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Walt Longmire #13
The Western Star
The thirteenth novel in Craig Johnson's beloved New York Times bestselling Longmire series, the basis for the hit Netflix series Longmire
Sheriff Walt Longmire is enjoying a celebratory beer after a weapons certification at the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy when a younger sheriff confronts him with a photograph of twenty-five armed men standing in front of a Challenger steam locomotive. It takes him back to when, fresh from the battlefields of Vietnam, then-deputy Walt accompanied his mentor Lucian to the annual Wyoming Sheriff's Association junket held on the excursion train known as the Western Star, which ran the length of Wyoming from Cheyenne to Evanston and back. Armed with his trusty Colt .45 and a paperback of Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express, the young Walt was ill-prepared for the machinations of twenty-four veteran sheriffs, let alone the cavalcade of curious characters that accompanied them.
The photograph—along with an upcoming parole hearing for one of the most dangerous men Walt has encountered in a lifetime of law enforcement—hurtles the sheriff into a head-on collision of past and present, placing him and everyone he cares about squarely on the tracks of runaway revenge.
Sheriff Walt Longmire is enjoying a celebratory beer after a weapons certification at the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy when a younger sheriff confronts him with a photograph of twenty-five armed men standing in front of a Challenger steam locomotive. It takes him back to when, fresh from the battlefields of Vietnam, then-deputy Walt accompanied his mentor Lucian to the annual Wyoming Sheriff's Association junket held on the excursion train known as the Western Star, which ran the length of Wyoming from Cheyenne to Evanston and back. Armed with his trusty Colt .45 and a paperback of Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express, the young Walt was ill-prepared for the machinations of twenty-four veteran sheriffs, let alone the cavalcade of curious characters that accompanied them.
The photograph—along with an upcoming parole hearing for one of the most dangerous men Walt has encountered in a lifetime of law enforcement—hurtles the sheriff into a head-on collision of past and present, placing him and everyone he cares about squarely on the tracks of runaway revenge.
295 pages, Hardcover
First published September 5, 2017
3426 people are currently reading
3471 people want to read
About the author
Craig Johnson
101 books4,982 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 - 30 of 1,235 reviews
September 6, 2017
In conclusion, this will most likely be the last "Longmire" book that I will read and that goes for Craig Johnson as well. This book did me in regarding this series, and to tell you why would consist of giving too many spoilers, yes. plural, and I just don't want to do that.
Some supporting information regarding the book. The story consists of two time lines, one of which takes place in the 1970's and the second takes place currently. Jumping between timelines sometimes as much as three or four times per chapter is poorly written and at times quite off putting and poorly executed..
In the 70's time line "Longmire" is recently out of the army and is hired by Lucian Connolly as a deputy sheriff. He has graduated college, and served two tours of duty in Vietnam along with his friend Henry Standing Bear. Longmire has also recently married. This would make him and his best friend Henry's age somewhere in their late twenties or early thirties.
This portion of the story takes place on what is perhaps the last and quite powerful steam engines still operating. This is also perhaps the third "Longmire" involving trains. Just sayin'. A murder occurs on the train, which is filled with all of the sheriff's in the state celebrating an annual get together by carousing and drinking copious amounts of liquor. When the train stops "Longmire" gets off the train and immediately gets hit in the head, suffers a concussion, and the train departs. With his head bleeding, a gaping open wound he stumbles into a nearby bar, seeks aid and a ride to the next town where the train will make a stop. The only ride available is a hippie bands' tour bus. It is implied that this is perhaps Jefferson Airplane's tour bus. During the ride of course a beautiful lady named "Grace" emerges form the rear of the bus and wants to do the nasty with Deputy Sheriff Longmire. Of course every woman he encounters wants his "input".
The other half of the story pertains to activities occurring in the present time. This would place Longmire and Henry's age into their mid to late seventies and Lucian's somewhere into his upper nineties. They perform stunts people of this age would be unable to perform.
At best all of the additional regular characters are less than cardboard cutouts.
So, that's it for me, however you may love this book.
Some supporting information regarding the book. The story consists of two time lines, one of which takes place in the 1970's and the second takes place currently. Jumping between timelines sometimes as much as three or four times per chapter is poorly written and at times quite off putting and poorly executed..
In the 70's time line "Longmire" is recently out of the army and is hired by Lucian Connolly as a deputy sheriff. He has graduated college, and served two tours of duty in Vietnam along with his friend Henry Standing Bear. Longmire has also recently married. This would make him and his best friend Henry's age somewhere in their late twenties or early thirties.
This portion of the story takes place on what is perhaps the last and quite powerful steam engines still operating. This is also perhaps the third "Longmire" involving trains. Just sayin'. A murder occurs on the train, which is filled with all of the sheriff's in the state celebrating an annual get together by carousing and drinking copious amounts of liquor. When the train stops "Longmire" gets off the train and immediately gets hit in the head, suffers a concussion, and the train departs. With his head bleeding, a gaping open wound he stumbles into a nearby bar, seeks aid and a ride to the next town where the train will make a stop. The only ride available is a hippie bands' tour bus. It is implied that this is perhaps Jefferson Airplane's tour bus. During the ride of course a beautiful lady named "Grace" emerges form the rear of the bus and wants to do the nasty with Deputy Sheriff Longmire. Of course every woman he encounters wants his "input".
The other half of the story pertains to activities occurring in the present time. This would place Longmire and Henry's age into their mid to late seventies and Lucian's somewhere into his upper nineties. They perform stunts people of this age would be unable to perform.
At best all of the additional regular characters are less than cardboard cutouts.
So, that's it for me, however you may love this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2017
The Western Star by Craig Johnson is a 2017 Viking publication.
This is the thirteenth book in the Walt Longmire series.
‘He did it, she did it, or they all did it’
Walt never misses the parole hearing, which takes place every four years, for a prisoner over at Cheyenne, who happens to be the most dangerous criminal he ever encountered. This time, though, the prisoner in question is dying and seeking compassionate release. As Walt continues to oppose the release, he is taken on a trip down memory lane, back to the seventies, when he agreed to accompany Lucien to a Wyoming Sheriff’s Association junket, which was held on the excursion train called, ‘The Western Star’.
It is always a treat to check in with Walt Longmire. This installment is slightly different as it bounces between the past and the present. But,for the most part the bulk of the story is focused on Walt’s past.
This does mean that once more a few of our very favorite characters have a much smaller role, but we do get to know Walt, a little better, and even get to hear from Martha, too.
