As the Crow Flies

A Walt Longmire Mystery, Book 8

By: Craig Johnson

Narrated by: George Guidall

Craig Johnson has won multiple awards and earned starred reviews from Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, and Kirkus Reviews for his New York Times best-selling Walt Longmire mysteries. Embarking on his eighth adventure in As the Crow Flies, Sheriff Longmire is searching the Cheyenne Reservation for a site to host his daughter’s wedding, when he sees a woman fall to her death. Teaming up with beautiful tribal chief Lolo Long, Walt sets out to investigate the suspicious death.

©2012 Craig Johnson (P)2012 Recorded Books, LLC

Johnson just gets better and better

After Hell Is Empty, I didn't think that Craig Johnson could get better, but I was wrong. While As the Crow Flies isn't as "literary" as its predecessor, it is a wonderful piece of writing.

The new characters are a delight. Lolo is great and I really appreciate her interaction not only with Walt but with her mother (who knows how to deal with her). I hope she will be back so we can see her mature into a fine police officer. I missed Vic in this one, but it was good to have Henry back full time. Dog was also a welcome inclusion this time.

Johnson's strength is in his characters. I know these people, and for the most part, I like them very much. I would know them if I met them on the street. I want to know them better, and he allows them to grow. Lonnie (Lonny?) is a much more mature character than he was in The Cold Dish, and I'm enjoying his new responsibilities as much as he is frustrated by them. Yes, it is so.

The plot had me completely in the dark until the last 30 minutes of the audio (or so). It wasn't as all what I was expecting, and that's all I'll say about that!! As usual the plot is logical when worked backwards.

The only thing wrong with the book is that I have finished it. Now I'm going back through the series again, just to reacquaint myself with the people. Then I suppose I'll just have to wait another year for another book.

(Other reviewers have explained the basic plot, so I will refrain from repeating them.)

He's done better

Craig Johnson shows us some brilliant moments with some nice phrases. The story line isn't nearly as tight as some previous stories. I found myself just wanting this one to wrap up so I could get on to my next book.

George Guidall, as usual nails the performance. My mom swears she would listen to George read the phone book.

I suspect Johnson is devoting more time to the TV series than to writing his books these days.

If you are a die hard Longmire fan, maybe listen. If you are a new listener, start elsewhere.

Another Winner from Craig Johnson

What did you love best about As the Crow Flies?

The complex characters were as fascinating as ever. Johnson is even more lyrical than ever. Yes, the story moves a bit slowly--and that is actually part of its charm.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Subplots were equally interesting to follow.

What does George Guidall bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

There is NO ONE better than Guidall at reading a book with appropriate emotion, pacing and variety in the character voices.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Both!! An at the right moments. I actually hated to see the story end...my usual reaction to Johnson's books. But, I'll wait patiently for the next installment.

Any additional comments?

Read this series from the first book in chronological order. Its very satisfying to see the characters develop. And, if you managed to see the TV series LONGMIRE, then you have had a taste of the rich experience n the book.

Katie gets married

I love this series, but this story seemed a bit shallow. As usual Craig Johnson does an amazing job capturing the characters' personalities. George Guidall delivers the story with his usual excellence. Henry returned in a more prominent role, a good move. It was enjoyable but not the best in the series. I will listen to Longmire as often as the books are published!

bring it on

What to say? I broke one of my own book rules in listening to the Walt Longmire series in that I usually go through my books in the order I buy them but not this time. I read online that season two of the Longmire TV series on A&E cable would be starting on Memorial Day weekend 2013. I haven't seen any of season one either. Knowing that seeing a book you like as a movie or as a TV series can be disappointing and since I was enjoying the books so much, I decided I wanted to finish all the books that are out at this time before seeing any of the TV shows. So, this is the last of the 8 Longmire books currently out. Craig Johnson is really a creative, imaginative writer. In his series he brings Wyoming to life, he brings the characters of not only Walt Longmire himself but his family, friends, and staff to life in a very fun, witty way. You can't help but respect Walt as the sort of crusty old sheriff that does whatever it takes to solve a crime in his county. The writing makes you chuckle at times. In this book, Walt spends his time on a Cheyenne Indian reservation on the Wyoming/Montana border helping a new chief of police solve a crime while he gives the chief help in learning how to investigate a crime. At the same time his daughter is making plans to get married. There is a lot going on but Walt works through it all as only he can. Finding this series has been a real joy. I hope I like the TV series, the author says he approves the adaptation so I will watch based on that recommendation. And, I'll look forward to book #9, whenever that is.