The First Eagle

"The First Eagle" is a mystery novel by Tony Hillerman set on the Navajo Nation reservation in the American Southwest. The story follows Acting Lieutenant Jim Chee, who arrests a Hopi poacher near the body of a murdered Navajo Tribal Police officer, believing the case is straightforward until his retired former boss, Joe Leaphorn, discovers evidence suggesting a much more complex criminal conspiracy. The novel combines traditional Navajo culture and beliefs with a procedural crime investigation as the two detectives work to uncover the truth behind the murder.