As Walt boards the train, with twenty-four veteran Sheriffs, he could never have imagined how the events that unfolded would haunt him all these years, or how they would collide with the present in an incredible twist of fate.
In some ways, this story is like a backhanded compliment to Agatha Christie’s ‘Murder on the Orient Express’, the novel Walt carries with him aboard the train.
I thought this was a nice touch and enjoyed the tone of the story while Walt has a battle of wits with twenty-four seasoned sheriffs, and murder follows them aboard the train. Anyone familiar with Christie’s work will appreciate the homage to her techniques and how they applied to his story.
I never saw the surprise twist coming and was impressed with clever plotting, all of which was very entertaining… until the past catches up with the present. The story takes on a much more sinister tone at that point and ends with one of those awful – ‘to be continued’ storylines.
Once I finished the book, my first thought was how other devoted fans of this series would respond to this installment. I think some may have mixed feelings about it, but I thought it was a great bridge story that will segue nicely into what will most assuredly be the ultimate showdown.
I enjoyed the setting aboard the train, the ‘whodunit’ mystery, and getting a rare peek at the young Walt Longmire. I was enjoying the golden age nostalgia so much, I was ill prepared for the jolt out my reverie, dropping me back into the present with a thud. It was hard to wrap my head around how everything was tied up together, but it was pretty tense.
Overall, I enjoyed this book just as much as all the other Longmire novels, despite this being the second book in a row where key players took a backseat. But, I have a feeling, everyone will be back with a vengeance in the next installment, which promises to be one heck of a wild ride.
4 stars
This is the thirteenth book in the Walt Longmire series.
‘He did it, she did it, or they all did it’
Walt never misses the parole hearing, which takes place every four years, for a prisoner over at Cheyenne, who happens to be the most dangerous criminal he ever encountered. This time, though, the prisoner in question is dying and seeking compassionate release. As Walt continues to oppose the release, he is taken on a trip down memory lane, back to the seventies, when he agreed to accompany Lucien to a Wyoming Sheriff’s Association junket, which was held on the excursion train called, ‘The Western Star’.
It is always a treat to check in with Walt Longmire. This installment is slightly different as it bounces between the past and the present. But,for the most part the bulk of the story is focused on Walt’s past.
This does mean that once more a few of our very favorite characters have a much smaller role, but we do get to know Walt, a little better, and even get to hear from Martha, too.
As Walt boards the train, with twenty-four veteran Sheriffs, he could never have imagined how the events that unfolded would haunt him all these years, or how they would collide with the present in an incredible twist of fate.
In some ways, this story is like a backhanded compliment to Agatha Christie’s ‘Murder on the Orient Express’, the novel Walt carries with him aboard the train.
I thought this was a nice touch and enjoyed the tone of the story while Walt has a battle of wits with twenty-four seasoned sheriffs, and murder follows them aboard the train. Anyone familiar with Christie’s work will appreciate the homage to her techniques and how they applied to his story.
I never saw the surprise twist coming and was impressed with clever plotting, all of which was very entertaining… until the past catches up with the present. The story takes on a much more sinister tone at that point and ends with one of those awful – ‘to be continued’ storylines.
Once I finished the book, my first thought was how other devoted fans of this series would respond to this installment. I think some may have mixed feelings about it, but I thought it was a great bridge story that will segue nicely into what will most assuredly be the ultimate showdown.
I enjoyed the setting aboard the train, the ‘whodunit’ mystery, and getting a rare peek at the young Walt Longmire. I was enjoying the golden age nostalgia so much, I was ill prepared for the jolt out my reverie, dropping me back into the present with a thud. It was hard to wrap my head around how everything was tied up together, but it was pretty tense.
Overall, I enjoyed this book just as much as all the other Longmire novels, despite this being the second book in a row where key players took a backseat. But, I have a feeling, everyone will be back with a vengeance in the next installment, which promises to be one heck of a wild ride.
4 stars
November 10, 2017
This is book 13 in the Longmire series. I have enjoyed all of them. This book is told in two threads, one present day and one in 1972. They do connect at the end, and there is a cliffhanger for those of you annoyed by cliffhangers. The book opens in the present day with Walt coming to a parole hearing for a murderer he arrested in many years ago. Then the flashback sequence starts in the same chapter--somewhat confusing and it took me a while to separate the two. We learn more about Walt and his start as an Absaroka County Deputy Sheriff. The flashback sequence takes place during a special steam trip across Wyoming and has some steam train trivia if you are a steam train buff. This was a library book.
3.5 stars
My wife also read this book. The cliffhanger and the alternating threads did not bother her. She says 4.5 stars.
3.5 stars
My wife also read this book. The cliffhanger and the alternating threads did not bother her. She says 4.5 stars.
September 25, 2017
In this 13th book in the Walt Longmire series, we get a glimpse of Walt’s past and of his wife, Martha, with past and present colliding with disastrous results. In the present, Walt is in Cheyenne visiting his daughter and granddaughter, and also to attend a parole hearing for a convict who Walt does not want released. When the action moves into the past, we get the story of a train trip on The Western Star.
When Walt was a beginning deputy under Sheriff Lucian Connelly, he took part in this ceremonial trip which served as the annual meeting of the 24 sheriffs of Wyoming. One sheriff confides a suspicion to Walt simply because Walt had been in Vietnam and, therefore, uninvolved in what this sheriff believes is happening. How on earth does a murder occur on a moving train carrying 24 sheriffs, a deputy, train security, and support staff?
I always enjoy Craig Johnson’s books, and this is no exception. Vic and Henry appear in this book and provide the wise-cracking conversations I've come to expect. It’s an interesting addition to the series, but can be read without knowing the history of all the characters. This ends on what I'll call a lull; there is more to come in, hopefully, the next book.
When Walt was a beginning deputy under Sheriff Lucian Connelly, he took part in this ceremonial trip which served as the annual meeting of the 24 sheriffs of Wyoming. One sheriff confides a suspicion to Walt simply because Walt had been in Vietnam and, therefore, uninvolved in what this sheriff believes is happening. How on earth does a murder occur on a moving train carrying 24 sheriffs, a deputy, train security, and support staff?
I always enjoy Craig Johnson’s books, and this is no exception. Vic and Henry appear in this book and provide the wise-cracking conversations I've come to expect. It’s an interesting addition to the series, but can be read without knowing the history of all the characters. This ends on what I'll call a lull; there is more to come in, hopefully, the next book.
