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Dance Hall of the Dead (Abridged) Audiobook
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(3.01) - 4,455 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Two Native American boys have vanished into thin air, leaving a pool of blood behind them. Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn of the Navajo Tribal Police has no choice but to suspect the very worst, since the blood that stains the parched New Mexican ground once flowed through the veins of one of the missing, a young Zuni. But his investigation into a terrible crime is being complicated by an important archaeological dig—and a steel hypodermic needle. And the unique laws and sacred religious rites of the Zuni people are throwing impassable roadblocks in Leaphorn's already twisted path, enabling a craven murderer to elude justice or, worse still, to kill again.
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"I think that I'm hooked on this series by Tony Hillerman. Years ago I read his autobiography and was interesed that because of this series of books, he has been made an honorary member of the Navajo tribe. He commented that he was so proud of this honor and the fact that he was the Grand Marshall of a parade held on the reservation. No doubt his pride was deflated when he heard a woman in the crowd comment, "I wonder who the hell he is," as he was driven by in the Grand Marshall's car. Anyway, loved the book--did I mention that I was traveling west in the spring(?)--and this one expanded its horizons to include information about the Zuni tribe also."
— Judy (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“Riveting.”
— Newsweek -
“Hillerman knows his background well, and is skillfull enough to make it an integral park of the action. He has created an altogether believable set of characters.”
— New York Times -
“Actor Michael Ansara, who has portrayed native Americans on television and in films, is the reader…His reading is crisp and clear, with a touch of gravity.”
— Indianapolis Star -
“The story’s not the thing—it’s Hillerman’s anything but wooden Indians and the way in which he informs their way of life with affection and dignity.”
— Kirkus Reviews
Awards
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Winner of the 1974 Edgar Allan Poe Award for best novel
Dance Hall of the Dead Listener Reviews
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" I love the way he builds the plot out of the facts of Zuni mythology. Very neat. I thought the the ending was a bit disappointing, though--I wanted the killer to be someone else. "
— Bruce, 2/17/2014 -
" Listened to this on CD and really enjoyed it. Tony Hillerman was an excellent writer and George Guidal is fantastic as the narrator. Definitely worth a listen. "
— Aram, 2/13/2014 -
" I became hooked on Tony Hillerman and his character's plots and writing style. I like the anthropological aspect of peeking into the Native American cultures. I may have read every one of his books. "
— Imelda, 2/6/2014 -
" This mystery story is a classic "who done it," with the disappearance of two teenage boys. Woven into the tale are descriptions of Zuni and Navajo customs, and the detective, Joe Leaphorn, is Navajo "fuzz." All in all, a quick and entertaining read if you like murder mysteries. "
— Donna, 2/1/2014 -
" Themes of the book include the Zuni religion and hostility between the Navajo and the Zuni. "
— Sandra, 1/14/2014 -
" This book was part of the "Let's read about it" program at our local library. The Native American folklore was interesting but not sure what the main theme was?? Left me wondering about loose ends??? Will have to see what the talk tomorrow night is about this Native American mystery ? "
— Corinne, 1/11/2014 -
" I always enjoy the way Hillerman uses Indian folklore into his thriller/Mystery books. I enjoyed this book, but compared to some of his other books this one was not his best. "
— Quinn, 12/30/2013 -
" I enjoyed this one more than The Blessing Way. Evenly paced mystery. I'm feeling like I could get burnt out from Hillerman so may save them for the next time I'm on vacay or lounging by the pool. "
— Jenny, 12/19/2013 -
" Loved the book and will be reading more by this author! Great mix of mystery and Indian anthropology. "
— Laura, 12/6/2013 -
" Great way to introduce Native American thought. "
— Randi, 11/29/2013 -
" I love Hillerman's work. Wonderful characters and setting. "
— Mark, 11/26/2013 -
" The first and saddest of Hillerman's Navajo novels. I read it first and couldn't get enough of them. "
— Virginia, 11/16/2013 -
" Solid mystery; B+/A- "
— Rebecca, 11/9/2013 -
" This is only the second Hillerman book I have read, but I have to say this one was really good. I have friends who are Navajo policemen, and sometimes Leaphorn totally reminds me of them. "
— Sylvia, 11/3/2013 -
" You should read all the Tony Hillerman mysteries. This is no exception. One of the few I missed. It seems like they just released all of the Hillerman books in e-book format and the libraries now have them. "
— Robert, 10/17/2013 -
" Again, this was a book on tape for my return home from North Carolina. I did enjoy it, as I do most of Tony Hillerman books. He writes well and catches the flavor of this Indian territory, with rival tribes. Archaeology is thrown in, the main motive of the murders. "
— Rdonn, 9/15/2013 -
