🌄 Book Review: Rock with Wings by Anne Hillerman
A thoughtful Southwestern mystery that blends Navajo tradition, environmental intrigue, and personal growth—with vivid landscapes and dual investigations.
Anne Hillerman’s Rock with Wings is the second novel in her continuation of the Leaphorn, Chee & Manuelito series, originally created by her father, Tony Hillerman. With a Goodreads rating of 3.96/5 from over 11,000 readers, this installment is praised for its atmospheric writing and character-driven storytelling, though some readers note a slower pace compared to earlier entries.
🧠 Plot Overview
The story follows Sergeant Jim Chee and his wife, Officer Bernadette “Bernie” Manuelito, as they attempt a short vacation in Monument Valley. But their plans are quickly derailed:
- Chee is drawn into a local investigation involving a missing woman, a film crew, and a mysterious mound of rocks that may be a gravesite.
- Bernie returns to Shiprock to care for her mother and investigate a drug bust gone wrong, a suspicious car fire, and a solar energy development that may threaten Navajo land.
Both officers turn to their mentor, retired Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn, for guidance as they navigate complex cases that test their skills and their relationship.
🌵 Themes & Strengths
- Southwestern Setting: Hillerman’s descriptions of Navajo country are immersive and poetic, offering readers a strong sense of place.
- Cultural Insight: The novel respectfully explores Navajo customs, law enforcement challenges, and environmental concerns.
- Character Development: Bernie and Chee’s personal and professional growth adds emotional depth.
- Contemporary Issues: The plot touches on solar energy, land rights, and the impact of tourism and filmmaking on Indigenous communities.
💬 Reader Reactions
- “A solid police procedural with beautiful descriptions of the land and culture.”
- “Hillerman makes the characters her own—don’t expect Tony’s style, but appreciate Anne’s voice.”
- “The ending felt a bit soft, but the journey was worth it.”
🏁 Final Verdict
Rock with Wings is a quietly compelling mystery that favors introspection and cultural nuance over high-octane thrills. If you enjoy character-driven stories set in richly detailed landscapes, this novel offers a rewarding continuation of the Hillerman legacy.
