Some of the best mysteries I have read are those in the native American mystery genre. Some of the most noted authors are Tony Hillerman, Margaret Coel, James Doss, and Jean Hager.
I started reading the Joe leap horn/Jim Chee series from Tony Hillerman in the late eighties and have not stopped. His books bring life to the wonderful culture aspects of the Navajo, Hopi and Zuni Indians and the beautiful country they live in.
I love it every time I see another Tony Hillerman book out. Another author is JA Jance, while she does not delve into the Indian aspect her heroine Sheriff Joanna Brady is a wonderful character and the stories are wonderfully told as well, although in more of a law enforcement air than cultural. I have also read Margaret Coel she has an Arapaho lawyer and priest combo in Colorado that is a nice read also.
My other favorite is the Molly Bearpaw series by Jean Hager. That has a native American investigator in the Cherokee's capital of Talequah OK, I guess being part native American I am probably a little biased also the fact that I have been to Talequah, along with Shiprock NM. and Window rock NM. and four corners AZ.
I just love that part of the country. I would encourage all who have not looked into these series to pick up a copy of each and see if you do not fall in love with the storylines and picturesque backgrounds also, along with the great characters.
