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Walt Longmire #15
Land of Wolves
The fifteenth novel in Craig Johnson's beloved New York Times bestselling Longmire series.
Attempting to recover from his harrowing experiences in Mexico, in Land of Wolves Wyoming Sheriff Walt Longmire is neck deep in the investigation of what could or could not be the suicidal hanging of a shepherd. With unsettling connections to a Basque family with a reputation for removing the legs of Absaroka County sheriffs, matters become even more complicated with the appearance of an oversize wolf in the Big Horn Mountains to which Walt finds himself feeling more and more empathetic.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 17, 2019
2279 people are currently reading
2753 people want to read
About the author
Craig Johnson
101 books4,980 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 991 reviews
November 23, 2019
Land of Wolves by Craig Johnson is a 2019 Berkley publication.
Outstanding!!
Longmire is back on familiar ground in this fifteenth installment. A complicated family situation, and the strange death of a shepherd, initially labeled as a suicide, has Longmire back at work while still recovering from the soul-crushing experience he barely survived in Mexico.
This is one of the best installments in this series I’ve read in a while. The 'arc' centered around Walt’s trip to Mexico to rescue his daughter, was very dark and gritty. I felt I was quite patient with Johnson’s off the beaten path meanderings. However, I was beyond ready to get back to Absaroka County, Wyoming!!
This mystery is interesting, and complex, as are the characterizations and motives. The wolf, and the symbolic spiritualism it represents, is very befitting of this series, which has always had a spiritual undertone. The story is also back on procedural grounds and the guessing game is as good as it gets.
“In my culture, animals are celebrated as beautiful, mysterious, powerful, dangerous, and benevolent. There was a period, before we lost the ability to listen, when the animals took pity on us, protected and taught us to the point where they became human in times of need.
Johnson does set a different tone here, however, as Longmire’s previous escapades are not a distant memory, just yet. Walt presents with some classic PTSD symptoms and is often in physical discomfort. As though realizing, and accepting his limitations, readers will probably pick up on an unfamiliar fragility about Walt, but the story has an edge many of the pre-Mexico stories don’t.
I wonder if Johnson is signally readers that the series may progress into a different sort of crime story, removed from the usual cozy-like atmosphere of old. There are still a few laugh out loud moments and our favorite characters are back in their element, as well, which was so nice to see.
I thoroughly enjoyed this latest installment in the series. Although the tone is a bit gravelly, it was still a comforting return home, so to speak. Overall, this was a stellar addition to the series and I’m once again feeling very excited about the next installment!
4.5 stars
Outstanding!!
Longmire is back on familiar ground in this fifteenth installment. A complicated family situation, and the strange death of a shepherd, initially labeled as a suicide, has Longmire back at work while still recovering from the soul-crushing experience he barely survived in Mexico.
This is one of the best installments in this series I’ve read in a while. The 'arc' centered around Walt’s trip to Mexico to rescue his daughter, was very dark and gritty. I felt I was quite patient with Johnson’s off the beaten path meanderings. However, I was beyond ready to get back to Absaroka County, Wyoming!!
This mystery is interesting, and complex, as are the characterizations and motives. The wolf, and the symbolic spiritualism it represents, is very befitting of this series, which has always had a spiritual undertone. The story is also back on procedural grounds and the guessing game is as good as it gets.
“In my culture, animals are celebrated as beautiful, mysterious, powerful, dangerous, and benevolent. There was a period, before we lost the ability to listen, when the animals took pity on us, protected and taught us to the point where they became human in times of need.
Johnson does set a different tone here, however, as Longmire’s previous escapades are not a distant memory, just yet. Walt presents with some classic PTSD symptoms and is often in physical discomfort. As though realizing, and accepting his limitations, readers will probably pick up on an unfamiliar fragility about Walt, but the story has an edge many of the pre-Mexico stories don’t.
I wonder if Johnson is signally readers that the series may progress into a different sort of crime story, removed from the usual cozy-like atmosphere of old. There are still a few laugh out loud moments and our favorite characters are back in their element, as well, which was so nice to see.
I thoroughly enjoyed this latest installment in the series. Although the tone is a bit gravelly, it was still a comforting return home, so to speak. Overall, this was a stellar addition to the series and I’m once again feeling very excited about the next installment!
4.5 stars
January 31, 2020
4 stars for another entertaining mystery set in fictional Absaroka County, Wyoming. Walt Longmire is the Sheriff of the largest and emptiest county in Wyoming. Including himself, he has 4 officers in his department. Walt finds the body of a sheepherder in the Absaroka mountains and there are signs that it might be murder or suicide. While he is investigating, a child is kidnapped who has connections to a possible suspect. Walt does solve the case with the help of his deputies.
One of his deputies is Victoria Moretti, with whom he has had an on/off relationship.
Victoria has a way with words: Describing a raucous meeting by Wyoming Fish and Game concerning a possible wolf kill of a sheep "Clusterfuckectomy"
There is tragedy and humor in this book and I strongly recommend it to fans of this series. It is book 15 in the series, and it would be better if you read them in order, but you could read it as a stand alone.
I read this library book in 3 days.
One of his deputies is Victoria Moretti, with whom he has had an on/off relationship.
