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Walt Longmire #19
The Longmire Defense
Walt Longmire faces one of his most challenging crime scenes as he tries to reckon with the revelations of his last case where he confronted the ghosts of his past and questioned the very nature of justice and mercy in the hard country of the West.
Deep in the heart of the Wyoming countryside, Sheriff of Absaroka County, Walt Longmire, is called to a crime scene like few others that he has seen. This crime brings up issues that go back to Walt's grandfather's time in Wyoming, as the revelations he learns about his grandfather come back to offer clues and motives for Walt's investigation. Filled with back-country action, and with the great cast of characters that readers have come to love with the Longmire series, this new book will be sure to satisfy both long-time readers and those new to the series.
Deep in the heart of the Wyoming countryside, Sheriff of Absaroka County, Walt Longmire, is called to a crime scene like few others that he has seen. This crime brings up issues that go back to Walt's grandfather's time in Wyoming, as the revelations he learns about his grandfather come back to offer clues and motives for Walt's investigation. Filled with back-country action, and with the great cast of characters that readers have come to love with the Longmire series, this new book will be sure to satisfy both long-time readers and those new to the series.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published September 5, 2023
1199 people are currently reading
3130 people want to read
About the author
Craig Johnson
102 books4,965 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 840 reviews
June 13, 2024
In this 19th book in the 'Walt Longmire' series, the sheriff looks into a very cold case. The book can be read as a standalone, but familiarity with the novels is a bonus.
*****
When Walt Longmire - the Sheriff of Absaroka County, Wyoming - hears that a traveler called Trisha Knox buried her car in a mountain snowdrift and got lost, he and his dog (named Dog) set out to find the woman.
As Walt and Dog are searching for Trisha, Walt remembers a story his father told him decades ago. Walt's father and grandfather, Lloyd Longmire, were on this mountain in the late 1940s, hunting elk with several Wyoming government employees.
One of the hunters, Bill Sutherland - the state accountant - was shot and subsequently died. A .300 H&H Magnum shell was found. However, none of the men in the hunting party was carrying that rifle, and the killer was never identified.
After Walt finds Trisha Knox, Dog starts scratching at some rocks and pulls out a leather strap. Walt reaches between the stones and finds a rifle - a custom .300 H&H Magnum, circa late 1940s. It's the murder weapon that killed Bill Sutherland!
When Walt gets the rifle identified, he learns it belonged to his grandfather Lloyd, who's long deceased. Walt never got along with his grandfather, but the sheriff doesn't want to believe his grandfather was a murderer.
Still, Walt is a lawman to his very core, and he'll go wherever the cold case investigation takes him.
It seems, though, that other people DON'T want Walt to investigate Bill Sutherland's murder. The man who was sheriff in the late 1940s, Lucian Connally, discourages Walt's inquiries;
and when Walt asks grave digger Jules Belden to exhume Sutherland's body, someone takes shots at Jules.
When Walt and his best friend, Henry Standing Bear, look into Jules' shooting, an expensive state-of-the-art drone follows them.
Afterwards, Walt is threatened by a government honcho called Tom Rondelle, who wants Walt to hold off his investigation into Sutherland's death. Walt threatens to throw Rondelle out a window. 🙂
It's clear people are trying to prevent something from coming to light, and Walt is determined to learn what it is.
As all this going on, Walter spontaneously asks his undersheriff, Victoria Moretti, to marry him....in the parking lot of an assisted living facility. Vic finds the ambiance lacking, doesn't say yes, and proceeds to call in sick over the following days.
As the story unfolds, Walt visits with his daughter Cady and granddaughter Lola;
comes across an Indian girl he played with as a child, Ruth One Heart, who's now in law enforcement;
gives assignments to his deputy, Santiago "Sancho" Saizarbitoria;
has flashbacks to playing chess with his grandfather; meets several people involved with Wyoming finances; and more.
Of course, all this leads to a climactic action-packed finale. I look forward to seeing what happens next.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
August 8, 2023
This one felt like a return to the strengths of the series, for those who have followed Sheriff Walt from the beginning. No narco-terrorists, no supernatural stirrings ... just good old-fashioned greed and financial skulduggery.
Walt is, finally, feeling his age after his last adventures. He is dogging it a bit, trying to figure out if retirement is something he desires. Vic has disappeared after an ill-advised proposal, and even Henry Standing Bear is tired of Walt's lethargy.
But he gets sucked into a decades old case that might turn out to involve his grandfather murdering a man long ago. Walt and his grandfather never got along, and Walt knows him to have killed several men in extenuating circumstances. But this would be murder, and Walt can't rest until he finds out the truth. Everyone and their brother point out to him that he is totally non-objective but he won't let it go.
The more he digs, the more scandal he begins to uncover which involves nefarious deeds high up in the government food chain. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Walt is, finally, feeling his age after his last adventures. He is dogging it a bit, trying to figure out if retirement is something he desires. Vic has disappeared after an ill-advised proposal, and even Henry Standing Bear is tired of Walt's lethargy.
But he gets sucked into a decades old case that might turn out to involve his grandfather murdering a man long ago. Walt and his grandfather never got along, and Walt knows him to have killed several men in extenuating circumstances. But this would be murder, and Walt can't rest until he finds out the truth. Everyone and their brother point out to him that he is totally non-objective but he won't let it go.
The more he digs, the more scandal he begins to uncover which involves nefarious deeds high up in the government food chain. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 7, 2025
This is just another wonderful novel by Craig Johnson. It all began with an old Weatherby rifle from the 1940’s. From there the plot takes more turns than a Rand McNally map. The question which is weaved through this writing is, “Who can Walt trust?”
The ever present “tongue and cheek” humor of Walt saturates the pages and lightens the intensity of the situations he faces. Vic ends up in the wind leaving an uncertain Walt. Saizarbitoria is having his doubts and Lucian is holding back. This results in two things, Walt Longmire is in a hot mess and I am not going to be able to put this book down.
I hope all my GR friends are ready for an incredible ride.
The ever present “tongue and cheek” humor of Walt saturates the pages and lightens the intensity of the situations he faces. Vic ends up in the wind leaving an uncertain Walt. Saizarbitoria is having his doubts and Lucian is holding back. This results in two things, Walt Longmire is in a hot mess and I am not going to be able to put this book down.
