The Blessing Way (Leaphorn & Chee #1) [J0041]

2009 - MMPB (mass-market paperback) with minor wear. Homicide is always an abomination, but there is something exceptionally disturbing about the victim discovered in a high lonely place, a corpse with a mouth full of sand, abandoned at a crime scene seemingly devoid of tracks or useful clues. Though it goes against his better judgment, Navajo Tribal Police Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn cannot help but suspect the hand of a supernatural killer. There is palpable evil in the air, and Leaphorn's pursuit of a Wolf-Witch is leading him where even the bravest men fear, on a chilling trail that winds perilously between mysticism and murder.

From recent Amazon/GoodReads reviews: "Full of suspense and the storyline introduces the reader to Indian culture of the Navajo region. Main character is a professor doing a study on witches in the folklore."; "Loved this story, the plot hooked me and the characters were interesting. I appreciate Hillerman's attention to detail and really liked the way it felt like I was in Indian Country. I've read his daughter's first two Leaphorn books so it was nice to read about Joe from how he was originally portrayed. Excited to read more of this series."; "A Navajo Nation mystery featuring Joe Leaphorn, combining detective work with culture, landscape, and the tensions between tradition and modern law enforcement."