Skinwalkers (Leaphorn & Chee #7) [MM0014]

1990 MMPB with some cover wear. Skinwalkers is the seventh novel featuring Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn and Officer Jim Chee-a riveting tale of sorcery, secrets, and murder. Three shotgun blasts rip through the side of Officer Jim Chee's trailer as the Navajo Tribal Policeman sleeps. He survives, but the inexplicable attack has raised disturbing questions about a lawman once beyond reproach. Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn wonders why Chee was a target and what connection the assault has to a series of gruesome murders that has been plaguing the reservation. But the investigation is leading them both into a nightmare of ritual, witchcraft, and blood . . . and into the dark and mystical domain of evil beings of Navajo legend, the 'skinwalkers'.

From recent Amazon/GoodReads reviews: "The characters are richly developed, and the twists are both clever and unexpected. With its thoughtful blend of Indigenous culture, belief systems, and a compelling investigation, this medium-paced mystery keeps you intrigued from start to finish. A solid entry in an always enjoyable series!"; "What can I say? I like Joe Leaphorn and Chee! Got hooked on them through the Netflix series Dark Winds so I was very familiar with their characters. The story is intriguing about Native American witches and of course the insights into Native American culture is so cool and enlightening. It's so interesting to me that the Native American police are able to solve these crimes where other police just don't understand the connections, motivations, and culture that impacts the people in the story. Also enjoyed learning that Tony Hillerman grew up in Native American schools and could lay some claim, as a white man, to understanding the culture he was describing. I may start adding all the Hillerman books to my reading list."