The Way of the Bear

A Novel

By: Anne Hillerman

Narrated by: DeLanna Studi

Fossil harvesting, ancient lore, greed, rejected love and murder combine in this gripping new installment of New York Times bestselling author Anne Hillerman’s Leaphorn, Chee & Manuelito series.

An unexpected death on a lonely road outside of Utah’s Bears Ears National Monument raises questions for Navajo Tribal Police officers Jim Chee and Bernadette Manuelito. Why would a seasoned outdoorsman and well-known paleontologist freeze to death within walking distance of his car? A second death brings more turmoil. Who is the unidentified man killed during a home invasion where nothing much seems to have been taken? Why was he murdered?

The Bears Ears area, at the edge of the Navajo Nation, is celebrated for its abundance of early human habitation sites and the discovery of unique fossils which revolutionized the scientific view of how early animals dealt with their changing world. Chee and Manuelito appreciate the area’s scenery and wealth of human and scientific resources, but their visit to this achingly beautiful place is disrupted by a current of unprecedented violence that sweeps them both into danger. Illicit romance, a fossilized jawbone, hints of witchcraft, and a mysterious disappearance during a blizzard add to the peril.

It takes all of Manuelito’s and Chee’s experience, skill, and intuition to navigate the threats that arise and see justice served.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

Ho hum story with poor narration

The story had a decent premise but the plot wandered and the dialogue, especially for the “villains” was cartoonish. The narrator’s cadence during descriptive passages was unevenly paced, either rushed or in a halting cadence. Not worth a credit.

Enjoyed the story and Bernie and Chi.

Enjoyed the story and the twists of who-dun-it. The description of the landscape was spot on too.
I did get a bit lost with the reader, not enough change in her voice of the different characters but she was pleasant to listen to.

Very poor narrator.

This narrator does not have the cadence that other narrators have. Her narration does not convey the emotions of the characters in the novel. I have listened to every Hillerman novel about the Navajo Tribal Police for more than 30 years. George Guidall is the undisputed champion reader. He brought every character to life. I will continue to listen to the Hillerman books, but please hire a professional narrator!

Disappointed

I don't know if it was the narration or the writing but I found the characters lacking and unconvincing. I really enjoyed Ann Hillermans other books. Next time I'll get the book to read.

Beautiful story beautifully read

I’m looking forward to the next chapter in this exciting, well-plotted, and we’ll-told series.