I read Hillerman's books because he brings the New Mexico to life. Few writers can evoke the cold, the heat, or the beauty of the New Mexico high desert the way Hillerman does. Fallen Man is a particularly good example. Hillerman's description of the arrival of winter is spellbinding -- I could almost feel the cold wind and see the dark clouds. The plot is almost incidental to Hillerman's wonderful descriptions of New Mexico. Jim Chee is still confused about his love life and intimidated by Joe Leaphorn, who is as inscrutable as ever. The other characters receive light treatment and the plot and homespun justice are somewhat implausible. But, who cares.