“It’s the scenery—and the big guy standing in front of the scenery—that keeps us coming back to Craig Johnson’s lean and leathery mysteries.” —The New York Times Book ReviewThe ninth Longmire book from the New York Times bestselling author of Land of WolvesIt’s homecoming for the Durant Dogies when Cord Lynear, a Mormon “lost boy” forced off his compound for rebellious behavior, shows up in … off his compound for rebellious behavior, shows up in Absaroka County. Without much guidance, divine or otherwise, Sheriff Walt Longmire, Victoria Moretti, and Henry Standing Bear search for the boy’s mother and find themselves on a high-plains scavenger hunt that ends at the barbed-wire doorstep of an interstate polygamy group. Run by four-hundred-pound Roy Lynear, Cord’s father, the group is frighteningly well armed and very good at keeping secrets.
Walt’s got Cord locked up for his own good, but the Absaroka County jailhouse is getting crowded since the arrival of the boy’s self-appointed bodyguard, a dangerously spry old man who claims to be blessed by Joseph Smith himself. As Walt, Vic, and Henry butt heads with the Lynears, they hear whispers of Big Oil and the CIA and fear they might be dealing with a lot more than they bargained for.
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Another wonderful Walt Longmire story. If I could have given it 4.5stars, I would have. First and foremost, I love the witty and entertaining chemistry and camaraderie between Walt and his officers and friends. I’ve said this before but it bears mentioning again, the books are funnier than the show and I am often laughing at the amusing antics and banter between so many of the characters in the books.
That said, I really enjoy the stories that are always a little offbeat and very well written. This one was about a quasi religious cult masking their true geopolitical criminal activities and intentions. Of course, there is always a side story that runs closer to Walt’s world and circle of friends, family and acquaintances.
Great book
All of Craig’s early book are wonderful. He lost his way with his last years book and I’m reading the newest now. Go Herd
Another great book by this author
Craig Johnson’s Longmire series is excellent. I recommend both the books and the television series.
Craig Johnson doesn’t write “typical” Westerns. He writes character driven adventures that keep you glued to the pages. Yes, Walt, the main character, is a sheriff. Yes, he has a deputy. Yes, there is occasionally gunplay. There are also frequent quotes from classic literature that are stepping stones in Walt’s process of solving a crime. There are amazing descriptions of the haunting beauty of the Wyoming plains. His characters are some of the best friends you haven’t met yet. If you loved the TV series, you will also love the books; but there are differences. If you started on the books, I’m pretty sure you’ll still love the TV series. You are cheating yourself out of A LOT of enjoyment by not reading these. What are you waiting for?
I love these characters so much it almost makes me want to move to Wyoming. Well, except for the snow…and the cold…and there isn’t a three-story mall within a five-minute drive. The characters are so well drawn that you feel as though you have known them all your life. Walt’s problems start with Cord, a young man who has been kicked out of his Mormon group. It seems most everyone Walt encounters tied to this church group has the last name of Lynear. But there is more than religion connected to this group. Walt runs into one Mormon who claims to be two hundred years old and is armed to the teeth. As usual, Henry Standing Bear is always there to lend a hand as is Walt’s deputy, Vic Moretti. Someone once said they wished the TV show was on Showtime so Vic’s colorful language could be more appreciated. Her relationship with Walt is turning a corner and I for one cheer it on. Walt needs all hands on deck to deal with the well-armed cult, big oil, and the CIA. Johnson has created a memorable series. I would have never heard of Walt Longmire had it not been for the television series. Unfortunately, the TV series doesn’t quite follow the print one. Then again, to do that, Johnson would have to start writing a lot faster.