Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Dance Hall of the Dead summary
Brief summary
Dance Hall of the Dead by Tony Hillerman is a captivating mystery novel that takes readers deep into the world of Navajo culture and tradition. When two boys from different tribes go missing, Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn must navigate ancient rituals and modern motives to uncover the truth.
Topics
Table of Contents
Dance Hall of the Dead
Summary of key ideas
Unraveling a Mystical Murder
In Dance Hall of the Dead by Tony Hillerman, we are introduced to Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn of the Navajo Tribal Police. Leaphorn is called to investigate the disappearance of two boys, one Navajo and the other Zuni, from a summer camp. The case takes a sinister turn when the boys' bodies are found in a remote canyon, and it becomes clear that one of them was murdered. The other boy, Zuni, is missing, and Leaphorn fears the worst for him.
As Leaphorn delves deeper into the case, he discovers that the two boys were best friends despite their different tribal backgrounds. He also learns that the Zuni boy, Ernesto, had been involved in a mysterious project with a visiting anthropologist, Dr. Eleanor Friedman-Bernal. The project involved creating a map of Zuni religious sites, and Leaphorn suspects that this might be the key to understanding the murder.
Uncovering Ancient Mysteries
Leaphorn's investigation leads him to the Zuni reservation, where he learns more about the Zuni religious beliefs and their sacred sites. He also discovers that Ernesto had been deeply troubled by the project and had confided in his friend, George, about his fears. George, however, is missing, and Leaphorn realizes that finding him is crucial to solving the case.
As Leaphorn continues to unravel the mystery, he encounters a series of strange occurrences that seem to be linked to Zuni religious beliefs. He also faces resistance from the Zuni people, who are protective of their religious sites and traditions. Despite these challenges, Leaphorn remains determined to find the truth and bring the murderer to justice.
A Race Against Time
Leaphorn's race against time intensifies when he learns that George has been kidnapped by a man who believes that the Zuni religious sites hold a secret power. The man, a former soldier, is convinced that the map created by Dr. Friedman-Bernal can lead him to this power, and he is willing to go to any lengths to obtain it.
Leaphorn realizes that he must act quickly to save George and prevent further bloodshed. With the help of a Zuni police officer, Leaphorn sets out to find the kidnapper and rescue George. In a tense and dramatic climax, Leaphorn confronts the kidnapper at a remote Zuni religious site, and a deadly struggle ensues.
The Unveiling of Truth
In the end, Leaphorn manages to overpower the kidnapper and save George. He also uncovers the truth behind the murder of the two boys. The motive, it turns out, was not related to the Zuni religious sites, but rather to a personal vendetta.
As the case comes to a close, Leaphorn reflects on the complexities of Navajo and Zuni cultures and the challenges of maintaining traditional beliefs in a rapidly changing world. He also acknowledges the importance of mutual respect and understanding between different cultures. In Dance Hall of the Dead, Tony Hillerman skillfully weaves together a gripping murder mystery with a rich exploration of Native American culture and beliefs.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Dance Hall of the Dead about?
Dance Hall of the Dead is a gripping mystery novel by Tony Hillerman. Set on the Navajo reservation in New Mexico, the story follows two Navajo boys, one of whom is found murdered. As Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn investigates, he navigates the complexities of Navajo culture and tradition to unravel the truth behind the boy's death. Filled with rich cultural insights and a compelling plot, this book will keep you hooked until the very end.
Dance Hall of the Dead Review
Dance Hall of the Dead (1973) by Tony Hillerman is a captivating mystery that takes readers on a thrilling adventure through the Navajo reservation. Here are three reasons why this book is definitely worth reading:
- The book combines cultural insights, intense suspense, and complex characters to provide a unique perspective of Navajo life and traditions.
- Intriguing plot twists and clever clues throughout the story keep readers guessing and engaged, making it a truly compelling read.
- With its richly descriptive prose and evocative setting, the book immerses readers in the beauty and mystique of the Southwest, ensuring that it won't be a boring read.
Who should read Dance Hall of the Dead?
- Readers who enjoy mystery novels with a cultural twist
- Those interested in exploring Native American customs and traditions
- People who appreciate well-developed and complex characters
Categories with Dance Hall of the Dead
Book summaries like Dance Hall of the Dead
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Dance Hall of the Dead FAQs
What is the main message of Dance Hall of the Dead?
The main message of Dance Hall of the Dead is hidden beneath a captivating mystery that explores the clash of cultures and the consequences of misunderstanding.
How long does it take to read Dance Hall of the Dead?
The reading time for Dance Hall of the Dead varies depending on the reader's pace. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Dance Hall of the Dead a good book? Is it worth reading?
Dance Hall of the Dead is a gripping novel that is worth reading for its intriguing plot, authentic characters, and insightful exploration of cultural clashes.
Who is the author of Dance Hall of the Dead?
The author of Dance Hall of the Dead is Tony Hillerman.
What to read after Dance Hall of the Dead?
If you're wondering what to read next after Dance Hall of the Dead, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Trial of Henry Kissinger by Christopher Hitchens
- In Pursuit of the Unknown by Ian Stewart
- The Sleepwalkers by Christopher Clark
- I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
- A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
- ISIS by Michael Weiss and Hassan Hassan
- Bloodlands by Timothy Snyder
- Gutenberg the Geek by Jeff Jarvis
- The True Believer by Eric Hoffer
- Genome by Matt Ridley