I hope all my GR friends are ready for an incredible ride.
September 11, 2023
Somehow Craig Johnson finds ways to escalate the ongoing saga of Walt Longmire, with fresh takes on his personal life as they play against the cases he comes up against. This latest episode is particularly revelatory in that it focuses attention on his complicated history, most notably that between him and his grandfather. The audio version is further enhanced by the narration by George Guidall, one of my favorites, whose delivery has been a feature I've looked forward to for some time now.
September 21, 2023
“The Longmire Defense” is the 19th 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, “Hell and Back”, we left our aging hero bruised, beaten up, and suffering emotional trauma from both his physical challenges and haunted spiritual dreams. Walt is now back home, trying to settle down back into his county sheriff role and normal life, and recovering from his recent traumatic experiences.
When “The Longmire Defense” starts, we find our hero, Walt Longmire, trying to recover from the serious injuries he sustained in his last book, as well as trying to spend quality time with his daughter and granddaughter. However, Vic comes along and pulls him and his trusty Dog away from his peaceful bliss to help her on a search for a young lady from out-of-town who’s car got stuck in the mountains and needs rescuing.
During the search, Walt finds himself at the top of a mountain area rock outcropping that seems familiar to him. Then he remembers a story his father told him about this place. It is where his dad saw a man die for the first time.
Back in the late 1940’s, Walt’s father and grandfather lead an elk hunting party in this location, along with Henry’s father. Their group included three men who worked in the accounting department for the state of Wyoming. During the trip disaster struck, when one of the men, Bill Sutherland, was mysteriously shot and killed. To make matters worse, none of the men had a gun that matched the rifle bullet that killed him and the investigation was left unsolved.
As Walt reflects back on the unresolved mystery, Dog starts digging around the outcropping and finds something. Walt helps him pull it out the object, only to discover that it appears to potentially be the missing murder weapon from all those years ago.
Thus begins Walt’s new investigation of a murder mystery that somehow connects the past to the present. It will also challenge his own ethical boundaries of how important the truth can be, when he discovers that the owner of the murder weapon is a man that Walt never got along with, his own grandfather, Loyd Longmire…
Well, there’s good news, folks. There’s a lot of things that I loved about this book. And boy howdy, am I glad to say that. Really glad.
Truth to be told, I was not a big fan of the last two in this series. “Daughter of the Morning Star” was an interesting premise, but ending was garbled and left way too many things unresolved, leaving me completely frustrated. That was followed by “Hell and Back” in which Craig Johnson attempted to put his own twist on an Indian ghost story that lost momentum and didn’t come across as well as I had hoped for.
The good news is that “The Longmire Defense” has two really importantly good things going for it. Two key elements that get us back to what makes Walt so great. The first a traditional based mystery, and the second is character relationships and development.
The mystery is a good one, and Walt’s grandfather plays a key role in, it elevating the tension and family conflict to a high level. I really appreciated the flashback scenes that strengthened the storyline. There weren’t overdone at all. Just enough to really bring home the conflicting relationship between a grandfather and a grandson. And the more that Walt peeled back the layers of the mystery, it reveals more things in common between them then he would like. To me, this is one of the best mysteries that Johnson has devised in the entire series so far. Well delivered and well done.
As or relationships and character development, there is a whole whopping bunch of that going on in this one. We get a lot of great moments. Walt and his daughter, Cady. Walt and his granddaughter, Lola. Walt and his best friend, Henry. Walt and his lady love, Vic Moretti. Walt and his crusty sidekick, Lucian. Walt and his voice of reason, Ruby. We even get flashbacks of Walt and his grandpa, as well as get introduced to a new character from his childhood. There are just so many scenes that reminded me of why I fell in love with these books in the first place.
What makes it work so well is how expertly Johnson weaves them into the main threads of the plotlines in such a smooth and fluid manner. There is nothing forced and each character is so true to who they are. I also look forward to some of the new developments that Johnson is setting up for the future, but no giving anything away here. You'll have to find out those things for yourself.
And what a great ending. I saw it coming, and I still love it! A perfect cherry on top of the ice cream sundae metaphorically speaking. I also look forward to some of the new developments that Johnson is setting up for the future, but no giving anything away here. You'll have to find out those things for yourself.
“The Longmire Defense” is Johnson telling his stories with proven style and rhythm that draws in the reader and makes Absaroka County, Wyoming a home away from home. The flow reflects a confident author who knows his characters and how he wants to chart their growth and development through the conflicts of the plotting. Scenes transition smoothly from one to another as the story develops and the tension builds to a winning emotional payoff in the end.
Overall, “The Longmire Defense” brought me back to why I fell in love with this series to begin with. It delivered a strongly conceived mystery, character development, and beautiful settings, that culminated together in a great climactic reading experience that I will cherish. This is one of my top three favorite Longmire novels in the series. Easily. And to think that Walt didn’t get the living crap kicked out of him again made it even better. He’s getting old and I’ve been worrying about the wear and tear that he’s been getting…
Now, for the first time in two years, I can proudly say that I cannot wait for the next Longmire adventure to be published. 2024 now seems like a long way off…
When we last left our fearless law enforcement officer at the end of the last book, “Hell and Back”, we left our aging hero bruised, beaten up, and suffering emotional trauma from both his physical challenges and haunted spiritual dreams. Walt is now back home, trying to settle down back into his county sheriff role and normal life, and recovering from his recent traumatic experiences.
When “The Longmire Defense” starts, we find our hero, Walt Longmire, trying to recover from the serious injuries he sustained in his last book, as well as trying to spend quality time with his daughter and granddaughter. However, Vic comes along and pulls him and his trusty Dog away from his peaceful bliss to help her on a search for a young lady from out-of-town who’s car got stuck in the mountains and needs rescuing.
During the search, Walt finds himself at the top of a mountain area rock outcropping that seems familiar to him. Then he remembers a story his father told him about this place. It is where his dad saw a man die for the first time.