September 20, 2017
There are pedigreed dogs like the ostentatious Lowchen, the uppity Samoyed, or the haughty Tibetan Mastiff. You know, dogs that demand belly scratches at all hours of the night eat only organic chicken browned in a low-sodium broth, and when you toss them a tennis ball to fetch, they look at you like you just ripped out a fart. And then you have the mutts. Sloppy goofballs that wag their tails even when you are berating them for eating the drapes and are always up for a walk even in a torrential downpour. Mutts just want to hang with you and make you happy. Craig Johnson’s mystery books about Walt Longmire, Sheriff of Absaroka County, Wyoming stand completely in the mutt category.
The Western Star is the 13th book in this series, and like a mutt, it doesn’t strive for much—it is only too happy achieving some fun. Really, it don’t need nothin’ but a good time and how can we resist? It ain’t looking for nothin’ but a good time and seriously, it don’t get better than this. Maybe it will bark at some squirrels, maybe it will give a harmless mail carrier the hairy eyeball, maybe it will just sit there and lick it’s anus. Hey, it’s all good as long as we’re having a good time.
A skilled writer, Johnson can do fun. This time around we got Walt reminiscing about that time in the early ‘70’s. You remember—finally back from the swampy jungles of ‘Nam he was just starting out as a deputy sheriff to Lucian Connolly. He was on that train, The Western Star, with all those neighboring sheriffs for the annual meeting of the Wyoming Sherriffs’ Association when people started getting killed and thrown off the train. But who can you suspect when everyone is a sheriff?
We also flip periodically to the present day where a much older Longmire is in a lather about a mysterious convicted killer supposedly serving a life sentence getting a compassionate release from jail. Is this connected to the murders from the 1970’s?
It’s a pleasurable diversion—this mongrel really wants you to smile. The story moves at a rapid pace and there is a wonderfully creepy scene that takes place in the mental ward of a prison. The ultimate mystery however holds together as well as a subzero degree snowball (Note: scientifically during temperatures that drop below zero, it is too cold for snow to weld into a larger solid ball. Thus, my example indicates that the mystery doesn’t hold together much at all.). The killer's motives are depressingly outdated and more than a little intolerant/unenlightened. The holes in the solution can be so big that you could probably drive the Western Star train through them, and the cliff hanger of an ending was surprisingly downbeat (though it sets up the next book in killer fashion). Still, all in all the book was an exciting and worthwhile read but not one of the stronger additions to the series.
The Western Star is the 13th book in this series, and like a mutt, it doesn’t strive for much—it is only too happy achieving some fun. Really, it don’t need nothin’ but a good time and how can we resist? It ain’t looking for nothin’ but a good time and seriously, it don’t get better than this. Maybe it will bark at some squirrels, maybe it will give a harmless mail carrier the hairy eyeball, maybe it will just sit there and lick it’s anus. Hey, it’s all good as long as we’re having a good time.
A skilled writer, Johnson can do fun. This time around we got Walt reminiscing about that time in the early ‘70’s. You remember—finally back from the swampy jungles of ‘Nam he was just starting out as a deputy sheriff to Lucian Connolly. He was on that train, The Western Star, with all those neighboring sheriffs for the annual meeting of the Wyoming Sherriffs’ Association when people started getting killed and thrown off the train. But who can you suspect when everyone is a sheriff?
We also flip periodically to the present day where a much older Longmire is in a lather about a mysterious convicted killer supposedly serving a life sentence getting a compassionate release from jail. Is this connected to the murders from the 1970’s?
It’s a pleasurable diversion—this mongrel really wants you to smile. The story moves at a rapid pace and there is a wonderfully creepy scene that takes place in the mental ward of a prison. The ultimate mystery however holds together as well as a subzero degree snowball (Note: scientifically during temperatures that drop below zero, it is too cold for snow to weld into a larger solid ball. Thus, my example indicates that the mystery doesn’t hold together much at all.). The killer's motives are depressingly outdated and more than a little intolerant/unenlightened. The holes in the solution can be so big that you could probably drive the Western Star train through them, and the cliff hanger of an ending was surprisingly downbeat (though it sets up the next book in killer fashion). Still, all in all the book was an exciting and worthwhile read but not one of the stronger additions to the series.
September 1, 2025
Glad I finally got around to reading this novel in the Longmire series. I had read all of the previous full-length stories in the series as well as the next couple of novels after this one including
Depth of Winter
which is a direct sequel to Western Star.
This one was told in dual timelines. The first takes place in 1972 when Walt was fresh from Vietnam and hired as a deputy by his mentor Lucian Connelly, the then sheriff of Absaroka County. Walt is newly married with a pregnant wife, Martha, who isn't sure she wants to stay married to him. But Walt has little time to work things out as he is set to go with Lucian to the meeting of the Wyoming Sheriffs Association which is held on a vintage steam train called "The Western Star" as it travels from the east side of Wyoming in Cheyenne to the west side at Evanston and back. Of course, this trip is not without its perils as the head sheriff turns up dead and another sheriff goes missing. So can Walt get to the bottom of the mystery and stop any other killings?
The other timeline takes place in the present day when Walt is scheduled to attend a parole hearing in Cheyenne for a dangerous convict who he wants to stay in prison until his death after he was sentenced to life. But the Governor and his wife are leaning towards releasing him on compassionate appeal because he is dying of cancer. Walt feels this would be a big mistake; does he have a personal reason for this? The novel climaxes as the two stories come together and ends in a cliffhanger with Walt's daughter Cady being kidnapped. The resolution to this takes place in the next novel, Depth of Winter.
I really enjoyed this one which gave some interesting information on Walt's backstory and history. The two timelines were a little disconcerting with the story switching between the two sometimes several times in a chapter. But I thought it wasn't that difficult to follow and the stories were very compelling making this a real page-turner. I finished this one in a couple days. I've now read all of the Longmire novels up to and including No. 15 Land of Wolves and I look forward to reading the remaining books (hopefully in sequence).
This one was told in dual timelines. The first takes place in 1972 when Walt was fresh from Vietnam and hired as a deputy by his mentor Lucian Connelly, the then sheriff of Absaroka County. Walt is newly married with a pregnant wife, Martha, who isn't sure she wants to stay married to him. But Walt has little time to work things out as he is set to go with Lucian to the meeting of the Wyoming Sheriffs Association which is held on a vintage steam train called "The Western Star" as it travels from the east side of Wyoming in Cheyenne to the west side at Evanston and back. Of course, this trip is not without its perils as the head sheriff turns up dead and another sheriff goes missing. So can Walt get to the bottom of the mystery and stop any other killings?
