even two hours to tidy up a gifted writer's manuscript.
All in all, Hunting Badger is a very good read. I only wish Mr. Hillerman would change publishers and get the editing his writing deserves. Some of us might even volunteer to do it in exchange for a sneak preview of what Leaphorn, Chee, Largo, Cowboy Dashee and the others will be doing in the twenty-first century. Do buy the book - but wait for the paperback version. Maybe by then the editors at Harper Collins will have read the hardback - and made some direly needed changes.
JT Borst-Fuerst [email protected]

Although I do not consider Hunting Badger to be one of Hillerman's best (I have all his works in my collection), he continues to return those of us who have lived in, and love, the 4 corners to that locale. No one is superior to Tony Hillerman in this aspect. He is also making Chee into a more rounded, and likeable, character. Who would have thought that he would take a vacation!
I think the book is best read by those familiar with the characters and would not recommend it as a starter for Hillerman. But, I would not want to miss it or wait 5 years for something of epic proportions.
I enjoyed reading it with one major exception. Apparently, the publisher relied only on spell check for errors. I cannot believe that this company actually had someone read the book to catch errors. I underlined the mistakes and a quick thumb through the book reveals at least a half dozen. This is frustrating as it breaks the train of thought. It does not speak highly of this publishing company.

Having read all of the Leaphorn and Chee stories, I eagerly awaited this one. It is not as good a read as other Leaphorn and/or Chee books but I enjoyed it all the same. I strongly recommend that anyone planning to read this book as their first adventure into solving a mystery the Navaho way, start with one or more of the earlier books in this series. I do enjoy the way this author describes landscapes, people, Native American traditions, and Indian folklore to solve crimes. I have never been to Navaho country but somehow (thanks to the author) it seems very familiar.

Once again, Tony Hillerman uses his excellent knowledge of the ways and beliefs of the Navajo and other southwestern Indian peoples to craft a mystery that is at once engaging and educational. His frequent digs at the lumbering "Federal Bureau of Incompetence" are softened by his revelations of the guys working in the agency, trying to do their job under constant oversight from the politicians and bureaucrats in Washington. But what really makes his work stand out is that his people, good and bad, come across as real people.
If you've never read a Tony Hillerman book, this is one you will either love or hate, and if you hate it I pity you. If you're a Hillerman fan, then this is good, solid Hillerman, neither his best nor his least. But then I've never read one of his books I didn't like!

If we were reading Tony Hillerman for the plots, we wouldn't be sitting here talking. What is great about this book is the maturing relationships of Chee and Leaphorn, their growing ability to be comfortable about themselves, and the possible, successful resolution of their romantic relationships. In other words, we can be grateful that old friends have survived their respective losses and can look ahead. If you like Navajo country, you'll like this, and if you have read all the other books, this is not to be missed.

The book Hunting Badger by Tony Hillerman is a well constructed book. The twists and turns make it unique, and the writing style lets you enter the book and become a character. Although this book was wonderful I would not recommend it for teens under the age of 16. The book was hard to understand, and it was difficult to understand the plot. Some parts of the book were just flat and Arid. Finally there were hard vocabulary terms and twists on sentence structure. I personally found it difficult to read.

First, the book was hard to understand and follow. Although it had a good plot, it was difficult to keep track of all the facts. This book is a mystery and is in 1st person. Therefore you, the reader, had to put together the facts and remember them from scene to scene. Once you have connected all the facts and are starting to enjoy the book, Tony Hillerman jumps to a completely different scene. For example, in the beginning of the book it starts out with the murder and robbery of the casino. Next it takes place in Jim Chee, the head detectives, office, and then back to the murder. This plot hoping makes it hard to keep track of the facts. All in all, the plot was well constructed but long and painfully fickle for a teenager 16 or under to understand and enjoy.

Next, some parts of the book were flat, boring and just used as page fillers. The author used wonderful ways of giving clues to the reader but in some parts he drags it on and on. This makes the book time consuming and frustrating. For example in once scene the head detective questions this man for a whole chapter even thought the suspect gave the detective all the information he had. At the end of that whole chapter the information proved useless. Also the authors character descriptions were either two in depth or not in depth at all. In the opening chapters you barley knew anything about Jim Chee but you did learn almost ever detail about his partner. The plot has to be mysterious, not the main character. So pretty much Tony Hillerman uses page fillers to make this book un appealing to teens 16 and under. It would be great if you had a lot of time on your hands or were an adult.

Third, there were hard vocabulary words for teenagers to understand. This booked was aimed at the adult population. Personally I did not understand some terms with my 10th grade vocabulary so I don't think any one younger would understand them either. These words were twisted in to the arid plot of looking for 2 criminals who you had a 99.9% not to find made the book even harder for the youthful reader. If you are going to read this book you have to study your vocabulary and grammar books and get ready for the slow ride. Also the sentence structure and order of ideas were tangled up in to a confusing read. Again I personally think Tony Hillermans writing style is hard to read and aimed for the adults.

