The Sinister Pig

Rating:
Summary: A Worthy Addition to Hillerman's Canon
Review: It's not on the agenda for this year, or even next year, but while I still have all of my wits about me, I want to sit down and read all of Tony Hillerman's Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee novels in chronological order. Hillerman has masterfully evolved both of these characters over the past couple of decades, introducing Leaphorn, then Chee, and having them meet at respectful loggerheads and gradually develop a mutual admiration as their respective worlds evolve and change. Hillerman has done this so well that one would think he had everything planned out before he even set the first word to paper lo those many years ago, though that seems impossible. No matter. Hillerman remains unrivaled in his ability to capture the people and culture --- and the nuances of both --- of the American Southwest.

THE SINISTER PIG, Hillerman's latest novel, finds Leaphorn adjusting to retirement and life as a widower, while Jim Chee investigates the mysterious death of a stranger on the edge of the Jicarella Apache natural gas field. Though the Navajo Tribal Police have jurisdiction, the FBI quickly moves in and classifies the incident as a hunting accident. Chee, however, is not satisfied. The victim was not dressed for hunting and was stripped of identification. The proximity of his body to the natural gas field indicates that he might have been investigating charges that billions of dollars from the sale of gas have been embezzled from the Indian Tribal royalty trust. But if that was the case, for whom was he conducting the investigation?

The stakes become personal for Chee as he finds that photographs taken by Bernie Manuelito may have some bearing on the matter. Manuelito, a former member of Chee's squad and now with the Border Patrol, took the photos in the course of her investigation of suspicious activity around a ranch in southern New Mexico. She is unaware, however, that her photographs tie in with Chee's case and put her in terrible danger from an unexpected source. Chee must rely on his own knowledge, as well as Leaphorn's wise counsel and connections, if he is to resolve the mystery of the dead stranger and save Manuelito's life.

THE SINISTER PIG contains all of the elements that Hillerman is known for --- the interplay between Leaphorn and Chee, the strong characterization, and the intimate knowledge of Indian tribal culture and relationships. Chee is a particularly subtle delight here, as he struggles to come to grips with his feelings for Manuelito and his almost painful inability to articulate them.

The most significant aspect of THE SINISTER PIG, however, is the villain of the piece who gives this novel its name. A sinister pig is one who has more than he or she can use, but still wants more. The shadowy Rawley Winsor, in this case, is the sinister pig, and he is one of the more interesting adversaries you'll encounter in literature this year. And his assistant, the enigmatic Budge, practically makes the book all by himself. One almost gets the feeling that THE SINISTER PIG could easily have been twice the length of its 224 pages, that the story wants to burst out of its binding with more that could be told. Regardless, THE SINISTER PIG remains a worthy addition to Hillerman's canon.

--- Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub

Rating:
Summary: hillerman's worse
Review: The plot in this was so far fetched and unrealistic as to be appalling. No where near his usual standards. To understand the characters you have to have read other books in the seris. This is not a stand alone book. Mr. Hillerman must have needed the money to write and publish a novel so inept.

Rating:
Summary: Hillerman returns with a fast-paced read
Review: In "The Sinister Pig," Tony Hillerman tackles more universal concerns. His Navajo Reservation gang is up to its elbows in trying to solve yet another homicide. This time, it's a mysterious agent whose death extends clues in numerous directions, not the least to the very center of America itself, Washington D.C.

Hillerman's action takes place almost entirely off the Reservation. The complicated web he has woven involves primarily the drug trade, massive fraud by oil and gas organizations, and the smuggling of illegal aliens across the Mexican border. Hillerman has chosen to take his socially significant themes to a much broader horizon and readers may feel they're reading from a daily newspaper (lately described as "America's newest fiction form!") editorial page. Still, the issues he present couldn't be more relevant.

Granted, he takes care of his established characters. The Legendary Joe Leaphorn contributes heavily and Jim Chee faces a complicated and complex set of personal struggles: his relationship with Bernie, his responsibility to his native culture, and his loyalty to his job. Hillerman has no problem with any of this, yet "The Sinister Pig" seems to move at a pace unusually fast for the author. This book seems to concentrate on action rather than devote much time to personal philosophy and Navajo culture. Nonetheless, Hillerman has another winner.

Rating:
Summary: Oh, yeah!
Review: I just wish Tony Hillerman could write faster. I seem to need a dose of a new book by him about twice a year.
His books featuring Leaphorn and Chee, for me, are the best of the lot, so Sinister Pig goes right to the top of the list.
Here's the thing: Hillerman and his editors KNOW anything he writes is going to sell like thermal longjohns in Alaska. But still, his books read like they've actually been edited and checked and coddled a bit.
Sinister Pig deals with murder - of course - dum-de-dum-dum: otherwise, it wouldn't be a Hillerman mystery. It also deals with lots and lots of $$$ missing from the Tribal Trust, drugs, greed, and hanky-panky on the 'rez.' I just wish Janet Whatzername, Chee's first love interest, hadn't vanished from the series so early... Here comes Bernadette Manuelito, however, to take up the slack.
Don't miss it - but here's the thing lots of casual readers don't realize: You can take a Hillerman book, a topographical map of the Four Corners area, and a 4-wheel drive vehicle, and actually track down every single rock and arroyo and mesa and creek that's mentioned. Trust me: I've done it.

