Shadow of the Solstice: A Leaphorn, Chee & Manuelito Novel

An Instant New York Times Bestseller

"Anne Hillerman deserves recognition as one of the finest mystery authors currently working in the genre."--New York Journal of Books

In this gripping chapter in New York Times bestselling author Anne Hillerman's Leaphorn, Chee & Manuelito series, the detectives must sort out a save-the-planet meditation group connected to a mysterious death and a nefarious scheme targeting vulnerable indigenous people living with addiction.

The Navajo Nation police are on high alert when a U.S. Cabinet Secretary schedules an unprecedented trip to the little Navajo town of Shiprock, New Mexico. The visit coincides with a plan to resume uranium mining along the Navajo Nation border. Tensions around the official's arrival escalate when the body of a stranger is found in an area restricted for the disposal of radioactive uranium waste. Is it coincidence that a cult with a propensity for violence arrives at a private camp group outside Shiprock the same week to celebrate the summer solstice? When the outsiders' erratic behavior makes their Navajo hosts uneasy, Officer Bernadette Manuelito is assigned to monitor the situation. She finds a young boy at grave risk, abused women, and other shocking discoveries that plunge her and Lt. Jim Chee into a volatile and deadly situation.

Meanwhile, Darleen Manuelito, Bernie's high spirited younger sister, learns one of her home health clients is gone-and the woman's daughter doesn't seem to care. Darleen's curiosity and sense of duty combine to lead her to discover that the client's grandson is also missing and that the two have become ensnared in a wickedly complex scheme exploiting indigenous people. Darleen's information meshes with a case Chee has begun to solve that deals with the evil underside of human nature.

Author: Anne Hillerman
Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Harper
Published: 04/22/2025
Series: Leaphorn, Chee & Manuelito Novel #10
Pages: 336
Weight: 0.99lbs
Size: 9.29h x 6.33w x 1.17d
ISBN: 9780063344853


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 02/24/2025
Kirkus Reviews 03/15/2025
Booklist 04/01/2025 pg. 44

About the Author
Hillerman, Anne: -

Anne Hillerman is the bestselling author of the Leaphorn, Chee & Manuelito mysteries. The series was created by her father, Tony Hillerman. She is also an executive producer of the Dark Winds television series on AMC. When Anne's not working, she loves to walk with her dogs, read, cook, travel and enjoy the night sky. She lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Tucson, Arizona.