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abigcoffeedragon's review against another edition
1.0
I love Longmire the TV show, and I have to give it to the people that took this book and turned it into the TV show, because the things that I do NOT like about this book are NOT in the tv show - I like Branch Connely (TV) but I hate Turk Connely (book) - I like Ferg (TV) but I hate Ferg (book) -Walt is a confused, horny old man in the book, but on TV he has much more confidence - and Vick, well not a big fan of her on TV, but in the book, she is a contemptuous, disrespectful B*****.
I know that we are talking Apples and Oranges, but I picked up the book to get a deeper look into the Walt Longmire world, and I wish that I never opened the door - I do not enjoy this novel one bit.
I know that we are talking Apples and Oranges, but I picked up the book to get a deeper look into the Walt Longmire world, and I wish that I never opened the door - I do not enjoy this novel one bit.
carolynmbyrd's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
calbowen's review against another edition
1.0
I love Longmire the TV show, and I have to give it to the people that took this book and turned it into the TV show, because the things that I do NOT like about this book are NOT in the tv show - I like Branch Connely (TV) but I hate Turk Connely (book) - I like Ferg (TV) but I hate Ferg (book) -Walt is a confused, horny old man in the book, but on TV he has much more confidence - and Vick, well not a big fan of her on TV, but in the book, she is a contemptuous, disrespectful B*****.
I know that we are talking Apples and Oranges, but I picked up the book to get a deeper look into the Walt Longmire world, and I wish that I never opened the door - I do not enjoy this novel one bit.
I know that we are talking Apples and Oranges, but I picked up the book to get a deeper look into the Walt Longmire world, and I wish that I never opened the door - I do not enjoy this novel one bit.
zapkode's review against another edition
1.0
{my thoughts} - This books starts off talking about Walt Longmire's obsession with a particular file about an Cheyenne Indian girl named Melissa Little Bird. She was clearly gang raped by four boys who had led her into basement. The saddest part is that she suffers from fetal alcohol syndrome. This is that one case that every cop has the one they can't shake because they couldn't bring it to justice. He has the file memorized from the inside out and just thinking about it the entire case washes over his every thought. The connection between Walt is that Melissa's Uncle Henry Standing Bear and him are old friends from both youth and military. He feels he owes it to his friend to bring justice to the boys that had wronged such a trusting girl.
It is up to Walt to figure out why the boys that had been accused of the crimes against Melissa have been turning up dead. He also goes through a trial and error love mishap throughout the book. The book essentially ends with an unexpected twist.
{reason for reading} - I have to admit I love the show, however the book took me over a month to read. I do not believe I will be reading further into this series as it did not appear to be something that I enjoy. I had an interesting story line, but it had so much foul language and unwanted speech that I had a really difficult time enjoying it. The ending however was a rather nice twist.
It is up to Walt to figure out why the boys that had been accused of the crimes against Melissa have been turning up dead. He also goes through a trial and error love mishap throughout the book. The book essentially ends with an unexpected twist.
{reason for reading} - I have to admit I love the show, however the book took me over a month to read. I do not believe I will be reading further into this series as it did not appear to be something that I enjoy. I had an interesting story line, but it had so much foul language and unwanted speech that I had a really difficult time enjoying it. The ending however was a rather nice twist.
daja57's review against another edition
5.0
A masterclass in how to write this sort of book.
When Walt Longmire, the Sheriff of the fictional Absaroka County in Wyoming, USA (well, Americans always say 'London, England' or 'Paris, France'), first hears of a body, he assumes it's a dead sheep. But a boy has been shot, a boy who recently completed a minimal sentence for raping Melissa, a Cheyenne girl. He fears someone is out for revenge.
I really enjoyed this classic whodunnit. It hit all the tropes of the genre with style and it did more. I felt it brilliantly evoked the neo-wild-west feel of Wyoming's open spaces where everyone has at least one gun and some have many. The sheriff even wins a gun as a prize in a raffle for the library! And the hero-narrator-protagonist is a wonderfully self-deprecating lawman.
There was wise-cracking of the finest calibre with Ruby the lady who runs the office, Vic, Walt's lady deputy, and in particular Henry Standing Bear, his best buddy from school and Vietnam who, as Cheyenne, must be under suspicion. When Walt's ear is frost-bitten the female characters all tell him off for fiddling with the bandage while the men lay bets on whether it will need to be amputated.
