The Fallen Man

Tony Hillerman returns his latest novel to the stunning landscape of New Mexico, as well as to Navajo tribal policemen Jim Chee and Joe Leaphorn, now retired, who seek to solve the mystery of a fallen climber and his disappearance ten years earlier. George Guidall achieves a unity with Hillerman's work that makes this audiobook quite exceptional. He draws listeners into the story with an intimacy as if speaking directly to each one. He projects the internal narrative that reflects the struggle between the Navajo and Anglo cultures. Guidall colors the narrative with subtle, emotional shading and admirably projects both the vitality of the younger characters and the sagacity of the older ones. Guidall's narration works at several levels, as does Hillerman. R.F.W. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

This well-done abridgment, approved by Hillerman, is authentically narrated by Gil Silverbird, a Navajo. While some of the Southwestern flavor seems to have been cut, enough descriptive phrases are included that anyone who has read Hillerman will be able to fill in the setting. In this mystery the body of a climber is found many years after his disappearance. Two minor detractions include Silverbird's unusual pronunciation of "piton" and "basalt," common words in the climbing field. In addition, his depiction of female characters sounds a discordant note in this overall fine audio production. D.T.H. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine