What do you think?
Rate this book
Walt Longmire #10.1
Wait for Signs: Twelve Longmire Stories
Twelve Longmire short stories available for the first time in a single volume—featuring an introduction by Lou Diamond Phillips of A&E’s Longmire
Ten years ago, Craig Johnson wrote his first short story, the Hillerman Award–winning “Old Indian Trick.” This was one of the earliest appearances of the sheriff who would go on to star in Johnson’s bestselling, award-winning novels and the A&E hit series Longmire. Each Christmas Eve thereafter, fans rejoiced when Johnson sent out a new short story featuring an episode in Walt’s life that doesn’t appear in the novels; over the years, many have asked why they can’t buy the stories in book form.
Wait for Signs collects those beloved stories—and one entirely new story, “Petunia, Bandit Queen of the Bighorns”—for the very first time in a single volume, regular trade hardcover. With glimpses of Walt’s past from the incident in “Ministerial Aide,” when the sheriff is mistaken for a deity, to the hilarious “Messenger,” where the majority
of the action takes place in a Port-A-Potty, Wait for Signs is a necessary addition to any Longmire fan’s shelf and a wonderful way to introduce new readers to the fictional world of Absaroka County, Wyoming.
Ten years ago, Craig Johnson wrote his first short story, the Hillerman Award–winning “Old Indian Trick.” This was one of the earliest appearances of the sheriff who would go on to star in Johnson’s bestselling, award-winning novels and the A&E hit series Longmire. Each Christmas Eve thereafter, fans rejoiced when Johnson sent out a new short story featuring an episode in Walt’s life that doesn’t appear in the novels; over the years, many have asked why they can’t buy the stories in book form.
Wait for Signs collects those beloved stories—and one entirely new story, “Petunia, Bandit Queen of the Bighorns”—for the very first time in a single volume, regular trade hardcover. With glimpses of Walt’s past from the incident in “Ministerial Aide,” when the sheriff is mistaken for a deity, to the hilarious “Messenger,” where the majority
of the action takes place in a Port-A-Potty, Wait for Signs is a necessary addition to any Longmire fan’s shelf and a wonderful way to introduce new readers to the fictional world of Absaroka County, Wyoming.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 21, 2014
1099 people are currently reading
3386 people want to read
About the author
Craig Johnson
104 books4,998 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Craig Johnson an American novelist, short story writer, and playwright. . He lives in Ucross, near Sheridan, Wyoming, population 25.
Johnson has written twelve novels featuring Sheriff Walt Longmire: The Cold Dish, Death Without Company, Kindness Goes Unpunished, Another Man's Moccasins, Junkyard Dogs, The Dark Horse (which received starred reviews from Kirkus, Booklist, Publishers Weekly, and Library Journal, and was named one of Publisher's Weekly's best books of the year in 2009), Hell Is Empty, As The Crow Flies and A Serpent's Tooth. The Cold Dish and The Dark Horse were both Dilys Award finalists, and Death Without Company was named the Wyoming Historical Association's Book of the Year. Another Man's Moccasins received the Western Writers of America Spur Award for best novel of 2008 as well as the Mountains and Plains award for fiction book of the year.
Former police officer; has also worked as an educator, cowboy, and longshoreman.
AWARDS: Tony Hillerman Award for "Old Indian Trick"; fiction book of the year, Wyoming Historical Society, for Death Without Company, Wyoming Council for the Arts Award.
Craig Johnson an American novelist, short story writer, and playwright. . He lives in Ucross, near Sheridan, Wyoming, population 25.
Johnson has written twelve novels featuring Sheriff Walt Longmire: The Cold Dish, Death Without Company, Kindness Goes Unpunished, Another Man's Moccasins, Junkyard Dogs, The Dark Horse (which received starred reviews from Kirkus, Booklist, Publishers Weekly, and Library Journal, and was named one of Publisher's Weekly's best books of the year in 2009), Hell Is Empty, As The Crow Flies and A Serpent's Tooth. The Cold Dish and The Dark Horse were both Dilys Award finalists, and Death Without Company was named the Wyoming Historical Association's Book of the Year. Another Man's Moccasins received the Western Writers of America Spur Award for best novel of 2008 as well as the Mountains and Plains award for fiction book of the year.