The supplementary characters are also brilliant: Lonnie, Melissa's legless father, Vonnie, the poor little rich girl love interest, Dorothy who owns the diner, ex-sheriff Lucian, George Esper who escapes more often than Houdini, and Al the alcoholic.
The dialogue is witty. One of the best bits of the book is the way so many of the characters have their own distinctive way of speaking. Henry never uses a contraction such as won't or didn't or I've. Lonnie ends almost every statement with 'umhmm, yes it is so'. George, who has the excuse of a broken jaw, melds his words: 'othwe montan' = on the mountain, 'yhew kan'tsopthm' = you can't stop them.
An exceptionally well-written police procedural whodunnit. I understand that there are now nineteen books in the series. I've fallen in love with the characters and I'd love to read some more ... but there are so many books in the world .
When Walt Longmire, the Sheriff of the fictional Absaroka County in Wyoming, USA (well, Americans always say 'London, England' or 'Paris, France'), first hears of a body, he assumes it's a dead sheep. But a boy has been shot, a boy who recently completed a minimal sentence for raping Melissa, a Cheyenne girl. He fears someone is out for revenge.
I really enjoyed this classic whodunnit. It hit all the tropes of the genre with style and it did more. I felt it brilliantly evoked the neo-wild-west feel of Wyoming's open spaces where everyone has at least one gun and some have many. The sheriff even wins a gun as a prize in a raffle for the library! And the hero-narrator-protagonist is a wonderfully self-deprecating lawman.
There was wise-cracking of the finest calibre with Ruby the lady who runs the office, Vic, Walt's lady deputy, and in particular Henry Standing Bear, his best buddy from school and Vietnam who, as Cheyenne, must be under suspicion. When Walt's ear is frost-bitten the female characters all tell him off for fiddling with the bandage while the men lay bets on whether it will need to be amputated.
The supplementary characters are also brilliant: Lonnie, Melissa's legless father, Vonnie, the poor little rich girl love interest, Dorothy who owns the diner, ex-sheriff Lucian, George Esper who escapes more often than Houdini, and Al the alcoholic.
The dialogue is witty. One of the best bits of the book is the way so many of the characters have their own distinctive way of speaking. Henry never uses a contraction such as won't or didn't or I've. Lonnie ends almost every statement with 'umhmm, yes it is so'. George, who has the excuse of a broken jaw, melds his words: 'othwe montan' = on the mountain, 'yhew kan'tsopthm' = you can't stop them.
An exceptionally well-written police procedural whodunnit. I understand that there are now nineteen books in the series. I've fallen in love with the characters and I'd love to read some more ... but there are so many books in the world .
thisisthelion's review against another edition
3.0
I’m a fan of Longmire, the TV show, so that’s why I wanted to check out the books. To see what the differences were and to have a bit of Longmire on my life while the show it’s on hiatus. The book depicts the investigation of the murder of one of four young white boys that were accused (and set free) of the rape of a Cheyenne girl. They used this story for the tenth and final episode of the first season and I thought that was one of the best cases on the show, therefore I was looking forward to read the story on more detail in the book and see if it ended the same way. It doesn't, but both resolutions are good.
The main problem I had with the book is the first person narration which is the same technique they used in the Dexter books and I also ended up giving up on those too. And while it is useful to know exactly that the character is thinking, it only offers Walt's point of view and displaced the secondary characters because you only heard of them when they were interacting with the protagonist. And that may be my problem, because I’m used to the way the TV series is, but I still feel like I’m missing out on something. I feel like Longmire takes a lot of space that could be used for developing other characters. I like Walt, but I don’t find him that interesting of a character by himself. He’s as his best when there are other characters around. The best parts of the book are when he’s with Henry or Vic, and the latter is underused in the book.
Another thing that disappointed me is the way they treated the Indian point of view. Seeing where the show is set, Indians are a very important part, and especially in the case Longmire has in his hands. But it felt like they didn't tackle the issue enough. I didn't know much about Indians, the way the live or how they coexist with the white population before I read the book and it didn't illuminated me much after. It felt like a missed opportunity to truly bring some light into the subject. That said, this is both a problem for the TV show, too, although in a lesser degree.
