Book Review: The Way of the Bear

Publisher: Harper
Publication Date: April 25, 2023
Author: Anne Hillerman
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Page Count: 281

Blurb

An unexpected death on a lonely road outside of Utah’s Bears Ears National Park raises questions for Navajo Tribal Police officers Jim Chee and Bernadette Manuelito. Why would a seasoned outdoorsman and well-known paleontologist freeze to death within walking distance of his car? A second death brings more turmoil. Who is the unidentified man killed during a home invasion where nothing seems to have been taken? Why was he murdered?

The Bears Ears area, at the edge of the Navajo Nation, is celebrated for its abundance of early human habitation sites and the discovery of unique fossils which revolutionized the scientific view of how early animals dealt with their changing world. For Chee and Bernie, the area glows with geological interest and spiritual insight. But their visit to this achingly beautiful place is disrupted by a current of unprecedented violence that sweeps them both into danger.

An illicit business, a fossilized jaw bone, hints of witchcraft, and a mysterious disappearance during a blizzard and to the peril. It will take all of Manuelito’s and Chee’s experience, skill, and intuition to navigate the threats that arise beneath the twin buttes that give Bears Ears its name and to see justice served.

My Thoughts & Opinions

The Way of the Bear is the eighth novel in the Leaphorn, Chee, and Manuelito series. Even though it’s the eighth novel, it is possible to read it as a standalone.

I didn’t particularly care for the author’s style of writing. It seemed somewhat detached. Perhaps her journalistic background had something to do with the aloof vibe that I got from reading the book.

The plot lines were a mixed bag and got confusing at times, which necessitated me to backtrack several times to determine its relevance in the scheme of things.

There were a number of new characters. And all of them were pretty generic. Even the established characters didn’t have much to go on. But it maybe due to the longstanding existence that they had. Even so, things and times change so it’s probably time for a character makeover.

Overall, the narrative was somewhat boring throughout. I kept hoping for more excitement. But perhaps my sentiment was due in part to the plot centering around fossils. Too bad the ending didn’t come close to redeeming the lackluster flavor of the novel. Two stars as I somehow managed to finish the novel by a thread.

I received a finished copy of the novel from Harper through the Goodreads giveaway. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thought and opinions.