Lost Birds: A Leaphorn, Chee & Manuelito Novel (A Leaphorn, Chee & Manuelito Novel, 9)

I've read all of the author's father's books and realized reading this book that Ms. Holler man's character development has advanced these stories in many ways beyond her father's writing. The lost birds story is one of the most beautifully moving tales I've ever read. If Leaphorn, Chee and Manuelito are favorites of ypurs, or you love the Four Corners country, this will be a book you'll love, too.?

The Leaphorn & Chee books have been a family favorite for over 40 years. I started by reading my Dad's books and we are so glad that Anne is such a great author. So many series fiction books die along with their original author, as the new authors either try to speak with their own voice, or don't capture the spirit or character of the original stories. Anne's books do not disappoint and this one is no exception. I suspect that I am preaching to the choir, but if you are going to read her books, it may be best to start with the oldest of her Dad's books, to keep the full continuity. That being said, you can start with any of her novels as they do tell mostly stand-alone stories.

Anne Hillerman's talent for honoring the history of the Navajo Nation people continues. The subject of "lost birds" is a topic that describes yet another way that Anglos have robbed indigenous children of their rightful heritage. One of the best things about this latest installment in the strong part that Joe Leaphorn plays in the narrative. He has a dominant role in this excellent mystery. Hillerman also introduces readers to yet another historical, reverent, and beautiful landscape in the Navajo Nation. "Lost Birds" is one of the best mystery novels she has added to the seminal mysteries her father created. This entry is a real page turner. I read the new mystery in near record time and the best thing is that I want to put other tasks away so I can go back and read "Lost Birds" again. "Lost Birds" is a triumph.

A very complex set of stories, one set in the framework of recent Navajo history. Unlike recent novels in the series, this one features retired Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn at center stage, with Bernie Manuelito as backup. Lots of Navajo vocabulary, a nice touch, but very little reference to Navajo religion, a bit of a disappointment. The story lines all tied up nicely, none of the good guys died, and justice was done on several fronts. A very satisfying read.

Yesterday I reflected on how well the author seemed to have “resurrected” the character of Joe Leaphorn, making him a featured part of the stories. And how enjoyable I continue to find Bernie, Chee, Mama, Darlene, and Louisa. And others in her cast.

Today, after reading the final 10%, I’m a touch disappointed (relative to yesterday). Why?

I imagine it’s challenging to find an effective balance between dramatic events and resolution. How much dissonance feels fitting to the story and consistent with each character’s nature? How complete seems fitting for the resolution?

IMO, dissonance reduction i.e., resolution was too quick, tidy, complete, and in some cases contrary to the nature of a character.

5 stars through yesterday. 3 stars today. Net 4. With an observation to other readers: lower your expectations for the last portion of the book.

I have read all of the Leaphorn, Chee and Manulito books written by both Tony Hillerman and his daughter, Anne and this was a good read but was a bit jumbled and hard to follow. I loved the story of the "Lost Birds", Native children raised by non-native parents, and found this particular storyline fascinating. The book, however, included too many other storylines. Though the author completed each plot by the end of the book, there were just too many stories to follow. I finished reading the book because I love the characters and wanted to see what happened to each of them and will certainly buy Anne Hillerman's next book. However, I hope that she includes a deeper dive into fewer plots in her next book.