This sounds like I really didn't like the book, but I did. To a certain point. The ending was really good, I didn't expected at all but it felt real and the killer’s motivations were understandable. But along the way, there weren't enough things that keep me going. Before I finished the book I already knew I wasn't going to read any more of the series.
The main problem I had with the book is the first person narration which is the same technique they used in the Dexter books and I also ended up giving up on those too. And while it is useful to know exactly that the character is thinking, it only offers Walt's point of view and displaced the secondary characters because you only heard of them when they were interacting with the protagonist. And that may be my problem, because I’m used to the way the TV series is, but I still feel like I’m missing out on something. I feel like Longmire takes a lot of space that could be used for developing other characters. I like Walt, but I don’t find him that interesting of a character by himself. He’s as his best when there are other characters around. The best parts of the book are when he’s with Henry or Vic, and the latter is underused in the book.
Another thing that disappointed me is the way they treated the Indian point of view. Seeing where the show is set, Indians are a very important part, and especially in the case Longmire has in his hands. But it felt like they didn't tackle the issue enough. I didn't know much about Indians, the way the live or how they coexist with the white population before I read the book and it didn't illuminated me much after. It felt like a missed opportunity to truly bring some light into the subject. That said, this is both a problem for the TV show, too, although in a lesser degree.
This sounds like I really didn't like the book, but I did. To a certain point. The ending was really good, I didn't expected at all but it felt real and the killer’s motivations were understandable. But along the way, there weren't enough things that keep me going. Before I finished the book I already knew I wasn't going to read any more of the series.
kathydavie's review
5.0
First in the Walt Longmire mystery series set in Durant, Wyoming and revolving around Walt, the sheriff, and those he considers friends.
My Take
A very nice introduction to this series with this story. Johnson creates a range of characters you just love with enough suspense to keep you wondering as he writes, pushing you to think in one direction. Only to twist it back.
Johnson also does a good job of filling us in on the backstory, weaving it into the storyline where it's appropriate. I do enjoy Walt and Henry's relationship. They're comfortable with their ethnic backgrounds and have flipped the Lone Ranger on his back. Their friendship is casual, honest, and deep. They know each other, their strengths and weaknesses.
Henry has a deeply spiritual side to him, he's caring, he's intelligent. And he does like to have his fun! I do love the way he answered the phone early on in the book: "It is another beautiful evening here at the Red Pony bar and continual soirée, how can I help you?"
I like Walt's character as well for his balance. He recognizes talent and he uses the skills of his people well. He's open enough to realize where he's lacking and where Vic is a definite asset---heck, he wants her to replace him as sheriff when he retires.
Johnson has a great sense of humor. Dry, realistic. "...in my experience, most things from Cheyenne whined." Then there's the comment about women and trees in Powder River.
I don't understand why George keeps trying to escape. I'm also a bit confused as to who it was there at the end. Henry is the most likely one, but that last line...mmm-hmmm, it has me wondering.
I have definitely got to read me some more Craig Johnson!
The Story
It's been four years since Martha died, and Henry thinks it's time that Walt re-embraced life. Fix that damned cabin so the bathroom has a door. Get some furniture. Date Vonnie.
Then there's that first killing. Well, it mighta been an accident. Leavin' aside that he's one of those who got off too light on Melissa's rape. Then there's another murder. Another boy.
One of the clues points out a small group of people capable of such a feat: Roger Russell, the retired electrician; Mike Rubin is a gunsmith; Carroll Cooper (along with Roger) is a reenactment enthusiast; Dwight Johnston was on the NRA National Shooting Team back in the day; Phil La Vante may be seventy-two, but he can still shoot; Stanley Fogel is a dentist; Artie Small Song; Omar himself; Walt; and, Henry Standing Bear. It's a testament to Walt that he's willing to consider his friends as possible suspects. As badly as he wants to ignore it.
It's the worry and search for the third boy that finds Walt and Henry in a life-or-death situation. One that requires the aid of ghostly guides.
The Characters
Sheriff Walt Longmire got through college and then got drafted into the military. Vietnam. Where he learned all about law enforcement. Cady is his little girl. Not so little anymore. She has a law practice in Philadelphia although Walt still can't see his little baby with her own secretary. Martha is the wife for whom he was building a log cabin. The one who died with the hope in her heart.