" Good; Continuing character: Joe Leaphorn; two young boys go missing shortly before a special ceremony, and Leaphorn tries to determine what happened when one turns up dead "
— Joe, 9/6/2013 -
" I'm a Tony Hillerman fan. Love learning about the Navaho culture. His mysteries are catching without being graphic. "
— Deb, 6/27/2013 -
" I like his mystery books set in the surroundings of the Navajo reservation. "
— Dad, 6/22/2013 -
" Another wonderful Hillerman Story. I love his writing style. Sad that it is a finite source. I thought that it held up very well, though I do know folks that still use the term Hippie! LOL "
— Jeanean, 12/5/2012 -
" Edgar Award winning mystery. Detailed descriptions of Zuni religeous rites. "
— Carol, 8/8/2012 -
" Love this author. Love this genre, especially the Native American slant as well as the locations. I'd watch if it were a movie. "
— Tina, 2/26/2012 -
" Another cabin book. I have a soft spot in my heart for Tony Hillerman, and this was fairly typical, except the moment where the detective figures it all out was not very clever. I was all, "Duh Leaphorn. I saw that like 4 chapters ago." Pretty much middle-of-the-pack Hillerman book. "
— Mignon, 2/5/2012 -
" Good book. Hillerman's at his best when he builds more suspense into his books, and this one had a good amount. Probably my third favorite after Listening Woman and The Blessing Way. "
— Bruce, 11/9/2011 -
" slow starting, but very good description of the Zuni gods and the celebrations surrounding them. Couldn't figure out who-dun-it or why until the last page! "
— Jennifer, 8/11/2011 -
" Read in pre-BookCrossing days. Hillerman was a master in creating his stories and crafting his characters. He is an author I sorely miss, but love to imagine him in book heaven with Robert B Parker and Donald Westlake, crafting new stories. "
— bookczuk, 5/31/2011 -
" This won the Edgar for a reason - I didn't even mind figuring out whodunit much sooner than I usually do. "
— Kit, 5/29/2011 -
" Listened to this on CD and really enjoyed it. Tony Hillerman was an excellent writer and George Guidal is fantastic as the narrator. Definitely worth a listen. "
— Aram, 5/11/2011 -
" Edgar Award winning mystery. Detailed descriptions of Zuni religeous rites. "
— Carol, 4/26/2011 -
" I've read this book twice over the last 20 or so years, and have enjoyed it both times. I'm a big <br/>Hillerman fan, and have had a priviledge of meeting him in person giving a speech about some of his writing. He was wonderful. A man I really miss, major loss in the writers world. "
— Carol, 4/15/2011 -
" One that I'll re-read to get the full effect. A plot that kept me guessing. Loads of detail about Hopi religion, which was very interesting. Settings out on the mesa and at deserted hogans. One of Hillerman's better books. "
— Carol, 4/8/2011 -
" Tony Hillerman brings the southwest desert and the people that live there alive. Always a good read. "
— Mary, 3/27/2011 -
" Again, this was a book on tape for my return home from North Carolina. I did enjoy it, as I do most of Tony Hillerman books. He writes well and catches the flavor of this Indian territory, with rival tribes. Archaeology is thrown in, the main motive of the murders. "
— Rdonn, 2/15/2011 -
" One of the better Navaho mysteries by Tony Hillerman. It was even a bit educational on Zuni and Navaho religious practices and beliefs. "
— Liz, 12/3/2010 -
" This is only the second Hillerman book I have read, but I have to say this one was really good. I have friends who are Navajo policemen, and sometimes Leaphorn totally reminds me of them. "
— Sylvia, 11/24/2010 -
" A good mystery set in the American Southwest. with the land as well as the Native Americans peopling it make solving a crime a little more difficult. "
— Frank, 10/18/2010 -
" slow starting, but very good description of the Zuni gods and the celebrations surrounding them. Couldn't figure out who-dun-it or why until the last page! "
— Jennifer, 9/23/2010 -
" Joe Leaphorn explores a murder that involves a Zuni religious ceremony. I still like the Jim Chee books better. "
— Rachel, 7/13/2010
About Tony Hillerman
Tony Hillerman (1925–2008) was an American author of award–winning mysteries set on the Navajo Indian reservation featuring Native American policeman Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn and Officer Jim Chee, twelve novels of which made the New York Times bestsellers list. His Leaphorn novels have won the Edgar Award, Anthony Award, and Macavity Award for Best Novel. His other honors include the Center for the American Indian’s Ambassador Award, the Spur Award for Best Western Novel, and the Navajo Tribal Council Special Friend of the Dineh award. The Western Writers of America honored him with the Wister Award for Lifetime achievement in 2008, and was named by the Mystery Writers of America as one of mystery fiction’s Grand Masters. He also wrote several stand-alone novels, books for children, and nonfiction.
About Michael Ansara
Michael Ansara (1922–2013), born in Syria and raised in Lowell, Massachusetts, entered Los Angeles City College in 1941. After training at Pasadena Playhouse, Ansara blossomed as a classical actor with such groups as the Hollywood Players’ Ring. He went on to be cast as Cochise in the 1956 television series version of Broken Arrow. In later years Ansara was active in the lucrative world of television cartoon voice-over work. He was married for several years to actress Barbara Eden.