Victoria has a way with words: Describing a raucous meeting by Wyoming Fish and Game concerning a possible wolf kill of a sheep "Clusterfuckectomy"
There is tragedy and humor in this book and I strongly recommend it to fans of this series. It is book 15 in the series, and it would be better if you read them in order, but you could read it as a stand alone.
I read this library book in 3 days.
September 30, 2019
I had no problem remembering the previous book in this series, but I went back and read my review anyway. I didn’t like that book at all, gave it 2 stars. I’m happy to announce that Craig Johnson is back on track with this book! All the things I love about this series are here: Vic in all her snarky glory, the wise Cheyenne Nation, an introspective Walt, atmospheric Wyoming, and the spirituality of a wolf.
December 29, 2023
Reading a Walt Longmire book is like sitting by a fireplace with a warm drink in hand. No matter where Craig Johnson leads, it never ceases to be interesting. There was not much of Henry Standing Bear in this book but there was plenty of Vic. Putting Vic and Walt together in the same story opens up quips, insults, sarcasm and much “tongue in cheek”comments. They are like two rocks rubbing together, enhancing each others personality.
Again, I was completely confused as to “who dunnit” till the very end. Maybe I am not astute enough to figure the bad guy out or maybe I do not want to be troubled with this task, diverting my energy instead into the joy of letting the words of this novel flow over me.
After all is said and done, this is an entertaining read. Give it a try. I do not think the reader will be disappointed.
Again, I was completely confused as to “who dunnit” till the very end. Maybe I am not astute enough to figure the bad guy out or maybe I do not want to be troubled with this task, diverting my energy instead into the joy of letting the words of this novel flow over me.
After all is said and done, this is an entertaining read. Give it a try. I do not think the reader will be disappointed.
Want to read
July 13, 2019This book is an ARC (Advanced Uncorrected Proof). I don't really know why i purchased this book at a retail outlet. I generally disliked Mr. Johnson's last two books, I guess the price must have been right. The book was not given or sent to me for a review. I may have wanted to read this book due to the hope that this installment will satisfy as earlier ones in the series did. The official publication date is September 17, 2019.
October 4, 2019
The Walt Longmire Detective series is the written equivalent to comfort food. They are safe and dependable, it has nostalgic value, and it is comforting. In our crazy unhinged world, comfort is a valuable commodity. It is like pizza. If you are looking for something that pushes the boundaries, keep looking, buster, there is going to be no pineapple on Sheriff Longmire’s pizza pie (actually, in all seriousness, pineapple should never be found polluting the pure beauty of the magnificence called pizza. If you are one of the deranged monsters who commits this atrocity, just know that you will be burning in the fiery pits of hell once your spirit has left this mortal coil).
Walt Longmire is the steadfast sheriff of Absaroka County (located in Wyoming). The mysteries are like those found in 1980’s detective shows on CBS. Nothing really changes and certain aspects of the stories and the characters repeat time after time. You can bet that Thomas Magnum is going to sport a loud Hawaiian shirt. Rick is going to complain about his bar tab at the King Kamehameha Club. T.C.’s poor Island Hoppers chopper will get all shot to hell while Higgins loses his mind over Magnum borrowing those super-pricey binoculars without asking. All the while wacky-but lovable landlord Mr. Furley will make uncomfortably homophobic comments regarding Thomas’s super-short cut-offs before heading over to the Regal Beagle to suck back several Harvey Wallbangers and pass out in a drooling heap. Comfort food.
Craig Johnson’s newest Longmire book, Land of Wolves, is the same. In this go-round the mystery is driven by the murder (or is it a suicide?) of a rural sheep shepherd. There is family intrigue, mystic Native Americans, and a roaming wolf that shows his furry snout at all the right times. But the real reason we read these is to see Walt and his team do their thing. Their thing being Walt who by now must be over 95 years old perform the heroics of a man in his 20’s while struggling to understand the fundamentals of sending or receiving email. Deputy Vic Moretti swearing up a storm while physically threatening everyone as her bad mood continues. And hulking Henry Standing Bear hanging around to provide support and ethnic insight to the sheriff. But you know what? I am alright with that. The Longmire books are comforting.
Sure nothing particularly artistic or groundbreaking occurs, but you do get to spend more time with these great characters doing what they always do. Out of nostalgia and comfort comes many great traditions such as setting up Christmas trees, lighting up the old minora, or in the case of my family -- trying to sell any red-headed children you have been cursed with to the nearest passing gypsies. So I will continue to read these books and even relish the comfort and stability they provide.
Walt Longmire is the steadfast sheriff of Absaroka County (located in Wyoming). The mysteries are like those found in 1980’s detective shows on CBS. Nothing really changes and certain aspects of the stories and the characters repeat time after time. You can bet that Thomas Magnum is going to sport a loud Hawaiian shirt. Rick is going to complain about his bar tab at the King Kamehameha Club. T.C.’s poor Island Hoppers chopper will get all shot to hell while Higgins loses his mind over Magnum borrowing those super-pricey binoculars without asking. All the while wacky-but lovable landlord Mr. Furley will make uncomfortably homophobic comments regarding Thomas’s super-short cut-offs before heading over to the Regal Beagle to suck back several Harvey Wallbangers and pass out in a drooling heap. Comfort food.