The other timeline takes place in the present day when Walt is scheduled to attend a parole hearing in Cheyenne for a dangerous convict who he wants to stay in prison until his death after he was sentenced to life. But the Governor and his wife are leaning towards releasing him on compassionate appeal because he is dying of cancer. Walt feels this would be a big mistake; does he have a personal reason for this? The novel climaxes as the two stories come together and ends in a cliffhanger with Walt's daughter Cady being kidnapped. The resolution to this takes place in the next novel, Depth of Winter.
I really enjoyed this one which gave some interesting information on Walt's backstory and history. The two timelines were a little disconcerting with the story switching between the two sometimes several times in a chapter. But I thought it wasn't that difficult to follow and the stories were very compelling making this a real page-turner. I finished this one in a couple days. I've now read all of the Longmire novels up to and including No. 15 Land of Wolves and I look forward to reading the remaining books (hopefully in sequence).
April 1, 2020
This, the 13th in the series, is subtly better than the previous three or four. Johnson uses the historic/current dual-story structure to good effect: here, Longmire's first murder investigation in 1972 resurfaces in present day. I think he wrote this story as a device to use the 'Western Star', a steam locomotive making its last run, hauling the sheriff's association on a three-day junket. Trains are tension builders, trapped but not trapped, always moving, isolated, compressed. Everybody on this one is drunk and they all have guns. What could go wrong?
I like the atmosphere of the train and it made me realize why Johnson's writing is so endearing. Like the train, Longmire and the other characters create an idealized society akin to the old west as visualized by Hollywood (I'd recommend 'The Tin Star' with Henry Fonda.)
Johnson also continues his ever-unresolved, multi-book mega plot, the story of a Mexican bad guy who wants revenge on Longmire. This plot has wriggled near the surface for the last three books, in the sense that some irrational murder will occur and they'll all take a moment to wonder, 'Hey, I wonder if it's THAT guy.' This book, annoyingly, ends with a strong cliffhanger for that long-range plot. Ha! I guess we have to read the next book, though, like the writing of George R.R. Martin, I'm sure there won't be any resolution there either.
I like the atmosphere of the train and it made me realize why Johnson's writing is so endearing. Like the train, Longmire and the other characters create an idealized society akin to the old west as visualized by Hollywood (I'd recommend 'The Tin Star' with Henry Fonda.)
Johnson also continues his ever-unresolved, multi-book mega plot, the story of a Mexican bad guy who wants revenge on Longmire. This plot has wriggled near the surface for the last three books, in the sense that some irrational murder will occur and they'll all take a moment to wonder, 'Hey, I wonder if it's THAT guy.' This book, annoyingly, ends with a strong cliffhanger for that long-range plot. Ha! I guess we have to read the next book, though, like the writing of George R.R. Martin, I'm sure there won't be any resolution there either.
February 18, 2018
The Western Star (Walt Longmire #13) This is an excellent series if you like current day tough Wyoming sheriffs. Anyone with a partner called “The Cheyenne Nation” has got to be a tough pair. Enjoy
November 6, 2023
This is two stories that overlap frequently. Johnson did a wonderful job of weaving these two periods of time together, frustrating the reader with the desire to see what will happen next. The ending is not what I desired and has left me hanging. Never the less, I will push on to the resolution of this issue. Those that read this work of Johnson should be prepared to ride the bronco.
September 28, 2017
Disappointing.
I enjoyed getting to know young Walt and young(er) Lucian a bit. That was fun. Unfortunately, we get almost no time with Henry and Vic, and wherever they're present in this book they could easily be replaced by cardboard cutouts without any loss of characterization. It would have been nice if this short book was a bit longer, and showed us young Henry, and involved Henry and Vic in the current timeline portions of the story.
Then there's the last 50 pages. Massive shift in the book bringing back a previous book's overheated storyline (which had been thankfully missing up until that point) and then finishing with an unwelcome cliff hanger.
I enjoyed getting to know young Walt and young(er) Lucian a bit. That was fun. Unfortunately, we get almost no time with Henry and Vic, and wherever they're present in this book they could easily be replaced by cardboard cutouts without any loss of characterization. It would have been nice if this short book was a bit longer, and showed us young Henry, and involved Henry and Vic in the current timeline portions of the story.
Then there's the last 50 pages. Massive shift in the book bringing back a previous book's overheated storyline (which had been thankfully missing up until that point) and then finishing with an unwelcome cliff hanger.
December 23, 2017
There are actually two stories ( one from the past that eventually coincides with the present), but the reader is jostled a little by the back and forth momentum, IMO. And at the end, we are left with a huge problem that was somewhat neglected and we will have to wait to read the next book to continue the series.
The historical story about the Western Star, a legendary train famous in Wyoming history, is certainly worth learning about. This, along with interesting facts about the post-Vietnam era when Walt Longmire was undecided about the direction his life was going to take, gives us some background to learn about how he happened to take the deputy job under Lucian Connelly.
So, without giving away any spoilers, I would certainly recommend reading this book, because if you are a Longmire follower, you can't help yourself!
The historical story about the Western Star, a legendary train famous in Wyoming history, is certainly worth learning about. This, along with interesting facts about the post-Vietnam era when Walt Longmire was undecided about the direction his life was going to take, gives us some background to learn about how he happened to take the deputy job under Lucian Connelly.
So, without giving away any spoilers, I would certainly recommend reading this book, because if you are a Longmire follower, you can't help yourself!
December 20, 2019
Again, Craig Johnson has cranked out an engaging story full of memorable characters, with the star (sheriff, that is) being Walt Longmire of Absaroka County, Wyoming. It is not serendipitous that Walt climbs aboard the Western Star train with 25 other sheriffs, with a copy of Agatha Christie’s, Murder on the Orient Express, under his arm. Nuff said.
September 24, 2017
Well, this was not the strongest book in the series. As much as I like Walt was I disappointed to see Vic reduced to just having a small part in this book. Although it was pretty cool to meet a young Walt Longmire newlywed and as a new deputy to Sheriff Connolly. However, the ending was promising. Been waiting for Walt to get even with his archnemesis.
February 13, 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. **
“The Western Star” is the thirteenth book in the “Longmire” mystery series, continuing the fictional adventures of Walt Longmire, Sheriff of Absaroka County, Wyoming; his daughter, Cady, the world’s greatest lawyer; his best friend, Henry Standing Bear; his loyal and outspoken deputy, Vic Moretti; his loyal and less outspoken deputy, and Dog, his faithful animal companion.
