What do You think about The First Eagle (1999)?
A murder mystery and a medical mystery coincide with the appearance of bubonic plague on the reservation. The usual FBI swaggers appear as comic relief in the Hillerman style, referred to by Navajo Police Detective Jim Chee as the Federal Bureau of Incompetence.With the rich cultural backdrops, the brusque Feds always manage to overlook the sensitive worldview issues. They come off looking stupid due to their arrogance and ignorance of the local factors in a case. George Guidall's clear vocal acting enables us to identify and follow the interaction of the generous cast of characters peopling this Hillerman novel.In this story, a sideline plot is very important as Jim Chee undergoes training to become a shaman. The Mystical aspects of the culture flow along with the ominous challenges of the black death. Science and the supernatural cooperate to solve this mystery.
—Orville Jenkins
Tony Hillerman can always be counted on for a quick, enjoyable read. Unlike Patricia Cornwell's "Body Farm" I recently reviewed it doesn't have the handicap of sounding a bit dated no matter when it was published. That's because these mystery solvers don't rely on the latest forensics & computers to come up with the solution. It has to do with relationships. Relationships to their culture, community, & most of all the land of the four corners area of the American Southwest. The space & spirit of this special area is integral to the story lifting me out of my urban setting to soar, at least for a little while, over ancient vistas. Glimpsing with some slight understanding of another world view that often seems superior. Oh yeah, and there's usually a damn good mystery to go along with it. "The First Eagle" is certainly no exception.
—Ed Mestre
The legendary Lieutenant Leaphorn is retired but still investigating mysteries on the reservation, and it's a good thing, as his insights are invaluable to his longtime subordinate Jim Chee. In this mystery Chee's focused on the murder of a Navajo police officer under his command while Leaphorn is investigating the disappearance of a field scientist looking for the source of bubonic plague that's killed a couple of Indians. The researcher disappeared on the same day that the officer was murdered, and of course that's no coincidence.This is a really strong series with wonderful characters. Leaphorn is the gristled old pro who seemingly can't stay away, while Chee is the apprentice who's now stepped into Leaphorn's shoes. (Though right now he's only an "acting" lieutenant", and doesn't really like the job.) Both men have issues in their personal lives that Hillerman succeeds in actually making the reader care about. Leaphorn is a lonely widower while Chee is a traditional Navajo in love with the wrong woman. Thank goodness it seems that Chee has finally come to his senses regarding his relationship with the beautiful, smart and very ambitious Janet Pete. It's funny that Hillerman has done such a good job with these characters and yet, on page 243 of this edition, while writing about Chee he refers to him as Leaphorn. Near the end of chapter 24, Chee is going over in his mind various scenarios regarding how Janet might use some information he's given her, and at the end of a very long paragraph concerning scenario three Hillerman writes that "…and on that tape Agent Reynald could be heard ordering Leaphorn to get rid of the eagle and thus the evidence." In fact, the FBI agent was ordering Chee, not Leaphorn, to get rid of the evidence. That's some sloppy editing.
—Mark Robertson
