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)

Great Book!! Mm-hmm it is so.

There haven’t been many books that I have liked lately but I’m so happy to have stumbled onto Longmire. I knew Netflix had a series but I’ve never watched it and thought I’d start with the books before letting the show ruin it. Anyway, bottom line is that if you’re longing for a book with that western feel and just the right amount of modern then you’ll like the book. The humor in the book is subtle and perfectly placed within the dialogue. Found myself laughing out loud sometimes. Overall a great book that has me yearning the follow-on books.

Craig Johnson's Longmire is the Best!

I listen to an average of 100 books a year, and the Longmire books are some of my most favorite! I find myself going back and relistening (they have to be fantastic for me to re-listen) time and again. George Guidall is a brilliant narrator, also one of my favorites!

Gripping and funny

I just wanted to keep listening! Very interesting characters. Flowing narrative. Looking forward to another book by this author (and narrator)!

One of the best.

Walt Longmire is one of the most complete and consistent fictional characters in American mysteries.

Another great story<br />

We enjoyed this story all the way from Nebraska to Montana and back to Laramie. Also really enjoyed interview after last story.

Great mystery typical of Johnson & this series!

If you could sum up The Cold Dish in three words, what would they be?

A great story

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

Not really on the edge of my seat, but certainly interested with twists and the richness of the characters. Didn't expect the end.

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

He does an excellent job of the voice of Walt Longmire.

Any additional comments?

Wasn't sure I liked the end. It was a surprise that I didn't see coming and was very little of the why, or maybe I just didn't get it. Overall, I love the Longmire series and the cast of interesting and complex characters, the humor, and the depiction of law and order in the modern "old west".

loved it!

we loved it! Wonderful story and narration. we listened to it on our way to Colorado from Maine and now our next adventure will have to be Wyoming!

last half hour worth 10 credits

Besides several bad uses of God's name and Jesus's name, this book is a 10 for its genre, which is one of my favorites. And i am no prude. With Mr. Guidall at the mic, in this genre, you just think Joe Leaphorn all the time. Unforgettable ! One of the top books in my fictional listening tenure. Yes, there were a small number of less than perfect parts, but in no way detracting from the major point in this book. The pain that drove the plot is beneath the surface until the end, which then brings you full force face to face with the pain and the vengeance so hard to resist. Have at least 12 Kleenex tissues ready for the last chapter and prologue . Wow!! the pain is tangible ! powerful! thx Mr. Johnson ! Also, do not miss the great reference of Crime and Punishment, which George Guidalll has also read with impeccably perfect Russian pronunciation of names and places, etc. Art in the highest.

A new favorite

I got this book on a whim during a 2 for 1 sale. I'd never heard of it but the premise looked promising and the ratings were good. I'm glad I took the leap. I was impressed by the clever use of language, the engaging characters, and the perfect narration. I'll be listening to more from this series for sure.

loved it

I loved this one. mystery and a bit of humor. I kind of knew who killed who, but still a great ending