Shadow of the Solstice offers an intriguing glimpse into Navajo life and the complex issues faced by the community, set against the backdrop of political tension and cultural rituals. Officer Bernadette Manuelito’s investigation into a mysterious death, coupled with the arrival of a violent cult during the summer solstice, adds a layer of suspense to the story. Meanwhile, Darleen Manuelito’s subplot involving missing persons and exploitation provides additional depth to the narrative. While the book has engaging moments and vivid descriptions of Navajo traditions, some readers might find the plot a bit crowded with multiple storylines that don't always seamlessly connect. The pacing can also feel uneven at times, making it harder to stay fully immersed. Overall, a decent read with interesting cultural insights but perhaps lacking in the tight, compelling storytelling some fans might expect.

Thanks to HarperAudio & NetGalley for providing an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I've read a couple of the Leaphorn/Chee novels written by Tony Hillerman, but this was my first written by Anne Hillerman. She seems like a worthy successor, and seems to have focused on Bernadette Manuelito as a main character, which is kind of cool. I think folks would love to read about Leaphorn & Chee frozen in time forever, but time marches on.

Hillerman has, of course, kept the focus on the struggles of the Navajo nation, and she is informed and skillful. This story focuses on a kidnap scam targeting vulnerable Natives with substance issues, with a side of climate activism gone very wrong in the run-up to the solstice. There is also interesting info about uranium mining and how that affected the people in the area (negatively, needless to say). It's edifying to read the history.

That said, the writing is fine, but not spectacular. Somehow, with this great plot, the story fell a little flat for me. I'm not sure if it felt too focused on the characters' personal lives (the switching from one plotline to the next with the Manuelito sisters' mom and her health issues felt a bit herky-jerky to me). To my memory, this is an issue I had with Tony Hillerman's writing as well: great plot ideas, lacking in execution.

All this to say that while it kept my attention easily, it was not an amazing book. It was fine, I enjoyed it, probably not going back to read another.

This installment of the series has a different feel and focus than the others. Instead this novel brings to our attention two historical crimes committed against the Navajo Nation peoples with descriptions of both in the author's note. In doing so, there's not much space in the novel for moving the meta-plot of the MC's forward. Chee, Manuelito, and Leaphorn are involved in the two cases presented in the novel, but their personal lives are only lightly discussed. Also strange in this novel is for a culture so connected to the earth, we're told that the spring equinox is happening multiple times, but not shown how it's celebrated.

It reads more like a side-quest for some minor characters.

Audiobook was excellently narrated.