Sacred Clowns by Tony Hillerman

“Sacred Clowns” is one of the many novels written by Tony Hillerman that highlights the Native Americans of the U.S. Southwest. Hillerman’s novels follow Officer Jim Chee and Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn of the Navajo Tribal Police as they solve cases perpetrated by or against the Native American people living in the southwestern United States.

Hillerman’s novels are very descriptive of the country and scenery as well as the reservations on which the people live. He also describes many of their native ceremonies in great detail and that helps to bring the stories to life for the reader.

In “Sacred Clowns,” Chee and Leaphorn are attempting to solve two murders” One of a Catholic high school teacher and the other of a person who is not a part of the Tano Pueblo culture. While both crimes seem to be totally unrelated, ultimately the two find a commonality and the crimes are solved.

Along the way, Chee and Leaphorn have troubles relating to each other. Leaphorn thinks that Chee is impulsive and slipshod in his report writing, while Chee thinks that Leaphorn is sending him off on a wild goose chase. As the story progresses, each man tends to realign his thinking about the other and Leaphorn takes an almost fatherly attitude toward Chee.

Added into the mix is half-Navajo attorney Janet Pete, who was not raised on the reservation and has quite a different view of things. Her presence in the book shows a different side of the Native culture. As well, Chee is also hoping to pursue a personal relationship with Pete. You’ll know if he’s successful if you read this and Hillerman’s other wonderful novels.