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)

A new series that I couldn't put down!

This is my first Walt Longmire novel but it certainly won't be my last. Longmire is a widower and sheriff in Apsaroka County in Wyoming. When one of the four men who got a light sentence for raping a mentally handicapped Cheyenne girl turns up dead, he's got a problem on his hands.

Craig Johnson knows how to write characters, and make you love them. The bad guys are interesting and the story is gripping and keeps you on the edge of your seat.

The best part of the book is the dry humor of the many characters. There are so many great one-liners in the book that I couldn't keep up with them. One that I remember was when Walt asks his friend Henry Standing Bear, who has been shot, "Pain?" "No, thanks I have enough." Henry answers.

I understand A&E have a series called "Longmire" based on this series.

George Guidall does a wonderful job voicing these marvelous characters.

I look forward to reading more of this author and his Longmire series.

Great

George Guidall is, as always, fantastic. I'm always amazed at how he does it. I am one who enjoys Craig Johnson's descriptive style most of the time. I was thinking as I listened that I like books that have characters I like hanging out with. Novels work that way for me -- leave my world for a little while and hang out in their's. That was true until about Ch. 12 when things got a little wierd for my preferences but this is a great book. The mix of Western culture with Phili history was a big plus for me.

Enjoyed this a lot

Characters were so well developed, I felt that I knew them. I laughed out loud many times, unexpecdted in a murder mystery. I cried too.

I think Walt Longmire is awesome!

A good story and a fun list of characters. I didn't expect the ending. Walt has some keen observations about this world and I laughed along with his one liners. Genuine acrylic lining. Haha!

Please do note that the book has a fair amount of language, it is not for young children or gentle souls.

I can understand the small town mentality, habits and dialogue. This is not a big city thriller, it is written by someone who understands small town, small counties, and rural living in the western United States. If you know what it is like to live in an area with fewer than 100 people per square mile then this book will describe what you witness every day. I *really* enjoyed my listening time.

Both fantastic...the author and the narrator

This book is listed as a mystery, but Johnson's humor blew me away.

This is one of the best reads I've yet found. I wish Johnson had more than 4 books, but at least I discovered George Guidall (narrator) in the process.

I also thought that I knew who the best narrators were (John Lee & Davina Porter), but now I am happy to say that Guidall is likely to be added to the list.

Don't miss this one...it's a gem!

Don't miss this one

Sheriff Walt Longmire is a character that you'll enjoy spending time with. It took a little while to get the hang of him, but when I got to "a sheriff burrito," I knew this book had everything I enjoyed in literature. The other people who populate the high plains country in this book can be equally intriguing, particularly The Cheyenne Nation.
George Guidall could read the phone book and make it fascinating. He has an excellent vocal range, and even does a decent job voicing the female characters. It is very difficult to do a cross-gender voice that is both distinctive and believable.
This is an excellent traveling book, except that you may find yourself circling the block a few times to get to a point where you are willing to stop. These books can enliven the longest stretch of open country!

So Good I’ve Read it Three Times

Craig Johnson is just a Wonderful writer.
The characters are well-developed and 3 dimensional, the descriptive writing is gorgeous and vivid, and the characters are psychologically and emotionally true to themselves and the human psyche. Long sentence but mostly grammatically correct, I hope.
When you throw George Guidall into this geographical and emotional landscape, this book just catches fire.
The only non-stunning person in the book is ‘Vonnie’, but that’s ok, too.

What I don’t understand is how the TV series can so completely miss the mark and still have viewers. This writer deserves a better TV series, but that’s all I have for negativity here.
The book is wonderful, absolutely at the top of this particular genre. I hope Johnson never stops writing and Guidall never stops narrating.

Wonderful!

Loved the subtle humor and wisdom woven throughout the story. I also love learning about Indian culture, and American history. The long brother-like relationship between Walt and Henry makes the series what it is.

Loved it!

I was thinking of discontinuing my audible account, trying to save a few bucks, but I've discovered the Longmire series and have changed my mind.
This book has a little of everything: good mystery, great characters, a bit of adventure and a little sardonic humor. I couldn't wait to get back to it.
I wish I knew these folks in real life.

loved it!!!!

great book. can't wait to listen to the
next one in this series. I'm a fan!