Order of Leaphorn and Chee Books

The Leaphorn and Chee series, alternatively called the Navajo Mysteries, is a collection of detective novels originally penned by American writer Tony Hillerman and now continued by his daughter, Anne Hillerman. The series centers on two protagonists—Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee—both officers with the Navajo Tribal Police. While these characters collaborate on cases, they frequently clash over their differing perspectives regarding Navajo supernatural beliefs and traditions. Four novels from the series have been adapted for film: The Dark Wind, Skinwalkers, Coyote Winds, and A Thief of Time.

Tony Hillerman launched the Navajo Mysteries in 1970 with The Blessing Way and authored 18 books in the series until his passing in 2008. The series continues today under Anne Hillerman's stewardship, beginning with Spider Woman's Daughter. Below you'll find the reading order for Tony Hillerman's Leaphorn and Chee books, listed by both publication sequence and chronological order:

Note: Beginning with Spider Woman's Daughter, Anne Hillerman has taken over as the series author.