Book 3 KIRKUS REVIEWTribal divisions cause tensions that result in a car bomb�or is the motive something closer to home?The world around Navajo Police Officer Bernadette Manuelito is literally rocked while she watches the annual alumni basketball game at local Shiprock High School, and it isn?t because of the talent on the court. When Bernie goes to the parking lot to inspect the apparent sonic boom, she finds that a car has exploded, presumably the result of an improvised device. Though she?s been attending the game while off duty, Bernie kicks into work mode and tries to keep attendees safe while simultaneously investigating. When things settle down and she?s able to return home to her husband, fellow officer Jim Chee, he?s the one who has to work the case. The car?s owner is Aza Palmer, a mediator working on some tensions between the Hopi and Din? tribes out in Tuba City, and Chee serves as an informal bodyguard to Palmer in the midst of the tense talks. Chee can?t wait for the assignment to end because Palmer?s in no mood to be guarded despite being otherwise friendly, and both Chee and Bernie know things will go back to normal once they crack this case. The secret may lie in the failing memory of former Lt. Joe Leaphorn, friend and mentor to both Chee and Bernie and a character whose link to the past could break the case open.The latest from Hillerman (Rock with Wings, 2015, etc.) continues worldbuilding in a tale that will reward long-term readers.

(2017) Hillerman has found her voice in this universe. This a good story of tensions around development at the Grand Canyon. Chee is drafted to body guard a mediator when someone blows up his car. Bernie is involved as she is first on the scene while attending a basketball game. Bernie works out who the killer is and nearly gets killed herself but he is put down by a mountain lion. KIRKUS REVIEWTribal divisions cause tensions that result in a car bomb�or is the motive something closer to home?The world around Navajo Police Officer Bernadette Manuelito is literally rocked while she watches the annual alumni basketball game at local Shiprock High School, and it isn't because of the talent on the court. When Bernie goes to the parking lot to inspect the apparent sonic boom, she finds that a car has exploded, presumably the result of an improvised device. Though she's been attending the game while off duty, Bernie kicks into work mode and tries to keep attendees safe while simultaneously investigating. When things settle down and she's able to return home to her husband, fellow officer Jim Chee, he's the one who has to work the case. The car's owner is Aza Palmer, a mediator working on some tensions between the Hopi and Din? tribes out in Tuba City, and Chee serves as an informal bodyguard to Palmer in the midst of the tense talks. Chee can't wait for the assignment to end because Palmer's in no mood to be guarded despite being otherwise friendly, and both Chee and Bernie know things will go back to normal once they crack this case. The secret may lie in the failing memory of former Lt. Joe Leaphorn, friend and mentor to both Chee and Bernie and a character whose link to the past could break the case open.The latest from Hillerman (Rock with Wings, 2015, etc.) continues worldbuilding in a tale that will reward long-term readers.Pub Date: April 11th, 2017ISBN: 978-0-06-239190-2Page count: 304ppPublisher: Harper/HarperCollinsReview Posted Online: Feb. 5th, 2017Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15th, 2017

“Bernie looked at the rock again. This time, she saw the shape of the náshdóítsoh, the mountain lion, a strong and important animal in the Diné Bahane’, the story of how The People came to be, the Navajo Old Testament. Náshdóítsoh symbolized protection and healing.”

Song of the Lion is a modest entry in the Navaho Tribal Police series. Primarily focused on Bernie, then Chee, with a slight role for retired Lt. Leaphorn, the story revolves around a mediation for a resort to be located near the Grand Canyon. The story begins with the mediator Asa Palmer's car being blown up and a young man being close enough to be severely injured by the blast. Bernie happens to be nearby at an alumni basketball game. Subsequently, Chee is assigned the duty of guarding Palmer until the mediation is completed. The story bogs down a bit with a good bit of the narrative relating to mediation theatrics of protestors. However, there is enough content included about the Navaho history and rites to keep it interesting. ( )

I continue to be grateful that Anne Hillerman is continuing in Tony Hillerman's footsteps. Another solid mystery, excellent and respectful of the Navaho southwest.

advanced reader's copy provided by edelweiss ( )