Back in the late 1940’s, Walt’s father and grandfather lead an elk hunting party in this location, along with Henry’s father. Their group included three men who worked in the accounting department for the state of Wyoming. During the trip disaster struck, when one of the men, Bill Sutherland, was mysteriously shot and killed. To make matters worse, none of the men had a gun that matched the rifle bullet that killed him and the investigation was left unsolved.
As Walt reflects back on the unresolved mystery, Dog starts digging around the outcropping and finds something. Walt helps him pull it out the object, only to discover that it appears to potentially be the missing murder weapon from all those years ago.
Thus begins Walt’s new investigation of a murder mystery that somehow connects the past to the present. It will also challenge his own ethical boundaries of how important the truth can be, when he discovers that the owner of the murder weapon is a man that Walt never got along with, his own grandfather, Loyd Longmire…
Well, there’s good news, folks. There’s a lot of things that I loved about this book. And boy howdy, am I glad to say that. Really glad.
Truth to be told, I was not a big fan of the last two in this series. “Daughter of the Morning Star” was an interesting premise, but ending was garbled and left way too many things unresolved, leaving me completely frustrated. That was followed by “Hell and Back” in which Craig Johnson attempted to put his own twist on an Indian ghost story that lost momentum and didn’t come across as well as I had hoped for.
The good news is that “The Longmire Defense” has two really importantly good things going for it. Two key elements that get us back to what makes Walt so great. The first a traditional based mystery, and the second is character relationships and development.
The mystery is a good one, and Walt’s grandfather plays a key role in, it elevating the tension and family conflict to a high level. I really appreciated the flashback scenes that strengthened the storyline. There weren’t overdone at all. Just enough to really bring home the conflicting relationship between a grandfather and a grandson. And the more that Walt peeled back the layers of the mystery, it reveals more things in common between them then he would like. To me, this is one of the best mysteries that Johnson has devised in the entire series so far. Well delivered and well done.
As or relationships and character development, there is a whole whopping bunch of that going on in this one. We get a lot of great moments. Walt and his daughter, Cady. Walt and his granddaughter, Lola. Walt and his best friend, Henry. Walt and his lady love, Vic Moretti. Walt and his crusty sidekick, Lucian. Walt and his voice of reason, Ruby. We even get flashbacks of Walt and his grandpa, as well as get introduced to a new character from his childhood. There are just so many scenes that reminded me of why I fell in love with these books in the first place.
What makes it work so well is how expertly Johnson weaves them into the main threads of the plotlines in such a smooth and fluid manner. There is nothing forced and each character is so true to who they are. I also look forward to some of the new developments that Johnson is setting up for the future, but no giving anything away here. You'll have to find out those things for yourself.
And what a great ending. I saw it coming, and I still love it! A perfect cherry on top of the ice cream sundae metaphorically speaking. I also look forward to some of the new developments that Johnson is setting up for the future, but no giving anything away here. You'll have to find out those things for yourself.
“The Longmire Defense” is Johnson telling his stories with proven style and rhythm that draws in the reader and makes Absaroka County, Wyoming a home away from home. The flow reflects a confident author who knows his characters and how he wants to chart their growth and development through the conflicts of the plotting. Scenes transition smoothly from one to another as the story develops and the tension builds to a winning emotional payoff in the end.
Overall, “The Longmire Defense” brought me back to why I fell in love with this series to begin with. It delivered a strongly conceived mystery, character development, and beautiful settings, that culminated together in a great climactic reading experience that I will cherish. This is one of my top three favorite Longmire novels in the series. Easily. And to think that Walt didn’t get the living crap kicked out of him again made it even better. He’s getting old and I’ve been worrying about the wear and tear that he’s been getting…
Now, for the first time in two years, I can proudly say that I cannot wait for the next Longmire adventure to be published. 2024 now seems like a long way off…
June 22, 2023
Walt is investigating a cold case with a very personal connection. When he was 15, his father mentioned an incident at a hunting camp years before; grandfather and some of his cronies had gone hunting, and one of them was shot. Walt believes his grandfather was the shooter, but the investigation involves old guns, bullets, research, and some very ruthless people, who don't want Walt digging into this case. He is about to find out how much the importance of money tops everything to these people as the story draws to a very compelling conclusion (including revelations in Walt's personal life). Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC.
January 10, 2024
Okay, here’s the thing, I’m a fan of the Longmire series having read every book and, while I try to remain neutral when it comes to my book reviews, it’s possible I may be a little biased towards every book in the series. Be that as it may, I felt this was one of the stronger books with a deep exploration into Walt’s past and his relationship with his grandfather.
The 19th book in the Walt Longmire series finds the Absaroka County sheriff working on the coldest of cold case murders you can possibly come across. It’s a case that somehow involves his grandfather and, before it’s over, is going to draw all kinds of attention from powers within the state capital.
A woman gets herself lost during a snowstorm high in the Bighorn Mountains and Walt sets out to find her. Upon finding her, alive and well, he also discovered a vintage rifle, tucked into a crevice in the rocks. It turns out this is the same distinct make and model of rifle he recalls his father describing was used in a hunting accident that resulted in a man being killed. One member of the hunting party was Walt’s grandfather.
And so Walt embarks on an investigation into, first, one murder which then throws up what appears to be a related second murder as well as a further related disappearance. In each case the men involved were members of the original hunting party and held important positions within the state’s political machine.
Just as he begins to gain some momentum with his cold, cold case he begins receiving calls and then visits from officials from the state capital in Cheyenne. The strong message he gets is to stop the investigation immediately or bad things will happen.
This, of course, is red rag to a bull territory for Walt and the action truly kicks off.
The strength of this particular entry in the Longmire series comes from the tremendous portrayal of the character relationships within the book. And weirdly, one of those relationships is between Walt and his long-dead grandfather who was not a particularly pleasant man but who left an indelible mark on his grandson. In the more here and now realm, there are some significant advancements taking place between Walt and at least two of his deputies and tend to emphasise that Walt’s both a very good and very poor communicator.
I would have to say the mystery in this book seems to start from rather spurious circumstances, but it quickly gathers both credence and momentum as we move along. Ultimately, it turns out to be a very well conceived plot that proves both intricate and diabolical with tendrils that reach deeply within the movers and shakers around Wyoming.