Former police officer; has also worked as an educator, cowboy, and longshoreman.
AWARDS: Tony Hillerman Award for "Old Indian Trick"; fiction book of the year, Wyoming Historical Society, for Death Without Company, Wyoming Council for the Arts Award.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 778 reviews
September 23, 2017
I was quite happy when NG approved me for reading this book since I’m a huge fan of Craig Johnson's Longmire series. They only thing that would have made me happier would have been a new book in the series instead of a book with short stories, many which I have already read. But nevertheless, I was happy!
I thought this book would only have one new story that I haven't read before, but it had a couple which was a fun surprise, and I took the opportunity to read some not all of the stories that I had read before, like “ Messenger”, I love that story.
There are 12 stories in this collection. A must read for Longmire fans!
Old Indian trick: Never underestimate an Indian. 3 stars
Ministerial aid: Walt as the Messiah. 4 stars
Slick-tongued devil: Never try to con a grieving sheriff. 4 stars
Fire Bird: Old ladies shouldn’t play with fire. 3 stars
Unbalanced: Walt gives a young girl a lift and they talk music and life. 3 stars
Several Stations: Walt should stick to his occupation; the theater isn’t his thing but he makes a good Santa. 3 stars
High holiday: Never try to fool Walt that you are Jewish. 3 stars
Toys for tots: Buying presents for Walt isn’t easy. 3 stars
Divorce horse: A horse goes missing. 3 stars
Thankstaking: Walt and Henry aren't on the same page when it comes to Thanksgiving. 3 stars
Messenger: Walt, Vic, Henry, bears and an owl. 4 stars
Petunia, bandit queen of the Bighorns: Walt tells the story of Petunia, the ewe that launched a thousand strays. 3 stars
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
I thought this book would only have one new story that I haven't read before, but it had a couple which was a fun surprise, and I took the opportunity to read some not all of the stories that I had read before, like “ Messenger”, I love that story.
There are 12 stories in this collection. A must read for Longmire fans!
Old Indian trick: Never underestimate an Indian. 3 stars
Ministerial aid: Walt as the Messiah. 4 stars
Slick-tongued devil: Never try to con a grieving sheriff. 4 stars
Fire Bird: Old ladies shouldn’t play with fire. 3 stars
Unbalanced: Walt gives a young girl a lift and they talk music and life. 3 stars
Several Stations: Walt should stick to his occupation; the theater isn’t his thing but he makes a good Santa. 3 stars
High holiday: Never try to fool Walt that you are Jewish. 3 stars
Toys for tots: Buying presents for Walt isn’t easy. 3 stars
Divorce horse: A horse goes missing. 3 stars
Thankstaking: Walt and Henry aren't on the same page when it comes to Thanksgiving. 3 stars
Messenger: Walt, Vic, Henry, bears and an owl. 4 stars
Petunia, bandit queen of the Bighorns: Walt tells the story of Petunia, the ewe that launched a thousand strays. 3 stars
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
May 29, 2019
This book is listed as Longmier #10.1 but it is (in significant parts) early Walt Longmier.
It is an excellent introduction to the early events and continuing characters that populate those many novels.
It could be the first book of the contemporary Wyoming sheriff that you choose to read. Or, it could be just a chance to say (as is vocalized by the character, Lonnie Little Bird) “Um hmmm, yes, it is so.”
I guess what I am trying to convey is that this blend of crime and mystery is basically an equivalent to comfort food. Like French fries or popcorn, it is hard to help yourself to just one. And, with this collection, you don’t have to restrain yourself. Nothing equivalent to high cuisine, but for most Longmier fans that will not matter.
3.5*
It is an excellent introduction to the early events and continuing characters that populate those many novels.
It could be the first book of the contemporary Wyoming sheriff that you choose to read. Or, it could be just a chance to say (as is vocalized by the character, Lonnie Little Bird) “Um hmmm, yes, it is so.”
I guess what I am trying to convey is that this blend of crime and mystery is basically an equivalent to comfort food. Like French fries or popcorn, it is hard to help yourself to just one. And, with this collection, you don’t have to restrain yourself. Nothing equivalent to high cuisine, but for most Longmier fans that will not matter.