Craig Johnson’s newest Longmire book, Land of Wolves, is the same. In this go-round the mystery is driven by the murder (or is it a suicide?) of a rural sheep shepherd. There is family intrigue, mystic Native Americans, and a roaming wolf that shows his furry snout at all the right times. But the real reason we read these is to see Walt and his team do their thing. Their thing being Walt who by now must be over 95 years old perform the heroics of a man in his 20’s while struggling to understand the fundamentals of sending or receiving email. Deputy Vic Moretti swearing up a storm while physically threatening everyone as her bad mood continues. And hulking Henry Standing Bear hanging around to provide support and ethnic insight to the sheriff. But you know what? I am alright with that. The Longmire books are comforting.
Sure nothing particularly artistic or groundbreaking occurs, but you do get to spend more time with these great characters doing what they always do. Out of nostalgia and comfort comes many great traditions such as setting up Christmas trees, lighting up the old minora, or in the case of my family -- trying to sell any red-headed children you have been cursed with to the nearest passing gypsies. So I will continue to read these books and even relish the comfort and stability they provide.
October 10, 2019
Walt Longmire is back as sheriff in Absaroka County in Wyoming after his altercations in Mexico and is still recovering from his wounds. This time there is no action-packed story but more of a mystery involving the staged suicide of a sheepherder which connects with the grandson of a Basque landowner who is being chased and kidnapped as well.
An then there is the wolf that Walt encounters several times of which Cheyenne nation is sure is the forebode of a vision. Victoria Moretti the Under-sheriff is still in love with Walt who clearly is still aching to much to fully appreciate her attention.
After the more action orientated previous novel this is a return to normalcy of Walts life and we get to enjoy all the regulars from the series, which is certainly a blessing. And this book is less dark with Walt doing some interviews that have are fun and bite him in the behind and his encounter with the delights of the digital age. Back to business as usual.
And yet Walt seems to be cruising at a crossroad that might change his life and we do get left with and ending that leaves the reader wanting more.
This is my 1000th read book on GR and very appropriate that it is this book of a series I did discover through the good folks of GR, so a milestone and also the great fruit of such a lovely community online.
An then there is the wolf that Walt encounters several times of which Cheyenne nation is sure is the forebode of a vision. Victoria Moretti the Under-sheriff is still in love with Walt who clearly is still aching to much to fully appreciate her attention.
After the more action orientated previous novel this is a return to normalcy of Walts life and we get to enjoy all the regulars from the series, which is certainly a blessing. And this book is less dark with Walt doing some interviews that have are fun and bite him in the behind and his encounter with the delights of the digital age. Back to business as usual.
And yet Walt seems to be cruising at a crossroad that might change his life and we do get left with and ending that leaves the reader wanting more.
This is my 1000th read book on GR and very appropriate that it is this book of a series I did discover through the good folks of GR, so a milestone and also the great fruit of such a lovely community online.
November 8, 2019
First Sentence: Acknowledgements: Once, as a young man running fence for a rancher up near Dillon, Montana, I found myself stretching barbed wire over a rocky ridge, having ground-tied my horse below because his shod hooves weren't too fond of the outcropping.
An unusually large wolf is spotted by Walt. Is it the one suspected of killing sheep from a local herd? When Walt goes to find the herdsman, he found the man's body and a question as to whether he committed suicide or was murdered. Ranchers want the wolf found and killed. A woman wants it saved as its DNA is unique. Henry Standing Bear believes it may be a messenger. Walt wants to solve the mystery of the herder, especially when another crime is committed.
For those of us who read everything from the cover page on, the "Acknowledgements" should not be missed. There one will find what is essentially a true, short story as a lead to the actual story.
Johnson transports readers into the environment of the story with rich, evocative passages and lush writing. Lest you fear he gets too flowery, it is balanced by his dialogue which is audible, natural, and tinged with the humor one has come to expect from this author and these characters. "'Why is everyone treating me like a Fabergé egg?' 'After Mexico, all parties have decided that you need a little more adult supervision.' ... 'Sancho follows me to the bathroom' … 'He's taking his orders very seriously.'" " Finally, there are always things one learns such as about 'predator zones.'
The element of mysticism, often a part of this series, adds a special touch to the story. Linking the wolf to Virgil White Buffalo, from prior books, and Henry Standing Bear telling about the spiritual relationship between a human and animals is worth considering in these times of environmental destruction.
What is very interesting is that this is a Walt who is older, slower, still recovering from the injuries of his last case. It is also a slightly more vulnerable Walt, questioning his relationship with his daughter. Although is it hard to imagine in this time, there has always been a running joke about Walt not having a computer. That he finally receives one, due to the wonderful character of Ruby, Walt's secretary, provides several delightful exchanges.
Johnson includes fascinating information on a considerable number of topics. While these are interesting and do relate to the plot, after about the third occasion, it does begin to feel as though it is filler.
"Land of Wolves" takes us back to Johnson's earlier books, which is a very good thing, with his trademark humor, dialogue, interesting characters, and excellent plot twists.
LAND OF THE WOLVES (PolProd-Walt Longmire-Wyoming-Contemp) – G+
Johnson, Craig – 15th in series
Viking – Sept 2019
An unusually large wolf is spotted by Walt. Is it the one suspected of killing sheep from a local herd? When Walt goes to find the herdsman, he found the man's body and a question as to whether he committed suicide or was murdered. Ranchers want the wolf found and killed. A woman wants it saved as its DNA is unique. Henry Standing Bear believes it may be a messenger. Walt wants to solve the mystery of the herder, especially when another crime is committed.
