Tony Hillerman

Hi there! I'm Tony Hillerman, and I've spent most of my life telling stories about the breathtaking landscapes and fascinating cultures of the American Southwest. (Though I have to admit, sometimes I still can't believe this former newspaper reporter ended up becoming known for mystery novels!)

Born in Sacred Heart, Oklahoma during the Dust Bowl days, I grew up as a farm kid surrounded by Native American communities. Those early experiences shaped my worldview in ways I never fully appreciated until much later. After serving in WWII (where I earned a Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart - though I don't talk about those much), I found my way into journalism and eventually landed in New Mexico. That's where everything changed.

The moment I started exploring the Navajo Nation and learning about their culture, traditions, and worldview, I knew I'd found something special. Their approach to harmony, balance, and justice fascinated me. How could I not write about it? Though I have to confess - my first attempt at fiction was actually a conventional mystery that bombed spectacularly. (Sometimes failure points you in the right direction!)

That's when I created Joe Leaphorn, my Navajo Tribal Police detective who approaches crimes through a unique cultural lens. Later came Jim Chee, a younger officer trying to balance his role as a tribal policeman with his training as a traditional healer. Together, they've helped me share stories that go beyond simple whodunits to explore the rich tapestry of Southwestern Native culture.

In books like "The Wailing Wind," I try to weave together multiple threads - murder mysteries, yes, but also the spiritual traditions, family dynamics, and ethical dilemmas that make the Navajo world so compelling. I'm not Native American myself, and I've always been deeply conscious of writing about another culture. I've worked hard to do it with respect, accuracy, and humility. (The fact that the Navajo Nation has honored me with special recognition means more than any literary award.)

When I'm not writing, you'll probably find me wandering the mesas and canyons of New Mexico, soaking in the landscapes that become characters in my books. My wife Marie and our six kids have put up with my obsessive research trips and late-night writing sessions for years. (Though they draw the line at my attempts to cook traditional Navajo dishes...)

What can readers expect from my books? Mystery and suspense, absolutely. But also a window into a fascinating world where modern law enforcement meets ancient traditions, where the land itself holds secrets, and where justice sometimes takes unexpected forms. You'll learn about Navajo culture and beliefs, but never in a lecture-y way - it's all woven into the fabric of the story.

I believe the best mysteries aren't just about solving crimes - they're about understanding people, cultures, and the complex ways we all try to find harmony in a sometimes chaotic world. That's what I aim for in every book: stories that entertain while opening minds and hearts to different ways of seeing the world.

To my readers (both longtime fans and those just discovering my work): thank you for joining me on these journeys through Navajo Country. There's always another mystery waiting around the next mesa, and I'm grateful to share them with you.

(And if you're ever in New Mexico, take the long way around. Those empty spaces on the map? That's where the real stories are.)