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)

Dave Robicheaux in Wyoming

Perfect narration, as ever, from George Guidall.

As Walt Longmire struggles with grief, alcohol and a police force that's either competent and irascible or neither, he somehow rises. He links with his community, Indian mysticism and long-hidden secrets to figure out who's killing some young men who richly deserve it.

Walt has credible relationships and shortcomings even as he's brave and relentless on the way to saving a friend and finding a killer. I was sad to see it end.

Really good

I wasn't sure I was going to like this book, but I did - 5 stars worth. It's beautiful, it's funny, it's sensitive. Native American beliefs, music, old-style values, really likable characters, humor all the while building around a core story of abuse. And it's a good story and a good narrator whose perfect for the fictional narrator in the book. I'll miss these characters now that I have to move onto another book

Perfect combination of great writing and narration

I am rapidly working my way through this series and I LOVE it. George Guidall's narration is absolutely spot on for each and every character and Walt Longmire is a great man's man protagonist. You really feel the chill and wild beauty from the descriptions of Wyoming, you clearly hear the respect that Craig Johnson has for the mountains and people of Wyoming. There is some cursing (Vic - I speak of you), but it matches the character so well I wasn't as bothered by it as I could have been. I highly recommend these books to anyone who loves a good mystery and a well written book combined with a perfect narrator.

suspenseful and fun

Very good narration as always by Mr Guidall. Excellent characters and well written. I kept guessing who the killer was and kept getting it wrong. Well constructed. Would definitely look for the next novel from Mr. Johnson. Flashes of McMurtry and James Lee Burke kept coming to mind.

The Cold Dish

Craig Johnson is the best writer to come out of Wyoming. His work equals that of Tony Hillerman and Louis Lamour. The Character development and interwoven plots are captivating from the first page. A great read for anyone who loves the West.

This Cold Dish is the best!

Great writing, greater heros, and a great setting. Longmire is here to stay I believe.Honestly, one of the best books I've read in a while. Got hooked on the T.V. show (which is also great) and decided to give the first book a try. Wow!

I love the TV series & now I love the book series!

I have a pattern when it comes to adaptations: I go the source material first and read it, and then I watch the adaptation to see how it measures up. Not this time. I fell hard for the A&E television series Longmire thanks to its gorgeous use of setting, consistently excellent acting, and most of all its informed and sensitive portrayal of the interaction and politics between Anglo and Northern Cheyenne communities in Wyoming. In fact, I hesitated about listening to the novels that had inspired the show, in fear that this might somehow compromise my enjoyment of the series. I needn't have worried. Listening to this first of Craig Johnson's Walt Longmire novels has only enhanced my appreciation of the Longmire show and convinced me that I need to read all of the other books in the series.

Johnson fits a compelling mystery into a darkly witty work dedicated to careful characterization, a stunning sense of place, and a thoughtful meditation on the human condition. Johnson deserves tremendous credit for how well he portrays characters of and issues relating to different generations, sexes, and races/ethnicities. Readers who value contemporary Westerns, detective and mystery fiction, noir fiction, and well-written, literate, humane fiction in general should give Johnson a try.

I now understand why everyone praises George Guidall's narration of this series, as well. I've heard other Guidall narrations, and I knew he was an excellent reader, but wow - he was born to bring these books to life! This is the perfect marriage of text and voice.

Loved this! My first but not last Longmire novel

Walt Longmire is a character I fell in love with almost immediately, brought alive by narrator George Guidall. I loved the characters, the environment, and the narration. The actual story (mystery) was good, and it certainly left me wanting more.

Best performance from a single reader I've heard!

My sister suggested this listen to me and I've now ordered the next three books in the series. I love them all!

Great

Craig Johnson has a great talent for suspense and humor. "Yes, it is so." Once again excellent narrating by George Guidall.