This time Johnson goes back to an approach he successfully used in the previous book, “Another Man’s Moccasins”. He breaks the plotline into two stories – one from Walt’s past involving a murder investigation on the Western Star train during the annual Wyoming Sheriff's Association junket and one in the current day when Walt faces a parole hearing for one of the most dangerous men he has ever encountered during his career. Johnson once again moves smoothly back and forth between the present and the past to reveal key defining moments in Walt’s career and personal life. We even get to see Martha, Walt’s wife and true love, at one of the most sensitive and unsure times in her newly married life.
The story in the past shows Walt, as the new deputy, accompanying his boss and mentor, Sheriff Lucian Connelly to the annual Wyoming’s Sheriff’s Association junket held on the Western Star, a steam locomotive, traveling from Cheyenne to Evanston and back over several days. Leaving an angry and pregnant new wife, Walt finds himself facing the politics and conspiracies of twenty-four experienced sheriffs armed with only his trusty Colt .45 and a paperback copy of Agatha Christie’s classic Murder on the Orient Express. It doesn’t take long for Walt to rub some of them wrong, make some enemies, and find himself knocked out cold and thrown off the train. When he finds his way back (after meeting a famous singer who you can name for yourself), he finds himself in the middle of a murder investigation with 23 sheriffs and himself for suspects.
The story taking place in the present finds Walt attending a parole hearing that he has attended every four years for more than thirty years, to testify against the prisoner’s release. Since it is in Cheyenne, Walt and his team of Lucian, Vic, and Henry stay with his daughter, Cady, and granddaughter, Lola, helping the two get settled in their new home and Cady’s new job. The hearing carries a personal history for Walt who finds out that there is a change this time. The long-time prisoner is being set free by the governor’s wife in an attempt to build good publicity for rising prison costs.
Johnson tells the two stories in a smooth flowing style and rhythm, drawing the reader in and grabbing their full attention. He moves from present to past and past to present with fluid ease, never missing a beat. Johnson is a confident author, master of his characters and canvas, bringing the two plotlines and mysteries together in a surprising and unbelievable climax that pays off in both rewarding and ultimately tragic ways. When you find out Walt’s personal reason for not wanting the prisoner’s release, it will emotionally haunt you for a long time.
Overall, “The Western Star” is one of my top two favorite Longmire books, along with Spirit of Steamboat because they made me laugh, cry, and cheer is absolute surprise during the reading. It is one of the best books I have read in a while and the quintessential “Longmire” story that not only pulled at my heart strings, but just ripped them right out. And about the cliffhanger at the end of this book. Yes, it was a mean thing to do, but with the build-up over the last several books of a certain enemy of Walt and his family, I am sure all will be forgiven when the next book, “The Depth of Winter” is released and the payoff is at hand.
Finishing this book brings to a close my reading and reviewing of the Longmire series – 13 novels, 2 novellas, and 1 book of short stories. I have not only enjoyed them, I have grown (very easily) to love each and every one of them. I can honestly say that this is one of the best series that I have ever read. Not just as a mystery series, but one of the best series of any kind.
I my opinion, Craig Johnson, has found a way to incorporate classic literature into modern day mysteries in a quintessential manner that only Robert B. Parker pulled off with his classic detective, Spenser. In addition, Johnson has molded a rich Wyoming landscape that lives and breathes and plays a critical part of his stories. But most important of all, he has established authentic heroes with real weaknesses and flaws who live within a moral code that many of us only dream of being able to pull off. Johnson has made me believe that Walt and his team of characters are real. And now they are part of my life forever. Thanks Craig!
Now I just have to wait six long months for “The Depth of Winter” to be published. That seems like such a long time without a “Longmire” fix…
“The Western Star” is the thirteenth book in the “Longmire” mystery series, continuing the fictional adventures of Walt Longmire, Sheriff of Absaroka County, Wyoming; his daughter, Cady, the world’s greatest lawyer; his best friend, Henry Standing Bear; his loyal and outspoken deputy, Vic Moretti; his loyal and less outspoken deputy, and Dog, his faithful animal companion.
This time Johnson goes back to an approach he successfully used in the previous book, “Another Man’s Moccasins”. He breaks the plotline into two stories – one from Walt’s past involving a murder investigation on the Western Star train during the annual Wyoming Sheriff's Association junket and one in the current day when Walt faces a parole hearing for one of the most dangerous men he has ever encountered during his career. Johnson once again moves smoothly back and forth between the present and the past to reveal key defining moments in Walt’s career and personal life. We even get to see Martha, Walt’s wife and true love, at one of the most sensitive and unsure times in her newly married life.
The story in the past shows Walt, as the new deputy, accompanying his boss and mentor, Sheriff Lucian Connelly to the annual Wyoming’s Sheriff’s Association junket held on the Western Star, a steam locomotive, traveling from Cheyenne to Evanston and back over several days. Leaving an angry and pregnant new wife, Walt finds himself facing the politics and conspiracies of twenty-four experienced sheriffs armed with only his trusty Colt .45 and a paperback copy of Agatha Christie’s classic Murder on the Orient Express. It doesn’t take long for Walt to rub some of them wrong, make some enemies, and find himself knocked out cold and thrown off the train. When he finds his way back (after meeting a famous singer who you can name for yourself), he finds himself in the middle of a murder investigation with 23 sheriffs and himself for suspects.
The story taking place in the present finds Walt attending a parole hearing that he has attended every four years for more than thirty years, to testify against the prisoner’s release. Since it is in Cheyenne, Walt and his team of Lucian, Vic, and Henry stay with his daughter, Cady, and granddaughter, Lola, helping the two get settled in their new home and Cady’s new job. The hearing carries a personal history for Walt who finds out that there is a change this time. The long-time prisoner is being set free by the governor’s wife in an attempt to build good publicity for rising prison costs.
Johnson tells the two stories in a smooth flowing style and rhythm, drawing the reader in and grabbing their full attention. He moves from present to past and past to present with fluid ease, never missing a beat. Johnson is a confident author, master of his characters and canvas, bringing the two plotlines and mysteries together in a surprising and unbelievable climax that pays off in both rewarding and ultimately tragic ways. When you find out Walt’s personal reason for not wanting the prisoner’s release, it will emotionally haunt you for a long time.
