Book Review: The Sinister Pig

Reviewed By: Woodstock - RAM

The Sinister Pig     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Tony Hillerman
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Ethnic
Series: Joe Leaphorn & Jim Chee # 16

The title refers to a nickname given a type of equipment used by pipeline operators to clean the lines. But a powerful Washington DC politician has seized upon a concept to use the cleaning apparatus to smuggle drugs into the country out of the sight of Border Patrol authorities.

Someone, it's never clear who, sends an undercover operative to investigate. When the operative is murdered, Jim Chee is assigned to investigate, but is confused to find important segments of the investigation snatched from under his nose and handled by enigmatic high level FBI teams.

Operations at the above ground installation of the pipeline also draw the attention of law enforcement and before the book ends, almost all of Hillerman's continuing characters are drawn into the story.

Long term theft of Indian tribe oil royalties, a hint of the Chandra Levy disappearance, the plight of illegal immigrants to the US, and the exploitation of exotic wildlife all become plot elements before Hillerman is finished.

As always, the chief pleasure for the reader is the interaction between Chee, Leaphorn, Cowboy Dashee, Bernie Manuelito, and Louisa Bourbonette.

Woodstock - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Woodstock - RAM