Henry Standing Bear runs a bar, the Red Pony, just outside town; it's part of a community effort. He's also Melissa's uncle. He and Walt have been friends since grade school and he is a Special Forces and political activity veteran. Dena Many Camps is his current lady friend.
Vic is a real find for Walt. She's highly skilled at investigative work and has got some mouth on her! Her husband Glen got transferred out to Wyoming and Vic had to quit her police job back in Pennsylvania to follow him. And she got bored.
Jim Ferguson is the head of Search and Rescue and sorta thinkin' of runnin' for sheriff. Turk, a.k.a., Brian Connally, is former Sheriff Connally's nephew and is ill-suited to police work. I did enjoy Johnson's assessment of how Turk's car with all its bumperstickers described Turk to a T. Lucian Connally is/was a legend in the area and he organized it so that Walt would take over as sheriff. Seems that Lucian just might be back. Ruby is their dispatcher and secretary. T.J. Sherwin is the director of the Division of Criminal Investigation in Cheyenne.
Melissa Little Bird is a product of her mother's overindulgence in I-90 cocktails. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. And no excuse for four older teens—Cody Pritchard, Jacob and George Esper, and Bryan Keller—to brutally gang rape her. Mr. and Mrs. Jim Keller seem to have a difference of opinion on their son Bryan's conviction. Lonnie Little Bird is Melissa's disabled dad. He owns an original Sharps rifle. Not as nice as Omar's, but...
Vonnie Hayes is old school Wyoming. She made it big as an artist back east and returned to Durant to help her mother. Omar Rhoades is a hunting outfitter with a huge ranch and a bigger reputation. A man with style whom Vic hates for some reason. Dorothy runs the Busy Bee café. Jules Belden's current career is as an alcoholic; back in the day, he'd been a hardworking cowboy and a good carpenter. Ernie Brown is the reporter and editor of the Courant. Vern Selby is the judge who presided over the boys' trial. What he was thinking, I'd sure like to know!
The Cover
The cover is chilling in blues and whites with its lonely road leading into the deep, dark forest. I did like the touch of the feather pointing to * A NOVEL *! Even as that feather tries to hide the blood spatter
Revenge is indeed The Cold Dish served up here, and it couldn't get any colder.
My Take
A very nice introduction to this series with this story. Johnson creates a range of characters you just love with enough suspense to keep you wondering as he writes, pushing you to think in one direction. Only to twist it back.
Johnson also does a good job of filling us in on the backstory, weaving it into the storyline where it's appropriate. I do enjoy Walt and Henry's relationship. They're comfortable with their ethnic backgrounds and have flipped the Lone Ranger on his back. Their friendship is casual, honest, and deep. They know each other, their strengths and weaknesses.
Henry has a deeply spiritual side to him, he's caring, he's intelligent. And he does like to have his fun! I do love the way he answered the phone early on in the book: "It is another beautiful evening here at the Red Pony bar and continual soirée, how can I help you?"
I like Walt's character as well for his balance. He recognizes talent and he uses the skills of his people well. He's open enough to realize where he's lacking and where Vic is a definite asset---heck, he wants her to replace him as sheriff when he retires.
Johnson has a great sense of humor. Dry, realistic. "...in my experience, most things from Cheyenne whined." Then there's the comment about women and trees in Powder River.
I don't understand why George keeps trying to escape. I'm also a bit confused as to who it was there at the end. Henry is the most likely one, but that last line...mmm-hmmm, it has me wondering.
I have definitely got to read me some more Craig Johnson!
The Story
It's been four years since Martha died, and Henry thinks it's time that Walt re-embraced life. Fix that damned cabin so the bathroom has a door. Get some furniture. Date Vonnie.
Then there's that first killing. Well, it mighta been an accident. Leavin' aside that he's one of those who got off too light on Melissa's rape. Then there's another murder. Another boy.
One of the clues points out a small group of people capable of such a feat: Roger Russell, the retired electrician; Mike Rubin is a gunsmith; Carroll Cooper (along with Roger) is a reenactment enthusiast; Dwight Johnston was on the NRA National Shooting Team back in the day; Phil La Vante may be seventy-two, but he can still shoot; Stanley Fogel is a dentist; Artie Small Song; Omar himself; Walt; and, Henry Standing Bear. It's a testament to Walt that he's willing to consider his friends as possible suspects. As badly as he wants to ignore it.
