The mystery writing world has recently lost author Tony Hillerman (May 27, 1925-Oct. 26, 2008), writer of 18 Navajo novels. Although not of Navajo heritage himself, he set his novels in the Southwest, capturing the culture of the Native American Navajo in his two main characters, Lt. Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee.

Leaphorn comes across as a more cynical figure who understands, but does share the Navajo belief in the spirit world. Chee is younger and studying to become a Navajo holy man. Hillerman has given them the true Navajo values of taking care of your family and sharing with the less fortunate in your tribe.

An Oklahoma native and a decorated World War II infantry veteran, Hillerman learned about the Indian culture when he attended an Indian school. Using a locale of the Four Corners area in New Mexico and Arizona, Hillerman’s novels tend to add other elements to the basic mystery, exploring attitudes about Navajo religion, including comments on skinwalkers and witchcraft. Another common theme is how the wealthy whites conduct themselves “above the law” because of their money.

From his earliest work, The Blessing Way (1970), through his last novel, The Shape Shifter (2006), the struggle between modern ways and ancient traditions is evident. Hillerman ends each book with peace and harmony winning out. Critics acclaim his work and compare them to those of Agatha Christie and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, but time will need to pass to see where he finally places in the ranks of the mystery genre.