Tony Hillerman's work is so unique—blending mystery with Navajo culture—that finding exact matches is tough, but I've stumbled upon a few gems that echo his spirit. If you loved the cultural depth in 'A Life', try James D. Doss' 'Charlie Moon' series. It's got that same Southwestern vibe but with Ute traditions instead of Navajo, and the way Doss weaves folklore into crime-solving feels like a warm handshake from Hillerman himself.
Another wild card? Craig Johnson's 'Longmire' books. They’re more Wyoming than Arizona, but the rugged landscapes and the respect for Indigenous perspectives hit similar notes. Plus, Walt Longmire’s dry humor and moral complexity would absolutely get along with Hillerman’s Leaphorn and Chee. For nonfiction, 'The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee' by David Treuer isn’t a mystery, but its blend of history and personal narrative might scratch that itch for culturally rich storytelling.