Plot Summary

Dance Hall Of The Dead

Tony Hillerman
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Dance Hall Of The Dead

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1973

Book Brief

Tony Hillerman

Dance Hall Of The Dead

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1973
Book Details
Pages

272

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Navajo reservation, New Mexico • 1970s

Publication Year

1973

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

870L

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Super Short Summary

In Dance Hall of the Dead, Zuni boy Ernesto Cata disappears, prompting his friend George Bowlegs to search for him, but George also vanishes. Navajo Tribal Police Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn investigates, discovering complex cultural and religious elements intertwined with the boys' actions and the crimes. Sensitive topics include violence and murder, which are integral to the plot.

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Dark

Unnerving

Reviews & Readership

4.3

21,281 ratings

79%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Tony Hillerman's Dance Hall of the Dead garners praise for its intricate plot and vivid depiction of Navajo culture, offering a compelling and richly atmospheric mystery. Critics appreciate the strong character development and Hillerman's ability to intertwine cultural elements with suspense. However, some note a slower pace in parts. Overall, it remains a highly-regarded piece of crime fiction.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Dance Hall Of The Dead?

Readers who enjoy Tony Hillerman's Dance Hall Of The Dead are typically fans of mystery novels with a strong sense of place and cultural depth. Similar readers may appreciate books like Arthur Upfield's Bony series or Craig Johnson's Longmire mysteries, as both offer intricate plots and rich depictions of indigenous cultures.

4.3

21,281 ratings

79%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

272

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Navajo reservation, New Mexico • 1970s

Publication Year

1973

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

870L

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