THE SINISTER PIG by Tony Hillerman
It seems Tony Hillerman has been writing books forever. For that reason some people have not been reading his latest novels as they did his earlier works. They are missing out. Tony Hillerman still has the ability to craft a tense story with strong characters. In his latest novel THE SINISTER PIG he does just that.
The main characters in his story are once again Sgt. Jim Chee, Border Patrol Officer Bernie Manuelito, and retired Lt. Joe Leaphorn. All three get involved in the investigation of a man's death. It is somehow connected to a money scheme in the Indian communities of the West.
There is also the continuing saga of the romance between Chee and Manuelito. It is a cautious one and one that progresses in movements of one step forward and two steps backwards. Still Hillerman creates the tension of the relationship in such a way as to have the readers pulling for the couple to make a go of their feelings.
Hillerman writes his book in a simple style. There is less reliance on the idiosyncrasies of the Indian culture to give the book its special feeling. Now he just goes on the straight facts of the relationships and the cases that are being worked.
If you have never read a Hillerman book, or if you have dropped out from being a fan because of the length of his career, it is time to start back. THE SINISTER PIG is one of his best and one of his most involving. If you take the time to read it you will be back in Hillerman's corner and eager for the next novel he will produce.
Jim Chee, Bernie Manuelito and Joe Leaphorn are all waiting to see you, so either buy the book or go to your local library. Either way it is time to give Hillerman and his "friends" another visit.
THE SINISTER PIG is published by HarperCollins. It contains 228 pages and sells for $25.95.