For those of us who read everything from the cover page on, the "Acknowledgements" should not be missed. There one will find what is essentially a true, short story as a lead to the actual story.
Johnson transports readers into the environment of the story with rich, evocative passages and lush writing. Lest you fear he gets too flowery, it is balanced by his dialogue which is audible, natural, and tinged with the humor one has come to expect from this author and these characters. "'Why is everyone treating me like a Fabergé egg?' 'After Mexico, all parties have decided that you need a little more adult supervision.' ... 'Sancho follows me to the bathroom' … 'He's taking his orders very seriously.'" " Finally, there are always things one learns such as about 'predator zones.'
The element of mysticism, often a part of this series, adds a special touch to the story. Linking the wolf to Virgil White Buffalo, from prior books, and Henry Standing Bear telling about the spiritual relationship between a human and animals is worth considering in these times of environmental destruction.
What is very interesting is that this is a Walt who is older, slower, still recovering from the injuries of his last case. It is also a slightly more vulnerable Walt, questioning his relationship with his daughter. Although is it hard to imagine in this time, there has always been a running joke about Walt not having a computer. That he finally receives one, due to the wonderful character of Ruby, Walt's secretary, provides several delightful exchanges.
Johnson includes fascinating information on a considerable number of topics. While these are interesting and do relate to the plot, after about the third occasion, it does begin to feel as though it is filler.
"Land of Wolves" takes us back to Johnson's earlier books, which is a very good thing, with his trademark humor, dialogue, interesting characters, and excellent plot twists.
LAND OF THE WOLVES (PolProd-Walt Longmire-Wyoming-Contemp) – G+
Johnson, Craig – 15th in series
Viking – Sept 2019
March 4, 2025
I've been reading the Longmire series off and on ever since I first saw the TV series several years ago. I read the book immediately previous to this one,
Depth of Winter
, a few years ago and remember it was not the usual book in the series in that it took place in Mexico when Walt's daughter gets kidnapped by a Mexican drug lord. Walt is on his own and his usual cohorts Vic and Standing Bear do not come into play. Anyway, I was a little disappointed in that one but Land of Wolves has Walt back in familiar territory in Absaroka County, Wyoming. He has not fully recovered from his wounds inflicted in Mexico but he does have the comfort of his usual troop including both Vic and Standing Bear. The story starts out with the killing of a sheep by possibly a lone wolf wandering from its place in Yellowstone National Park. But then next to the sheep kill is found the itinerant shepherd dangling from a tree. Was he intentionally hung or did he commit suicide? It does get lonely for a shepherd by himself. The owner of the sheep is a powerful family of Basque ranchers, the Extepares. The head of the family, Abe, is also taking care of his grandson who may be with him illegally — the boy's family lives in Colorado and want the boy back. Later in the novel, both the boy and his father disappear. So is this related to the murder of the shepherd? Also on hand is a woman who has been tracking the wolf that may have killed the sheep — she was also involved with the murdered shepherd. Walt has his hands full tying all this together which leads to a somewhat unexpected conclusion.
I have not read this series in order and I have missed a few books prior to this one which I really need to read. Although it is a series, I think all of these books can stand on their own but some details may be less clear without reading the prior novels. Anyway, I did enjoy this one and was glad to see Walt back in familiar surroundings.
I have not read this series in order and I have missed a few books prior to this one which I really need to read. Although it is a series, I think all of these books can stand on their own but some details may be less clear without reading the prior novels. Anyway, I did enjoy this one and was glad to see Walt back in familiar surroundings.
October 29, 2020
Johnson returns to his roots with deep characters, soaring mountains, and a shallow mystery. The characters, especially Sheriff Longmire, carry these books, and this is no exception. The actual mystery plot is weak here, but who cares? We're reading for the Wyoming immersion. Oddly, Henry Standing Bear barely makes an appearance in this novel. Hopefully, that's not a trend, because Henry and Walt make a dynamic team.
July 28, 2019
“Land Of Wolves”, Book 15 of the Walt Longmire Mysteries
When we first encounter Walt Longmire in “Land of Wolves”, he still suffers traumatic physical and psychological damage from his battle with Tomas Bidarte in the preceding installment, “Depth of Winter”. Walt is hurting, tired, and, to put it mildly, is a stranger in a familiar land. He’s not sure how to fully recover, or if he really wants to. Even the “pride of lionesses” is powerless to intervene in his inner struggle to regain the parts of him he cast aside like discarded emotional armor, in preparation for that epic showdown.
It appears a wolf has attacked sheep on the high prairie Basque country of Absaroka; troubling because there have been no known wolves in the county for decades. Then, there is a chilling discovery. A sheepherder has hanged himself- or has he? Anyone else under the circumstances would take a step back and let others deal with the investigation, but Walt Longmire knows that to do so might mean losing himself...for good.
Readers will be delighted to learn that Vic, Ruby, Sancho, and Dog all have prominent roles to play in this story, and there may even be a visit of sorts from an old friend, one who has a habit of leaving Mallo Cup calling cards. It is a tale that encompasses tragic betrayal, family intrigue, and vigilante justice, while also delving into Walt’s personal journey back to the man he once was, and again hopes to be.
