This paper examines Tony Hillerman's book "Dance Hall of the Dead"about a Navajo policeman who investigates the murder of
a young Zuni. It discusses how no one, outside an initiated practitioner in a Native American religion can really comprehend the true significance of its beliefs and rituals and how Hillerman in this novel makes an excellent beginning in differentiating between
spiritual beliefs of Zuni and Navajo. It shows how the Zuni religion can be seen to be extensively different from the religion of the Navajo's in the two tribes' rituals, burial
practices and beliefs in an afterlife. It uses outside sources to confirm and expand on the understanding of these varied spiritual practices.