The Wailing Wind, Tony Hillerman (Harper Collins, 2002)****

Here’s the latest Hillerman novel, one of his best, in the opinion of many reviewers, including myself, bringing the reader once again both of their favorite characters, Navajo tribal policeman Jim Chee and retired Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn. An old case, considered closed, involving a gold mine swindle and the consequent slaying of the swindler by the swindled, re-emerges when a man is found murdered in an abandoned pickup.

An unanswered mystery from the original case, the disappearance of the bride of the swindling victim is something that had always bothered Leaphorn. Another unsolved mystery on the same day of that homicide--some children had reported that they heard music and wailing in the vicinity of an abandoned ordnance depot nearby. Leaphorn comes out of retirement to take a closer look at this case. A third officer and romantic interest of Jim Chee also becomes involved in solving the mystery and uses an elder Navajo medicine man to help unravel part of it. As with most of Hillerman’s books, readers are treated to insights into Navajo culture along with enchanting vistas of this part of the Southwest.

Hillerman’s mysteries are an easy read because his narration is straightforward, descriptive and always entertaining. If you love the southwest, Indian lore, mysteries, or just a good escape from the here-and-now, you’ll enjoy this book. Beware, though, if it’s your first Hillerman novel. You’ll want to read the other fourteen he’s written which also involve the same tribal policemen.