3.5*
April 22, 2017
This library book is a collection of 12 short stories that Craig Johnson started writing as a Christmas gift to his website followers. He realized that he had created a monster when people started asking Where is the Christmas story? one year after the first. All of his characters are in these stories:
Walt Longmire, Absaroka County Sheriff,
Henry Standing Bear, Walt's friend since high school
Walt's daughter Cady
Victoria Moretti, Absaroka County Under sheriff
Santiago "Sancho" Saizarbitoria, Basque Deputy
Lucian Connally, previous Absaroka Sheriff
These stories are not all mysteries, but all show Walt as a caring, kind person. They are stories laced with humor, wisdom and compassion. My favorite is "Messenger"
Victoria quote: "I'm not toilet diving for an owl."
It was a short easy read and definitely 4 stars.
Walt Longmire, Absaroka County Sheriff,
Henry Standing Bear, Walt's friend since high school
Walt's daughter Cady
Victoria Moretti, Absaroka County Under sheriff
Santiago "Sancho" Saizarbitoria, Basque Deputy
Lucian Connally, previous Absaroka Sheriff
These stories are not all mysteries, but all show Walt as a caring, kind person. They are stories laced with humor, wisdom and compassion. My favorite is "Messenger"
Victoria quote: "I'm not toilet diving for an owl."
It was a short easy read and definitely 4 stars.
February 23, 2019
Well, wow. Like another reviewer, I am not usually a fan of short stories but I love the Longmire books so I jumped at the chance to win/review this book. And now I might have to change my mind about short stories. These were just fantastic. Johnson is an even more skilled writer than I imagined. He can do in the space of a few pages what most authors need full books to do. I laughed (often) and cried (Thankstaking) and was transported to Absaroka County every time. All the favorites are there (Henry Standing Bear, Vic, Saizarbitoria, Lucian, Vic, Dog...) Really, if you are a fan of Walt Longmire do not miss these never before published short stories that Johnson penned every Christmas for his newsletter fans. These are so entertaining and pack a punch. HIGHLY recommend.
December 1, 2022
I don't read that many short stories these days - but perhaps I should rethink that. Most of these stories were very good, but then I love the series, and I also love the narrator for this and other audiobooks in this series (George Guidall).
This might be a good book for people who are not so familiar with the series; it gives a good taste of what Walt Longmire is like, and why he's so likable. It made me want to read another one soon, and fortunately, there are still several I have not read.
This might be a good book for people who are not so familiar with the series; it gives a good taste of what Walt Longmire is like, and why he's so likable. It made me want to read another one soon, and fortunately, there are still several I have not read.
October 2, 2014
An excellent collection of Longmire holiday stories. These stories were written one a yearly basis (one per year) for the folks who subscribed to Craig Johnson's news letter. All the stories were good to very good, though I will say, my favorite in this collection was a story called "Messenger"
Some of the stories fill in gaps between the books and add to fill in the history of Walt Longmire with many utilizing Longmire's daughter, friend Henry and his dog Dog. Most of the stories are orientated tword the Christmas holiday season.
A thoroughly enjoyable book.
Some of the stories fill in gaps between the books and add to fill in the history of Walt Longmire with many utilizing Longmire's daughter, friend Henry and his dog Dog. Most of the stories are orientated tword the Christmas holiday season.
A thoroughly enjoyable book.
July 1, 2021
I'm a big Longmire fan, initially from the Netflix series but now also from these most excellent short stories. The dozen stories here take place around holidays, generally quiet times for the gruff yet wise sheriff of Absaroka county Wyoming. They provide a bit more of a relaxed atmosphere where Walt has an opportunity for some introspection and/or more casual interactions with his daughter, deputies or closest friend, Henry. These typically take shape as more mundane, yet nonetheless interesting, cases or events where Walt's softer side can be glimpsed.
Standouts for me include Slick-Tongued Devil, a touching story where Walt recalls his last day with his wife before her death. Fire Bird is interesting for the nostalgia it conjures in Walt and some colorful local history. And finally, the wildly amusing Messenger, which takes place almost entirely with Walt, Vic and Henry in (literally) and around a port-a-potty.
