Tony Hillerman

(1925–2008)

Though not Native American himself, Tony Hillerman has provided unique insights into the Navajo culture through his mysteries, featuring tribal police officers Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee. The two characters, facing very different life challenges, work together for the greater good, solving crimes that breach tribal and moral authority. In A Thief of Time (1988), they investigate the heinous violation of sacred ground.

Tony, born in Sacred Heart, Oklahoma, has also written several out-of-series books, including a memoir, Seldom Disappointed (2001), described by Publishers Weekly as “utterly delightful. ”

Related listings: Carolyn G. Hart and N. Scott Momaday

Did You Know...

While serving during World War II, Tony Hillerman suffered from temporary blindness.

Getting Started with Tony Hillerman

Selected Works

A Thief of Time, 1988
Finding Moon, 1995
Seldom Disappointed: A Memoir, 2001

Find Out More
The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture