Anne Hillerman continues the popular Navajo mystery series begun by her father Tony Hillerman with Lost Birds (#1,239). Joe Leaphorn has taken on a case in his retirement, trying to track family for an adopted woman who suspects her biological family may be Navajo. It's taking up much more of his time than he would like, since the only clues he has to go on are a photo of an Indian couple taken near the iconic Elephant Feet rock formations, and a small silver and turquoise baby bracelet. Both were left by Stella's adopted mother in an envelope to be opened after her death.
As Joe is trying to buckle down to work on this "Lost Bird" case, another potential client calls him for help tracking down a missing wife. The call is interrupted by a large explosion in the background. Bernie Manuelito is called in to help investigate the explosion at the Eagle Roost school, where a body is found in a car. Bernie and Joe find their work intersecting over the case.
As always, there is plenty of interesting background on Navajo culture and customs as Joe Leaphorn, Bernie Manuelito and Jim Chee try to put together the pieces while dealing with painful personal issues. Always a satisfying read, although I must admit, I now picture Joe, Bernie and Jim as played by the actors in the Dark Winds TV adaption of these mysteries!
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