PrintTony Hillerman's Landscape
From the London of Sherlock Holmes, as described by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, to the Prohibition-era New York of Damon Runyon, many locales have been immortalized in the works of regional authors. This has certainly been the case with Tony Hillerman, whose detective novels paint a vivid portrait of the American Southwest. His Navajo Tribal Police mysteries, featuring cops Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee, describe the Four Corners area of Arizona and New Mexico in such meticulous detail that many readers could probably find their way around on their first visit.
Hillerman died in 2008 after a long and distinguished career, but fans of his work now have a new gift to savor thanks to his daughter Anne Hillerman and her husband, photographer Don Strel. Tony Hillerman’s Landscape: On the Road with Chee and Leaphorn takes readers on a journey through the haunting landscapes that fueled the author’s imagination. Strel’s marvelous photos of ruins, rock formations, and Indian villages are embellished by Anne’s insightful text and remembrances of her father, as well as quotes from Tony’s beloved books.
A rich and rewarding read, the book also serves as a road map—not just to the original novels, but to the landscape itself. So hit the road and follow in the footsteps of Chee and Leaphorn to witness the wonders of Canyon de Chelly for yourself.
Issue: June 2010
