The Blessing Way

The Blessing Way is the first of Hillerman's novels featuring Lt. Joe Leaphorn. The story concerns a wolf-witch abroad in the high desert and a series of grisly murders. The Leaphorn stories are wonderful for the audio format. Hillerman himself reads in his wonderful raconteur's voice, which fully captures the pace and atmosphere of the writing. Music by Ed Lee Natay Navajo Singers completes the production. B.V. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

The Blessing Way is the first of Hillerman's novels featuring Lt. Joe Leaphorn. The story concerns a wolf-witch abroad in the high desert and a series of grisly murders. The Leaphorn stories are wonderful for the audio format. Sadly, unlike most Books on Tape productions, the narrator's voice is poorly matched to the material. Reader Marosz has an almost accentless voice with a narrow range of expression--rather like that of a news reader. He seems to be hurrying through the story, diminishing Hillerman's ability to draw the listener into the landscape. B.V. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Hillerman adds interest to his books by weaving the storyline around the culture and beliefs of Native Americans. The action of both titles revolves around murders committed within the jurisdiction of the Navajo Tribal Police. The reader does a credible job in The Blessing Way but is less successful with the vocal characterizations in Skinwalkers. The women tend to have unpleasant screeching or croaking voices. Since the most offensive characterizations are limited to small parts, listeners should still enjoy both books. The Literate Ear encourages customers to donate audiobooks to the library of their choice. The company is commended for its efforts on behalf of libraries. C.W. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine