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Walt Longmire #22
The Brothers McKay: A Longmire Mystery
Not yet published
Expected 26 May 26A masterful new novel in the beloved New York Times bestselling Longmire series
When Pepper McKay, one of the most hated men in Absaroka County, is found murdered on his ranch in Crazy Woman Canyon, suspects aren’t in short supply. But Sheriff Walt Longmire’s attention is on those who had gathered for a family meeting that evening, McKay’s very different a smooth-talking charmer, a cosmopolitan journalist, a reclusive monk, and a half-Native ranch hand who keeps the place running. Each had a motive. Each claims he’s innocent.
As Walt investigates what happened that night at the O-Kay Lodge, he’s pulled into a tangle of old grudges and long-buried secrets. Then the case takes a sharp a second body surfaces, and a wildfire tears through the canyon, trapping Walt and forcing him into a fight for his life as both the killer and the elements close in.
The twenty-second novel in the Longmire series, The Brothers McKay is a murder mystery and a survival thriller that tests the sheriff’s hard-won sense of justice—all while paying sly homage to Dostoevsky’s classic.
When Pepper McKay, one of the most hated men in Absaroka County, is found murdered on his ranch in Crazy Woman Canyon, suspects aren’t in short supply. But Sheriff Walt Longmire’s attention is on those who had gathered for a family meeting that evening, McKay’s very different a smooth-talking charmer, a cosmopolitan journalist, a reclusive monk, and a half-Native ranch hand who keeps the place running. Each had a motive. Each claims he’s innocent.
As Walt investigates what happened that night at the O-Kay Lodge, he’s pulled into a tangle of old grudges and long-buried secrets. Then the case takes a sharp a second body surfaces, and a wildfire tears through the canyon, trapping Walt and forcing him into a fight for his life as both the killer and the elements close in.
The twenty-second novel in the Longmire series, The Brothers McKay is a murder mystery and a survival thriller that tests the sheriff’s hard-won sense of justice—all while paying sly homage to Dostoevsky’s classic.
360 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 26, 2026
About the author
Craig Johnson
98 books5,025 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.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Book twenty-two, and Craig Johnson is still out here proving he can take Walt Longmire anywhere he wants with his philosophical detours, historical rabbit holes, and the occasional “wait, why are we learning this?” sidebar included. And honestly, that’s part of why this series remains one of my favorites. When Johnson steps away from the woo-woo elements that sometimes drift into the supernatural, the books settle into that grounded, wry, quietly intense rhythm that hooked me in the first place.
This one, The Brothers McKay, is basically Johnson showing you everything he has: autopsy tidbits, chess strategy, Wyoming history, religious quotes, car maintenance, heavy machinery, and if he can wedge it in, he will. It’s like he’s saying, “Sit tight, we’ll get to the mystery… eventually.” And he does, but he takes the scenic route while muttering about something philosophical.
Lucien shows up, and as usual, I can take him or leave him. Victoria remains her annoying self. But Henry Standing Bear? Always a win. His presence sharpens the story. His intensity and dry humor have a way of grounding Walt every time he steps onto the page, making the whole book feel more alive. Most importantly, he brings out a funnier, more self-aware version of Walt.
As for the mystery itself, apparently, the clues were there, and I missed them. I really thought it was the other guy, and it wasn’t until the final stretch, when Johnson finally snaps all the pieces together, that I had that “ohhh, that’s what we were doing” moment. The first 80% is a slow simmer, but the last 20%? Clear your schedule. Sit down. Don’t move. Don’t breathe. Just read.
And then there’s the literary twist where Johnson is retelling The Brothers Karamazov. Thankfully, a certain not-so-incarcerated visitor in Walt’s open-door jail cell spells that out for the reader. I’m not suddenly inspired to tackle the Russian classic, but I did poke around enough to appreciate what Johnson was doing. The parallels are clever, the themes surprisingly fitting, and the whole thing adds a layer of depth.
In the end, The Brothers McKay is a slow, wandering, detail-stuffed ride that rewards your patience with a finale that hits hard. Johnson may take his sweet time, but he knows exactly where he’s going. And once again, I’m glad I went along for the trip.
