of coincidence rather than dependent order. In plot, however, the two novels are closely related examples of the detection puzzle. Jonathan Kellerman writing in the Chicago Tribune finds that "Hillerman is a master craftsman of plot and pacing, a demon at characterization, as concerned with the whydunit as the whodunit. . . . In Talking God, his fifteenth book and eleventh full work of fiction, he is at the top of his form." Both Leaphorn ("ruminatively intelligent") and Chee ("occasionally naive but no less effective") are experiencing loss while solving this crime. Leaphorn's wife died, and Chee's long relationship ended. Kellerman notes "this enlarges the story without overpowering it." He concludes "suffice it to say that the final tapestry is flawless-logical, elegant yet simple, devoid of gimmickry-and that the denouement is immensely suspenseful and smooth as cream." References Bibliography External links Hillerman's Foreign Editions: Musings on European Book Cover Illustrations in the Tony Hillerman Portal at UNM library 1989 American novels Novels by Tony Hillerman Harper & Row books Novels set in New Mexico Novels set in Washington, D.C.