The Ghostway summary

The Beginning of a Mysterious Journey

In The Ghostway by Tony Hillerman, we are introduced to Jim Chee, a young Navajo Tribal Police officer who is assigned to investigate a case of a missing Zuni Indian. Chee is a man of traditional beliefs and practices, and he is also studying to become a Navajo shaman. His investigation leads him to a remote canyon where he discovers the body of the missing man, along with a mysterious set of footprints.

As Chee continues his investigation, he encounters a woman named Mary Landon, who is a teacher at a nearby school. She is also involved in the case, as she was the last person to see the Zuni man alive. Chee is drawn to Mary, and their relationship becomes a significant part of the story.

The Case of the Missing Zuni Man

As Chee delves deeper into the case, he discovers that the missing Zuni man was involved in a scheme to smuggle valuable artifacts out of the reservation. The man's partner in the scheme, a man named Emerson Charley, is also missing. Chee suspects that Charley is responsible for the Zuni man's death and sets out to find him.

Meanwhile, Joe Leaphorn, a senior Navajo Tribal Police officer, is investigating a seemingly unrelated case. He is looking into the disappearance of a valuable diamond from a wealthy anthropologist's collection. Leaphorn's investigation leads him to the same canyon where Chee found the Zuni man's body, and he begins to suspect a connection between the two cases.

The Unraveling of a Complex Mystery

As the story unfolds, we learn that the missing diamond is part of a larger collection of stolen artifacts. The Zuni man and Emerson Charley were involved in the theft, and the Zuni man was killed when he tried to back out of the scheme. Charley, who is now on the run, is the prime suspect in both cases.

Chee and Leaphorn eventually join forces to track down Charley. Their investigation takes them to Los Angeles, where they uncover the truth behind the stolen artifacts and the people involved in the smuggling ring. They also learn about Charley's troubled past and the reasons behind his criminal activities.

The Final Confrontation

After a series of twists and turns, Chee and Leaphorn finally locate Charley in a remote canyon. A tense standoff ensues, during which Charley reveals the location of the stolen artifacts. In a surprising turn of events, Charley sacrifices himself to save Chee, and the case is resolved.

In the end, the stolen artifacts are recovered, and justice is served. Chee and Leaphorn return to their respective lives, but the events of the case have a lasting impact on both of them. Chee gains a deeper understanding of the complexities of human nature, while Leaphorn reflects on the changing world around him.

Conclusion

In The Ghostway, Tony Hillerman weaves a compelling mystery against the backdrop of the Navajo reservation. The novel not only entertains with its intricate plot and well-developed characters but also offers insights into Navajo culture and traditions. It is a captivating exploration of crime, morality, and the enduring spirit of the Navajo people.