He has received a number of literary honors for his critically acclaimed Navajo series. Career Hillerman is one of the most decorated writers in New Mexico history. He was also noted for writing several memoirs about his life in the Southwest and the history of the Southwest.Īs a result, Tony Hillerman was ranked as the 22nd wealthiest man in New Mexico in 1996.

Throughout his career, Hillerman wrote more than 30 books. He first became famous for his unique, supernatural Navajo series, which featured 18 books. It was in New Mexico that Tony Hillerman began his career as a novelist. With his degree, Hillerman taught journalism at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Tony Hillerman then attained a master’s degree. While in the military, Hillerman received a Bronze Star, a Silver Star, and a Purple Heart.Īfter World War II, he worked as a journalist (1948-1962). In World War II, he became a decorated war veteran, serving as a mortarman for the 103rd Infantry Division. In high school he attended another primarily Native American school, Konawa High School.Īfter a brief stint in college, Hillerman returned home to the farm to work. It was here that he developed an understanding and appreciation of the Native American culture which influenced the subject matter of his books. Mary’s Academy, a boarding school that was primarily for Native American girls. From 1930-1938, Tony Hillerman attended St. His father was a farmer and store keeper. Several of his books within this series have been adapted into successful television films that evoke the mystery and beauty saturated in Hillerman’s novels.Īnthony (Tony) Grove Hillerman was born in Sacred Heart, Oklahoma in 1925. The series focuses on the adventures of Detectives Leaphorn and Chee of the Navajo Tribal police force. The Navajo series was his most notable work.

Tony Hillerman was a critically acclaimed American author of a series of detective novels. Spider Woman's Daughter (By:Anne Hillerman)

The Fly on the Wall by Tony Hillerman