Plot Summary

A Thief Of Time

Tony Hillerman
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A Thief Of Time

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1988

Book Brief

Tony Hillerman

A Thief Of Time

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1988
Book Details
Pages

314

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Navajo Nation • 1980s

Publication Year

1988

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

730L

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Super Short Summary

In Tony Hillerman's mystery novel A Thief of Time, Navajo Tribal Police detectives Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee search for a missing anthropologist, Dr. Eleanor Friedman-Bernal, who vanishes while accused of stealing ancient Anasazi artifacts. Both detectives navigate personal and professional challenges as they uncover secrets and investigate interconnected crimes to rescue the anthropologist and solve the case. Sensitive topics include murder and the loss of a spouse to a terminal illness.

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Dark

Unnerving

Gritty

Reviews & Readership

4.4

16,774 ratings

81%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Tony Hillerman's A Thief Of Time is celebrated for its intricate plot, rich cultural details, and strong sense of place within Navajo Nation. Critics praise Hillerman’s adept blend of mystery and cultural narrative. However, some find the pace uneven and the characterization limited. Overall, it is a compelling read for mystery enthusiasts and cultural fiction lovers alike.

Who should read this

Who Should Read A Thief Of Time?

A reader who enjoys A Thief of Time by Tony Hillerman likely has an affinity for intricate mysteries, cultural depth, and atmospheric storytelling. Fans of Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes series and Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch novels will appreciate Hillerman’s blend of Navajo culture with compelling detective work.

4.4

16,774 ratings

81%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

314

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Navajo Nation • 1980s

Publication Year

1988

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

730L

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