As ever, among the sheriff-work and a goodly helping of serious moments, there are moments of extremely witty humour that is arid dry and often comes at the expense of Walt himself. Thank goodness Henry, Lucian, Vic and Ruby are around to ensure Walt’s well and truly grounded and we’re well entertained.
I was very pleased to see that the series is back on track in The Longmire Defense after struggling my way through Hell and Back (aptly titled IMO). A clever mystery, thoughtful character development and a cracking ending kept me very happy indeed.
The 19th book in the Walt Longmire series finds the Absaroka County sheriff working on the coldest of cold case murders you can possibly come across. It’s a case that somehow involves his grandfather and, before it’s over, is going to draw all kinds of attention from powers within the state capital.
A woman gets herself lost during a snowstorm high in the Bighorn Mountains and Walt sets out to find her. Upon finding her, alive and well, he also discovered a vintage rifle, tucked into a crevice in the rocks. It turns out this is the same distinct make and model of rifle he recalls his father describing was used in a hunting accident that resulted in a man being killed. One member of the hunting party was Walt’s grandfather.
And so Walt embarks on an investigation into, first, one murder which then throws up what appears to be a related second murder as well as a further related disappearance. In each case the men involved were members of the original hunting party and held important positions within the state’s political machine.
Just as he begins to gain some momentum with his cold, cold case he begins receiving calls and then visits from officials from the state capital in Cheyenne. The strong message he gets is to stop the investigation immediately or bad things will happen.
This, of course, is red rag to a bull territory for Walt and the action truly kicks off.
The strength of this particular entry in the Longmire series comes from the tremendous portrayal of the character relationships within the book. And weirdly, one of those relationships is between Walt and his long-dead grandfather who was not a particularly pleasant man but who left an indelible mark on his grandson. In the more here and now realm, there are some significant advancements taking place between Walt and at least two of his deputies and tend to emphasise that Walt’s both a very good and very poor communicator.
I would have to say the mystery in this book seems to start from rather spurious circumstances, but it quickly gathers both credence and momentum as we move along. Ultimately, it turns out to be a very well conceived plot that proves both intricate and diabolical with tendrils that reach deeply within the movers and shakers around Wyoming.
As ever, among the sheriff-work and a goodly helping of serious moments, there are moments of extremely witty humour that is arid dry and often comes at the expense of Walt himself. Thank goodness Henry, Lucian, Vic and Ruby are around to ensure Walt’s well and truly grounded and we’re well entertained.
I was very pleased to see that the series is back on track in The Longmire Defense after struggling my way through Hell and Back (aptly titled IMO). A clever mystery, thoughtful character development and a cracking ending kept me very happy indeed.
December 19, 2023
This is an interesting entry in the Walt Longmire series. Walt sets out to discover something about his grandfather and stirs up a hornets nest in the process. There's trouble close to home in his romantic relationship also and I just had to believe that Craig Johnson would provide a good resolution. I was happy with the ending!
My favorite quote, which might just sum up the book, as it felt like a game of strategy:
"This is a chess game, Heller, and you're playing checkers."
My favorite quote, which might just sum up the book, as it felt like a game of strategy:
"This is a chess game, Heller, and you're playing checkers."
May 23, 2024
Catching up with Walt and the gang in the 19th installment of the series (including six novellas), that has Walt investigating a shooting that leads back to a murder on his grandfather’s Elk camp. The gangs all back: Henry, Vic, Ruby, Sancho, Lucian, Cady with the ever-adorable Lola and, of course, Dog.
The book summary is really vague and doesn’t really give a reader much info on what the story is about. The primary storyline is about a rifle that Walt found that he believes is the one that killed a man, Big Bill, back in 1948. Walt’s father told Walt the story of how Big Bill was killed when Walt was a teenager. The gun ends up belonging to Walt’s grandfather, who Walt didn’t get along with or much liked. Turns out that Big Bill and Walt’s grandfather and a couple of other men, including Henry’s father, were there when Big Bill got killed. Walt’s grandfather and these men (except Henry’s father) were all on the board of directors for the Durant bank at that time. A bunch of WY state officials find out Walt is looking into the shooting and a particular fund and they send someone to Durant to “make the problem go away”. Suffice it to say, Walt is not pleased with the idea that he is a “problem that needs to go away” and proceeds in becoming an even bigger problem up close and in their faces.
There are a couple of other storylines like the one where Walt also runs into a childhood acquaintance, the daughter of his grandfather’s housekeeper, who confesses to Walt of her childhood crush on him. There’s another one of a woman who gets lost on the highway and then takes residence at the local motel and won’t leave. She eventually lands up at the hospital in pretty bad shape. Lastly, there is another storyline of Vic going MIA after Walt asked her to marry him and she said no because he asked her in the parking lot of the local old folks’ home where Lucian lives. Lol, seriously!!! Who would propose marriage in the parking lot of an old folk’s home??? Unless, of course, you were a resident of the old folk’s home.
The story flips back and forth between Walt’s present investigation and his past with recollections of his father (when he told Walt the story about big Bill) and recollections and memories of his grandfather. It’s well into the second half that most of the storylines begin to merge and the story takes a turn I did not see coming with some surprising twists. The aftershocks of which will rock Walt’s world for the rest of his life.
I don’t remember when it happened, but somewhere along the way, I became a diehard Longmire fangirl. As much as I loved the tv show, the books are so much better! I’m glad I didn’t start reading them until after the tv show ended. One of the things that I absolutely love about the books are the characters and the chemistry and interactions between them all. Don’t even get me started on the humor; the books are so much funnier and more entertaining than the tv show was. By book 19, Johnson’s characterization of Walt and his motley crew of friends and family is so well done and fleshed out, Johnson has them wearing their personalities, quirks and all, like that favorite old, t-shirt and levis (or whatever it is for you), that instantly makes you feel like your old fave you. I once told hubby that one of the things I loved about Walt was that he seemed like the kind of man I would love to hang out with and just shoot the $#*! with. He just laughed and said, “sounds like you’re missing my Pops (Papa Jack to me)”. Yeah, I guess I was.