“Land of Wolves” is a more traditional Longmire mystery than was the thriller pace of “Depth” and takes place on what should be comfortable territory, Walt’s home turf of Absaroka County, but he finds himself off balance - made so by his physical and mental injuries, by changes happening in his own Sheriff’s Department, and by his tenuous grasp of what is real and what may be simply imagined.
Craig Johnson’s word-craft as usual sets a new high bar. If you are new to the book series, you will fall in love with the world of Walt Longmire, and if you are an old hand, your love will be richly rewarded.
- Ry Brooks
When we first encounter Walt Longmire in “Land of Wolves”, he still suffers traumatic physical and psychological damage from his battle with Tomas Bidarte in the preceding installment, “Depth of Winter”. Walt is hurting, tired, and, to put it mildly, is a stranger in a familiar land. He’s not sure how to fully recover, or if he really wants to. Even the “pride of lionesses” is powerless to intervene in his inner struggle to regain the parts of him he cast aside like discarded emotional armor, in preparation for that epic showdown.
It appears a wolf has attacked sheep on the high prairie Basque country of Absaroka; troubling because there have been no known wolves in the county for decades. Then, there is a chilling discovery. A sheepherder has hanged himself- or has he? Anyone else under the circumstances would take a step back and let others deal with the investigation, but Walt Longmire knows that to do so might mean losing himself...for good.
Readers will be delighted to learn that Vic, Ruby, Sancho, and Dog all have prominent roles to play in this story, and there may even be a visit of sorts from an old friend, one who has a habit of leaving Mallo Cup calling cards. It is a tale that encompasses tragic betrayal, family intrigue, and vigilante justice, while also delving into Walt’s personal journey back to the man he once was, and again hopes to be.
“Land of Wolves” is a more traditional Longmire mystery than was the thriller pace of “Depth” and takes place on what should be comfortable territory, Walt’s home turf of Absaroka County, but he finds himself off balance - made so by his physical and mental injuries, by changes happening in his own Sheriff’s Department, and by his tenuous grasp of what is real and what may be simply imagined.
Craig Johnson’s word-craft as usual sets a new high bar. If you are new to the book series, you will fall in love with the world of Walt Longmire, and if you are an old hand, your love will be richly rewarded.
- Ry Brooks
May 13, 2022
Craig Johnson’s wonderful character creation of Walt Longmire should not be overlooked just because this is a western mystery series. The reader is smoothly exposed to all facets of Walt’s personality, background, and philosophy. A gentle giant he is.
In this #15 of the series, Walt is used to introduce the reader to sheep herding in the Big Horn Mountains of Wyoming, Basque residents, misplaced hysteria of wolves, wolf behavior, and the hilarious portrayal of Walt’s introduction into the computer/texting/Google world.
Only Johnson could make wolf number 777M, aka Larry, into a believable character that imparts so much pertinent and important information throughout Johnson’s mystery tale. Another winner and an excellent audio.
In this #15 of the series, Walt is used to introduce the reader to sheep herding in the Big Horn Mountains of Wyoming, Basque residents, misplaced hysteria of wolves, wolf behavior, and the hilarious portrayal of Walt’s introduction into the computer/texting/Google world.
Only Johnson could make wolf number 777M, aka Larry, into a believable character that imparts so much pertinent and important information throughout Johnson’s mystery tale. Another winner and an excellent audio.
September 27, 2019
Walt is back in Wyoming where he belongs. Vic is Vic and I just love her!!!! and Henry, Sancho, Ruby and Dog :) Great story with some heart wrenching moments. And now I have to wait another year...
October 10, 2019
I consider this one of the best books in the series and highly recommend it!
August 20, 2019
I have read every single book in this series and I have watched all the episodes in the TV show and even bought some stuff from Craig Johnsons home page store. The only thing missing now is to visit Wyoming during the Longmire days. Yes I am a fan of this Character. This adventure is one of the best in a while and really funny in parts. Walt is getting up to date on technology, sort of. It is as most of the books a dark story and I think it's sad that they changed some of the tone and stories in the TV series. Still I can strongly recommend that you read this series.
December 2, 2023
I always enjoy the Walt Longmire novels but this one is perhaps my favorite one of the last several outings. Walt is back home in familiar territory, but not in a good place, personally, as he has to find a way to deal with the horrendous events in Mexico recounted in the previous book, Depth of Winter. There is a lot of humor scattered throughout this one which is one reason I liked it so much. Walt's brand of dry humor is much like my own, I guess. It's just one of the ways that Walt deals with stressful situations. Looking forward to the next, of course.
June 17, 2019
A rancher in Absaroka County hires shepherds to assist with his large flocks. When one of the men is found dead, it falls to Walt Longmire to ascertain whether it was suicide or murder. I enjoy this series, especially the characters, and now picture them as the actors who appeared in the Longmire Netflix series which, in my opinion, was one of the most outstanding adaptations of a favorite book series ever.
January 1, 2020
As always Craig Johnson does not disappoint. Walt Longmire and his friends are back for another excellent adventure.Recovering from his injuries in Mexico Walt is back pursuing the bad guys. Great story and characters. Just wish they were still making the TV series. Anxiously awaiting #16
November 23, 2019
Love the Longmire series, and this one is one of the best.
