So what are Tony Hillerman novels like?

Hillerman's mysteries are set in the American Southwest, in the Four Corners area where Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and New Mexico meet. His detectives are Navaho tribal policemen and the mysteries often turn on some aspect of Navaho legend or custom. He has a wonderful capacity for describing Navaho customs and ways -- good enough to teach us white folk about their culture without lecturing. And all that in the context of a rattling good tale.