I have long been enamored of Robert B. Parker’s character, Spencer. His combination of strength, determination and humor are three of the traits I most admire in men. And now, I can add Walt Longmire to this category.
Longmire is the sheriff of Absaroka County in Wyoming, an unconventional man who gets things done. His way. Snowstorms and mountains, huge snarling dogs and upstart young men are no match for Longmire, He takes them on and defeats their efforts to defeat him.
Tied in with this novel are the Native Americans of the Cheyenne Tribe, a group of people which Craig Johnson portrays as vividly as if they were living in my own town in the Midwest. Their bells, and the fringe on their clothing, their weapons and black eyes, are symbols of strength which Longmire accepts with the greatest respect.
I don’t think that the plot of this novel matters as much as the things that I have mentioned above; my greatest take away is the feeling of being in snow covered Wyoming with the bravest of men. But, if you should wish an inkling of the plot I will tell you that it involves the mistreatment of a fetal alcohol syndrome girl, and the repercussions to those who have done her wrong.
Revenge is a dish best served cold.
Dolce Bellezza 
Sounds like something I’d appreciate too. These books are important to read. Somehow they tell me that there’s still good people in the world fighting evil.
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Perfectly said, Sylvia! You just epitomized what I liked so much about it.
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Not to be picky but Longmire is a sheriff in Wyoming. Montana is close, but WY is the state. Craig Johnson lives in Wyoming himself and so brings a very authentic voice to that setting. Glad you liked Walt Longmire. He’s a hero in my eyes. 🙂
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Um, that is not picky, that is critical! I have changed it, thank you, having written my post too early this morning to get little details like STATES mixed up.😳
Johnson’s voice is indeed authentic, not a bit sounds contrived. And yes, a hero is what I love, and what we need more of. All the heroes, from Shane to the Virginian, speak to my heart.
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I am a HUGE Craig Johnson fan. I prefer the books to the TV series, although I did enjoy the Tv series. I am slowly collecting the Longmire books – they’re difficult to find here – fortuitously I bought my first 5 at a mammoth book sale about 4 years ago and I was hooked. What I enjoy most about the books is the wry, humour that exists between Walt, and his BFF Henry Standing Bear. Not to mention the straight forward narrative. I read many novels in the lit fict genre, so the linear plots and attractive characters in CJs books come as a huge relief after some of the pretentions prose that I wade through.
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I can see why you like him!!!! I have finished The Cold Dish and just begun Death Without Company, while Booker Prize contender (The Testaments) lies helplessly by the side. I have little desire to read Atwood at the point, as I am caught up in Johnson’s creation. And, I can’t tell you how your comment about pretentious prose resonates with me. Bye-bye to all pretensions everywhere.
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Those covers wouldn’t sell me on the books but your comment that reading these books immerses you in snowy Montana has my attention.
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Snowy Montana is certainly a reason to pick up Longmire, but even better is a hero with integrity and determination. Willie Nelson has a song, My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys, and that is the part I love best about this book. Cowboys. Heroes. The end.
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At least it’s not the rodeo kind of cowboy – there seem loads of books on netgalley with them on the front cover
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Those seem to be “bodice rippers” (romance); not my type! 😉
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Bellezza, your greatest takeaway from this book sold me on it. The Cold Dish sounds incredible. Excellent review! And I enjoyed reading the comments, too.
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Thanks for introducing to Longmire to me. I know there’s a TV series with the same name, wonder if it’s from these books by CJ.
As for “snow covered Montana” as you still have that phrase remain in the post (accidentally 🙂 ), I know what it’s like as a neighbor to its north, Alberta.
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I recently finished my fourth Longmire. I love this series. Eveyrthing rings true, the landscapes, the characters and I really enjoy the parts about the Cheyenne culture.
I’ve met Craig Johnson twice at Quais du Polar, he’s very friendly with readers and he has become friends with his French translator. Her translations are excellent, it’s French that sounds both French and American.
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