Talking Mysteries: A Conversation With Tony Hillerman [Hardcover]

Tony Hillerman (Author), Ernie Bulow (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1991

In Talking Mysteries, Tony Hillerman discusses his craft, including his approach to plot, characterization, and setting, and the wrinkles and twists that make his brand of fiction unique. These and other insights into how he writes emerge in an extended interview with his long-time friend and fellow author Ernie Bulow. An autobiographical piece by Hillerman details his early years in Oklahoma, first encounters with Navajo culture, and his eventual life as journalist and author.

Navajo artist Ernest Franklin created twelve sketches of Hillerman characters for this book. Hillerman credits Franklin with "showing me what Jim Chee and Joe Leaphorn look like." As an additional treat, a Jim Chee mini-mystery, "The Witch, Yazzie, and the Nine of Clubs," originally published in 1981 and long unavailable, is included.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

In Talking Mysteries, Tony Hillerman discusses his craft, including his approach to plot, characterization, and setting, and the wrinkles and twists that make his brand of fiction unique. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

Tony Hillerman (1925-2008), an Edgar Award-winning novelist, was best known for the Jim Chee Mystery series, which earned him the Navajo people's appreciation as "special friend to the Dineh." A former reporter and newspaper editor, Hillerman was a member of the journalism faculty at the University of New Mexico from 1965-1987. He served as chairman of the journalism department from 1966-1974.

Ernie Bulow, author of Navajo Taboos, lives in Gallup, New Mexico. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 135 pages
• Publisher: Univ of New Mexico Pr; 1st edition (July 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0826312799
• ISBN-13: 978-0826312792
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,291,762 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Tony Hillerman was the former president of the Mystery Writers of America and received its Edgar® and Grand Master awards. His other honors include the Center for the American Indian's Ambassador Award, the Silver Spur Award for the best novel set in the West, and the Navajo Tribe's Special Friend Award. He lived with his wife in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Conversation Worth Reading, June 11, 2011

By 

Emily "Em's Joie de Weird" (Phoenix, AZ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Talking Mysteries: A Conversation with Tony Hillerman (Paperback)

If you enjoy Tony Hillerman's novels, this book about how and why he wrote them is fascinating. The co-author is Ernie Bulow, who also lives in Navajo country, and who wrote NAVAJO TABOOS. As a special treat, you'll also find wonderful art by Ernest Franklin, who shows us what Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee really look like. And Hillerman throws in one of his rare short stories at the end.

I'm always interested to hear what writers have to say about why they started writing and how they go about doing it. My impression of Tony Hillerman, after reading this book, is that he was a very observant fellow, good at noticing details and figuring out what they meant. Like his detectives, he seemed to like a good puzzle. His life and his observations are inspiring. Once you've read this one, you'll also want to get his autobiography, SELDOM DISAPPOINTED.

Your library isn't complete until you get TALKING MYSTERIES, SELDOM DISAPPOINTED, and NAVAJO TABOOS! Prepare to be fascinated.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Hillerman Interview, February 6, 2009

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Johann (Spring Grove, PA United States) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Talking Mysteries: A Conversation with Tony Hillerman (Paperback)

It was Ok but Ernie Bulow, I thought was rather rude with a person like Tony Hillerman of who I have read every one of his books and he was always a different read than any of the mystery writers, making you solve the mystery as it should be. It is kind of a let down especially now that Mr. Hillerman has passed away. Not having read any of Mr Bulows books, this kind of turned me off towards him as a person. Where does he get off criticizing an icon such as TH?

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Talking with Tony, September 29, 2008

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Mardell (Orange Park FL) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Talking Mysteries: A Conversation with Tony Hillerman (Paperback)

The more that I can learn about Tony Hillerman the happier I am. Every book of his has held my interest to the end. Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee are wonderful working together. Joe teaches Jim by doing and Jim learns to rely on his own instincts as a Navajo person. They make a great pairing. Tony has the knack of making the scene come to life for someone who has not been to New Mexico.