The pacing was pretty good too, a little faster in the second half than the first half, where Johnson was building up the storylines, which were also pretty good and interesting, some more than others. The writing style was classic Craig Johnson, who is a phenomenal writer and storyteller. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.5 that I am rounding up to 5stars.
The book summary is really vague and doesn’t really give a reader much info on what the story is about. The primary storyline is about a rifle that Walt found that he believes is the one that killed a man, Big Bill, back in 1948. Walt’s father told Walt the story of how Big Bill was killed when Walt was a teenager. The gun ends up belonging to Walt’s grandfather, who Walt didn’t get along with or much liked. Turns out that Big Bill and Walt’s grandfather and a couple of other men, including Henry’s father, were there when Big Bill got killed. Walt’s grandfather and these men (except Henry’s father) were all on the board of directors for the Durant bank at that time. A bunch of WY state officials find out Walt is looking into the shooting and a particular fund and they send someone to Durant to “make the problem go away”. Suffice it to say, Walt is not pleased with the idea that he is a “problem that needs to go away” and proceeds in becoming an even bigger problem up close and in their faces.
There are a couple of other storylines like the one where Walt also runs into a childhood acquaintance, the daughter of his grandfather’s housekeeper, who confesses to Walt of her childhood crush on him. There’s another one of a woman who gets lost on the highway and then takes residence at the local motel and won’t leave. She eventually lands up at the hospital in pretty bad shape. Lastly, there is another storyline of Vic going MIA after Walt asked her to marry him and she said no because he asked her in the parking lot of the local old folks’ home where Lucian lives. Lol, seriously!!! Who would propose marriage in the parking lot of an old folk’s home??? Unless, of course, you were a resident of the old folk’s home.
The story flips back and forth between Walt’s present investigation and his past with recollections of his father (when he told Walt the story about big Bill) and recollections and memories of his grandfather. It’s well into the second half that most of the storylines begin to merge and the story takes a turn I did not see coming with some surprising twists. The aftershocks of which will rock Walt’s world for the rest of his life.
I don’t remember when it happened, but somewhere along the way, I became a diehard Longmire fangirl. As much as I loved the tv show, the books are so much better! I’m glad I didn’t start reading them until after the tv show ended. One of the things that I absolutely love about the books are the characters and the chemistry and interactions between them all. Don’t even get me started on the humor; the books are so much funnier and more entertaining than the tv show was. By book 19, Johnson’s characterization of Walt and his motley crew of friends and family is so well done and fleshed out, Johnson has them wearing their personalities, quirks and all, like that favorite old, t-shirt and levis (or whatever it is for you), that instantly makes you feel like your old fave you. I once told hubby that one of the things I loved about Walt was that he seemed like the kind of man I would love to hang out with and just shoot the $#*! with. He just laughed and said, “sounds like you’re missing my Pops (Papa Jack to me)”. Yeah, I guess I was.
The pacing was pretty good too, a little faster in the second half than the first half, where Johnson was building up the storylines, which were also pretty good and interesting, some more than others. The writing style was classic Craig Johnson, who is a phenomenal writer and storyteller. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.5 that I am rounding up to 5stars.
November 8, 2023
There are books you buy and cannot wait to read and leave the other books you were reading lying on the reading pile. The Longmire books are ones you lease for a rainy Day so you can enjoy them when you need Longmire most. This year it is the second Longmire novel to be read.
This time it is a straightforward book about Walt and his connection with his grandfather Longmire. Walt picks up a coldcase which might involve his grandfather being a murderer. However there are certain parties who are not very happy about this development and soon people are getting hurt. This book is about family and how we perceive them to be. Then there is Vic who responds to a question from Walt a response that hé did not expect.
Another excellent installment of the Longmire tales in which we get another non mystical telling.
This book is also another excellent mystery involving the usual cast of enjoyable characters and a head strong Walt.
This time it is a straightforward book about Walt and his connection with his grandfather Longmire. Walt picks up a coldcase which might involve his grandfather being a murderer. However there are certain parties who are not very happy about this development and soon people are getting hurt. This book is about family and how we perceive them to be. Then there is Vic who responds to a question from Walt a response that hé did not expect.
Another excellent installment of the Longmire tales in which we get another non mystical telling.
This book is also another excellent mystery involving the usual cast of enjoyable characters and a head strong Walt.
September 29, 2023
Craig Johnson returns to the tried and true Longmire formula in this latest installment--excellent.
September 6, 2023
Walt and a Family Mystery
Walt tracks a lost county visitor into the back country and finds a uniquely expensive old weapon sticking out from under a boulder. It’s a match for the weapon who killed a friend of Walt’s father back in the 40’s at his Grandfather’s elk camp. Walt being Walt feels a responsibility to investigate this more than half a century old murder.
Before he knows what hit him, Walt has started a firestorm of controversy involving the State Treasury Department, the Attorney General’s Office and even his old friend Lucien Conelley seems to be holding out on him and is holding a grudge.
What Walt needs to know is if his grandfather killed his father’s friend and one time bank manager for nefarious reasons, and how it is involved with incidents happening now?
This is another of Craig Johnson’s excellent adventures of the Absaroka County Sheriff Walt Longmire and friends. Lots of fun folksy wit and almost it’s like own place in time. Never a wasted moment reading one of these stories. Write faster Craig.
Walt tracks a lost county visitor into the back country and finds a uniquely expensive old weapon sticking out from under a boulder. It’s a match for the weapon who killed a friend of Walt’s father back in the 40’s at his Grandfather’s elk camp. Walt being Walt feels a responsibility to investigate this more than half a century old murder.
Before he knows what hit him, Walt has started a firestorm of controversy involving the State Treasury Department, the Attorney General’s Office and even his old friend Lucien Conelley seems to be holding out on him and is holding a grudge.
What Walt needs to know is if his grandfather killed his father’s friend and one time bank manager for nefarious reasons, and how it is involved with incidents happening now?
This is another of Craig Johnson’s excellent adventures of the Absaroka County Sheriff Walt Longmire and friends. Lots of fun folksy wit and almost it’s like own place in time. Never a wasted moment reading one of these stories. Write faster Craig.
November 10, 2023
George Guidall Is again the narrator for this 19th audiobook in this series. And man, have I missed his work…! Love you, Mr. Guidall!