Standouts for me include Slick-Tongued Devil, a touching story where Walt recalls his last day with his wife before her death. Fire Bird is interesting for the nostalgia it conjures in Walt and some colorful local history. And finally, the wildly amusing Messenger, which takes place almost entirely with Walt, Vic and Henry in (literally) and around a port-a-potty.
July 10, 2023
This is a collection of short stories from Johnson featuring Sheriff Walt Longmire and his assorted cronies from Absaroka County, Wyoming. I've been a fan of the Longmire books ever since seeing the great TV series on A&E and Netflix several years ago. This collection was full of pathos, humor, and a few mysteries and it helps to fill in some of the gaps in Longmire's saga dating back to when his wife Martha died. The stories include some very off-beat situations such as Walt being mistaken for the messiah on the first day of the new millennium; a con-artist trying to sell Walt a Bible purported to have been purchased by Walt's wife before she died (very reminiscent of the movie Paper Moon); an older woman using fire to abolish the drinking habits of some of the locals; Walt playing the ghost of Christmas Present in a production of A Christmas Carol; and my favorite, Walt and Bear lowering Vic into a campground outhouse to rescue a great-horned owl.
I would heartily recommend all of these stories and feel that they're a great addition to the Longmire saga. I have read most of the novels but still need to read a few of the later ones. I'll definitely look forward to them.
I would heartily recommend all of these stories and feel that they're a great addition to the Longmire saga. I have read most of the novels but still need to read a few of the later ones. I'll definitely look forward to them.
February 27, 2015
Walt Longmire is just plain fantastic. Craig Johnson has birthed a legendary lawman, friend, father, lover, philosopher and all around man's man that women can dig on as well. His flaws in all of these categories make him worth checking in with as frequently as Mr. Johnson can produce the tales.
Each of these shorts add so much to the Walt we have come to love and admire. Layers of meaning in the fine descriptions. Many times I found myself chuckling, laughing and crying about some tidbits that have multiple impacts on the lives we have come to enjoy.
With Walt at the nexus of this finely wrought world, we can only look forward to the journeys to come.
Each of these shorts add so much to the Walt we have come to love and admire. Layers of meaning in the fine descriptions. Many times I found myself chuckling, laughing and crying about some tidbits that have multiple impacts on the lives we have come to enjoy.
With Walt at the nexus of this finely wrought world, we can only look forward to the journeys to come.
September 12, 2015
All the regulars are back in these twelve great stories that jump around in the series. Each one has the Longmire philosophy and his clever, charming way of going about things. There are funny parts to each but one stands out to me as the best; Walt, Bear and Vic find themselves in the woods with an outhouse dilemma. Totally Funny. Great feel good holiday shorts.
May 5, 2016
Every story was great and filled in some background on the characters.
March 28, 2017
One of his best yet. The only disappointment is finishing it and not having more time with Longmire and The Bear.
February 7, 2018
**As I continue my Longmire series read, full disclosure requires that I openly admit I am a devoted fan of the Longmire television show (on A/E and now Netflix) and have enjoyed reading the previous books in the Longmire book series that inspired that show even more. With that said, I am still doing my best to provide objective and an honest review. **
“Wait for Signs” is a hard copy collection of the Longmire short stories that Johnson has either published electronically and/or sent out each Christmas to his fans. These stories reveal more personalized moments from Sheriff Walt Longmire’s life. The themes are personal, involving his struggles with moving on from the death of his wife, Martha, and challenges with being a father to his daughter, Cady, as she grows up into the Greatest Legal Mid of Our Time.
The best stories include:
“Ministerial Aid” - On the first New Year’s morning following the death of his wife, Walt finds himself sporting a killer hangover and answering a call in his bathrobe that ends up dealing with a domestic abuse situation in a most unique well.
“Slick-Tongued Devil” - Two days before Christmas Walt sees his wife’s obituary listed in the local paper while having breakfast at the Busy Bee Café. Heading home he solaces in beer and a nap, but is woken by an unexpected knock at the door, and gentleman who has arrived to deliver a personalized edition of the Bible that Walt’s wife placed a special ordered for before she died.
“Messenger” - Walt, Henry, and Vic receive a distress call from a forest service ranger and a civilian are in trouble. They arrive to find the two trapped on top of a Porta-potty by a mother bear and her cubs. This one has some of the funniest moments ever in Longmire history.