Rating:
Summary: Sub par, but still Hillerman
Review: The Sinister Pig is definitely not one of Hillerman's better Chee/Leaphorn books. The story is light-weight, and somewhat problematic (i.e., a not-so-graceful morph from the Indian Tribal Royalty scandal to drug running), and, like other recent offerings, not well edited, or even proofed. Many facts--particularly those involving the U.S. Border Patrol--are just not accurate. My son is in the USBP. Granted, my knowledge of that distinguished service is peripheral, but there are definite errors that giving the book to an actual BP agent (not police officer, as the book says) might have avoided. The principal role of the USBP is not to apprehend drug dealers; it is to apprehend illegal aliens. Bernie Manuelito is really over-stepping her mandated role. And how did she avoid attending the Academy? Even veterans of other law enforcement agencies must do that. Why is she driving alone, when she's a BP trainie? I don't believe she needs to get permission to get onto ranch land so close to the border. Border law allows the BP that privilege without asking.

Here's the bigger problem to me, and it's one that I know I'm part of: there are die-hard Hillerman fans who will buy whatever he writes, even if what he writes needs some more work. I'm guilty, too. This book will shoot up to the top of best-seller lists, even with its skinny plot, egregious errors, and muddy editing. I'm one of those responsible for making that happen, and I'm not so sure it's a good thing.

As much as I love the Hillerman books, maybe it's time to end the series. I'll happily remember the glory days of "The Dark Wind," and "A Thief of Time," and be grateful forever for all that Mr. Hillerman has done to honor the Dineh: an excellent, wry, creative nation.

Tony, it's been a great run, maybe the best. I don't know when I've enjoyed a series more.

Rating:
Summary: Even Hillerman is allowed a miss once in a while....
Review:

Not since FINDING MOON have I been so disappointed in Tony Hillerman.

When I buy a Hillerman book, I don't want to read about an evil, faceless puppetmaster who pulls string in Washington and wrecks havoc in the Jim Chee and Joe Leaphorn's 'four corners' of the world.

I want to read about problems on the reservation...or difficulties within the Navajo Tribal Police...or about how the native Americans are trying to preserve their ancient knowledge.....or about how Joe Leaphorn is finding a new life after the death of his beloved wife...or about how Jim Chee can't ever get it right with women. I also want the book to be more than 240 pages. This story felt like formula fiction, something Hillerman has avoided up to now.

The story about siphoned off oil and gas probably needs to be told, but I think a non-fiction expose would be a better venue for unveiling what could possibly be the biggest heist in history.

I had another issue with the story. I never for one minute believed the author's reasoning behind Bernadette Mauelito's leaving the Navajo Tribal Police for a job with the Board Patrol. Bernie was too close to her family/clan to move to the Mexican border. It was completely out of character for her. I would have understood a 'temporary assignment' with the feds, but having her choose to make that kind of radical move just never felt right.

For Jim Chee fans, the book does contain a pleasant surprise. I look forward to seeing how Chee handles it in the next story.

This is not Hillerman's best -- but after so many good ones, he's due a hiccup.

Rating:
Summary: The Sinister Pig
Review: I can't remember ever having as much pleasure as I had from reading the conclusion of this story last evening. Yes, it isn't lengthy, but I found it exceptionally enjoyable.

Rating:
Summary: A Delightful Story, But a Missed Opportunity
Review: This latest Hillerman mysery features all the usual (by now) characters, Joe Leaphorn, Jim Chee, Louisa Bourbonette, Bernie Manuelito, Cowboy Dashee, and a new hero, whose name I won't mention, because to do so might spoil some of the surprise, but I hope we will be seeing more of that person.

The action takes place in southwestern New Mexico, the location of Bernie's new job, and therein lies the missed opportunity. If only Tony Hillerman had gotten together with Judith A. Jance and brought Joanna Brady in to help, there might have been two novels about the same events, this one and another by Jance, from Joanna Brady's viewpoint. I, for one, would have loved to read both, and I am sure I am not alone.

Nonetheless, "The Sinister Pig" is a very enjoyable read, for whih thank you, Tony Hillerman! Let us hope for many more to come!

Rating:
Summary: Saving Bernie
Review: It is always wonderful to open another Hillerman and follow the latest law enforcement adventure in the Four Corners. Meeting up with Jim Chee and Joe Leaphorn is just like meeting up with old friends. And reading this newest Hillerman brings one quite up-to-date with each of the men, their current love life, and their efforts to solve a mystery of international intrigue.

This is not Hillerman's best novel, but one can forgive him because he does present a fast page turner and educates along the way. Chee's romantic interest, Bernie Manuelito has gone to work for the Feds in the Border Patrol, and unlikely as it may seem, she becomes linked to a murder in the Four Corners.

The pig involved takes on several meanings, but would be especially familiar to anyone in the pipeline trade. The double meaning, of course, indicates the greed that leads to corruption within governmental bodies.

This tale involves Washington, D. C. subterfuge, and enlists the Navajo Tribal Police, U. S. Bureau of Land Management, U. S. Border Patrol, the F. B. I., and the Office of Homeland Security. Hillerman skillfully sets his tale in the midst of the real world worries of the 21st century.

Will "third time's charm" work for Chee in his stumbling romance with Bernadette? The romance and the mystery intertwine for a comfortable quick read and satisfying solution.

Can't wait for the next Hillerman in order to meet up Leaphorn and Chee once more. If you are a Hillerman fan, this is a must read.

Rating:
Summary: Quick read; missing mysticism
Review: A quick read but I guess I continue to expect Mr. Hillerman to add depth to his novels as he did in his earlier works. The "Sinister Pig" continues with the "Wailing Wind" in that it just seems flat. Exchanging Navajo mysticism for Jim Chee's continuous whining about his lost loves doesn't add to his character or to the story (the whining is getting old, maybe now its at an end).

This book will go on my shelf with all the other Hillerman novels but I doubt it will be re-read as others are. As a previous reviewer asked - is Mr. Hillerman tired & running out of steam?