Tony Hillerman's book, "The Ghostway", derives its title from an old Native American custom. This event was a ceremony for purification and healing. The event comes into play during a murder investigation. The investigation is headed up by Police Officer Jim Chee, who works with the Navajo Tribal Police of Arizona.
Jim Chee is a character developed through a series of books by Hillerman. "The Ghostway" is the sixth volume of the series. This series also features Chee's boss, Joe Leaphorn; however, Jim Chee carries the majority of exposure in this sixth volume.
There are a host of colorful characters and tribal traditions introduced in this novel. Joseph Joe, an 81 year old Navajo, leads the character list by being a direct witness to a double shooting and murder. Mary Landon is the girlfriend of Police Officer Jim Chee. Three other characters are introduced as Vaggan, Margaret Billy Sosi, and Ashie Beagy. The novel describes the nickname given to Joseph Joe as Hosteen. This is a term meaning old man and it shows respect to the elder. The Hogan and its ghost are detailed as a special place and superstition for the Native Americans.
The major screen change in the novel is the shift to LA to assist in solving a murder, and perhaps preventing another murder. As with other Hillerman novels, "The Ghostway" is rife with suspense. The plots involve the same old problems of territorial and race issues among the inhabitants of the dry desert. This novel will keep you glued to your seat until the end.