Overall, “The Western Star” is one of my top two favorite Longmire books, along with Spirit of Steamboat because they made me laugh, cry, and cheer is absolute surprise during the reading. It is one of the best books I have read in a while and the quintessential “Longmire” story that not only pulled at my heart strings, but just ripped them right out. And about the cliffhanger at the end of this book. Yes, it was a mean thing to do, but with the build-up over the last several books of a certain enemy of Walt and his family, I am sure all will be forgiven when the next book, “The Depth of Winter” is released and the payoff is at hand.
Finishing this book brings to a close my reading and reviewing of the Longmire series – 13 novels, 2 novellas, and 1 book of short stories. I have not only enjoyed them, I have grown (very easily) to love each and every one of them. I can honestly say that this is one of the best series that I have ever read. Not just as a mystery series, but one of the best series of any kind.
I my opinion, Craig Johnson, has found a way to incorporate classic literature into modern day mysteries in a quintessential manner that only Robert B. Parker pulled off with his classic detective, Spenser. In addition, Johnson has molded a rich Wyoming landscape that lives and breathes and plays a critical part of his stories. But most important of all, he has established authentic heroes with real weaknesses and flaws who live within a moral code that many of us only dream of being able to pull off. Johnson has made me believe that Walt and his team of characters are real. And now they are part of my life forever. Thanks Craig!
Now I just have to wait six long months for “The Depth of Winter” to be published. That seems like such a long time without a “Longmire” fix…
September 18, 2017
I was very disappointed. Easily the worst Longmire book.
The whole thing is less than 300 pages, and nothing much happens for the first 70. I don't mind the dual timelines, but the ending to one is ridiculously bad, and the ending to the other is a cliffhanger.
Two hundred pages in the middle were pretty good, and I enjoy the company of the various characters. Hopefully the next book is a lot better.
The whole thing is less than 300 pages, and nothing much happens for the first 70. I don't mind the dual timelines, but the ending to one is ridiculously bad, and the ending to the other is a cliffhanger.
Two hundred pages in the middle were pretty good, and I enjoy the company of the various characters. Hopefully the next book is a lot better.
February 21, 2019
An excellent entry in the Longmire series that is used to set up the next book, because this one ends with a cliffhanger. This is basically two tales in one, including murders on a sheriff's train from the 70's and another one in today's world when the original murderer is up for release due to health reasons. Johnson is the master of cool, witty dialogue and that is here in spades. Recommended.
March 8, 2020
Having enjoyed quite a few episodes of Longmire on video, I thought I ought to try a book from the series for the first time. I found the humour to be enjoyable but I don't think I will read another one. It probably requires starting at the beginning for it all to make sense.
Library Loan
Library Loan
March 8, 2022
Do you know Walt Longmire, now the Sheriff of Absaroka County, Wyoming?
“Unless he really is innocent.”
He chuckled. “Don’t you know? Everbody’s innocent in there. He stared at me. “You’re a true believer, huh?”
“Define true believer?”
“Someone who thinks there is an equal and all-encompassing justice.”
He has pegged Longmire correctly and those of us who have wandered through the many short and longer stories have come to understand the nuances of that belief and what it, at times, seems to compel this sheriff to do.
This story shifts back and forth between the present time when Walt has a grown-up daughter and granddaughter and an incident in the past when he had just become married and was hired as the deputy sheriff I Absaroka County. Walt is taking a trip with his boss and the sheriffs of all the other counties in Wyoming to an annual conference. They are going there on a special train put together by the Union Pacific Railroad just for them (“The Western Star”). Being new to the job, Walt is introduced to each of the other sheriffs (and we are along for the ride.). It isn’t long before someone approaches him in a part of the train where the two are alone.
“I’m looking for a short-term partner, and I thought you might suit the bill.”
“A partner in what?”
“An investigation.”
I glanced back at the empty car. “Why me?”
“You’re young, and you seem damn capable.” He locked at me. “and because, son, I’ve got a relationship with every man on this train, and I’m looking for a fresh set of eyes---eyes I can trust.”
I waited a moment, trying to figure him out but not having any luck. “On a train full of sheriffs you know.”
“Yes.”
I shook my head. “Am I to gather from that that your suspect in this investigation is a sheriff?”
“Quite possibly.”
…”I’m not so sure I should be having this talk with you.”
“Maybe not.”
“Do you mind if I ask what crime you’re ---”
“Murder.”
The story spans several decades and (like a previous one) pinballs back and forth in time. There is a link between the two stories and the second one involves Sheriff Walt as well as the Wyoming governor.
“You’re a highly visible man in the state.”
“So are you.”
He shook his head. “Oh no, I’m just a lame-duck governor looking to get out of office before I find some way to step on my dick and screw things up.”
“How would you do that?”
“I don’t know…maybe having a highly publicized pissing match with a legendary sheriff over a case that doesn’t amount to a hill of beans.”
The author has the wherewithal to give us the details of steam locomotive travel and describe the many different styles of “cowboy” hats. This ride is mostly a joy for old Longmire fans because it provides some important information about Walt’s past and the tale, itself, should please many mystery fans. What didn’t please me was the “cliffhanger” that isn’t resolved unless you are willing to buy the next book. That is why I am deducting 0.5 down to 3.5 stars
“Unless he really is innocent.”
He chuckled. “Don’t you know? Everbody’s innocent in there. He stared at me. “You’re a true believer, huh?”
“Define true believer?”
“Someone who thinks there is an equal and all-encompassing justice.”
He has pegged Longmire correctly and those of us who have wandered through the many short and longer stories have come to understand the nuances of that belief and what it, at times, seems to compel this sheriff to do.
This story shifts back and forth between the present time when Walt has a grown-up daughter and granddaughter and an incident in the past when he had just become married and was hired as the deputy sheriff I Absaroka County. Walt is taking a trip with his boss and the sheriffs of all the other counties in Wyoming to an annual conference. They are going there on a special train put together by the Union Pacific Railroad just for them (“The Western Star”). Being new to the job, Walt is introduced to each of the other sheriffs (and we are along for the ride.). It isn’t long before someone approaches him in a part of the train where the two are alone.
“I’m looking for a short-term partner, and I thought you might suit the bill.”
“A partner in what?”
“An investigation.”
I glanced back at the empty car. “Why me?”
“You’re young, and you seem damn capable.” He locked at me. “and because, son, I’ve got a relationship with every man on this train, and I’m looking for a fresh set of eyes---eyes I can trust.”
I waited a moment, trying to figure him out but not having any luck. “On a train full of sheriffs you know.”
“Yes.”
I shook my head. “Am I to gather from that that your suspect in this investigation is a sheriff?”
“Quite possibly.”
…”I’m not so sure I should be having this talk with you.”
“Maybe not.”