This one, The Brothers McKay, is basically Johnson showing you everything he has: autopsy tidbits, chess strategy, Wyoming history, religious quotes, car maintenance, heavy machinery, and if he can wedge it in, he will. It’s like he’s saying, “Sit tight, we’ll get to the mystery… eventually.” And he does, but he takes the scenic route while muttering about something philosophical.
Lucien shows up, and as usual, I can take him or leave him. Victoria remains her annoying self. But Henry Standing Bear? Always a win. His presence sharpens the story. His intensity and dry humor have a way of grounding Walt every time he steps onto the page, making the whole book feel more alive. Most importantly, he brings out a funnier, more self-aware version of Walt.
As for the mystery itself, apparently, the clues were there, and I missed them. I really thought it was the other guy, and it wasn’t until the final stretch, when Johnson finally snaps all the pieces together, that I had that “ohhh, that’s what we were doing” moment. The first 80% is a slow simmer, but the last 20%? Clear your schedule. Sit down. Don’t move. Don’t breathe. Just read.
And then there’s the literary twist where Johnson is retelling The Brothers Karamazov. Thankfully, a certain not-so-incarcerated visitor in Walt’s open-door jail cell spells that out for the reader. I’m not suddenly inspired to tackle the Russian classic, but I did poke around enough to appreciate what Johnson was doing. The parallels are clever, the themes surprisingly fitting, and the whole thing adds a layer of depth.
In the end, The Brothers McKay is a slow, wandering, detail-stuffed ride that rewards your patience with a finale that hits hard. Johnson may take his sweet time, but he knows exactly where he’s going. And once again, I’m glad I went along for the trip.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
With this 22nd installment of Craig Johnson's Walt Longmire Mysteries, the author taps into the literature loving lawman's knowledge base.
A prominent unlikeable wealthy citizen, Pepper McKay, of Crazy Woman Canyon in Absaroka County is found dead and his family of 4 sons, all who have motive, are suspected. Walt and crew are investigating the possible murder as 3 wildfires are being driven their way by unpredictable winds. The suspect list grows as another body from the original suspect pool appears. Other characters add to the mix of plot twists including members of a seminary, of which one of the McKay's sons is a monk, a mule named Borax who connects with Walt's gentle side and survival in a firestorm, and a former Russian spy, Maxim Sudorov, who helps Walt with the solving of the mystery by refining the connection of Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov (hence, the significance of the book's title) to the case.
The book starts a bit slow as Johnson begins his investigation, and takes off later in my favorite part of book when Walt is forced into survival mode because of the fires having their way. Johnson's description of what is happening is top notch and the reader is right there wondering if there is any escape. One problem I had was one of the characters had been impaled by a tree branch and was draped over the mule when the text indicated this couldn't be done without causing more damage.
I also thought that Vic's role was over the top with her crude language and made me wonder how Walt could be engaged to her.
All in all, I really liked the book and am recommending it to patrons, family, and friends, because it includes the many great components in the Longmire series: Humor, Native American culture, incredible descriptions of Wyoming landscapes and landforms, great characterizations, and a mystery with lots of twists!
Thank you to Viking Penguin and Netgalley for the opportunity to read the ARC.
A prominent unlikeable wealthy citizen, Pepper McKay, of Crazy Woman Canyon in Absaroka County is found dead and his family of 4 sons, all who have motive, are suspected. Walt and crew are investigating the possible murder as 3 wildfires are being driven their way by unpredictable winds. The suspect list grows as another body from the original suspect pool appears. Other characters add to the mix of plot twists including members of a seminary, of which one of the McKay's sons is a monk, a mule named Borax who connects with Walt's gentle side and survival in a firestorm, and a former Russian spy, Maxim Sudorov, who helps Walt with the solving of the mystery by refining the connection of Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov (hence, the significance of the book's title) to the case.
The book starts a bit slow as Johnson begins his investigation, and takes off later in my favorite part of book when Walt is forced into survival mode because of the fires having their way. Johnson's description of what is happening is top notch and the reader is right there wondering if there is any escape. One problem I had was one of the characters had been impaled by a tree branch and was draped over the mule when the text indicated this couldn't be done without causing more damage.
I also thought that Vic's role was over the top with her crude language and made me wonder how Walt could be engaged to her.
All in all, I really liked the book and am recommending it to patrons, family, and friends, because it includes the many great components in the Longmire series: Humor, Native American culture, incredible descriptions of Wyoming landscapes and landforms, great characterizations, and a mystery with lots of twists!
