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)

Wittiest Mystery

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I wold recommend this to anyone who enjoys good writing, witty characters, and a story that moves quickly while letting the characters develop.

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

I was not on the edge of my seat for the sake of the plot - I was riveted by the characters, the dialogue, the wonderful relationships; but the plot definitely kept the entire thing going. It was, indeed, a mystery story.

Which scene was your favorite?

The introduction of the main character, Walt Longmire was wonderful. He is revealed through his quirky environment, his hilarious relationships, and his wonderful personality. I loved it all, really.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

When did Wyoming get so cool?

Any additional comments?

I loved it. I had been looking of a new series that was well written, and yet had that witty, clever dialogue that makes a mystery more than just figuring out "who done it." This fit the bill. I'm surprised I gave it a chance since, honestly I didn't expect to like a western theme. If you like reading, and you have a great sense of humor - don't miss this one!

George Guidall is a perfect Longmire.

Although I watched the TV show (and loved it!) I had not yet read any of the series. And I had purchased the first two on Audible a long time ago where they have lingered, unread. So today was the day.

The book was highly enjoyable with all my favorites from the TV show present and just as likable. Wyoming in its harsh vastness is front and center. The people represent the rural west of the USA quite well and are therefore very familiar to me (I am from a rural mountain town in Colorado). Mr Johnson created a setting that is so real it feels a bit like another character in the story and I love that.

Excellent story and narration

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book, and have to agree with others that said the narrator is perfect for the part. I especially liked the humor and comraderie between the characters. They felt real and like people you'd want to know. The mystery was interesting with just enough personal life thrown in so you got to know the characters, but didn't feel distracted. I'll definitely get the next in the series.

The First Longmire

This book has been on my wish list since Guidall revealed that reading Craig Johnson was one of his favorite assignments. When the Longmire TV show was announced, I bought and listened to this book before watching the series.

Guidall's voice is perfect for the novel whose main character is gruffer, scruffier and heavier than the TV version. It, also, appears that the TV series is doing a "cut and paste" job on plots; so, we can probably enjoy both, though, of course, the novel is richer in detail and development of character and relationships. In this first novel of the series, the grief of Longmire and his history with an unsatisfactory previous case provide a good means for showing us his character and his relationships with people in the community.

I have to admit that the heroics of Longmire in a snow storm are a bit far fetched for my taste, as is the mystical wisdom of Native American/Indian spirituality

I do like my heroes flawed and struggling so I will probably try more in this series.

Fantastic

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

Love every character

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Cold Dish?

The scene in the blizzard on the mountain. Literally brought tears to my eyes.

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

I feel like he makes the book come alive. Its a great story, and every character has depth. I think I would enjoy reading the book, but I simply love listening to it. The man's voice is perfect for the role.

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

Yes and yes. I laughed out lout several times, and welled up with tears at least once. The main characters are grizzled heroes, titans among men, and yet they all have their flaws. I found myself looking forward to every aspect of the story, even the budding romance scenes.

Any additional comments?

Great book. I don't usually write reviews, but I feel like I need to promote this one. Best credit I've used since Tales of the Otori.

"REVENGE IS A DISH BEST SERVED COLD...."

WELCOME TO THE WALT LONGMIRE MYSTERY SERIES AND ABSAROKA COUNTY, WYOMING! Author Craig Johnson introduces Sheriff Walt Longmire, a man of honesty, integrity, and human frailty. Many readers, myself included, find in Walt Longmire a gentle hero whose commitment to justice and determination to protect others is offset by his own personal challenges. Walt's keen insight is revealed through his quick wit and and camouflaged by his patient manner.
If you're looking for a new series that will draw you into to a captivating world with engaging and satisfying stories which will whet your thirst for more, I'm honored to recommend THE COLD DISH, Book 1, in the Walt Longmire Mystery Series.
I'm now listening to the series for the second time, and am finding it even more engaging this time around.
The masterful narration by George Guidall is a perfect match for the first person storytelling by Walt's character.
Welcome to the world of Sheriff Walt Longmire, his best friend Henry Standing Bear, his daughter Cady Longmire, and his Under-Sheriff Victoria Moretti. And, if you're new to this series, I envy you the journey that awaits.

Daniel Williams, Actor, Writer, and Filmmaker

Descriptive and funny

I've read a lot of Western whodunits. This is one of the best by far. George Guidall is the perfect narrator. Craig Johnson knows how to set the scene like nobody's business. And he's funny too. I'd love to sit out on a porch in Wyoming, drink a beer, and hear how he writes so well. A Rainier Beer of course!

Outstanding story and narrator

I loved this book. The characters were relatable and the story held my interest throughout.

Enjoyable read, but predictable

Would you listen to The Cold Dish again? Why?

No but I will try another Walt Longmire mystery. It had a predictable ending

Any additional comments?

The writing is creative and thought provoking, in the vein of James Lee Burke's Dave Roicheaux. The characters are well thought out and multi dimensional which I very much enjoy. The Plot was a little scattered and in the end not as satisfying as the characters themselves

Great book, amazing narration!

One of the best narrations I’ve heard. Guidall’s style is perfect for this book- you get lost in the story as you listen to his voice.