Coyote Waits

I'm late to the Hillerman game. Nothing can be gained by my writing a review nobody will ever read; but I need to write this for my own sake, to teach me.

I'm sad. I can't remember which Hillerman I read or when, but it was at least twenty years ago and it didn't impress me. Which is a damn shame, because this one sure did, and now I'm feeling the pain of having missed out for so long. I like to live the maxim of “I'll try anything twice” — because the first time should be forgiven, because so many unknown tangents can sneak in to spoil it — and it took me far too long to give Hillerman a second try.

What a voice. He takes time to set scenes, describe them vividly; his characters do, too, valuing listening and storytelling, demonstrating a respect for others that we don't often see. The pace is gentle, the story intriguing and surprising. Thoughtfulness and deliberation are virtues here.