Tony Hillerman was born on May 27, 1925 in Sacred Heart, Oklahoma and was best known as an American author of detective books. Especially popular were his tribal police mysteries set in the Navajo Indian nation. He was a decorated veteran of World War II, in which he earned the Silver Star, a Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart. Following the war he earned his living as a journalist. He then began writing his highly successful mystery novels. In 1996 Hillerman was ranked as the 22nd wealthiest man in New Mexico.
Hillerman’s love and appreciation of the American Southwestern and its people is reflected in his writing. Two of his most renowned characters are Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee of the Navajo tribal police force, which is based in the Four Corners area of New Mexico and Arizona. He won the Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America in 1974 for his second book, “Dance Hall of the Dead.” He also received the Grand Master Award, the Nero Award and the Navajo Tribe’s Special Friends of the Dine’ Award. From 1970 to 2006 he wrote eighteen books in the wildly popular Leaphorn and Chee series. Much of the Navajo religion and native customs were depicted thoroughly and accurately in these books.
Tony Hillerman survived two heart attacks and surgeries on his prostate and bladder. He passed away on October 26, 2008 after his health had declined during the preceding years. He is survived by his wife, Marie, and their six children.
