The Cold Dish

A Walt Longmire Mystery

By: Craig Johnson

Narrated by: George Guidall

Length: 13 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

Introducing Wyoming's Sheriff Walt Longmire in this riveting novel from the New York Times best-selling author of Dry Bones, the first in the Longmire series, the basis for the hit Netflix original series Longmire.

Fans of Ace Atkins, Nevada Barr, and Robert B. Parker will love this outstanding first novel, in which New York Times best-selling author Craig Johnson introduces Sheriff Walt Longmire of Wyoming's Absaroka County. Johnson draws on his deep attachment to the American West to produce a literary mystery of stunning authenticity, full of memorable characters. After 25 years as sheriff of Absaroka County, Walt Longmire's hopes of finishing out his tenure in peace are dashed when Cody Pritchard is found dead near the Northern Cheyenne Reservation. Two years earlier, Cody has been one of four high school boys given suspended sentences for raping a local Cheyenne girl. Somebody, it would seem, is seeking vengeance, and Longmire might be the only thing standing between the three remaining boys and a Sharps .45-70 rifle.

With lifelong friend Henry Standing Bear, Deputy Victoria Moretti, and a cast of characters both tragic and humorous enough to fill in the vast emptiness of the high plains, Walt Longmire attempts to see that revenge, a dish best served cold, is never served at all.

Listen to all of Craig Johnson's Walt Longmire mysteries.

©2004 Craig Johnson (P)2006 Recorded Books LLC

Critic reviews

"A strong sense of place, a credible plot, and deft dialogue lift Johnson's good-humored debut novel." (Publishers Weekly)
"Johnson, who lives in Ucross, Wyoming, knows the Western landscape well, and creates stunning and violent scenes of the Rocky Mountains." (Bookmarks)
"We in the West have a major new talent on our hands." (The Denver Post)

The Cold Dish

Solid plot with very interesting and likable characters. We listened to story on tape which may have given a slightly different twist. While the writing was excellent, it seemed a bit wordy and dragged out. A bit too much description made book about twice as long as it needed to be.

A+++ for Book & Narrator

Excellent book! Highly recommend! Craig Johnson’s attention to detail is superb!! The narrator does an outstanding job! Can’t wait to listen to the next book in the series!

Almost a really good read

Would you listen to The Cold Dish again? Why?

No but I'll listen to others of the series

What did you like best about this story?

Walt is real and likable.

Have you listened to any of George Guidall’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Guidall is always excellent and one of my favorites.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I listen only in my car

Any additional comments?

The overall would have gotten all stars except for the potty mouth Vic. She lacks likability and, in real life I would tolerate one like her for one minute. She is a detraction to the story

This was my first Western and I LOVED it!

I'm in a book club. When it's your turn to pick a book, you can choose whatever you like. This book was not my choice. However, I absolutely loved it! The narrator did such a wonderful job with the characters and story. It had humor and mystery and even a little romance, and the characters were so engaging. I listened to it on my commute to work in Los Angeles, and it made me want to get stuck in traffic : )

Most Refreshing Thriller in Existence!

Picked this book up while looking for a western.. this was so much more than that. The detail. The violence. The story.. all of it hit the right buttons. Dedicate a weekend to this book.. you’re gonna need it!

Solid all the way around

I needed some easy listening and this took me away and I found it very comfortable. I ended up getting another and the next time i need something similar I will listen. George does a great job of putting you there.

A delightful book with a delightful narration.

What did you love best about The Cold Dish?

I have watched many episodes of Longmire via Netflix and Roku and liked them. But, as often happens, the series is based loosely on the books. This book is SO much better than the series and the series is really good. I laugh out loud when the sheriff talks. The whole book had me smiling and even laughing.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The sheriff is my favorite character, closely followed by Henry Standing Bear. The sheriff keeps me amused and I loved the narrator's portrayal of him.

Which character – as performed by George Guidall – was your favorite?

I got a big kick out of Ruby and how she talked to the sheriff. She took no complaints and handed out plenty of her opinions!

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

I laughed through most of the book, but there was sad parts, too.

Longmire is never a disappointment

I love this narrator. His dry wit is a perfect match for the characters. Cold Dish is a favorite of mine. It's the book that opens up the world of Walt Longmire and if you like a mystery with Western flare you probably won't be disappointed.

Didn't want to stop listening!

I would find reasons to keep going so I could continue listening. GREAT BOOK! Can't wait to listen to the next one!

the best of what you need in a story

these are characters who you want to meet a story you won't forget done masterfully