Finally, after the twisted arid pot, and a long hard read I would not recommend this book for teens under the age of 16. The book was hard to understand, and it was difficult to understand the plot. Some parts of the book were just flat and Arid. Finally there were hard vocabulary terms and twists on sentence structure. I personally found it difficult to read. This book was aimed for adults, but if any teenagers want to read it I would recommend studying vocabulary and get ready for a slow confusing plot. I recommend this book to adults who have plenty of time on there hands and like a good old fashion mystery. This book was just not fit out for the modern youth.

Tony has done it again. As a resident of Northwest New Mexico, Tony's descriptions of the land and his understanding of the Navajo and Ute cultures are unsurpassed! With many friends who participated in the 1999 manhunt having shared their frustrations with me, his fictional search is almost too close to realty. For those who have not had the good fortune of knowing true Reservstion Navajos, Jim and Joe are as good as it gets. Too bad that NDPS (Navojo Dept. of Public Safety)can't hire the real guys. Plan a weekend around this book and tell your friends you are busy!

Tony Hillerman scores again with his riveting tale of greed and pursuit in the American West. His descriptions of the landscape of the Navajo reservation are just masterful. The characters are well developed and the story is beautifully crafted as usual. If you haven't read any of the Joe Leaphorn/Jim Chee stories this is a good one to introduce you to the world of the Navajo. Hillerman is a great story teller and "Hunting Badger" will keep you turning pages until the end.

Hillerman removed the intensity of his better novels, such as going into the mind of a villian. He focused instead on the inter-relationship dynamics, doing a much better job with the older couple, Joe and Louisa. I felt it was badly proofed and edited poorly. His detective jargon was repetitive and sloppy, making the structure weak. The uplifting spirituality was best during the scenes with Hosteen Nakai, but it felt vaguely empty of feeling. The storytelling with the effervescent Bashe Lady was a great highlight. However, the landscape descriptions needed more intensity, although that remains to be the best part of this mystery. The ending was warm with camaraderie, but the last lines were cliched. I still recommend reading "Hunting Badger" for the continuation of a landmark mystery series. It is second draft of a great novel as this is a second draft of a great critique.

Death is dealt with again and again in Hillerman's books. In this book, because of the death of Chee's mentor, the Navajo view of death is further explored.
In addition, the reader is further instructed about death in reference to Joe Leaphorn's loss of his wife and how he is living through this time. This book, tells of a different type of reunion of Chee and Leaphorn.Reunion is a recurrent theme in these great books. Death and reunion signals a rebirth in the two men as they explore other relationships.
The book was too short but I think its one of the best.

I think I have read everything Hillerman has written. Hunting Badger, is, at least in my opinion, his worst work. We already know Chee, Leaphorn and the other staple characters. Very disappointingly, Hunting Badger has no character development of the antagonists, no suspenseful plot and no real conclusion. This book seems to me to be a "My editors want another book." piece. I look forward to additional Hillerman books with hope that he will again do his usual interesting charatcer development as well as geographically detailed work. But, as far as Hunting Badger goes, miss it. It isn't very good. jbd

Tony Hillerman is my favorite author. I re-read his earlier books while waiting for the next in the series to arrive. I visited Navajo Country just to be near the land and people he brings so completely to life. Hunting Badger made me fear that there will soon be no additions to the stories of Jim Chee and Joe Leaphorn. Much of the plot seems calculated to tie up loose ends, to settle story lines. I read that Mr. Hillerman has been ill, and that he recently lost a beloved brother. I hope he isn't contemplating retirement. Please, Mr. Hillerman, send Jim and Joe to us again soon.

After seeking a role for a retired Joe Leaphorn I thought this volumne in the series was stronger than Tony's last effort "Two Eagles".. Leaphorn was more forceful and showed the power and wisedom of his caharacter as he had in the past. He was more talkative also. The only thing that I didn't like as much was a little bit less less Navajo culture reflected in the story. If this was your first you would not be reminded of the Navajo way to acheive hozra or how to walk in beauty. Those moments were always the best part of any Hillerman Chee/Leaphorn mystery. Still it was a fun read.. a bit too short.

Hunting Badger is a pleasant, easy read, but it has to rank fairly low on the list of Hillerman's great Leaphorn-Chee novels. Although his previous effort, The First Eagle, got mixed reviews, I found it superior to this one in most respects. One question: Where did Chee find Eldon Timms's airplane? Mexican Water? Red Mesa? I'm not sure he found it at all, even though he's credited by several characters with having done so. Either Hillerman on his HarperCollins editor seems to have dropped a paragraph or two somewhere.

I love getting Hillerman books for my birthday! How I enjoyed this book! I told my wife that I hated to keep turning the pages as fast as I was turning them...because the book would soon be consumed.
Tony Hillerman provides exactly the sort of reading experience that I relish: believable, sympathetic characters; an outdoor setting where I would like to find myself; and a plot that keeps me guessing. I just wish the gentleman from New Mexico could turn out more than one a year.

This is not actually a review; its a question. I have Harper Torch soft cover edition. On page 318 the story just ends without tellin the reader what happened to the Badger aka Ironhand. Am I missing something here? If there is another reader who can set me straight, I'd be grateful. My copy just seems to end and then there is a promo for Hillerman's Memoir.

A major disappointment for Hillerman fans. The type is large and the page format designed to make little appear to be a lot - it DOESN'T! Tony should be embarrassed to offer a minor effort like this to his long term fans.