🎯 Where Should I Start?
ⓘ About Tony Hillerman
Anthony (Tony) Grove Hillerman was born in Sacred Heart, Oklahoma in 1925. He was the youngest of three children. His father was a farmer and store keeper. From 1930-1938, Tony Hillerman attended St. Mary’s Academy, a boarding school that was primarily for Native American girls. It was here that he developed an understanding and appreciation of the Native American culture which influenced the subject matter of his books. In high school he attended another primarily Native American school, Konawa High School. After a brief stint in college, Hillerman returned home to the farm to work. In World War II, he became a decorated war veteran, serving as a mortarman for the 103rd Infantry Division. While in the military, Hillerman received a Bronze Star, a Silver Star, and a Purple Heart. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Leaphorn & Chee Books series, Tony Hillerman has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.
📚 All Book Series by Tony Hillerman
The Blessing Way
The Blessing Way is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Leaphorn & Chee Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tony Hillerman have come to expect.
Dance Hall of the Dead
A gripping mystery unfolds in Dance Hall of the Dead as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Leaphorn & Chee Books series showcases Tony Hillerman's mastery of suspense.
Listening Woman
Listening Woman is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Leaphorn & Chee Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tony Hillerman have come to expect.
People of Darkness
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Leaphorn & Chee Books with People of Darkness, another outstanding contribution from Tony Hillerman.
The Dark Wind
The Dark Wind continues the Publication Order of Leaphorn & Chee Books story arc with Tony Hillerman's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Ghostway
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Leaphorn & Chee Books with The Ghostway, another outstanding contribution from Tony Hillerman.
Skinwalkers
Skinwalkers continues the Publication Order of Leaphorn & Chee Books story arc with Tony Hillerman's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
A Thief of Time
A Thief of Time continues the Publication Order of Leaphorn & Chee Books story arc with Tony Hillerman's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Talking God
Talking God is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Leaphorn & Chee Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tony Hillerman have come to expect.
Coyote Waits
Coyote Waits continues the Publication Order of Leaphorn & Chee Books story arc with Tony Hillerman's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Sacred Clowns
Sacred Clowns is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Leaphorn & Chee Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tony Hillerman have come to expect.
The Fallen Man
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Leaphorn & Chee Books with The Fallen Man, another outstanding contribution from Tony Hillerman.
The First Eagle
The First Eagle is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Leaphorn & Chee Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tony Hillerman have come to expect.
Hunting Badger
Hunting Badger is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Leaphorn & Chee Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tony Hillerman have come to expect.
The Wailing Wind
The Wailing Wind continues the Publication Order of Leaphorn & Chee Books story arc with Tony Hillerman's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Sinister Pig
The Sinister Pig is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Leaphorn & Chee Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tony Hillerman have come to expect.
Skeleton Man
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Leaphorn & Chee Books with Skeleton Man, another outstanding contribution from Tony Hillerman.
The Shape Shifter
The Shape Shifter is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Leaphorn & Chee Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tony Hillerman have come to expect.
The Fly on the Wall
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Fly on the Wall, another outstanding contribution from Tony Hillerman.
Finding Moon
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Finding Moon, another outstanding contribution from Tony Hillerman.
The Best of the West
The Best of the West continues the Publication Order of Short Story Collections story arc with Tony Hillerman's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Mysterious West
The Mysterious West is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tony Hillerman have come to expect.
The Great Taos Bank Robbery: And Other True Stories
The Great Taos Bank Robbery: And Other True Stories is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tony Hillerman have come to expect.
The Boy Who Made Dragonfly
Epic adventure awaits in The Boy Who Made Dragonfly, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Children's Books series that raises the stakes across the realm Tony Hillerman has built.
Buster Mesquite's Cowboy Band
Buster Mesquite's Cowboy Band is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Children's Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tony Hillerman have come to expect.
The Great Taos Bank Robbery and Other Indian Country Affairs
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with The Great Taos Bank Robbery and Other Indian Country Affairs, another outstanding contribution from Tony Hillerman.
New Mexico, Rio Grande, and Other Essays
New Mexico, Rio Grande, and Other Essays continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Tony Hillerman's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Spell of New Mexico
Magic takes center stage in The Spell of New Mexico, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series that expands the enchanting world created by Tony Hillerman.
Tony Hillerman's Indian Country Map and Guide
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Tony Hillerman's Indian Country Map and Guide, another outstanding contribution from Tony Hillerman.
Indian Country
Indian Country is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tony Hillerman have come to expect.
Seldom Disappointed
Seldom Disappointed is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tony Hillerman have come to expect.
Kilroy Was There
Kilroy Was There is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tony Hillerman have come to expect.
The Perfect Murder
A gripping mystery unfolds in The Perfect Murder as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Tony Hillerman's mastery of suspense.
2nd Culprit
2nd Culprit continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Tony Hillerman's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Oxford Book of American Detective Stories
The investigation intensifies in The Oxford Book of American Detective Stories, as this installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Tony Hillerman's creation.
The Serpent's Tongue: Prose, Poetry, and Art of the New Mexican Pueblos
The Serpent's Tongue: Prose, Poetry, and Art of the New Mexican Pueblos is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tony Hillerman have come to expect.
First Cases, Volume 3
First Cases, Volume 3 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tony Hillerman have come to expect.
The Best American Mystery Stories of the Century
The Best American Mystery Stories of the Century continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Tony Hillerman's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
A Century of Great Suspense Stories
A Century of Great Suspense Stories continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Tony Hillerman's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Longman Anthology of Detective Fiction
The investigation intensifies in The Longman Anthology of Detective Fiction, as this installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Tony Hillerman's creation.
A New Omnibus of Crime
The investigation intensifies in A New Omnibus of Crime, as this installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Tony Hillerman's creation.
? Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Tony Hillerman?
Tony Hillerman is a bestselling author known for 6 book series containing over 41 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Leaphorn & Chee Books, Publication Order of Standalone Novels, Publication Order of Short Story Collections. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.
What is the best Tony Hillerman series to start with?
For readers new to Tony Hillerman's work, the Publication Order of Leaphorn & Chee Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 18 books. Begin with The Blessing Way to start from the very beginning.
How many books has Tony Hillerman written?
Tony Hillerman has written over 41 books across 6 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.
Should I read Tony Hillerman books in order?
Yes, reading Tony Hillerman's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.
What genre does Tony Hillerman write in?
Tony Hillerman writes primarily in fiction. With 6 series across 41 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.
Are Tony Hillerman's books standalone or must they be read as a series?
Most of Tony Hillerman's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.
What is Tony Hillerman's most popular book?
Based on reader reviews and sales data, Tony Hillerman's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Leaphorn & Chee Books series. The first book, The Blessing Way, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.