Fire Bird” – Walt tries to spend a quiet New Year’s Eve with Lucian at the Durant Home for the Assisted Living and ends up involved in a decades old fire-setting mystery.
The good stories include:
“Old Indian Trick” – Walt and Lonnie Little Bird find themselves accidently in the middle of a restaurant robbery and investigation.
“Unbalanced” – On his way to pick up Cady at the Billings airport for Christmas, Walt picks up an unusual hitchhiker along the way. The young female lady seems more than a bit unbalanced and provides Walt an interesting challenge as they exchange stories during the drive. The story reflects a bit on Walt’s Vietnam past and shares a sensitive side of the relationships between fathers and daughters.
“Divorce Horse” - during the annual American Days Parade where the town and fairgrounds are full of tourists over Memorial holiday weekend. Tommy Jefferson, a local, yet renowned Indian relay racer loses his favorite horse – Divorce Horse – and seeks help from Walt, Henry, and Cady to find him.
“Several Stations” – Walt’s debut as the Spirit of Christmas in the local Durant production of A Christmas Carol doesn’t go quite as he practiced and hoped for.
“Thankstaking” – Walt and Henry meet a stranger on Thanksgiving that brings out their sensitive and caring Spirit.
The lesser stories include:
“Toys for Tots” – Walt and his daughter, Cady, go Christmas shopping in what may be her last holiday home with dad before her impending wedding to Deputy Moretti’s brother. Walt is his typical grumpy self as Cady tries to get him in the Christmas spirit of giving, and an unusual opportunity arises for Walter to do just that with a young Navy Chaplain.
“High Holidays” – Walt deals with a lost and forgetful carful of guys in which all does not seem as it looks.
“Petunia, Bandit Queen of the Bighorns – Walt and Santiago are called in to deal with the capture of the legendary Petunia, queen and most hunted of all the sheep in the Bighorn mountain range.
Overall, these stories are sarcastic, funny, and full of personalized moments that reveal both the outer strength and inner vulnerability of Walt Longmire, his family and friends. Those moments are funny, sarcastic, sensitive and well-worth reading.
“Wait for Signs” is a hard copy collection of the Longmire short stories that Johnson has either published electronically and/or sent out each Christmas to his fans. These stories reveal more personalized moments from Sheriff Walt Longmire’s life. The themes are personal, involving his struggles with moving on from the death of his wife, Martha, and challenges with being a father to his daughter, Cady, as she grows up into the Greatest Legal Mid of Our Time.
The best stories include:
“Ministerial Aid” - On the first New Year’s morning following the death of his wife, Walt finds himself sporting a killer hangover and answering a call in his bathrobe that ends up dealing with a domestic abuse situation in a most unique well.
“Slick-Tongued Devil” - Two days before Christmas Walt sees his wife’s obituary listed in the local paper while having breakfast at the Busy Bee Café. Heading home he solaces in beer and a nap, but is woken by an unexpected knock at the door, and gentleman who has arrived to deliver a personalized edition of the Bible that Walt’s wife placed a special ordered for before she died.
“Messenger” - Walt, Henry, and Vic receive a distress call from a forest service ranger and a civilian are in trouble. They arrive to find the two trapped on top of a Porta-potty by a mother bear and her cubs. This one has some of the funniest moments ever in Longmire history.
Fire Bird” – Walt tries to spend a quiet New Year’s Eve with Lucian at the Durant Home for the Assisted Living and ends up involved in a decades old fire-setting mystery.
The good stories include:
“Old Indian Trick” – Walt and Lonnie Little Bird find themselves accidently in the middle of a restaurant robbery and investigation.
“Unbalanced” – On his way to pick up Cady at the Billings airport for Christmas, Walt picks up an unusual hitchhiker along the way. The young female lady seems more than a bit unbalanced and provides Walt an interesting challenge as they exchange stories during the drive. The story reflects a bit on Walt’s Vietnam past and shares a sensitive side of the relationships between fathers and daughters.
“Divorce Horse” - during the annual American Days Parade where the town and fairgrounds are full of tourists over Memorial holiday weekend. Tommy Jefferson, a local, yet renowned Indian relay racer loses his favorite horse – Divorce Horse – and seeks help from Walt, Henry, and Cady to find him.