It's the worry and search for the third boy that finds Walt and Henry in a life-or-death situation. One that requires the aid of ghostly guides.
The Characters
Sheriff Walt Longmire got through college and then got drafted into the military. Vietnam. Where he learned all about law enforcement. Cady is his little girl. Not so little anymore. She has a law practice in Philadelphia although Walt still can't see his little baby with her own secretary. Martha is the wife for whom he was building a log cabin. The one who died with the hope in her heart.
Henry Standing Bear runs a bar, the Red Pony, just outside town; it's part of a community effort. He's also Melissa's uncle. He and Walt have been friends since grade school and he is a Special Forces and political activity veteran. Dena Many Camps is his current lady friend.
Vic is a real find for Walt. She's highly skilled at investigative work and has got some mouth on her! Her husband Glen got transferred out to Wyoming and Vic had to quit her police job back in Pennsylvania to follow him. And she got bored.
Jim Ferguson is the head of Search and Rescue and sorta thinkin' of runnin' for sheriff. Turk, a.k.a., Brian Connally, is former Sheriff Connally's nephew and is ill-suited to police work. I did enjoy Johnson's assessment of how Turk's car with all its bumperstickers described Turk to a T. Lucian Connally is/was a legend in the area and he organized it so that Walt would take over as sheriff. Seems that Lucian just might be back. Ruby is their dispatcher and secretary. T.J. Sherwin is the director of the Division of Criminal Investigation in Cheyenne.
Melissa Little Bird is a product of her mother's overindulgence in I-90 cocktails. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. And no excuse for four older teens—Cody Pritchard, Jacob and George Esper, and Bryan Keller—to brutally gang rape her. Mr. and Mrs. Jim Keller seem to have a difference of opinion on their son Bryan's conviction. Lonnie Little Bird is Melissa's disabled dad. He owns an original Sharps rifle. Not as nice as Omar's, but...
Vonnie Hayes is old school Wyoming. She made it big as an artist back east and returned to Durant to help her mother. Omar Rhoades is a hunting outfitter with a huge ranch and a bigger reputation. A man with style whom Vic hates for some reason. Dorothy runs the Busy Bee café. Jules Belden's current career is as an alcoholic; back in the day, he'd been a hardworking cowboy and a good carpenter. Ernie Brown is the reporter and editor of the Courant. Vern Selby is the judge who presided over the boys' trial. What he was thinking, I'd sure like to know!
The Cover
The cover is chilling in blues and whites with its lonely road leading into the deep, dark forest. I did like the touch of the feather pointing to * A NOVEL *! Even as that feather tries to hide the blood spatter
Revenge is indeed The Cold Dish served up here, and it couldn't get any colder.
kathydavie's review against another edition
5.0
First in the Walt Longmire mystery series set in Durant, Wyoming and revolving around Walt, the sheriff, and those he considers friends.
My Take
A very nice introduction to this series with this story. Johnson creates a range of characters you just love with enough suspense to keep you wondering as he writes, pushing you to think in one direction. Only to twist it back.
Johnson also does a good job of filling us in on the backstory, weaving it into the storyline where it's appropriate. I do enjoy Walt and Henry's relationship. They're comfortable with their ethnic backgrounds and have flipped the Lone Ranger on his back. Their friendship is casual, honest, and deep. They know each other, their strengths and weaknesses.
Henry has a deeply spiritual side to him, he's caring, he's intelligent. And he does like to have his fun! I do love the way he answered the phone early on in the book: "It is another beautiful evening here at the Red Pony bar and continual soirée, how can I help you?"
I like Walt's character as well for his balance. He recognizes talent and he uses the skills of his people well. He's open enough to realize where he's lacking and where Vic is a definite asset---heck, he wants her to replace him as sheriff when he retires.
Johnson has a great sense of humor. Dry, realistic. "...in my experience, most things from Cheyenne whined." Then there's the comment about women and trees in Powder River.
I don't understand why George keeps trying to escape. I'm also a bit confused as to who it was there at the end. Henry is the most likely one, but that last line...mmm-hmmm, it has me wondering.
I have definitely got to read me some more Craig Johnson!