November 23, 2021
Loved this book. Longmire is back to local law enforcement and being crotchety. Audiobooks are the best, especially George Guidall’s reading here.
May 25, 2024
A bit ho-hum after all the excitement of Depth of Winter. This is the one where Walt has a close call with technology, but it's only a near miss.
This straight-forward mystery sees Sheriff Walt Longmire back in Absaroka County, Wyoming. A lone wolf has been sighted in the Big Horn Mountains of a breed thought to be extinct, setting cattle ranchers and sheep herders against conservationists. You're either for "Larry," or you're agin 'im. Things get complicated when a herder is found partially eaten. The citizens assume it was Larry and call for a hunt, but eagle-eyed Walt notices a few extra marks on the deceased that no animal could've made...
The most interesting thing about Land of Wolves was the physical and psychological fallout from Walt's mission to end the spectre of danger wrought by Odarte. It's hard to see him go through the guilt and self-punishment. To top it off, Cady acting like an ass after what her father went through to rescue her is incredible.
Let's see what happens in Next to Last Stand.
This straight-forward mystery sees Sheriff Walt Longmire back in Absaroka County, Wyoming. A lone wolf has been sighted in the Big Horn Mountains of a breed thought to be extinct, setting cattle ranchers and sheep herders against conservationists. You're either for "Larry," or you're agin 'im. Things get complicated when a herder is found partially eaten. The citizens assume it was Larry and call for a hunt, but eagle-eyed Walt notices a few extra marks on the deceased that no animal could've made...
The most interesting thing about Land of Wolves was the physical and psychological fallout from Walt's mission to end the spectre of danger wrought by Odarte. It's hard to see him go through the guilt and self-punishment. To top it off, Cady acting like an ass after what her father went through to rescue her is incredible.
Let's see what happens in Next to Last Stand.
May 9, 2020
To be reviewed over at Fresh Fiction!
October 10, 2019
**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. **
“Land of Wolves” is the fifteenth 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.
When we last left our fearless law enforcement officer at the end of the last book, “The Depth of Winter”, Walt had barely survived his final showdown with his evil archenemy, Thomas Bidarte, international hit man who had kidnapped Cady with the intent of auctioning her off to Longmire’s worst enemies. However, that personal confrontation down in Mexico and the results of it has left Walt in a world of physical and emotional pain.
Returning home to Absaroka County, Sherriff Longmire struggles to recover from the impact of that traumatic experience on his emotional state. When returning to work, he finds a dead Basque shepherd in the Big Horn Mountains that appears to have committed a suicide by hanging himself from a tree. Walt also sees a large grey wolf that appears to have been kicked out of his pack and looking for a new home. The old beast strikes Walt’s memories of his spiritual guide, Virgil White Buffalo, whose mysterious presence appears when a child is in danger.
As Walt looks take a closer at the Shepherd’s death, it appears that murder may be the likely cause. The victim’s employer, the Extepare’s, a family of Basque ranchers known for their history of violence raises enough questions for Walt to investigate further. He discovers strained relationships between parents, their daughter, son-in-law, and grandchild. Walt also comes across strange carvings left on the trees and Mallo Cup candies with play money in unusual places, leaving him wondering if Virgil’s influence is watching over him and trying to send him a message.
The further Walt digs into the shepherd’s situation and history, the clues don’t seem to make sense or connect. At the same time, Walt finds his fragile emotional state is breaking down. His daughter, Cady. is barely communicating with him as she struggles to put own her life back together after being held prisoner by a madman. a surprising potential opponent for the office of Sherriff with strong backers gets revealed, and the final backbreaker may turn out to be Walt having a computer forced into his work life.
There are a lot of things to like about this book in which Johnson works hard to get Longmire back to his foundational roots, while exploring the deepest core of who he is and what he stands for. Walt’s struggle to return to a normal life is handled with depth and quality. His pain and suffering are painfully realistic. His strained relationship with his daughter, Cady, pulls on your heartstrings because you know what he went through to save her, and the cost is turning out to be heavy on both of them as they try to find their ways back to a stable life. I think that Walt’s brutal recovery is authentic and important to his ongoing development and growth.
I was reminded of how much I missed Walt’s interactions with his deputy and true love, Vic. I especially appreciated her raw and unfiltered sassy, flippant attitude, as well as her R-rated banter with Walt. No one makes an art of expressing the F-word like her. Also, having appearances from Henry Standing Bear and Lucian brought joy to my heart, especially the revealing history of how Lucian lost his leg was an interesting addition. And my personal highlight was experiencing Ruby try to teach Walt how to use his desktop computer. That was memorable.
Overall, “Land of Wolves” was a more personalized story about Longmire dealing with personal loss, sacrifice, and of course, family. Although Walt’s still stubbornly focused on justice at all cost, even to the detriment of his own health, the reader is left with the hope that a new day will dawn for him, Vic, and Cady.
“Land of Wolves” is the fifteenth 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.
When we last left our fearless law enforcement officer at the end of the last book, “The Depth of Winter”, Walt had barely survived his final showdown with his evil archenemy, Thomas Bidarte, international hit man who had kidnapped Cady with the intent of auctioning her off to Longmire’s worst enemies. However, that personal confrontation down in Mexico and the results of it has left Walt in a world of physical and emotional pain.
