Because the Navajo Leaphorn has studied anthropology in a "white" university setting, he bridges the gap between the traditional Native American culture in which he lives and works and the more modern— if not, perhaps, advanced, to Hillerman's way of thinking—Anglo-American culture of the twentieth century with which most readers are more familiar. Bridging this gap is vitally important to the story, as Leaphorn's knowledge of Navajo culture allows him to solve the mystery and save his long-time friend's life. Leaphorn constantly strives to balance his own identity as a law enforcement official—and thus part of a whiteestablished bureaucracy—with his Navajo ancestry. An accomplished tracker, Leaphorn displays an almost Holmesian power of observation particularly appropriate to both his Navajo background and his law enforcement profession.

Luis Horseman, the murder victim, illustrates the loss of Navajo cultural heritage and the potential for...