話す神

Once again, Tony Hillerman weaves a great story with many threads intertwining. We get to revisit old friends from previous stories and some new ones. Therefore, the story assumes you have already read some earlier Hillerman's. It mainly takes place in Washington DC. However, we are treated to the "The Night Chant" ceremony, which introduces us to talking God Yeibichai.

This time our story carries us to the Smithsonian Institute. Joe Leaphorn with only a few days left until his retirement is intrigued when they find a body of a man with no teeth off the side of an Amtrak line. Jim Chee is tasked with arresting a grave robber at the ceremony. When everyone else gives up Joe Leaphorn goes that extra step to uncover the mystery of the men beside the tracks. Jim Chee goes that extra step to discover the person who is the grave robber and now hiring Jim Chee's ex-girlfriend as his attorney. Will Jim and Joe cross each other's paths? Moreover, is there a link between these two stories?

You will be introduced to some other Navaho ways and gods. At first, it will seem the story is going on forever but then you may be disappointed because it ends too soon. Either way this makes a great reading experience.