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)

Cowboy Sheriff in Indian Territory

Johnson has skillfully created a believable main character in Walt Longmire, who is the sheriff of a small town in Wyoming. The interaction and dialogue created by Longmire's movements around town, and among a host of friends and acquaintances, is by far the most enjoyable aspect of this book. The strength of Johnson's writing rests almost entirely on these qualities.

The mysterious murders on which the plot rests, however, is over-wrought. This aspect is not nearly as interesting as the character dynamics.

Johnson's descriptions of "action-scenes" (such as climbing a mountain in winter, etc...) are decidedly the weakest points of this book. It was as if he was reaching back into vague memories for words and feelings, and the result is a detachment from the story just long enough to break the spell. This, in contrast to how Johnson writes about the day-to-day interactions of the main characters, which are fresh and light, and the dialogue is playful.

The ending was a little dragged-out.

For a $4.95 sale book, it was worth the price.

If you like books with a small town Western/Native American theme, and a "pull up a chair" attitude, you will undoubtedly enjoy 'Cold Dish'.

George Guidall's performance was flawless.

Shocking

to me that I had never heard of this series before. And what a pleasure! I am beyond thrilled to have this to look forward to over the summer. The narrator is amazing! I am one happy listener.

You could freeze to death.

Just listening to Longmire talk about winter in Wyoming gives me a chill, it's 105 degrees in Texas, but a well written story can cut through the heat.

A great mystery with just enough humor thrown in!

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

I loved the characters in this book and the way they interacted with each other. Especially the sheriff and his Indian friend. It's not too often that mysteries and thrillers make me laugh too. This book was very well written.

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

No, I haven't, but I throughly enjoyed this performance!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There were several, but the one that stands out is when the sheriff realized who the killer was.

Just listen!

George Guidall is absolutely one of my favorite narrators. He storytelling voice seems so natural and is delivered so well that I often forget that I am listening to an audiobook. He makes what I know is a very difficult job seem easy, and I find myself so drawn into the story that it feels real. It also helps that his voice is simply perfect for the Walt Longmire series.

If you only know of Walt Longmire from the TV series you should begin by forgetting everything you saw. I don’t dislike the TV series, and it is based on the books. But, this book series is very different. It has a sense of humor that is lacking in the TV show. The insight into the thoughts of Walt Longmire add depth and perception that is not possible in film. And, the visual image you will have of the characters is also significantly different.

There are plenty of reviews here to tell you about the story and plot lines. I’m just here to say that you should listen. You do not need to be a fan of westerns, or mysteries, or criminal justice stories. These are all of that, but mostly they are about people. The people feel real, the cold feels real, and you will feel like you are there.

Excellent Read

Johnson is a talented story teller. But the story and plot are second to the rhythm and flow of his descriptions and dialogues. He made his characters real and charming and crusty all at the same time. He made me want to know them.
Guidall's voice is mesmerizing, as if he is the proud author of the delicious prose being read.

Great Listen!!

I love the narrator and the story!! I liked the tv series, but the books so much better!! Henry Standing Bear and Walt Longmire are quickly becoming some of my favorite literary characters!! I can't wait unit next month's credit so I can continue the series!!

Excellent Contemporary Western

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

realistic--thoughtful--intriguing

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

Walt's trek through the snow was like being there, feeling the cold, feeling the weight of his burden, feeling his pain, and experiencing his visions.

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

Bear: With Guidall's interpretation I can see all the things Bear has been, is, and will be, all done with respect to his Native American heritage.

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

Real men in real places

Any additional comments?

I loved listening to this book and look forward to more. I've watched and enjoyed the TV series but like the book even more. Guidall does such a good job of the reading, I think I'll pursue this series through audio instead of the written page.

Witty and entertaining from start to finish

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

Anybody who loves a mystery that is rich in characters, this is a good bet. I've been a longtime follower of Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch character and his ability to lead me down the garden path to the wrong conclusion or perpetrator. I was pleasantly surprised when I finished "The Cold Dish" that Craig Johnson's Walt Longmire also had me following a logical progression of clues, and had kept me on the wrong trail until the end of the book.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Actually I had three favorite characters; Walt, Henry and Vic. The sarcasm and humor at times kept me in stitches.

What about George Guidall’s performance did you like?

I grew up listening to radio programs. I've heard plenty of good voice characterizations during those years and sometimes the voice fit the character, and sometimes not so much. George Guidall's voice is perfect for the Walt Longmire character. Medium deep but with good resonance and just enough drawl and age to it.

Any additional comments?

There were times while out and about when listening with my ear buds on, that I broke out laughing out loud. I got some strange looks, so be warned!

Great book

I love the book and narrator. also look up the movie on Netflix. all the series have kept me wanting to continue listing.