Spider Woman's Daughter

A Leaphorn & Chee Novel

By: Anne Hillerman

Narrated by: Christina Delaine

Length: 9 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

Anne Hillerman, the talented daughter of best-selling author Tony Hillerman, continues his popular Leaphorn and Chee series with Spider Woman's Daughter, a Navajo Country mystery, filled with captivating lore, startling suspense, bold new characters, vivid color, and rich Southwestern atmosphere.

Navajo Nation Police Officer Bernadette Manualito witnesses the cold-blooded shooting of someone very close to her. With the victim fighting for his life, the entire squad and the local FBI office are hell-bent on catching the gunman. Bernie, too, wants in on the investigation, despite regulations forbidding eyewitness involvement. But that doesn't mean she's going to sit idly by, especially when her husband, Sergeant Jim Chee, is in charge of finding the shooter.

Bernie and Chee discover that a cold case involving his former boss and partner, retired Inspector Joe Leaphorn, may hold the key. Digging into the old investigation, husband and wife find themselves inching closer to the truth...and closer to a killer determined to prevent justice from taking its course.

©2013 Anne Hillerman (P)2013 HarperCollins Publishers

Idealized characters and dynamics, big change from TH

I was uneasy with the change in perspective from father to daughter writing about Chee and Leaphorn and the gang.

In Spider Woman's Daughter, Anne Hillerman writes idealized characters whereas her father who created Leaphorn and Chee illuminated the humanity in the bad guys and the human foibles of the good guys. Character behavior made sense and conflict was natural and enriched the story line.

It will be interesting to see what Anne Hillerman will create in terms of her own characters. Humor and creativity are evident in this tale she has spun. Character wise, I liked the blue sedan driving mother of one of the suspects and Louisa.

The narrator was able to create distinct voices for the characters. Some of the voices sound Southern Colorado to me. I haven't spent time in AZ to know the accuracy of accents. Importantly, characters are distinct so I knew who was talking and could follow easily.

Spider Woman’s Daughter

Very good story, Anne Hillerman, Tony Hillermans daughter seem to have the same talent for storytelling as her father did. I look forward to purchasing the next book in the series.

Amazing! So proud of Anne for doing such a wonderful job following in her father’s footsteps!

Wonderful story Ms. Anne!
Loved it❤️
Very intricate and so well done.
I really think it fit in just like one your dad’s. Thank you for continuing with the tales I love so very much.

So so story, wretched narrator

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Probably not - I am only half way through the book and find the narrator more distracting that anything. Story isn't that strong either and I just want to shake Bernie and tell her to quite arguing. I understand the need to "do something"

Would you ever listen to anything by Anne Hillerman again?

Maybe by Anne Hillerman but not by Christina Delaine

What didn’t you like about Christina Delaine’s performance?

Annoying voice, bad accent, doesn't do gender differences well

At last the series continues

Any additional comments?

I have all of the Leaphorn/Chee series and loved them. Some were better than others, but it was a big loss for the literary world when Tony Hillerman passed away. His daughter has caught the flavor and you can tell that she "lived" the stories her father wrote. I especially liked the way she tied this one to others in the series. Bernie's sister did need some help and it leaves you wondering if we will find out what happens in the next book. Unfortunately, it was a typical scenario for Navajo land. That makes it sad because it is so real. I think Anne did a good job in trying to fill her father's shoes. I would definitely read another book.
That being said, I hope they choose another reader. George Guidall, who did the Tony Hillerman books was the best. This reader did the talking so very slow that it made you want to push the button for the next track. I couldn't really tell when someone else was talking . . . they all sounded like bad thugs from Brooklyn. I really don't know of any Navajo's who talk like she made them sound. She made them sound stupid. Please get another reader. And teach them how to pronounce the words.

As good as her Father

Would you consider the audio edition of Spider Woman's Daughter to be better than the print version?

I like the Audio version because I travel in the car and it is much easier to listen.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I like a good mystery and learning about other cultures. Anne Hillerman does an excellent job of giving insight the Navajo Culture through the eyes of Bernadette Manualito, much the way her father did in Chee and Leaphorn. I have traveled through that part of the country and it makes listening to the books more realistic.

Any additional comments?

I can't wait for her next books to come out.

I was impressed

What made the experience of listening to Spider Woman's Daughter the most enjoyable?

The story and characters was consistent with with previous books. Looking forward to more books by Anne Hillerman.

Tony would be proud!!!

Excellent story and presentation. Have enjoyed all of mr Hillerman's books and can't wait for more from Ms Hillerman.

Omg thank you Ms Hillerman !

I have enjoyed T's version of the Leaphorn and Chee series, but Anne made it so much more special. She filled out the storyline color, details. and meaningful designs; not unlike a precious storied Navajo rug.
Great choice for a narrator.

Excellent Narrator

I haven't enjoyed a book so much in ages! Christina Delaine's cast of character voices was like listening in on a movie when I couldn't see the screen. Her Navajo dialect was perfect. 👍