Solid, well done mystery novel. I absolutely loved it. 4.5 stars
Solid, well done mystery novel. I absolutely loved it. 4.5 stars
January 22, 2024
"“They’re gonna kill you.” I looked down at the ground. “Maybe.” “No maybe to it, they’re out there looking for somebody to do the job, and if they can’t find anybody to do it, they’ll do it themselves.”"
"“.....Okay, so what is it you want me to do, great general of all the attorneys?”
“Stay out of it. This is a great big Cheyenne shit sandwich, and my advice to you is to not take a bite.”
“Sounds like good advice.”"
But we know that Walt Longmire, Sheriff of the mythical Absoroka County, is not often inclined to stay out of anything. If you are already a committed reader this most recent addition to the Longmire saga has lots of the virtues that attracted me to the series and few of the things that annoyed me. If this series is new to you, this book can be read as a stand alone but you will miss a lot of the humor and some of the reasons for the relationships among the main characters.
"“Joe, I found a rifle at my grandfather’s elk camp, and I think it’s the one that was used to kill Bill Sutherland in a supposed hunting accident back in 1948.”
“And who, pray tell, is Bill Sutherland?”
“The state accountant at that time but also present were Robert Carr, the state treasurer, and Harold Grafton, the chief clerk of the state Treasury, who had held office while Sutherland was away in the war.”
“Oh, shit . . .”
“It looks bad, doesn’t it?”
"“Very complex, these White Man Problems.”
“Our fathers weren’t in the financial sector.”
He lowered the rifle, carefully laying it back on the wax paper. “And you have to be, to have done this?”
“It seems a reasonable suspicion.”
“Rather than simply an accident?” He picked up the remote and turned off the TV, leaving Richard Boone to his own devices.
“Odds would say that this was likely an accident.”
I handed the coin back to him. “In case you haven’t noticed, I’m not in the accident business.”"
Saizarbitoria was leaning against the doorjamb with some papers in one of his hands. “To make matters worse, Bill Sutherland is the great-uncle of the current state treasurer, Carole Wiltse.”
“Oh, shit . . .”
Fishing the shell in the evidence bag out of my shirt pocket, I tossed it onto the desk and shoved it toward the Basquo, who picked it up with one hand and examined it through the plastic. “You mentioned something about your grandfather?”
“It was his elk camp where Sutherland was killed, and at that time, he was the chief of the board of directors at the Bank of Durant.”
“Oh, double shit . ."
Very complex, indeed! I was able to get through the long look back and the slow build-up because this was a great plot that kept getting more complex until it all exploded in action. It reminded me of why I started this series and I an delighted that Johnson has again located his “groove.”
4.5
"“.....Okay, so what is it you want me to do, great general of all the attorneys?”
“Stay out of it. This is a great big Cheyenne shit sandwich, and my advice to you is to not take a bite.”
“Sounds like good advice.”"
But we know that Walt Longmire, Sheriff of the mythical Absoroka County, is not often inclined to stay out of anything. If you are already a committed reader this most recent addition to the Longmire saga has lots of the virtues that attracted me to the series and few of the things that annoyed me. If this series is new to you, this book can be read as a stand alone but you will miss a lot of the humor and some of the reasons for the relationships among the main characters.
"“Joe, I found a rifle at my grandfather’s elk camp, and I think it’s the one that was used to kill Bill Sutherland in a supposed hunting accident back in 1948.”
“And who, pray tell, is Bill Sutherland?”
“The state accountant at that time but also present were Robert Carr, the state treasurer, and Harold Grafton, the chief clerk of the state Treasury, who had held office while Sutherland was away in the war.”
“Oh, shit . . .”
“It looks bad, doesn’t it?”
"“Very complex, these White Man Problems.”
“Our fathers weren’t in the financial sector.”
He lowered the rifle, carefully laying it back on the wax paper. “And you have to be, to have done this?”
“It seems a reasonable suspicion.”
“Rather than simply an accident?” He picked up the remote and turned off the TV, leaving Richard Boone to his own devices.
“Odds would say that this was likely an accident.”
I handed the coin back to him. “In case you haven’t noticed, I’m not in the accident business.”"
Saizarbitoria was leaning against the doorjamb with some papers in one of his hands. “To make matters worse, Bill Sutherland is the great-uncle of the current state treasurer, Carole Wiltse.”
“Oh, shit . . .”
Fishing the shell in the evidence bag out of my shirt pocket, I tossed it onto the desk and shoved it toward the Basquo, who picked it up with one hand and examined it through the plastic. “You mentioned something about your grandfather?”
“It was his elk camp where Sutherland was killed, and at that time, he was the chief of the board of directors at the Bank of Durant.”
“Oh, double shit . ."
Very complex, indeed! I was able to get through the long look back and the slow build-up because this was a great plot that kept getting more complex until it all exploded in action. It reminded me of why I started this series and I an delighted that Johnson has again located his “groove.”
4.5
February 27, 2024
I really loved most of the first thirteen books in the series, but then, as with each new book the role of supernatural entities and mystical occurrences strengthened, evolving into a full-blown supernatural apocalypse in the 18th adventure of the legendary sheriff Walt Longmire, I kept reading by inertia, propelled only by my undying love to Walt and other main characters, which by that time seemed like old friends.
So it came to me as a pleasant surprise (or a long-awaited relief) that in The Longmire Defense Walt finally returns to the material realm and fights good old flesh and blood criminals. Along the way, he also has to face many a ghost from the past, but we all have our ghosts from the past -- I'm fine with that. It's uncontrollable hordes of spirits and mystical battles fought predominantly in other-wordly realms that get me annoyed, and there was refreshingly little of this supernatural business here.
My only pet peeve that reduced my rating by one star is .
I'm now happily looking forward to the next book in the series that is supposed to appear in a few months (not without a trepidation that in Walt's adventure #20 Craig Johnson will once again drift into supernatural, but at least I've had my pleasant break of materialistic rationalism with The Longmire Defense:)).
