Talking Mysteries: A Conversation with Tony Hillerman

by Tony Hillerman and Ernie Bulow

Book Overview

In "Talking Mysteries," Tony Hillerman discusses his craft, including his approach to plot, characterization, and setting, and the wrinkles and twists that make his brand of fiction unique. These and other insights into how he writes emerge in an extended interview with his long-time friend and fellow author Ernie Bulow. An autobiographical piece by Hillerman details his early years in Oklahoma, first encounters with Navajo culture, and his eventual life as journalist and author. Navajo artist Ernest Franklin created twelve sketches of Hillerman characters for this book. Hillerman credits Franklin with showing me what Jim Chee and Joe Leaphorn look like. As an additional treat, a Jim Chee mini-mystery, The Witch, Yazzie, and the Nine of Clubs, originally published in 1981 and long unavailable, is included.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0826312799
• ISBN13: 9780826312792
• Release Date: January 1991
• Publisher: University of New Mexico Press
• Length: 135 Pages
• Weight: 0.82 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.8"

Customer Reviews

Talking with Tony

The more that I can learn about Tony Hillerman the happier I am. Every book of his has held my interest to the end. Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee are wonderful working together. Joe teaches Jim by doing and Jim learns to rely on his own instincts as a Navajo person. They make a great pairing. Tony has the knack of making the scene come to life for someone who has not been to New Mexico.