Anne Hillerman Books in Order: The Complete Leaphorn, Chee & Manuelito Guide

Taking up the mantle of her late father, iconic mystery novelist Tony Hillerman, Anne Hillerman has crafted a critically acclaimed, bestselling legacy of her own. Set against the breathtaking, rugged expanses of the Navajo Nation and the American Southwest, her novels center on Officer Bernadette “Bernie” Manuelito, giving a brilliant primary role to a character her father introduced. Combined with regular appearances from veteran detectives Jim Chee and Joe Leaphorn, Anne Hillerman’s books blend authentic Native American lore, intricate police procedural work, and deep environmental suspense.

Here is the complete, updated guide to every Anne Hillerman book in order, along with plot overviews for each story.

1. Leaphorn, Chee & Manuelito Series

While Tony Hillerman focused heavily on Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee, Anne Hillerman elevates Officer Bernadette Manuelito to center stage, capturing the modern realities of law enforcement, cultural preservation, and tribal justice across New Mexico and Arizona.

1. Spider Woman’s Daughter (2013) — Right after a peaceful breakfast with Officer Bernadette Manuelito, retired legendary detective Joe Leaphorn is gunned down in a parking lot, prompting Bernie to launch a relentless personal investigation that exposes illegal antiquities trade and long-buried motives.
2. Rock with Wings (2015) — Bernie Manuelito investigates a solar power operator’s suspicious activities in Shiprock while Jim Chee deals with a movie crew whose presence in Monument Valley coincides with a baffling disappearance and a museum burglary.
3. Song of the Lion (2017) — A car bomb explosion at a high-stakes canyon resort mediation gathering drags Bernie into a web of environmental activism, corporate greed, and ancient tribal rivalries.
4. Cave of Bones (2018) — When a volunteer for an at-risk youth program vanishes in the high-desert wilderness, Bernie’s search uncovers human remains, a missing instructor, and deep administrative corruption.
5. The Tale Teller (2019) — Joe Leaphorn is asked to track down a stolen wool rug woven with historical significance, while Bernie investigates a string of burglaries and the death of an unknown man found near a scenic trail.
6. Stargazer (2021) — Bernie steps up to help an old college friend who becomes the prime suspect in her husband’s murder, steering the investigation toward an astronomy observatory and dangerous dark-web secrets.
7. The Sacred Bridge (2022) — Jim Chee takes a hiatus to seek spiritual balance, but stumbles upon a corpse near Lake Powell, while Bernie deals with a tricky cannabis-dispensary robbery back home.
8. The Way of the Bear (2023) — In the middle of a brutal winter storm near Bears Ears National Monument, Bernie and Chee tackle a case involving illegal paleontology smuggling and a cold-blooded murderer.
9. Lost Birds (2024) — Bernie is approached by a woman trying to track down her birth parents, leading to a investigation involving historical adoption practices, institutional deceit, and a deadly fire.
10. Shadow of the Solstice (2025) — Bernie and Chee navigate a complex investigation during the summer solstice, where ancient solar markers, archeological rivalries, and modern criminal threats converge.

2. Non-Fiction & Southwestern Lore Works

Before and alongside her fiction career, Anne Hillerman published several non-fiction books celebrating the cuisine, gardens, and landscape of the American Southwest:

• Gardens of Santa Fe (2010) — A photo-illustrated exploration of hidden courtyards, public gardens, and high-desert landscape design.
• Tony Hillerman’s Landscape: On the Road with Chee and Leaphorn (2011) — Featuring photography by Don Strel, this travelogue traces the real-life geographical settings, sacred sites, and sweeping landscapes made famous in Tony Hillerman’s classic novels.
• Santa Fe Flavors (2011) — A culinary journey showcasing the rich cultural history and famous recipes of Santa Fe’s iconic restaurants.

Navigating the Sacred Winds: How to Read Hillerman’s Southwest Mysteries

Pathway 1: The Full Anne Hillerman Era (Start with Spider Woman’s Daughter)

• Best For: Readers who want a modern police procedural with strong female leadership, deep respect for Navajo traditions, and seamless character continuity.
• Where to Start: Spider Woman’s Daughter.
• Why This Pathway Works: Starting directly with Anne’s debut allows you to experience her fresh perspective on the Navajo Tribal Police while watching Bernie Manuelito grow from a capable officer into a seasoned investigator.

Pathway 2: The Multi-Generational Legacy Route (Start with Tony Hillerman’s The Blessing Way)

• Best For: Purists who want the entire 50-year chronological saga of Joe Leaphorn, Jim Chee, and Bernie Manuelito.
• Where to Start: The Blessing Way (1970) by Tony Hillerman.
• Why This Pathway Works: Reading Tony Hillerman’s original 18-book series before moving into Anne Hillerman’s 10+ books gives you complete context on Joe Leaphorn’s legendary career and Jim Chee’s early days as a young officer.

About the Author

Anne Hillerman is an award-winning journalist, non-fiction author, and New York Times bestselling novelist based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Before turning her talent to crime fiction, she worked for decades as a newspaper reporter, arts editor, and food critic.

In 2013, she made her fiction debut with Spider Woman’s Daughter, continuing the beloved Navajo Nation police series created by her father. Her books have earned major honors—including the Spur Award and the Agatha Award—and serve as a key narrative inspiration alongside her father’s work for the hit television adaptation Dark Winds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to read Tony Hillerman’s books before reading Anne Hillerman?

No! Anne Hillerman specifically designs her books so new readers can jump in seamlessly with Spider Woman’s Daughter. While long-time fans will appreciate the subtle nods to older cases, Anne provides all the necessary backstory regarding Leaphorn, Chee, and Manuelito within her own novels.

How do Anne Hillerman’s books connect to the TV show Dark Winds?

Dark Winds is based on the combined Leaphorn & Chee universe created by both Tony and Anne Hillerman. While the show adapts plots and characters primarily from earlier novels, it draws heavily on the expanded role of Bernadette Manuelito and the atmospheric Southwestern setting that Anne continues to champion.

Is Bernadette Manuelito married to Jim Chee?

Yes! Bernie Manuelito and Jim Chee are married, and their evolving dynamic as both husband-and-wife and law enforcement partners across the Navajo Nation forms one of the central emotional heartbeats of Anne Hillerman’s series.

What sets Anne Hillerman’s writing apart from her father’s?

While Anne preserves her father’s reverence for Navajo culture, detailed geography, and intricate plotting, she brings Officer Bernadette Manuelito to the forefront. This introduces a female perspective on tribal law enforcement, exploring women’s roles in Navajo society, family dynamics, and modern challenges facing tribal communities.

Final Verdict

Anne Hillerman has accomplished what few legacy authors manage: honoring a beloved literary heritage while infusing it with vibrant, modern energy. By putting Bernadette Manuelito in the driver’s seat, she preserves the soul of the Navajo Nation mysteries while taking the series in exciting new directions.

If you are looking for a compelling mystery rich in Native American culture, breathtaking desert scenery, and authentic law enforcement detail, pick up Spider Woman’s Daughter and enjoy the journey across the Southwest!

Written by

Emon Anam

Hi, I’m Emon. I’m the voice and heart behind Whimsy Read. After nine years in the world of banking, I followed my passion for storytelling into the world of SEO and content strategy. Now, I blend that analytical eye with a deep love for literature to bring you book reviews that are thoughtful, honest, and always focused on the stories that stay with you. When I’m not reading or writing, you’ll find me enjoying joyful chaos with my wife and three kids, getting lost in a new series, or revisiting my old loves: theater, music, and gaming. At the end of the day, I believe great books are meant to be shared, and I’m so glad you’re here to share them with me.