Tony Hillerman was born in Oklahoma in 1925. As a young boy, he attended what was normally an all-girl school. He was actually one of several farm boys to attend this school. The school was located near the lands of the Pottawatomie Tribe. Seeing as most of the books Hillerman writes stem from various Indian tribes, it is likely that this part of his life has had a large influence on him.
Hillerman lived a very interesting and exciting life. He joined the Army in 1943 and was well decorated while in the service. He was honored with the purple heart after being wounded in World War II. After leaving the service, he went on to get his degree at the University of Oklahoma. Once graduated, he as a journalist from 1948 to 1962.
What Hillerman likes to do best is write. He is a famous mystery writer whose books tend to focus on the Navajo culture. His details are very specific and beautifully written. Most of his writing in his novels are based around the southwestern areas of America.
Hillerman didn't start writing his police mystery series until 1970. The second book in the series won him the Edgar award in 1974. There are 18 books in total for the series. The characters are the same throughout the books and it covers all four corners of New Mexico and Arizona. Hillerman has written over 30 books during his career, and his Memoirs were published in 2001, winning him the Agatha Award for best non-fiction. Unfortunately, Hillerman has passed away recently in October of 2008. He died of Pulmonary heart failure at the age of 83.
