Part of Leaphorn & Chee, book 16
First published 2004
Sergeant Jim Chee discovers an unidentified body at the border of Navajo jurisdiction, right where the Jicarilla Apache natural gas operations begin. The FBI swoops in immediately, claiming the death was simply a hunting mishap. Chee suspects otherwise. The victim was hunted deliberately, and the hunter targeted human prey. Retired Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn shares Chee's doubts about the official story. He emerges from retirement when evidence suggests federal agencies may be harming Navajo interests through bureaucratic manipulation. Meanwhile, Bernadette Manuelito works her new assignment with Customs Patrol along the Mexican border. Her position places her at the center of a complex scheme involving corruption, deception, and killing. As the conspiracy unfolds, Manuelito finds herself in mortal danger. Her survival depends on Chee and Leaphorn, but distance separates them when she needs help most. The case forces all three to confront how greed corrupts institutions meant to serve justice.
Genres: suspense, mystery, crime, thriller
Vibes: atmospheric, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: amateur-sleuth, found-family
Setting: Navajo, Jicarilla Apache, Mexico
318 pages · Paperback · HarperTorch