Thank you to Viking Penguin and Netgalley for the opportunity to read the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4 stars for book 22 in the Longmire series by Craig Johnson. I have read all but but one of the previous books in the series. Both my wife and I enjoy this series for the humor and the mysteries. We started reading the series after watching the tv series based on the books.
This book has Walt Longmire, Sheriff of fictional Absaroka County, Wyoming, investigating the murder of Pepper McKay. A relevant quote: "Well it's agreed that everyone on the North American continent hated the man." Even Pepper's children didn't like him.
Walt starts interviewing everyone present at the McKay ranch when Pepper was killed. As the investigation progresses, he discovers some buried secrets and grudges. He does finally solve the case, but not before more deaths.
Complicating the investigation are several wildfires near the ranch which could combine into a monster wildfire.
If you have read any of the previous books, you know that Victoria Moretti, Walt's under sheriff, has a very salty tongue. A quote by one of Walt's deputies after he and Walt listen to a message on the office answering machine from Victoria: "He nodded, hitting the button and erasing Vic's recording. 'You know I don't think that I've ever heard anybody use that word that many times in that short of a message."
Walt Longmire is an interesting character. He is Vietnam vet, and a college graduate who quotes the bible and Orwell. He also has a theological debate on morality with a novice monk who is contemplating suicide. He is considered a dinosaur by Vic, because he refuses to have a cell phone.
Triggers:
Sex: none
Language: profanity
Violence: brief description of a man caught in an elk stampede.
Thank You Viking Books for sending me this eARC through NetGalley.
#TheBrothersMcKay #NetGalley.
Pub Date May 26 2026
This book has Walt Longmire, Sheriff of fictional Absaroka County, Wyoming, investigating the murder of Pepper McKay. A relevant quote: "Well it's agreed that everyone on the North American continent hated the man." Even Pepper's children didn't like him.
Walt starts interviewing everyone present at the McKay ranch when Pepper was killed. As the investigation progresses, he discovers some buried secrets and grudges. He does finally solve the case, but not before more deaths.
Complicating the investigation are several wildfires near the ranch which could combine into a monster wildfire.
If you have read any of the previous books, you know that Victoria Moretti, Walt's under sheriff, has a very salty tongue. A quote by one of Walt's deputies after he and Walt listen to a message on the office answering machine from Victoria: "He nodded, hitting the button and erasing Vic's recording. 'You know I don't think that I've ever heard anybody use that word that many times in that short of a message."
Walt Longmire is an interesting character. He is Vietnam vet, and a college graduate who quotes the bible and Orwell. He also has a theological debate on morality with a novice monk who is contemplating suicide. He is considered a dinosaur by Vic, because he refuses to have a cell phone.
Triggers:
Sex: none
Language: profanity
Violence: brief description of a man caught in an elk stampede.
Thank You Viking Books for sending me this eARC through NetGalley.
#TheBrothersMcKay #NetGalley.
Pub Date May 26 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Craig Johnson, NetGalley, and Viking Publishers for allowing me to read a free ebook in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is the 22nd installment in the long running Walt Longmire series and they just keep getting better! This one is the best yet! The plot and characters give an informative nod to the novel the Brothers Karamazov (hence the title). Having not previously read that novel, Walt talked me along so that I had all the information that i needed to follow the action (so don't worry if you haven't read the 1000 page tome either!). Circumstances come to a head at the O"Kay Ranch when two murder victims have been found and a third dead body is discovered just as the ranch is evacuated in the path of an oncoming forest fire. Walt is the last to leave, except (of course!) he discovers that a novice monk with a bad sense of direction and a stubborn mule (literally) haven't evacuated as they should have. Walt can't allow himself to evacuate without everyone else safe, so he heads toward the fire to rescue the monk, and ends up getting into the center of several large forest fires as they combine to form a super fire. Fortunately, Walt's new friend Borax the mule is as stubborn and steady as he is. Not only do Walt and Borax save lives, they get to the bottom of the series of murders also.
I also loved the other story line that is woven into the plot in which we learn a little bit more about the disappearance of Ruth One Heart, and we come face to face with an old adversary - or is he?
I already can't wait for the next book in the series!
