What Awards Has 'The Dark Wind' Won?

The setting of 'The Dark Wind' is this gritty, sun-scorched landscape in the American Southwest that feels like a character itself. Most of the action happens around Navajo reservations and small desert towns where the air smells like sagebrush and dust. You get these vast open spaces that make people feel isolated yet watched at the same time—perfect for a mystery where secrets hide in plain sight. The book leans hard into the clash between modern law enforcement and traditional Navajo beliefs, especially when storms roll in with that eerie wind that gives the book its name. It’s not just backdrop; the land influences every decision, from how suspects flee to where bodies turn up.

The ending of 'The Dark Wind' is a masterclass in suspense and cultural nuance. Jim Chee finally pieces together the puzzle after multiple false leads, revealing the smuggling operation tied to the plane crash. The real kicker is how the villain gets his comeuppance—not through a shootout, but through his own greed backfiring in the desert. The last scene with Chee watching the wind sweep away footprints perfectly mirrors the novel's themes of impermanence and justice. What sticks with me is how Hillerman avoids a stereotypical 'happy ending,' instead leaving Chee with quiet satisfaction and more questions about human nature. The way he writes the landscape as a character makes the resolution feel organic, not forced.

The main antagonist in 'The Dark Wind' is a cunning and brutal drug lord named Ernesto Salazar. He operates from the shadows, pulling strings across the border between Mexico and the U.S., leaving a trail of violence and fear. Salazar isn't just a typical cartel boss; he's a master manipulator who uses local legends and superstitions to control people. His network is vast, and his ruthlessness is legendary, making him a formidable foe for the protagonist. What makes him terrifying is his ability to blend into the community, appearing as just another businessman while his men do the dirty work. The book paints him as a ghost—everyone knows he exists, but few can prove it.

I've bought 'The Dark Wind' from multiple places online, and my go-to spot is usually Amazon. They have both new and used copies, plus Kindle versions if you prefer ebooks. The prices are competitive, and shipping is fast with Prime. For collectors, AbeBooks often has rare editions at reasonable prices. Check out eBay too—sometimes you can snag a signed copy there. If you want to support indie bookstores, Bookshop.org shares profits with local shops. Just search the title and you'll see all available formats. I always compare prices across these sites before buying.

I've been digging into Tony Hillerman's works recently, and 'The Dark Wind' is indeed part of his iconic Leaphorn & Chee series. It's the fifth book featuring Navajo Tribal Police officers Jim Chee and Joe Leaphorn, though it focuses more on Chee's solo investigation. What makes this series special is how Hillerman blends classic detective work with Navajo culture and the stunning landscapes of the Southwest. The books can technically be read standalone, but you'll get more from the character development if you follow the sequence. If you enjoy this, try 'Skinwalkers' next—it brings both protagonists together for the first time.

This is actually quite an interesting twist in the storyline; the whole idea of Sanemi as a doped villain. I think that's a character arc you would enjoy!

I recently hunted down a copy of 'The North Wind' and found multiple great options. Major online retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble have it in both paperback and e-book formats. If you prefer supporting local businesses, indie bookstores often carry it or can order it for you—just check their inventory online. For digital readers, platforms like Apple Books and Google Play Books offer instant downloads. Audiobook lovers can find it on Audible, narrated beautifully. I also discovered signed editions on the author’s official website, which ships internationally. Rare copies sometimes pop up on eBay or AbeBooks, though prices vary. If you’re into libraries, Libby or OverDrive might have it for free borrowing. The book’s availability is pretty solid, so you shouldn’t struggle to grab a copy.

Proginoskes is one of the most fascinating characters in 'A Wind in the Door', a celestial being known as a Cherubim who defies traditional expectations of what an angelic entity should look like. Instead of the typical winged humanoid figure, Proginoskes appears as a vast, swirling presence of eyes and wings, embodying the idea that true spiritual beings transcend physical form. This creature serves as a guide and mentor to Meg Murry, helping her navigate the cosmic battle against the Echthroi, who represent entropy and destruction. What makes Proginoskes special is the way it challenges Meg's understanding of reality, teaching her about the interconnectedness of all life through concepts like kything, a form of deep communication beyond words. The Cherubim's role isn't just about fighting evil; it's about expanding consciousness and showing how love binds the universe together at a fundamental level. The relationship between Proginoskes and Meg forms the emotional core of the story, with the Cherubim's patience and wisdom contrasting beautifully with Meg's impulsive nature. Some of the book's most profound moments come from their interactions, especially when Proginoskes explains that fighting the Echthroi requires naming - the act of truly seeing and acknowledging someone's existence. This ties into Madeleine L'Engle's recurring theme that love isn't just a feeling but an active force in the universe. Proginoskes represents this idea perfectly, being both terrifying in appearance yet gentle in spirit, showing that true power comes from understanding rather than domination. The character stays with you long after finishing the book, making you ponder the nature of angels and our place in the cosmic order.