The Story
It's been four years since Martha died, and Henry thinks it's time that Walt re-embraced life. Fix that damned cabin so the bathroom has a door. Get some furniture. Date Vonnie.
Then there's that first killing. Well, it mighta been an accident. Leavin' aside that he's one of those who got off too light on Melissa's rape. Then there's another murder. Another boy.
One of the clues points out a small group of people capable of such a feat: Roger Russell, the retired electrician; Mike Rubin is a gunsmith; Carroll Cooper (along with Roger) is a reenactment enthusiast; Dwight Johnston was on the NRA National Shooting Team back in the day; Phil La Vante may be seventy-two, but he can still shoot; Stanley Fogel is a dentist; Artie Small Song; Omar himself; Walt; and, Henry Standing Bear. It's a testament to Walt that he's willing to consider his friends as possible suspects. As badly as he wants to ignore it.
It's the worry and search for the third boy that finds Walt and Henry in a life-or-death situation. One that requires the aid of ghostly guides.
The Characters
Sheriff Walt Longmire got through college and then got drafted into the military. Vietnam. Where he learned all about law enforcement. Cady is his little girl. Not so little anymore. She has a law practice in Philadelphia although Walt still can't see his little baby with her own secretary. Martha is the wife for whom he was building a log cabin. The one who died with the hope in her heart.
Henry Standing Bear runs a bar, the Red Pony, just outside town; it's part of a community effort. He's also Melissa's uncle. He and Walt have been friends since grade school and he is a Special Forces and political activity veteran. Dena Many Camps is his current lady friend.
Vic is a real find for Walt. She's highly skilled at investigative work and has got some mouth on her! Her husband Glen got transferred out to Wyoming and Vic had to quit her police job back in Pennsylvania to follow him. And she got bored.
Jim Ferguson is the head of Search and Rescue and sorta thinkin' of runnin' for sheriff. Turk, a.k.a., Brian Connally, is former Sheriff Connally's nephew and is ill-suited to police work. I did enjoy Johnson's assessment of how Turk's car with all its bumperstickers described Turk to a T. Lucian Connally is/was a legend in the area and he organized it so that Walt would take over as sheriff. Seems that Lucian just might be back. Ruby is their dispatcher and secretary. T.J. Sherwin is the director of the Division of Criminal Investigation in Cheyenne.
Melissa Little Bird is a product of her mother's overindulgence in I-90 cocktails. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. And no excuse for four older teens—Cody Pritchard, Jacob and George Esper, and Bryan Keller—to brutally gang rape her. Mr. and Mrs. Jim Keller seem to have a difference of opinion on their son Bryan's conviction. Lonnie Little Bird is Melissa's disabled dad. He owns an original Sharps rifle. Not as nice as Omar's, but...
Vonnie Hayes is old school Wyoming. She made it big as an artist back east and returned to Durant to help her mother. Omar Rhoades is a hunting outfitter with a huge ranch and a bigger reputation. A man with style whom Vic hates for some reason. Dorothy runs the Busy Bee café. Jules Belden's current career is as an alcoholic; back in the day, he'd been a hardworking cowboy and a good carpenter. Ernie Brown is the reporter and editor of the Courant. Vern Selby is the judge who presided over the boys' trial. What he was thinking, I'd sure like to know!
The Cover
The cover is chilling in blues and whites with its lonely road leading into the deep, dark forest. I did like the touch of the feather pointing to * A NOVEL *! Even as that feather tries to hide the blood spatter
Revenge is indeed The Cold Dish served up here, and it couldn't get any colder.
View all my reviews
My Take
A very nice introduction to this series with this story. Johnson creates a range of characters you just love with enough suspense to keep you wondering as he writes, pushing you to think in one direction. Only to twist it back.
Johnson also does a good job of filling us in on the backstory, weaving it into the storyline where it's appropriate. I do enjoy Walt and Henry's relationship. They're comfortable with their ethnic backgrounds and have flipped the Lone Ranger on his back. Their friendship is casual, honest, and deep. They know each other, their strengths and weaknesses.
Henry has a deeply spiritual side to him, he's caring, he's intelligent. And he does like to have his fun! I do love the way he answered the phone early on in the book: "It is another beautiful evening here at the Red Pony bar and continual soirée, how can I help you?"