This is the 22nd installment in the long running Walt Longmire series and they just keep getting better! This one is the best yet! The plot and characters give an informative nod to the novel the Brothers Karamazov (hence the title). Having not previously read that novel, Walt talked me along so that I had all the information that i needed to follow the action (so don't worry if you haven't read the 1000 page tome either!). Circumstances come to a head at the O"Kay Ranch when two murder victims have been found and a third dead body is discovered just as the ranch is evacuated in the path of an oncoming forest fire. Walt is the last to leave, except (of course!) he discovers that a novice monk with a bad sense of direction and a stubborn mule (literally) haven't evacuated as they should have. Walt can't allow himself to evacuate without everyone else safe, so he heads toward the fire to rescue the monk, and ends up getting into the center of several large forest fires as they combine to form a super fire. Fortunately, Walt's new friend Borax the mule is as stubborn and steady as he is. Not only do Walt and Borax save lives, they get to the bottom of the series of murders also.
I also loved the other story line that is woven into the plot in which we learn a little bit more about the disappearance of Ruth One Heart, and we come face to face with an old adversary - or is he?
I already can't wait for the next book in the series!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.75 stars
For those long-time fans of Sheriff Walt, another stirring adventure. These stories rate very high in readability, with their humor, their intelligence, their entertaining verbal detours, and a truly stellar cast of characters.
But the star of this tale was four-legged: Meet Borax, a gigantic john mule, phlegmatic in disposition (unless you scratch him under the chin), herculean in stamina, and truly the one who saved the day here. The other non human main character is a horrifying forest fire which adds a lot of suspense.
There is often a preposterous edge to Walt's mysteries and this is no exception. Realistically, I find it hard to forget that he is a 75-80 year old man (based on previous stories and his Vietnam experience) and he is often unbelievably super heroish. And the villain and the motive in this one are not particularly credible. Also I don't appreciate the cliffhanger endings. I fear one of the next adventures is going to take Walt to Russia and I am hoping to avoid a repeat of Walt's Mexican odyssey which I thought was a weak point in the series.
But I didn't care because this was such an entertaining and witty journey. Walt's conversations with Borax were highlights, and I hope Borax joins the cast of characters. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
For those long-time fans of Sheriff Walt, another stirring adventure. These stories rate very high in readability, with their humor, their intelligence, their entertaining verbal detours, and a truly stellar cast of characters.
But the star of this tale was four-legged: Meet Borax, a gigantic john mule, phlegmatic in disposition (unless you scratch him under the chin), herculean in stamina, and truly the one who saved the day here. The other non human main character is a horrifying forest fire which adds a lot of suspense.
There is often a preposterous edge to Walt's mysteries and this is no exception. Realistically, I find it hard to forget that he is a 75-80 year old man (based on previous stories and his Vietnam experience) and he is often unbelievably super heroish. And the villain and the motive in this one are not particularly credible. Also I don't appreciate the cliffhanger endings. I fear one of the next adventures is going to take Walt to Russia and I am hoping to avoid a repeat of Walt's Mexican odyssey which I thought was a weak point in the series.
But I didn't care because this was such an entertaining and witty journey. Walt's conversations with Borax were highlights, and I hope Borax joins the cast of characters. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In the next book in the Walt Longmire series, THE BROTHERS MCKAY by Craig Johnson, Walt Longmire is the protagonist. Walt and his fiancé, Vic (Victoria) Moretti, investigate the death of Pepper McKay, the owner of the O’Kay Dude Ranch in Absaroka County, Wyoming. Why is Pepper McKay dead, and did somebody kill him?
I enjoy returning to the world of Walt Longmire. I think I hear his voice as I read. While this book is one in a long-running series, it can be read as a standalone. The characters are well developed, and the plot is engaging. I especially like the dialogue between Walt and Vic and between Walt and Henry Standing Bear. It’s good to know Walt still drinks Rainier beer. I look forward to reading future books in the Walt Longmire series. Thank you, Viking Penguin and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review an advance reader copy of THE BROTHERS MCKAY.