“Do you mind if I ask what crime you’re ---”
“Murder.”
The story spans several decades and (like a previous one) pinballs back and forth in time. There is a link between the two stories and the second one involves Sheriff Walt as well as the Wyoming governor.
“You’re a highly visible man in the state.”
“So are you.”
He shook his head. “Oh no, I’m just a lame-duck governor looking to get out of office before I find some way to step on my dick and screw things up.”
“How would you do that?”
“I don’t know…maybe having a highly publicized pissing match with a legendary sheriff over a case that doesn’t amount to a hill of beans.”
The author has the wherewithal to give us the details of steam locomotive travel and describe the many different styles of “cowboy” hats. This ride is mostly a joy for old Longmire fans because it provides some important information about Walt’s past and the tale, itself, should please many mystery fans. What didn’t please me was the “cliffhanger” that isn’t resolved unless you are willing to buy the next book. That is why I am deducting 0.5 down to 3.5 stars
May 6, 2022
I LOVE WALT LONGMIRE!!! Yeah, I know, I say that on every book, but he’s just really fascinating to read about. I also enjoy how Craig Johnson has made him so extremely intelligent and well read with a killer sense of humor with just the right amount of philosophical musings and a touch of snark. I also love the dynamics between Walt and his wacky clan of misfits. I love the quirky stories that mesh history and philosophy with Walt’s life and law enforcement career. I would love to visit a place like Durant Wyoming and meet someone like Walt Longmire to hang out with for a while. Someone like that would be such a kick to hang with and talk to and play trivial pursuit with.
The story starts out with Walt and clan going down to Cheyenne to not only visit with Cady but to also attend a hearing about the possible release of a prisoner that Walt and Lucian have spent 25+yrs making sure the man dies in prison. The story flips back and forth between present time and the 25+yrs old case when Walt and Lucian arrested the prisoner.
I HATED the ending!!! However, I understand why Johnson had to end it that way. The story ends in a twist from a plotline that wasn’t even consider until the end. As much as I really disliked the ending, it doesn’t change my rating, quite the contrary, now I feel like I have to read the next one right now to see how this plays out.
The story starts out with Walt and clan going down to Cheyenne to not only visit with Cady but to also attend a hearing about the possible release of a prisoner that Walt and Lucian have spent 25+yrs making sure the man dies in prison. The story flips back and forth between present time and the 25+yrs old case when Walt and Lucian arrested the prisoner.
I HATED the ending!!! However, I understand why Johnson had to end it that way. The story ends in a twist from a plotline that wasn’t even consider until the end. As much as I really disliked the ending, it doesn’t change my rating, quite the contrary, now I feel like I have to read the next one right now to see how this plays out.
September 20, 2017
Ever read a book in a series and think well, the author wrote this just to get to the next "real" book? Well, that's what this felt like to me at the end. Also, and I really am sad about this, it feels like Craig Johnson has lost touch with the core ethos of younger Walt, Henry and Lucian. Which matters a lot when a great deal of the book is set in an earlier era. I dunno, the whole thing felt kinda thin and rushed. But it's probably me with the real issue, from having gotten so involved with the TV series.
August 3, 2018
I love all of the books in this series and it should definitely be started at the beginning as to get all the nuances of each wonderful character. This addition takes Walt way back into his past, when he first comes home from the Vietnam War. A fun train trip turns into murder on and off the tracks.
For those of you who enjoy The Walt Longmire Series on Netflix, please note that the books are not the same stories as the TV series.
For those of you who enjoy The Walt Longmire Series on Netflix, please note that the books are not the same stories as the TV series.
September 27, 2017
Everytime I read a book from a series written by one writer and I know it is the last one for another year I kind put the brake on reading it. I want to savor the reading as too make the gap between the end of the book and the next publication become shorter. Which is perhaps all in my mind but each his/her own quirks.
Anyhow Walt Longmire is visiting his daughter and his granddaughter while at the same time doing his bit in a parole hearing of the first murderer he caught in the service of the Absaroka County Sheriffs' office. The story follows two threads one as a young Walt on his outing of the annual Sheriff's meeting on a train journey, the other one is Sheriff Longmire keeping the nemesis of the other thread in jail, even if the governors wife wants to enforce a thing as compassionate leave for terminal sick inmates.
Both story lines are easy to follow even if their deployment in each chapter can be confusing unless you accept that each break in the chapter is in essence a jump to the other story thread. This double -story in essence is not that difficult to follow and the ending makes you ache for a quicker pace of Craig Johnson in his writing because the ending is just the beginning of the next story.
Minus points: the use of Vic and the relationship between her and the sheriff takes a break, Lucian is as obnoxious as ever and Henry's part is way too small. The story is just not complicated enough and does somehow feel like a step up to the next book. This is the one book you should not start reading the series with.
As always traveling along with Longmire and his circus is a pleasure.
Anyhow Walt Longmire is visiting his daughter and his granddaughter while at the same time doing his bit in a parole hearing of the first murderer he caught in the service of the Absaroka County Sheriffs' office. The story follows two threads one as a young Walt on his outing of the annual Sheriff's meeting on a train journey, the other one is Sheriff Longmire keeping the nemesis of the other thread in jail, even if the governors wife wants to enforce a thing as compassionate leave for terminal sick inmates.
Both story lines are easy to follow even if their deployment in each chapter can be confusing unless you accept that each break in the chapter is in essence a jump to the other story thread. This double -story in essence is not that difficult to follow and the ending makes you ache for a quicker pace of Craig Johnson in his writing because the ending is just the beginning of the next story.
Minus points: the use of Vic and the relationship between her and the sheriff takes a break, Lucian is as obnoxious as ever and Henry's part is way too small. The story is just not complicated enough and does somehow feel like a step up to the next book. This is the one book you should not start reading the series with.
As always traveling along with Longmire and his circus is a pleasure.
October 11, 2017
The first entry in the series with which I am disappointed. It isn't self-contained, the back and forth between the past and present timelines is interesting at first but clunky after a while. The necessary pronoun games needed to keep the past storyline a mystery in the present grow to be ridiculous. The failure to address the expected political fallout from the present storyline is sloppy. All in all, the book is a good idea poorly executed. The whole volume seems more concerned with setting up future stories rather than telling its own.
May 25, 2024
The Walt Longmire series is one of my favorites for fairly light reading with interesting characters and mixed humor. This one was enjoyable, but a bit different than previous ones to me, and it seemed to take a bit of a dark tone at the end, ending with a cliffhanger.
