The Way of the Bear - (Leaphorn, Chee & Manuelito Novel) by Anne Hillerman

Book Synopsis

"An intriguing plot matches the well-developed, reflective leads. As always, the real strength of this series lies in its authentic atmosphere, evocative descriptions of the landscape, and fascinating details of Navajo life. Hillerman consistently satisfies." --Publishers Weekly

Fossil harvesting, ancient lore, greed, rejected love and murder combine in this gripping new installment of New York Times bestselling author Anne Hillerman's Leaphorn, Chee & Manuelito series.

An unexpected death on a lonely road outside of Utah's Bears Ears National Monument raises questions for Navajo Tribal Police officers Jim Chee and Bernadette Manuelito. Why would a seasoned outdoorsman and well-known paleontologist freeze to death within walking distance of his car? A second death brings more turmoil. Who is the unidentified man killed during a home invasion where nothing much seems to have been taken? Why was he murdered?

The Bears Ears area, at the edge of the Navajo Nation, is celebrated for its abundance of early human habitation sites and the discovery of unique fossils which revolutionized the scientific view of how early animals dealt with their changing world. Chee and Manuelito appreciate the area's scenery and wealth of human and scientific resources, but their visit to this achingly beautiful place is disrupted by a current of unprecedented violence that sweeps them both into danger. Illicit romance, a fossilized jawbone, hints of witchcraft, and a mysterious disappearance during a blizzard add to the peril.

It takes all of Manuelito's and Chee's experience, skill, and intuition to navigate the threats that arise and see justice served.

Review Quotes

"An intriguing plot matches the well-developed, reflective leads. As always, the real strength of this series lies in its authentic atmosphere, evocative descriptions of the landscape, and fascinating details of Navajo life. Hillerman consistently satisfies." -- Publishers Weekly

"Besides offering an involving mystery, Hillerman delivers meaty insights on the natural world, paleontology, ancient and enduring Navajo customs and traditions, and the role of Indigenous people in preserving the land and nature's bounty." -- Booklist

"The Way of the Bear is the eighth in Anne Hillerman's absorbing Leaphorn, Chee and Manuelito novels. And it's probably packed with more mystery scenes than any of her others in the series. . . . The mysteries begin with the first sentence and keep building, foreshadowing drama and crimes." -- Albuquerque Journal

"Anne Hillerman brilliantly continues the Hillerman legacy, expanding the mystery genre by making Bernadette Manuelito America's most popular Native American female law enforcement officer." -- David Morrell, New York Times bestselling author

"Anne Hillerman's taken familiar characters and locations and struck out on a literary legacy all her own." -- Craig Johnson, author of the Walt Longmire Series

"Anne Hillerman is a star." -- J. A. Jance, New York Times bestselling author

"I truly love the continuing series of novels by Anne Hillerman featuring Joe Leaphorn, Jim Chee, and Bernadette Manuelito--who are, each in their own way, fictional characters for the ages." -- Douglas Preston, New York Times bestseller author