“Several Stations” – Walt’s debut as the Spirit of Christmas in the local Durant production of A Christmas Carol doesn’t go quite as he practiced and hoped for.
“Thankstaking” – Walt and Henry meet a stranger on Thanksgiving that brings out their sensitive and caring Spirit.
The lesser stories include:
“Toys for Tots” – Walt and his daughter, Cady, go Christmas shopping in what may be her last holiday home with dad before her impending wedding to Deputy Moretti’s brother. Walt is his typical grumpy self as Cady tries to get him in the Christmas spirit of giving, and an unusual opportunity arises for Walter to do just that with a young Navy Chaplain.
“High Holidays” – Walt deals with a lost and forgetful carful of guys in which all does not seem as it looks.
“Petunia, Bandit Queen of the Bighorns – Walt and Santiago are called in to deal with the capture of the legendary Petunia, queen and most hunted of all the sheep in the Bighorn mountain range.
Overall, these stories are sarcastic, funny, and full of personalized moments that reveal both the outer strength and inner vulnerability of Walt Longmire, his family and friends. Those moments are funny, sarcastic, sensitive and well-worth reading.
January 22, 2019
We recently finished watching the entire series of Longmire. The books have been on my wishlist since we started watching the show. I haven't read any of the full-length ones yet; this is my first adventure with Walt on the page. Apparently, the storylines on the show are going to differ from those in the novels.
This book consists of 12 short stories that Craig Johnson wrote as Christmas gifts for his fans; they are collected here for the first time. Most of them take place during the holiday season.
This is a solid collection and I enjoyed all the stories. I really like the homage to Paper Moon in "Slick Tongued Devil".
This book consists of 12 short stories that Craig Johnson wrote as Christmas gifts for his fans; they are collected here for the first time. Most of them take place during the holiday season.
This is a solid collection and I enjoyed all the stories. I really like the homage to Paper Moon in "Slick Tongued Devil".
February 27, 2024
I usually don't like short story anthologies, but all these stories featured Walt Longmire as the main character, so they felt like little glimpses into his life. Most of them were written as freebees for Craig Johnson's fans, but that doesn't lessen the value of these nuggets. One of my impressions while reading them is the loneliness and depression that Walt experienced during the holidays after the death of his wife, Martha, and the absence of his daughter, Cady. The best of the stories is "Messenger", as memorably hilarious as you'll ever find. Good read!!
February 16, 2015
Author Craig Johnson has an enviable problem: heaps of fans. To show his gratitude for their support, he sent them all a free copy of his short story, "Old Indian Trick," as a Christmas present. The following November he was deluged with requests for another one. I tell you, it's like feeding stray cats.
So Johnson wrote another one, and another the year after that; and when he had accreted enough, he put them into this delightful little anthology of a dozen short stories, all featuring Walt Longmire and his trusty band of supporting characters. Each tale is a gem in the jewelry collection which is the Longmire series: the writing is smooth, with the seemingly effortless style that is the hallmark of a master storyteller. Each story, though self-contained, adds to the overall vision of the sheriff of Absaroka County. Some are sad; some are funny; many are both. Well worth a read.
So Johnson wrote another one, and another the year after that; and when he had accreted enough, he put them into this delightful little anthology of a dozen short stories, all featuring Walt Longmire and his trusty band of supporting characters. Each tale is a gem in the jewelry collection which is the Longmire series: the writing is smooth, with the seemingly effortless style that is the hallmark of a master storyteller. Each story, though self-contained, adds to the overall vision of the sheriff of Absaroka County. Some are sad; some are funny; many are both. Well worth a read.
December 15, 2015
If you are a fan of Johnson's Walt Longmire mysteries, I think you will love this short story collection. Several of the twelve stories take place around Christmas and New Year's which is why I selected this book as part of my 2015 holiday reading marathon. The things I enjoy about Johnson's writing are distilled into stories featuring both familiar and new characters and locations in northern Wyoming and eastern Montana. Each story transports the reader and packs a punch in a few pages. Recommended!
August 15, 2022
This collection of short stories mostly revolve around or at least include Christmas in some way. All are quite enjoyable, especially for Longmire fans.