Returning home to Absaroka County, Sherriff Longmire struggles to recover from the impact of that traumatic experience on his emotional state. When returning to work, he finds a dead Basque shepherd in the Big Horn Mountains that appears to have committed a suicide by hanging himself from a tree. Walt also sees a large grey wolf that appears to have been kicked out of his pack and looking for a new home. The old beast strikes Walt’s memories of his spiritual guide, Virgil White Buffalo, whose mysterious presence appears when a child is in danger.
As Walt looks take a closer at the Shepherd’s death, it appears that murder may be the likely cause. The victim’s employer, the Extepare’s, a family of Basque ranchers known for their history of violence raises enough questions for Walt to investigate further. He discovers strained relationships between parents, their daughter, son-in-law, and grandchild. Walt also comes across strange carvings left on the trees and Mallo Cup candies with play money in unusual places, leaving him wondering if Virgil’s influence is watching over him and trying to send him a message.
The further Walt digs into the shepherd’s situation and history, the clues don’t seem to make sense or connect. At the same time, Walt finds his fragile emotional state is breaking down. His daughter, Cady. is barely communicating with him as she struggles to put own her life back together after being held prisoner by a madman. a surprising potential opponent for the office of Sherriff with strong backers gets revealed, and the final backbreaker may turn out to be Walt having a computer forced into his work life.
There are a lot of things to like about this book in which Johnson works hard to get Longmire back to his foundational roots, while exploring the deepest core of who he is and what he stands for. Walt’s struggle to return to a normal life is handled with depth and quality. His pain and suffering are painfully realistic. His strained relationship with his daughter, Cady, pulls on your heartstrings because you know what he went through to save her, and the cost is turning out to be heavy on both of them as they try to find their ways back to a stable life. I think that Walt’s brutal recovery is authentic and important to his ongoing development and growth.
I was reminded of how much I missed Walt’s interactions with his deputy and true love, Vic. I especially appreciated her raw and unfiltered sassy, flippant attitude, as well as her R-rated banter with Walt. No one makes an art of expressing the F-word like her. Also, having appearances from Henry Standing Bear and Lucian brought joy to my heart, especially the revealing history of how Lucian lost his leg was an interesting addition. And my personal highlight was experiencing Ruby try to teach Walt how to use his desktop computer. That was memorable.
Overall, “Land of Wolves” was a more personalized story about Longmire dealing with personal loss, sacrifice, and of course, family. Although Walt’s still stubbornly focused on justice at all cost, even to the detriment of his own health, the reader is left with the hope that a new day will dawn for him, Vic, and Cady.
September 17, 2019
“Land of Wolves” By Craig Johnson is book fifteen in “The Longmire” Series. Craig Johnson is a storyteller with few equals and presents a current-day plot that is reminiscent of the timeless musical “Oklahoma” where the sheepherders and the cattlemen are just not friends; throw in a rogue wolf and everyone becomes an enemy. Regular readers will find Walt back in familiar territory. New readers will find that any needed backstories are included in the current story, and past tragedies are mentioned in casual discussions.
The book is a first person narrative by Absaroka County sheriff Walter “Walt” Longmire and his hundred and forty‑five pounds of canine mix dog, “Dog.” All the usual characters from make appearances or are mentioned within the context of this new adventure including Henry Standing Bear, Deputy Santiago Saizarbitoria, undersheriff Vic Victoria Moretti, dispatcher Ruby, and even Walt’s daughter and grand‑daughter so many miles away. Johnson immediately introduces readers to Wyoming and its geography.
Readers get to know Walt through his thoughts and reflections; after all, this is his story from the start to the inevitable tragic finish. The action unfolds in Walt’s casual but familiar style, and readers hear what he says to other people; “You’ve just shot at a police officer, which is a serious offense, so I would advise you to hold your fire.” He talks directly to readers; “You had to really be paying attention to see what happened next, but I had witnessed Henry in these situations before, so I knew what was going to happen.” He shares his thoughts; “I stood there for a moment looking at her— I like doing that to convince people that I’m angry, although all I really am is tired.”
Walt focuses his investigation on the who, what, where, and why of the incident, but he finds lots of questions and few if any answers. He pays attention to every detail; “I stopped for a moment, noticing some carvings on one of the trees. They were fresh, and I could make out the general design but not their meaning. Pulling out a small field notepad, I copied the designs and then returned it to the inside pocket of my jacket.”
In a major newsworthy development, Walt is being dragged, kicking and screaming into at least the 20th Century. (Not the 21st but close) “Leaning a little to one side, I could see a large box sitting on my desk. 'What the heck is it?’ ‘A computer.’ ‘This is just the slippery slope towards a cell phone.’”
Be sure to read the acknowledgements; Johnson, a true storyteller, takes every opportunity to share his craft. I received a review copy of “Land of Wolves” from Craig Johnson, Viking, and Penguin Random House. Walt as always, is true to himself.
“’You still don’t look so good, Sheriff.’ I sighed a wheezing laugh. ‘I’ve had a rough couple of months.’”