Image credit: Absaroka Range (Yellowstone, Wyoming, USA)
, James St. John, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
So it came to me as a pleasant surprise (or a long-awaited relief) that in The Longmire Defense Walt finally returns to the material realm and fights good old flesh and blood criminals. Along the way, he also has to face many a ghost from the past, but we all have our ghosts from the past -- I'm fine with that. It's uncontrollable hordes of spirits and mystical battles fought predominantly in other-wordly realms that get me annoyed, and there was refreshingly little of this supernatural business here.
My only pet peeve that reduced my rating by one star is .
I'm now happily looking forward to the next book in the series that is supposed to appear in a few months (not without a trepidation that in Walt's adventure #20 Craig Johnson will once again drift into supernatural, but at least I've had my pleasant break of materialistic rationalism with The Longmire Defense:)).
Image credit: Absaroka Range (Yellowstone, Wyoming, USA)
, James St. John, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
October 4, 2023
What a great story! I just love it when we are told some history about a favorite charater. The Longmire Defense by Craig Johnson is by far one of the best books about Walt Longmire in many years. How do you solve a death that is 70 years old? You don't know if it was murder or not and you don't have any evidence? Why is the powers in the capital so interested in stopping you and who are all the people showing up all of a sudden and will he marry Vic? So many questions, will we get any answers. Well I know because I read this great story and wish I could read it for the first time all over again. This book is an example of why I fell in love with this character and have enjoyed Johnsons writing for so long.
February 26, 2024
Just like I remember. One of my favorite authors and character. I hope there are more Longmire’s in the future and I am around to read them.
September 21, 2023
Another winner in the Longmire series! What starts as a cold case that involved Lloyd Longmire, Sheriff Walt Longmire’s grandfather, leads to a modern day political thriller. Since it had been a year or so since Craig Johnson’s last novel, I’d forgotten how truly excellent his writing is. In the fictional Absaroka county in Wyoming, his characters are ranchers who appreciate country life. The dialogue and tone fit perfectly. No country bumpkins, these characters are smart, well-read, practical and kind.
One of my favorite lines in the book “The point being that you can get through life relatively unscathed and clean as a pin, but what’s the point? The scars and stains are what make us who we are, or at least who we eventually become.” True that.
If you’ve seen the TV series but not read the books, do yourself a favor and dive into the excellent prose and insights of Craig Johnson.
One of my favorite lines in the book “The point being that you can get through life relatively unscathed and clean as a pin, but what’s the point? The scars and stains are what make us who we are, or at least who we eventually become.” True that.
If you’ve seen the TV series but not read the books, do yourself a favor and dive into the excellent prose and insights of Craig Johnson.
September 22, 2023
"Boy howdy"...for those of you that have read most if not all of the Longmire series, this is a perfect description of how I feel after finishing this book! This just might be my favorite book, I laughed & I cried a bit. The book is about a cold case involving Walt's deceased grandfather, Walt's feelings about this man, and a cast of characters that keep you guessing. Who did it? Why did they do it? What should Walt do about the past? Who are the bad guys/gals & who are the good guys/gals in this story? Twists and turns that keep you turning the pages along with pure enjoyment of the story...loved it.
September 13, 2023
This is a wonderful Longmire mystery, both revisiting what makes the best Longmire stories so wonderful (including extended literary references, this time The Count of Monte Cristo) and advancing the long-arc characters stories. I enjoyed every page of this one.
September 12, 2023
This book caught me with the first page! This Longmire story made me think if the first books in the series…Walt is one of a kind. What a man!!!!!
September 11, 2023
read it in a day and a half
Awesome book and one of the best longmore moved in a long time. Great pace, funny, witty, and all the best characters.
Awesome book and one of the best longmore moved in a long time. Great pace, funny, witty, and all the best characters.
December 17, 2023
Craig Johnson's last couple of books took Walt Longmire far away from his beloved Absaroka County and some of his diehard readers were less than pleased. While every author should have the opportunity to stretch their creative muscle, Johnson had already built an impressive world set in the vast and rugged Wyoming landscape with a much loved cast of characters, and fans wanted more of the same. They wanted more of Henry and Ruby and Lucian and Sancho and Dog and Cady and Lola and Vic. They wanted Walt to have "the usual" at The Busy Bee. They missed the "Beautiful Day at The Red Pony and Continual Soiree. Johnson's creative sidestep and the reaction of his diehard fans created a conundrum Walt himself would have appreciated.
The Longmire Defense gives us what we want. And more. An eighty year-old unsolved murder comes to light when Walt discovers the murder weapon: his grandfather's rifle. Never one to turn down a good mystery, Walt starts to investigate. He never got along with Floyd Longmire, the man was tough on him, a bully even, but did he shoot his friend? What should be a low-key cold case of no interest to anyone but Walt turns into a thrilling mystery involving another shooting, a military issue drone, shadowy characters, a fund worth billions to the state of Wyoming, a friend from the past and some rather intense scenes.
In the midst of all this, Walt has, once again, peeved Vic; this time with an ill-timed and less than romantic proposal. Despite his great intelligence and strong intuition, when it comes to women, especially Vic, the man is well and truly dense. And when she starts ghosting him, he's at a loss at what to do. His friends know, the readers figure it out halfway through the book. The man might outwit criminals and survive a fire fight with villains, but he can't figure out the women in his life.
I really enjoyed The Longmire Defense. It gives us some solid mysteries to chew on, a look into Walt's childhood, some wicked red herrings, a double-cross, or two, the beloved citizens of the fictional Durant, Johnson's wonderful sense of humor, and Walt. In essence, it gives us exactly what we wanted: more of the same.
The Longmire Defense gives us what we want. And more. An eighty year-old unsolved murder comes to light when Walt discovers the murder weapon: his grandfather's rifle. Never one to turn down a good mystery, Walt starts to investigate. He never got along with Floyd Longmire, the man was tough on him, a bully even, but did he shoot his friend? What should be a low-key cold case of no interest to anyone but Walt turns into a thrilling mystery involving another shooting, a military issue drone, shadowy characters, a fund worth billions to the state of Wyoming, a friend from the past and some rather intense scenes.