I enjoy returning to the world of Walt Longmire. I think I hear his voice as I read. While this book is one in a long-running series, it can be read as a standalone. The characters are well developed, and the plot is engaging. I especially like the dialogue between Walt and Vic and between Walt and Henry Standing Bear. It’s good to know Walt still drinks Rainier beer. I look forward to reading future books in the Walt Longmire series. Thank you, Viking Penguin and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review an advance reader copy of THE BROTHERS MCKAY.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I haven’t read The Brothers Karamazov, but I loved the little literature drops in this book. When I went to see Craig Johnson in October he had mentioned the next adventure Walt was going on. Boy was it an adventure! Starting with a murder, a cast of suspects, and a raging inferno of a forest fire. It is surely a book that you race to see how it will end.
Walt reminds me of my spry 94 year old cowboy of a grandfather (who would love this series if his eyesight let him), a little rough around the edges with some quick witted humor. But the true humor came from a mule named Borax who ended up stealing the show. A comedic light to a foreboding fire, he really pulled this book along both figuratively and metaphorically.
I can’t wait to see where Walt heads next!
Walt reminds me of my spry 94 year old cowboy of a grandfather (who would love this series if his eyesight let him), a little rough around the edges with some quick witted humor. But the true humor came from a mule named Borax who ended up stealing the show. A comedic light to a foreboding fire, he really pulled this book along both figuratively and metaphorically.
I can’t wait to see where Walt heads next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Pepper McKay was a horrible human being, so when he turns up dead, there is not only a plethora of suspects, but some of those suspects want to take credit for his death -- at least until the real killer is caught. At the top of the list are his four sons, three legitimate and one born the "wrong side of the blanket" as they used to say.
This entry in the Longmire series is almost two stories in one; solving the murder of Pepper McKay, and that of a second death, man against man, if you will, and the other man against nature. As he has done in previous books with blizzards and deserts, Johnson brings the readers as close to the experience of an out-of-control wildfire as it is possible to get from reading a book.
The mystery is not the strongest of the series, but the wildfire...that alone is worth the price of admission.
This entry in the Longmire series is almost two stories in one; solving the murder of Pepper McKay, and that of a second death, man against man, if you will, and the other man against nature. As he has done in previous books with blizzards and deserts, Johnson brings the readers as close to the experience of an out-of-control wildfire as it is possible to get from reading a book.
The mystery is not the strongest of the series, but the wildfire...that alone is worth the price of admission.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The twenty-second Longmire novel proves Craig Johnson still has his fastball. The Brothers McKay is a masterful murder mystery, a scintillating survival thriller, and a homage to The Brothers Karamazov. Trust me, you'll see the Russian classic in a whole new light (and not just because of the delightful scenes with Max Sidarov in this one). This is not one of those books where it's hard to find a suspect. In The Brothers McKay its hard to find anyone who shed a tear for the murder victim. There is no shortage of people who had reason to hate Pepper McKay. The fact some offer to take credit for the murder makes Walt's job even more interesting. The Longmire series remains the standard for books featuring American lawmen.
April 15, 2026
Craig Johnson has hit this story out of the ballpark! “The Brothers McKay”gets a five (5) star review from this longtime Longmire fan. The past few years Mr. Johnson took our hero Longmire down some strange pathways including a dollop of supernatural stuff included at no extra charge.
Johnson’s latest creates a fascinating parallel narrative with , of all famous novels, The Brothers Karazamov. Okay, most of us English majors in college skipped over that classic novel. And non-English majors certainly skipped the almost 1000 page Russian classic. But just in case you have read it, and remember the plot, Johnson moves this story along creative new patterns that will surprise and delight.
5 big ole stars for The Brothers McKay.
Johnson’s latest creates a fascinating parallel narrative with , of all famous novels, The Brothers Karazamov. Okay, most of us English majors in college skipped over that classic novel. And non-English majors certainly skipped the almost 1000 page Russian classic. But just in case you have read it, and remember the plot, Johnson moves this story along creative new patterns that will surprise and delight.
5 big ole stars for The Brothers McKay.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
My thanks to NetGalley for making an eARC of this book available for my review.
Walt is back, along with most all of his usual support group including Henry, Ruby, Cady, Dog, Victoria, and a Russian assassin, but this time we get a marvelous additional member in Borax the mule. (You'll likely see some similarities between Walt and Borax.) The deaths in this book are seemingly related to the classic book "The Brothers Karamazov", but we also get the most unrelenting and uncaring of opponents that Walt has ever faced: a wildfire. To top it off, there is major movement with the ongoing plotline involving Russian oligarchs.
