Customer Reviews

The First Eagle (Joe Leaphorn/Jim Chee) (Audio CD) (Abridged)

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Tony Hillerman has once again created a fresh and involving entry in his fine series about the Navajo Tribal Police. Leaphorn has retired in this one and is at loose ends after the death of his beloved wife, Emma. Chee is the acting Lieutenant, but has reservations over the possibility of it becoming permanent. There is a little less of the Navajo mysticism in this entry, but the vast territory covered by the Navajo Tribal Police is given its due as always.

Hillerman dedicated First Eagle to the six officers who had given their lives in the line of duty from the time he wrote his first book until this one. It is only fitting that while keeping true to the Navajo atmosphere always present in the series, good police work and the very real dangers involved for the Tribal Police are brought to the forefront.

Leaphorn is asked to look for the missing Catherine Pollard and that unofficial inquiry will intersect with Chee's investigation into an officers death. Chee's case is seemingly all wrapped up, but may be more complex than it first appeared. He is chagrined to discover he is still a little intimidated by Leaphorn, but as the two cases cross paths they will once again peel back a little more of the veneer and come a little closer to understanding each other.

This one has everything from poaching eagles to the possibility of the bubonic plague being spread all across the Navajo landscape. Why a pack of prairie dogs are unaffected, and an old Navajo woman who claims to have seen a skinwalker will figure greatly into the exciting conclusion to this one. The ending is also heartfelt for Chee, as his relationship with the pretty lawyer Janet begins to flame out, for she may be Navajo in name only after her time in Washington.

I highly recommend reading the book itself, as this is a particularly good one, but if you can't find the time, this audio version will certainly give you a taste for more of Hillerman's series. One of his best, I believe.

Because this story was my first access to Tony Hillerman, I can tell you of the worth of this story without having to compare to earlier works. This was a recording Preformed by George Guidall.

I was going for the story. That is why I buy book. However, I understand that many people buy Hillerman for the ambiance. I found enough supporting information to make this story stand alone with out having to have a broad background from earlier books. I found the mystery well designed and the characters well rounded.

I have traveled in the locations mentioned in the book. However, I only recognize a few of the place names. Probably if I was more familiar with the people of that regain, I would have picked up on other things implied and described. I did however recognize the San Francesco Mountains and Shiprock. The big recognition shocker was the reference to the Navaho Taco. Last time I was at Mesa Verde they were five dollars.

George Guidall narrated the story; he has played leading roles on Broadway.

This book stands alone yet makes you want to start the series.

Be aware that this is abridged. This means that you are missing either some great descriptive narration or the subtle clue to the solution. If possible, you will want the complete version.

The First Eagle (Jim Chee Novels)