The book is a first person narrative by Absaroka County sheriff Walter “Walt” Longmire and his hundred and forty‑five pounds of canine mix dog, “Dog.” All the usual characters from make appearances or are mentioned within the context of this new adventure including Henry Standing Bear, Deputy Santiago Saizarbitoria, undersheriff Vic Victoria Moretti, dispatcher Ruby, and even Walt’s daughter and grand‑daughter so many miles away. Johnson immediately introduces readers to Wyoming and its geography.
“It’s hard to think of a place in Wyoming where the wind doesn’t reign supreme”
Readers get to know Walt through his thoughts and reflections; after all, this is his story from the start to the inevitable tragic finish. The action unfolds in Walt’s casual but familiar style, and readers hear what he says to other people; “You’ve just shot at a police officer, which is a serious offense, so I would advise you to hold your fire.” He talks directly to readers; “You had to really be paying attention to see what happened next, but I had witnessed Henry in these situations before, so I knew what was going to happen.” He shares his thoughts; “I stood there for a moment looking at her— I like doing that to convince people that I’m angry, although all I really am is tired.”
Walt focuses his investigation on the who, what, where, and why of the incident, but he finds lots of questions and few if any answers. He pays attention to every detail; “I stopped for a moment, noticing some carvings on one of the trees. They were fresh, and I could make out the general design but not their meaning. Pulling out a small field notepad, I copied the designs and then returned it to the inside pocket of my jacket.”
In a major newsworthy development, Walt is being dragged, kicking and screaming into at least the 20th Century. (Not the 21st but close) “Leaning a little to one side, I could see a large box sitting on my desk. 'What the heck is it?’ ‘A computer.’ ‘This is just the slippery slope towards a cell phone.’”
Be sure to read the acknowledgements; Johnson, a true storyteller, takes every opportunity to share his craft. I received a review copy of “Land of Wolves” from Craig Johnson, Viking, and Penguin Random House. Walt as always, is true to himself.
“’Walt Longmire, Sheriff.’ I took off my hat and stopped at the edge of the porch.”
January 28, 2020
Rumination abounds as Sheriff Longmire is still recovering from Mexico. His consciousness is teetering between solid earth and legend. And then there is reality that must be dealt with when trying to determine cause of death of a shepherd - suicide or murder? Adding complication is a big old roving male wolf attracted to site of dead body.
There are deep thoughts, humorous episodes and work challenges. A computer is forced on Walt by his assistant who has lost her patience printing out all documents and then having to respond electronically on behalf of Walt. The wolf episode is something media pounces on yielding comical interviews, both print and television.
A very rich gem of a book.
Library Loan
There are deep thoughts, humorous episodes and work challenges. A computer is forced on Walt by his assistant who has lost her patience printing out all documents and then having to respond electronically on behalf of Walt. The wolf episode is something media pounces on yielding comical interviews, both print and television.
A very rich gem of a book.
Library Loan
October 19, 2019
I'm not always happy with the books in this series--I found the last one particularly irritating as Longmire's efforts to save his daughter, captured by Mexican drug lords, were totally unrealistic for his age. This one is better--a complex family case that turns out to be bigger than that--with a lot of fascinating wolf lore and the ruminations of a Vietnam vet, acting his age and considering retirement. Interesting though black and white characters, a good puzzle, strong sense of place, and lots of frame.
March 6, 2024
This is the 15th in the Walt Longmire series, my first.
Walt is the sheriff of a large sparsely populated county in Wyoming where sheep ranching is part of the local economy. A sheep is found to have been killed by a mysterious wolf, causing an uproar in the community. Shortly thereafter, a shepherd is found dead, which the sheriff and his deputy Vic investigate as a murder. Multiple crimes follow.. most engaging introduction to the series.
Walt is the sheriff of a large sparsely populated county in Wyoming where sheep ranching is part of the local economy. A sheep is found to have been killed by a mysterious wolf, causing an uproar in the community. Shortly thereafter, a shepherd is found dead, which the sheriff and his deputy Vic investigate as a murder. Multiple crimes follow.. most engaging introduction to the series.
August 10, 2021
Back from a life-changing, very nearly fatal rescue mission to deep, dark Mexico, our hero is once again on solid ground in Absaroka County. Well, "solid ground" if you accept a wolf that may or may not be an Indian spirit stalking Walt as he untangles a wicked web woven through families, murder, and betrayal.
Welcome back to Longmire.
Welcome back to Longmire.
September 26, 2019
Excellent novel. The most recent in Craig Johnson's Longmire series which never disappoints.
January 19, 2022
It’s been about a year and a half since I visited Absaroka County, and it’s good to be back. I don’t know why it took me this long to meet up with my old friends. These people are fun, and they move me in positive ways that are difficult to explain. Walt is one of the most interesting characters in fiction. He’s a tough, stubborn, quiet philosopher who wears a sheriff’s badge, and has to solve some of the weirdest crimes in one of the biggest, least populated counties in the U.S. He gets help along the way by an excellent cast of characters, including his under-sheriff, Vic, whose about as outspoken as Walt is reticent. There’s his best friend, Henry, who is so big and so wise that Walt refers to him as “the Cheyenne Nation”. The interactions between Walt and them, along with the rest of regulars of the Longmire series, is one the things that make these novels so much fun. This one is no different, although I would have liked to have seen more of Henry. Even so, I consider this one in the top five of the 15 I’ve read.
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