January 7, 2015
First Sentence; First Story: It’s hard to argue with an old Indian or his tricks.
How nice to have collection of Johnson’s annual Christmas stories, all in one place. Plus, there is the added gift of a new story, and a wonderful, personal introduction by Lou Diamond Phillips, the actor who plays Henry Standing Bear in the Longmire television series, based on the series. Phillips introduction expresses so much of what I feel about Johnson’s writing, as well as the pleasure of meeting Craig and his wife Judy.
The stories are of the same, high quality we’ve come to expect from Johnson. They are thoughtful and entertaining with each containing a small lesson as well. From how one should never overlook the basics, to realizing that salvation can come from unexpected sources, to forgiveness and tolerance. It’s lovely that there is even a small reference to the American actor Robert Taylor, perhaps best known for the Westerns he made in the 1960s, as an homage to the Australian actor currently playing Sheriff Longmire. There are also lessons on acceptance, remembering others, giving, priorities, desperation and redemption. But we also learn the history of the term, “Indian Summer.”
“Wait for the Signs” is a classic example of Johnson’s humor, wisdom and wonderful writing. As well as a treat for oneself, it is an excellent introduction to those who’ve not read Johnson before.
WAIT FOR THE SIGNS (Short Stories – Sheriff Walt Longmire – Wyoming – Contemp) – Ex
Johnson, Craig
Viking Adult, 2014
How nice to have collection of Johnson’s annual Christmas stories, all in one place. Plus, there is the added gift of a new story, and a wonderful, personal introduction by Lou Diamond Phillips, the actor who plays Henry Standing Bear in the Longmire television series, based on the series. Phillips introduction expresses so much of what I feel about Johnson’s writing, as well as the pleasure of meeting Craig and his wife Judy.
The stories are of the same, high quality we’ve come to expect from Johnson. They are thoughtful and entertaining with each containing a small lesson as well. From how one should never overlook the basics, to realizing that salvation can come from unexpected sources, to forgiveness and tolerance. It’s lovely that there is even a small reference to the American actor Robert Taylor, perhaps best known for the Westerns he made in the 1960s, as an homage to the Australian actor currently playing Sheriff Longmire. There are also lessons on acceptance, remembering others, giving, priorities, desperation and redemption. But we also learn the history of the term, “Indian Summer.”
“Wait for the Signs” is a classic example of Johnson’s humor, wisdom and wonderful writing. As well as a treat for oneself, it is an excellent introduction to those who’ve not read Johnson before.
WAIT FOR THE SIGNS (Short Stories – Sheriff Walt Longmire – Wyoming – Contemp) – Ex
Johnson, Craig
Viking Adult, 2014
June 9, 2024
too gross!
February 20, 2024
There are always signs of some sort in Walt Longmire tales and this collection of 12 short stories are all about Walt and friends reading the signs so they never miss what’s important.
These stories can be read as stand alone short stories, but if you are a Longmire fan they fill in some of the gaps in our gruff cowboy sheriff’s life. Some of the stories are touching, some are a little sad, but most highlight the sheriff doing his job in his own special way which is usually pretty fun. I loved them all and I wished there were more. There is a foreword written by Lou Diamond Phillips who played Henry Standing Bear on the TV show. All good clean fun.
These stories can be read as stand alone short stories, but if you are a Longmire fan they fill in some of the gaps in our gruff cowboy sheriff’s life. Some of the stories are touching, some are a little sad, but most highlight the sheriff doing his job in his own special way which is usually pretty fun. I loved them all and I wished there were more. There is a foreword written by Lou Diamond Phillips who played Henry Standing Bear on the TV show. All good clean fun.
December 3, 2020
I just really like his writing style.
October 19, 2014
I won this book through Goodreads, First-reads. It takes an observant sheriff to see all the signs and interpret what their meanings might be. All of these stories could be part of the Longmire series, which I miss. The sheriff put the Bible salesman in his place. The so-called Jewish men were frauds. He stopped them from going any further. These were all good stories. I especially like Henry's Indian wisdom.
July 16, 2025
SO many good ones in this that show further insight into Walt and Henry. There is definitely a theme that shows through the line of what kindness both men possess.
