Rating: 
Summary: As The Sun Slowly Sinks Into the West . . .
Review: I think it may be time for Mr. Hillerman to end this series of novels. I've read them all, but the most recent books, including this one, just don't measure up to the earlier stories. Leaphorn and Chee (and the FBI) are becoming caricatures. I think this series has run its course.
Rating: 
Summary: Hunting Badger
Review: As always, I loved the descriptions of the scenic southwest, the Navajo tribal setting, and being with Chee and Leaphorn again.My problem was, at the end of the book, I had a little trouble deciding what really happened. I am reading the last 9 chapters again, to make sure I "get the message." Did others have this concern too, or was I just inattentive to my reading?
Rating: 
Summary: Quick, delightful read
Review: Once again Tony Hillerman does not disappoint. The further adventures of Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee show them again evolving as personalities. The plot may have been a little weak, but it is just filler for the amazing portrayal of these very special characters.
Rating:
Summary: Hillerman is my favorite author
Review: Hunting Badger ranks up there with Tony Hillerman's best, and he has written some very good novels so far. I'm ordering some copies of this one for gifts along with the phenomenal Harry Potter books, the WWII thriller the Triumph & Glory, and Tuesdays With Morrie. Anybody see amazon's holiday tv ads ? Are they hilarious or what ?
Rating:
Summary: Hillerman is back on track
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: A GOOD BOOK
Review: I don't usually read this kind of book, but I was glad that I gave it a try...I really enjoyed it. If you want to another read a book that goes straight to your heart, read Stolen Moments by Barbara Jeanne Fisher. . .It is a beautiful story of unrequited love. . .for certain the love story of the nineties. I intended to give the book a quick read, but I got so caught up in the story that I couldn't put the book down. From the very beginning, I was fully caught up in the heart-wrenching account of Julie Hunter's battle with lupus and her growing love for Don Lipton. This love, in the face of Julie's impending death, makes for a story that covers the range of human emotions. The touches of humor are great, too, they add some nice contrast and lighten things a bit when emotions are running high. I've never read a book more deserving of being published. It has rare depth. Julie's story will remind your readers that life and love are precious and not to be taken for granted. It has had an impact on me, and for that I'm grateful. Stolen Moments is written with so much sensitivity that it made me want to cry. It is a spellbinder. What terrific writing. Barbara does have an exceptional gift! This book was edited by Lupus specialist Dr. Matt Morrow too, and has the latest information on that disease. ..A perfect gift for someone who started college late in life, fell in love too late in life, is living with any illness, or trying to understand a loved one who is. . .A gift to be cherished forever.
Rating:
Summary: Hunting Badger
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: A comfort, as always
Review: When I was a child living in Los Angeles, I spent all year looking forward to our annual trip to Oklahoma to see my grandparents. Now I am an adult living in Chicago and my grandparents are dead, but I still get to go home and see the folks every time Tony Hillerman publishes another book. They purport to be mysteries and I admit, in the beginning the mysteries were what held me. But not any more. Who cares about flying Utes and convenient suicides when you've got Leaphorn watching another gorgeous New Mexico sunset, and Jim Chee finally about to pull his head out of the sand paintings and realize it might be time to settle down? Throw in some well-deserved humor at the expense of the FBI, the little-seen but always enjoyable Capt. Largo, and you have the makings of yet another wonderful visit over two cups of coffee at Chee's worn "kitchen" table. I am puzzled, though, at how a big house like Prentice-Hall could allow a book with this many editorial/typographical errors to leave its warehouse. There were some doozies, but the worst was a conversation which gave Jim's last name as "Cree." If that isn't food for confusion, I don't know what is. Maybe two times within four pages where a person was referred to with a pronoun of the wrong gender? However, those are minor problems compared to the one facing me now: I read it in two days, and must wait a year for the next one. I hate it when that happens.
Rating:
Summary: A return To Form
Review: 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.
Rating: 
Summary: Reserved disappointment
Review: 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.
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