Crime Thriller
Tony Hillerman (Leaphorn & Chee) Books in Order
by Tony Hillerman
Navajo Tribal Police officers Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee solve crimes on the American Southwest's high desert in Tony Hillerman's landmark 18-novel series, continued by his daughter Anne Hillerman from 2013.
About the series
Tony Hillerman's Leaphorn & Chee series introduced the world to the Navajo Tribal Police through Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn, a pragmatic veteran detective, and Officer Jim Chee, a younger man who bridges traditional Navajo spirituality and modern law enforcement. Set on and around the Navajo Nation in the American Southwest, the books are masterclasses in place — the red-rock landscape, the Diné culture, and the collision of ancient and contemporary life are as vivid as any character. Hillerman wrote 18 novels before his death in 2008. His daughter, Anne Hillerman, took up the series in 2013 with Spider Woman's Daughter, centering the perspective on Officer Bernadette Manuelito (who has married Jim Chee) while keeping Joe Leaphorn as a key figure.
Recommended reading order
Begin with Tony Hillerman's The Blessing Way (1970) and read through his 18 novels in publication order — the relationship between Leaphorn and Chee deepens over time, and the books show Hillerman's craft growing with each entry. Anne Hillerman's continuation (Spider Woman's Daughter onward) follows seamlessly and is best read after Tony's complete run.
Reading order
28 books · Ongoing