Some stories, as in all collections, are better than others, but they are all worth reading to supplement the main series.
4 Stars for the collection as a whole.
Some stories, as in all collections, are better than others, but they are all worth reading to supplement the main series.
4 Stars for the collection as a whole.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2023
As a rule, I don't like short stories, there just isn't enough to get excited about. However, for this collection I am totally willing to suspend that rule. "Wait for Signs" is Walt and Henry at their best. Even the titles are works of literary art - for instance "Petunia, Bandit Queen of the Bighorns". How can you possibly NOT read something with a title like that??
My only complaint is that it ends too soon...which is mostly why I don't like short stories in the first place. Mr Thomas, please WRITE MORE AND LONGER!
My only complaint is that it ends too soon...which is mostly why I don't like short stories in the first place. Mr Thomas, please WRITE MORE AND LONGER!
December 7, 2020
This collection of 12 short stories packages those stories that the author, Craig Johnson has written each Christmas season and published in his newsletter. Naturally, most of them revolve around a Christmas theme of one kind or another and usually include at least one of the book series' prominent co-characters like Henry Standing Bear, Walt's daughter Cady, etc. All the stories are well done, like little gems, and serve to fill out what happens between the main novels.
Thoroughly delightful reading, especially during the holiday season and even more so during this year of 2020.
Thoroughly delightful reading, especially during the holiday season and even more so during this year of 2020.
January 20, 2019
Great stories of Walt Longmire and his cohorts.
May 3, 2024
Rating: 4 stars
I was excited to open this collection of 12 short stories. Many of the stories are connected with a holiday. Characters from the novels appear, but it isn't necessary to have read the novels to follow the stories...though I do recommend all of the novels to new readers.
SUMMARY: Every Christmas Eve, Walt Longmire fans rejoiced when Johnson sent out a new short story featuring an episode in Walt’s life that doesn’t appear in the novels; over the years, many have asked why they can’t buy the stories in book form. Wait for Sign's collects 11 of those beloved stories—and one entirely new story, “Petunia, Bandit Queen of the Bighorns”—for the very first time in a single volume. With glimpses of Walt’s past from the incident in “Ministerial Aide,” when the sheriff is mistaken for a deity, to the hilarious “Messenger,” where the majority of the action takes place in a Port-A-Potty, Wait for Signs is a necessary addition to any Longmire fan’s shelf and a wonderful way to introduce new readers to the fictional world of Absaroka County, Wyoming.
I was excited to open this collection of 12 short stories. Many of the stories are connected with a holiday. Characters from the novels appear, but it isn't necessary to have read the novels to follow the stories...though I do recommend all of the novels to new readers.
SUMMARY: Every Christmas Eve, Walt Longmire fans rejoiced when Johnson sent out a new short story featuring an episode in Walt’s life that doesn’t appear in the novels; over the years, many have asked why they can’t buy the stories in book form. Wait for Sign's collects 11 of those beloved stories—and one entirely new story, “Petunia, Bandit Queen of the Bighorns”—for the very first time in a single volume. With glimpses of Walt’s past from the incident in “Ministerial Aide,” when the sheriff is mistaken for a deity, to the hilarious “Messenger,” where the majority of the action takes place in a Port-A-Potty, Wait for Signs is a necessary addition to any Longmire fan’s shelf and a wonderful way to introduce new readers to the fictional world of Absaroka County, Wyoming.
August 30, 2018
Contemporary western adventures of a sheriff in Wyoming.Great characters,sharp dialogue and one of the funniest lines ever:" He had done a two-spot in Deer Lodge where the prison Psychologist intimated that it was all a question of comparison but that if you sat a bag of groceries next to Travis,the groceries would get into Stanford before he would."I have been binge watching the Longmire tv series and I am now hooked on the books.
August 15, 2020
Short, satisfying, delightful and sometimes melancholy stories in the life of Sheriff Longmire. Some I’ve read/listened to before but still find them enjoyable. In this collection I especially liked “Thankstaking”, “Old Indian Trick”, “Firebird”, “Messenger” and… well all of them I guess. The bonus story, “Petunia, Bandit Queen of the Bighorns” was laugh-out-loud worthy as well as heartwarming and very much a distinctly Longmire tale.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 778 reviews