Tim and Jen Live Here

When Tony Hillerman died last fall I saw a lot of people online mention that he was one of their favorite mystery writers of all time and how wonderful his books are. I hadn’t even heard of him before, let alone read anything by him, so I was intrigued. I looked at what my library had of his on CD and decided to start with Dance Hall of the Dead, his second Joe Leaphorn book. (Joe Leaphorn is a Navajo Tribal Police Detective.) I don’t remember now why I picked that one, but I think I saw someone specifically recommend it.

The book’s pace was somewhat leisurely, but Hillerman managed to still keep me on the edge of my seat throughout. The writing was beautiful, and the words held my attention as I waited rather impatiently to find out what would happen next. I can totally understand why people include him in a list of favorite authors. In addition to all that, his audiobooks are read by George Guidall, one of the best audiobook readers I’ve ever had the pleasure to hear.

I have since tried to listen to Hillerman’s first Leaphorn book, The Blessing Way, and I’ve hard a difficult time getting into it. I’m not sure why, and I will give it another chance. More importantly, if I decide this book isn’t for me, I’m still definitely interested in reading more of Hillerman’s novels.