Walt is back, along with most all of his usual support group including Henry, Ruby, Cady, Dog, Victoria, and a Russian assassin, but this time we get a marvelous additional member in Borax the mule. (You'll likely see some similarities between Walt and Borax.) The deaths in this book are seemingly related to the classic book "The Brothers Karamazov", but we also get the most unrelenting and uncaring of opponents that Walt has ever faced: a wildfire. To top it off, there is major movement with the ongoing plotline involving Russian oligarchs.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I'll say it right up front: this novel is fantastic. But what would you expect from Craig Johnson in his iconic Walt Longmire series? Each story in this best-selling line up has been excellent and this one is no exception. When Pepper McKay, a man with few if any friends and a long list of enemies, is murdered, Longmire must enter the fray to figure out who did what to whom, and when. Along the way, he encounters lies within lies. grudges upon grudges, and long-buried secrets that should remain so. His investigation puts him directly in the line of fire from many directions. Another great installment in the series that is fast paced and so much fun to read. Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Longmire is back. Pepper McKay, the most hated man in Absaroka County, has been murdered on his ranch. The suspect list seems never ending, but each of Pepper’s four sons have a motive, even if they all claim innocence. Walt must pull the threads of old grudges and long-buried secrets to find the truth. With a second body and a wildfire tearing through the canyon, can Walt escape the killer and the elements.
Johnson pays homage to Dostoevsky’s classic in this 5-star read!
Thank you NetGalley and Viking Penguin for allowing me to read this title early!
Johnson pays homage to Dostoevsky’s classic in this 5-star read!
Thank you NetGalley and Viking Penguin for allowing me to read this title early!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5
Many thanks to Craig Johnson, Viking Penguin, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this novel. I’m a huge fan of the Longmire series, but sadly I haven’t loved the last few installments. I enjoyed The Brothers McKay, though, as it seemed a bit more like older books in the series. It was nice to see Walt solving a local mystery, and the allusions to The Brothers Karamazov were intriguing. I did find the ending to be extremely abrupt — so much so that it did not seem convincing. But overall, an enjoyable novel that should please Longmire fans.
Many thanks to Craig Johnson, Viking Penguin, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this novel. I’m a huge fan of the Longmire series, but sadly I haven’t loved the last few installments. I enjoyed The Brothers McKay, though, as it seemed a bit more like older books in the series. It was nice to see Walt solving a local mystery, and the allusions to The Brothers Karamazov were intriguing. I did find the ending to be extremely abrupt — so much so that it did not seem convincing. But overall, an enjoyable novel that should please Longmire fans.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I think this is one of the better Longmire novels. It deals with a mysterious murder of a very unpopular man in town. Longmire and others have a history with this man which leads to several suspects investigated for the murder. Meanwhile the state is also dealing with a massive fire and of course that will come into play in this story. As usual, Walt finds himself in peril trying to save lives while also seeking justice. I thought this book was fast paced and had many turns that will keep readers guessing.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A great addition to the Longmire series!
In this book, Walt has 2 dead bodies to deal with and a number of suspects, including Pepper McKay's (the first murder victim) 3 sons, each of which had motive, but claims innocence. Throw in the other dead body, just to make things more interesting and Walt has quite the challenge solving these murders.
Pick this great book up in May of 2026 to find out all the details!
In this book, Walt has 2 dead bodies to deal with and a number of suspects, including Pepper McKay's (the first murder victim) 3 sons, each of which had motive, but claims innocence. Throw in the other dead body, just to make things more interesting and Walt has quite the challenge solving these murders.
Pick this great book up in May of 2026 to find out all the details!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Brothers McKay by Craig Johnson is another welcome addition to the Longmire stories. This time the Sheriff is tasked with finding the killer of an unlikable rancher. There are lots of suspects, including his four sons and the ranch hands with the added complication of a forest fire burning out of control. As always, the storytelling is captivating if a bit over the top and the story is believable. The only thing wrong with a Longmire book is having to wait for the next one!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Craig Johnson delivers once again! Walt and Vic are called to investigate the murder of Pepper McKay, the much-despised owner of the O-Kay Dude Ranch with a cast of suspects a mile long. What ensues is a twisted mystery with a murderer one would least expect. Excellent suspense – especially the wildfire! I received an ARC from NetGalley, and the opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I love Craig Johnson books so much. A usual I loved this book. Craig is my auto read.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews