Shadow of the Solstice

A Leaphorn, Chee & Manuelito Novel

By: Anne Hillerman

Narrated by: Jessica Matten

“Anne Hillerman deserves recognition as one of the finest mystery authors currently working in the genre.”—New York Journal of Books

In this gripping chapter in New York Times bestselling author Anne Hillerman’s Leaphorn, Chee & Manuelito series, the detectives must sort out a save-the-planet meditation group connected to a mysterious death and a nefarious scheme targeting vulnerable indigenous people living with addiction.

The Navajo Nation police are on high alert when a U.S. Cabinet Secretary schedules an unprecedented trip to the little Navajo town of Shiprock, New Mexico. The visit coincides with a plan to resume uranium mining along the Navajo Nation border. Tensions around the official’s arrival escalate when the body of a stranger is found in an area restricted for the disposal of radioactive uranium waste. Is it coincidence that a cult with a propensity for violence arrives at a private camp group outside Shiprock the same week to celebrate the summer solstice? When the outsiders’ erratic behavior makes their Navajo hosts uneasy, Officer Bernadette Manuelito is assigned to monitor the situation. She finds a young boy at grave risk, abused women, and other shocking discoveries that plunge her and Lt. Jim Chee into a volatile and deadly situation.

Meanwhile, Darleen Manuelito, Bernie’s high spirited younger sister, learns one of her home health clients is gone–and the woman’s daughter doesn’t seem to care. Darleen’s curiosity and sense of duty combine to lead her to discover that the client’s grandson is also missing and that the two have become ensnared in a wickedly complex scheme exploiting indigenous people. Darleen’s information meshes with a case Chee has begun to solve that deals with the evil underside of human nature.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook

Well done!!

The story is relevant to what is happening today and so well done and read. Can't wait for the next one! Loved it.

A credit to her father's legacy

The story is woven with the intricacy. We all enjoyed when her father wrote the shipwreck tales no loosens and that's what I really enjoy.

Twists and turns of the story line

Anne Hillerman does a great job carrying on her father's legacy! Great story telling and a double mystery.

Best book by Anne Hillerman!

Very interesting story based on actual incidents with hallmark Hillerman Navajo history woven in. The reader does excellent work in this narration!

AAA+ OMG. GET THIS BOOK. Outstanding.

LOVE this book. I could not stop listening until this WOW book ended. It has everything. Anne Hillerman obviously loves her subjects and all of the Dine' people. ACTUAL EVENTS make for a breathless, stunning read with our beloved Leaphorn, Chee and Manuelito up front and center. Hillerman somehow ties in previous storylines to the new situations, keeps it all fresh and the reader engaged. Drama. Suspense. Romance. Danger. The reader will get angry then soon be laughing out loud, shedding a tear then wanting to help the characters do their job! Oh. My. I'm going back in now for a second go. THANK YOU, ANNE HILLERMAN.