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The Blessing Way

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The Blessing Way

Written by: Tony Hillerman
Narrated by: George Guidall
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About this listen

Homicide is always an abomination, but there is something exceptionally disturbing about the victim discovered in a high, lonely place: a corpse with a mouth full of sand, abandoned at a crime scene seemingly devoid of tracks or useful clues. Though it goes against his better judgment, Navajo tribal police lieutenant Joe Leaphorn cannot help but suspect the hand of a supernatural killer. There is palpable evil in the air, and Leaphorn's pursuit of a wolf-witch is leading him where even the bravest men fear - on a chilling trail that winds perilously between mysticism and murder.

©1970 Anthony G. Hillerman (P)1990 Recorded Books Crime Historical Fiction Mystery Police Procedural World Literature Fiction Native American
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I loved this book. It is my first Tony Hillerman book. I have watched the first tv series season one Dark Wind and the movie Dark Wind and enjoyed the storyline so my next book is Dark Wind I am looking forward to.

Solid story telling here

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The setting for this Mystery-Thriller is fascinating: an Indian Reservation where traditional witchcraft is a persistent concern for Tribal Police Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn. Unfortunately, author Tony Hillerman can't generate a story to take advantage of the scenario.
The plot - about a found body that may have been ritually killed - is reasonably well-conceived, but the infusion of unfamiliar myth & legend & religion & "The Old Ways" into every aspect of the story as though it's matter-of-fact reality - assumed to be understood by the reader - muddies up the whole thing. I was left more confused than edified. Hillerman fills the book with Navajo sorcery (chanting, singing, herbs, hand gestures, calling on Gods by name).. but motivation? Why, exactly, did they kill that guy?

Reader George Guidall does his best to elevate the book with a remarkably interested narration.. but can't quite manage it, either.
He occasionally betrays a monotone, but he clearly wasn't as bored by the text as I was. His diction, timbre, cadence, and voice-acting are all commendable. Well done, Recorded Books. You cast this project wisely.

Altogether, the magic and religious symbolism was overwhelming and left the book worthy of a disappointing 3.5 stars out of 10. I really wanted to like 'The Blessing Way' after reading the Publisher's Summary, but it's not good. Avoid this one.

Annoyingly Uncaptivating

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