Anne Hillerman

Anne Hillerman is an accomplished American author, best known for her non-fiction books and mystery novels. She is the daughter of the renowned mystery author, Tony Hillerman, and has taken over his popular Leaphorn & Chee series. Hillerman's writing career began in 1984 with the publication of her debut non-fiction book, 'Children's Guide to Santa Fe.' Before becoming an author, she spent over two decades working as a journalist, honing her writing skills and gaining valuable experience in research, interviewing, and storytelling.

As a journalist, Hillerman worked for the Santa Fe New Mexican and the Albuquerque Journal, holding various positions such as education reporter, editorial writer, and restaurant reviewer. Her work as a restaurant reviewer led to the publication of another non-fiction work, 'Santa Fe Flavors.' Hillerman's journalism background has significantly influenced her writing style, making her a thorough researcher and a vivid storyteller. Her ability to create engaging characters and weave intricate plots has made her a household name in the mystery genre.

In addition to her journalism career, Hillerman has written several best-selling mystery novels, including "Spider Woman's Daughter," which debuted at number 10 on the New York Times Best Seller list. She has continued her father's legacy by continuing the Jim Chee/Joe Leaphorn series and adding Bernadette Manuelito as a major player. Her 10th novel in the series, "Lost Birds," is due for publication in 2024. Hillerman's books have received critical acclaim and numerous awards, including the New Mexico Arizona Book Award, the Frank Waters Award for literary excellence, the Rounders Award for stories that promote the traditional values of the American West, and the Spur Award from Western Writers of America. She is a frequent presenter at literary festivals and has represented New Mexico at the National Book Festival hosted by the Library of Congress. Hillerman is a staunch supporter of public libraries and lives and works in Santa Fe and Tucson, with frequent trips to the Navajo Nation.