In the midst of all this, Walt has, once again, peeved Vic; this time with an ill-timed and less than romantic proposal. Despite his great intelligence and strong intuition, when it comes to women, especially Vic, the man is well and truly dense. And when she starts ghosting him, he's at a loss at what to do. His friends know, the readers figure it out halfway through the book. The man might outwit criminals and survive a fire fight with villains, but he can't figure out the women in his life.
I really enjoyed The Longmire Defense. It gives us some solid mysteries to chew on, a look into Walt's childhood, some wicked red herrings, a double-cross, or two, the beloved citizens of the fictional Durant, Johnson's wonderful sense of humor, and Walt. In essence, it gives us exactly what we wanted: more of the same.
February 16, 2024
Loved the book. But the best part was getting to hear, meet and getting it signed by Craig Johnson at Half Price Books in Dallas. He could not have been more pleasant and inviting meeting 100 people, but he took the time to talk and ask questions of everyone. Very nice experience.
September 10, 2023
Walt takes a lot of hits in this one. It starts with his grandfather and learning not good things about him, while having not good memories of him either. And Walt being Walt, he can't leave things alone and starts looking into the past. Soon things start snowballing, people are getting hurt, Walt is running all over the state, shady people seem to be after him and suddenly he has no deputies. Walt seems all alone, even Henry is not there supporting Walt like normal.
By the end of the book, Walt realizes his grandfather maybe isn't as bad as he thought, that his actions might have been justified, but not sure what to do about learning about some surprising family members. Even work seems to be looking up with a full staff. The last thing Walt faces in the book, is the wild card, Vic. Looks to be some changes there.
By the end of the book, Walt realizes his grandfather maybe isn't as bad as he thought, that his actions might have been justified, but not sure what to do about learning about some surprising family members. Even work seems to be looking up with a full staff. The last thing Walt faces in the book, is the wild card, Vic. Looks to be some changes there.
June 9, 2024
The one where Walt investigates his own grandfather's involvement in an unsolved murder from 1948. There's also some Walt + Vic drama.
That's it - I'm all caught up on Longmire until First Frost comes off hold at the library. Woohoo! I've really enjoyed this series about a taciturn old Sheriff from the last-populated county in Wyoming, and especially the side characters Henry Standing Bear and Virgil White Buffalo. I look forward to reading more in this series if/when Craig Johnson writes more of them.
Now I can focus on finishing the Charlie Parker series.
That's it - I'm all caught up on Longmire until First Frost comes off hold at the library. Woohoo! I've really enjoyed this series about a taciturn old Sheriff from the last-populated county in Wyoming, and especially the side characters Henry Standing Bear and Virgil White Buffalo. I look forward to reading more in this series if/when Craig Johnson writes more of them.
Now I can focus on finishing the Charlie Parker series.
September 15, 2023
Loved this book! A return to the Walt Longmire books I have enjoyed reading for years. What a great ending that I did not see coming. Thanks Craig Johnson!
September 26, 2023
Ah, a very down to earth mystery for my favorite Wyoming sheriff, Walt Longmire.
It all starts when Walt finds his grandfather's long-lost rifle; a rifle believed to be the weapon involved in the shooting death, many years earlier, of the state treasurer. Was dear old granddad a murderer? Of course Walt starts digging--asking questions, rummaging in old files (state, medical, and newspaper).
In the course of his investigation all sorts of interested parties want to either talk to Walt or get their hands on the infamous rifle. Matters become very 'interesting', and then life-threatening.
There are issues going on in the background that are distracting Walt as he carries on his dig into the past. His relationship with Victoria Morelli is heading into new territory; one deputy is thinking about quitting; his faithful office manager/dispatcher is retiring; and Walt himself hasn't quite fully recovered from the events detailed in the previous book (Hell and Back).
The author is a great story-teller; he had me totally hooked. I had to know what happened next!
There were several twists, turns, and surprises along the way. Over the years I have gradually abandoned trying to anticipate those. Now I just go with the flow of the story, trusting the author to bring us a satisfactory conclusion. He has yet to let me down.
I'll be there for the next outing, boy howdy.
It all starts when Walt finds his grandfather's long-lost rifle; a rifle believed to be the weapon involved in the shooting death, many years earlier, of the state treasurer. Was dear old granddad a murderer? Of course Walt starts digging--asking questions, rummaging in old files (state, medical, and newspaper).
In the course of his investigation all sorts of interested parties want to either talk to Walt or get their hands on the infamous rifle. Matters become very 'interesting', and then life-threatening.
There are issues going on in the background that are distracting Walt as he carries on his dig into the past. His relationship with Victoria Morelli is heading into new territory; one deputy is thinking about quitting; his faithful office manager/dispatcher is retiring; and Walt himself hasn't quite fully recovered from the events detailed in the previous book (Hell and Back).
The author is a great story-teller; he had me totally hooked. I had to know what happened next!
There were several twists, turns, and surprises along the way. Over the years I have gradually abandoned trying to anticipate those. Now I just go with the flow of the story, trusting the author to bring us a satisfactory conclusion. He has yet to let me down.
I'll be there for the next outing, boy howdy.
September 27, 2023
Walt Longmire keeps improving with each outing….I adore this character and his tales.
September 21, 2023
If I could give a title to this review it would be: "Annnnd He's Baaaackkk!"
Meaning both Craig Johnson (the author) *and* Walt Longmire - his protagonist/hero.
After the epic weirdness of the previous Longmire book, To Hell and Back, I was leery of this book. But, I had a few digital credits and decided to take the plunge and buy it. I'm so glad I did. This book is vintage Longmire: a compelling mystery, characters who invite you in and you want to know personally, a narrative that is well paced and a couple of twists I did not see coming at the end that left my mouth hanging open. It's a great re-entry back into the land of Longmire for Johnson.
Meaning both Craig Johnson (the author) *and* Walt Longmire - his protagonist/hero.
After the epic weirdness of the previous Longmire book, To Hell and Back, I was leery of this book. But, I had a few digital credits and decided to take the plunge and buy it. I'm so glad I did. This book is vintage Longmire: a compelling mystery, characters who invite you in and you want to know personally, a narrative that is well paced and a couple of twists I did not see coming at the end that left my mouth hanging open. It's a great re-entry back into the land of Longmire for Johnson.
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