There were two simultaneous stories, one from the far past when Longmire was first starting out as a deputy sheriff, and another in present times. The one from the past was probably more interesting, and didn't seem related to anything until the end. The one from the present times is continued in the next book of the series, and may not leave a lot of room for humor; we'll see. I'm sure it will be entertaining, but just not what I've come to expect.
Oh, and George Guidall, the usual narrator, did a wonderful job, as usual. He is one of my favorites and almost makes the books worthwhile just for his narration.
There were two simultaneous stories, one from the far past when Longmire was first starting out as a deputy sheriff, and another in present times. The one from the past was probably more interesting, and didn't seem related to anything until the end. The one from the present times is continued in the next book of the series, and may not leave a lot of room for humor; we'll see. I'm sure it will be entertaining, but just not what I've come to expect.
Oh, and George Guidall, the usual narrator, did a wonderful job, as usual. He is one of my favorites and almost makes the books worthwhile just for his narration.
December 8, 2017
Book #54 this year - The Western Star by Craig Johnson. The latest in Johnson's Longmire series of which im a fan (more a fan of the books than the tv series.) This is an interesting one in that it cuts back and forth between when Longmire is just two weeks into work in law enforcement and having to figure out who is killing county sheriffs on a train and present day where he is ready to speak against parole for the killer of that first case on the train... only to learn of efforts to release the man due to how close to death he is. 8.5 out of 10.
January 29, 2024
I love it when Walt Longmire tells the whole story, even reaching back to the past so that the reader understands the story better, but is still able to try to solve the present mystery. Craig Johnson is a master at that, and also has humor and cowboy sensibilities added in. As far as I'm concerned, this story is the whole package! Well, half the package, because it's continued in the next edition, which I'm now devouring like its predecessor!
September 10, 2017
So, storyline and mystery for this book were great and I enjoyed every minute of it. We get a split storyline in this one, which isn't all to unfamiliar with Johnson's latest Longmire books, this one going from around the '70's to current.
This book is about a train!! Fun fact: I looove trains!!!
In the past, Walt is a green deputy that was brought along on the sheriffs train "The Western Star" and yes it's exactly as is sounds, a train with half or all (I don't remember) of the state of Wyoming's county sheriffs) and low and behold a few murder mysteries fall in out lap. Of course Walt takes a hell of a beating and kicks a lot of ass.
In the present, that time and arrest has come back to haunt him and although we get our answers to this book we are left with a cliffhanger...
Ok so if I enjoyed every minute of this storyline then why such a low rating.?.?.?Well there are a few answers. 1- we are still waiting on answers from previous books, Michaels death still hasn't been avenged and or dealt with along with the rest of this Bidarte storyline. In fact I had already forgotten some of those facts until they were brought up in this book. 2- I am getting a little homesick every time a read a Longmire book. It feels like it's been ages since a story has actually take place in Absaroka county, even though Walt is the sheriff of Absaroka county.... Hello?? Does that make sense to anyone?? And guess what? The next book isn't going to take place there either... and although I love Denver, I would rather read about Durant.
I kinda have a feeling that Johnson might be making a move to finish out this series, but I hope not because I still love me some Walt and Henry. And if so at least give me some old Longmire first, the killer storyline, the spirit and culture, the history, the whole crew, and the ridiculous banter. Honestly, I probably would have bumped this book up to 4 stars if I had even gotten a damn owl.
This book is about a train!! Fun fact: I looove trains!!!
In the past, Walt is a green deputy that was brought along on the sheriffs train "The Western Star" and yes it's exactly as is sounds, a train with half or all (I don't remember) of the state of Wyoming's county sheriffs) and low and behold a few murder mysteries fall in out lap. Of course Walt takes a hell of a beating and kicks a lot of ass.
In the present, that time and arrest has come back to haunt him and although we get our answers to this book we are left with a cliffhanger...
Ok so if I enjoyed every minute of this storyline then why such a low rating.?.?.?Well there are a few answers. 1- we are still waiting on answers from previous books, Michaels death still hasn't been avenged and or dealt with along with the rest of this Bidarte storyline. In fact I had already forgotten some of those facts until they were brought up in this book. 2- I am getting a little homesick every time a read a Longmire book. It feels like it's been ages since a story has actually take place in Absaroka county, even though Walt is the sheriff of Absaroka county.... Hello?? Does that make sense to anyone?? And guess what? The next book isn't going to take place there either... and although I love Denver, I would rather read about Durant.
I kinda have a feeling that Johnson might be making a move to finish out this series, but I hope not because I still love me some Walt and Henry. And if so at least give me some old Longmire first, the killer storyline, the spirit and culture, the history, the whole crew, and the ridiculous banter. Honestly, I probably would have bumped this book up to 4 stars if I had even gotten a damn owl.
September 20, 2017
Ok - but no more than that. Maybe closer to two stars. A bow to Agatha Christie with murders on a train. Switches back and forth from Longmire's start as a sheriff/in life and the present as the original murderer - caught by Longmire - plots revenge even from prison. The problem is that the solution to the first series of murders is gothic and implausible; there's a sequence in a criminal hospital that's ridiculous. There are a lot of red herrings. And near the end there's a huge swerve as another Longmire nemesis makes an appearance, initiating another series of crimes, leaving everything to be continued. The runaway train in this one isn't the only thing out of control.
I was pleased to see a mid sixties Plymouth Belvedere appear. We owned one, it was one big boat, a ridiculous car.
I was pleased to see a mid sixties Plymouth Belvedere appear. We owned one, it was one big boat, a ridiculous car.
May 26, 2019
A 5-star book that receives a 4-star b/c of its ending as its an obvious set up for a sequel...deftly plotted homage to Agatha Christie's "Murder on the Orient Express," as Walt, of the early years, is on an excursion express full of sheriffs & the current Walt is fighting the compassion release of a notorious serial murderer...we slip back & forth throughout, enjoying Johnson's marvelously drawn characters...now we'll have to wait for our next installment!
August 5, 2018
As always, another excellent addition to Craig Johnson's wonderful series. Here is an essay written by the author about Walt Longmire, his protagonist: https://www.denverpost.com/2017/09/21...
My husband and I bought and devoured every Longmire as soon as they hit the stores. We would trade off reading at night (luckily my husband went to bed earlier!) This book will remain special to me as it is the last book we read together.
My husband and I bought and devoured every Longmire as soon as they hit the stores. We would trade off reading at night (luckily my husband went to bed earlier!) This book will remain special to me as it is the last book we read together.
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