I like Walt's character as well for his balance. He recognizes talent and he uses the skills of his people well. He's open enough to realize where he's lacking and where Vic is a definite asset---heck, he wants her to replace him as sheriff when he retires.
Johnson has a great sense of humor. Dry, realistic. "...in my experience, most things from Cheyenne whined." Then there's the comment about women and trees in Powder River.
I don't understand why George keeps trying to escape. I'm also a bit confused as to who it was there at the end. Henry is the most likely one, but that last line...mmm-hmmm, it has me wondering.
I have definitely got to read me some more Craig Johnson!
The Story
It's been four years since Martha died, and Henry thinks it's time that Walt re-embraced life. Fix that damned cabin so the bathroom has a door. Get some furniture. Date Vonnie.
Then there's that first killing. Well, it mighta been an accident. Leavin' aside that he's one of those who got off too light on Melissa's rape. Then there's another murder. Another boy.
One of the clues points out a small group of people capable of such a feat: Roger Russell, the retired electrician; Mike Rubin is a gunsmith; Carroll Cooper (along with Roger) is a reenactment enthusiast; Dwight Johnston was on the NRA National Shooting Team back in the day; Phil La Vante may be seventy-two, but he can still shoot; Stanley Fogel is a dentist; Artie Small Song; Omar himself; Walt; and, Henry Standing Bear. It's a testament to Walt that he's willing to consider his friends as possible suspects. As badly as he wants to ignore it.
It's the worry and search for the third boy that finds Walt and Henry in a life-or-death situation. One that requires the aid of ghostly guides.
The Characters
Sheriff Walt Longmire got through college and then got drafted into the military. Vietnam. Where he learned all about law enforcement. Cady is his little girl. Not so little anymore. She has a law practice in Philadelphia although Walt still can't see his little baby with her own secretary. Martha is the wife for whom he was building a log cabin. The one who died with the hope in her heart.
Henry Standing Bear runs a bar, the Red Pony, just outside town; it's part of a community effort. He's also Melissa's uncle. He and Walt have been friends since grade school and he is a Special Forces and political activity veteran. Dena Many Camps is his current lady friend.
Vic is a real find for Walt. She's highly skilled at investigative work and has got some mouth on her! Her husband Glen got transferred out to Wyoming and Vic had to quit her police job back in Pennsylvania to follow him. And she got bored.
Jim Ferguson is the head of Search and Rescue and sorta thinkin' of runnin' for sheriff. Turk, a.k.a., Brian Connally, is former Sheriff Connally's nephew and is ill-suited to police work. I did enjoy Johnson's assessment of how Turk's car with all its bumperstickers described Turk to a T. Lucian Connally is/was a legend in the area and he organized it so that Walt would take over as sheriff. Seems that Lucian just might be back. Ruby is their dispatcher and secretary. T.J. Sherwin is the director of the Division of Criminal Investigation in Cheyenne.
Melissa Little Bird is a product of her mother's overindulgence in I-90 cocktails. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. And no excuse for four older teens—Cody Pritchard, Jacob and George Esper, and Bryan Keller—to brutally gang rape her. Mr. and Mrs. Jim Keller seem to have a difference of opinion on their son Bryan's conviction. Lonnie Little Bird is Melissa's disabled dad. He owns an original Sharps rifle. Not as nice as Omar's, but...
Vonnie Hayes is old school Wyoming. She made it big as an artist back east and returned to Durant to help her mother. Omar Rhoades is a hunting outfitter with a huge ranch and a bigger reputation. A man with style whom Vic hates for some reason. Dorothy runs the Busy Bee café. Jules Belden's current career is as an alcoholic; back in the day, he'd been a hardworking cowboy and a good carpenter. Ernie Brown is the reporter and editor of the Courant. Vern Selby is the judge who presided over the boys' trial. What he was thinking, I'd sure like to know!
The Cover
The cover is chilling in blues and whites with its lonely road leading into the deep, dark forest. I did like the touch of the feather pointing to * A NOVEL *! Even as that feather tries to hide the blood spatter
Revenge is indeed The Cold Dish served up here, and it couldn't get any colder.
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bfpierce's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Really enjoyed the book, great pacing, great characters and kept me guessing until the end. Oh, and it's so much better than the TV programme for my money.