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 good listen

Even though only one voice, he differentiates suffenciently enough to make this very enjoyable,
The requirement of 15 words is ridiculous,

Am addicted to Longmire books right now.

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

I did enjoy this book. Read it first, now am listening to books on tape. I really like the narrator.

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

The most memorable moment was when Walt had the killer in his sights, knew who it was, and still shot.

Which scene was your favorite?

I like the scenes that included the deputy, Vic.

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

The ending was probably the most moving. It was clear how much there was to go around.

Longmire Fan!

Love this series, Walt and all the others in the stories remind me of real life characters in my life. Easy listen with enough mystery to keep me engaged.

very good book for "western" fans

My first Longmire book and I plan to read more. I was not expecting a work of art, just a good read and that is what I got. I was inspired by the TV show. I read fiction as a break from my first love (military history) and this was perfect.

LOVED THIS!!

I tried to watch the tv show, but couldn’t stick with it. I was hesitant to try the audiobook then , but because of the rave reviews, I decided to give it a try - so glad I did!

The story was superbly written, the narrator was perfect, and I was surprised by the ending.

It was great for female and male listeners.

Same But Different!

LOVE the TV show!

Wasn't sure if I wanted the hear the same stories as the shows; once you know the bad guy it's kinda over.

BUT!

Cold Dish has the same characters of course (for the most part) and the basic story was a TV episode BUT it's different! Kind of a mash up of several episodes! Gosh at least 3 or 4 elements from different episodes are mashed up here (actually reverse mash up I guess!) and a good ending!

IF I had to ding it a little it's the narration. Note I still gave George Guidal 5 stars but he sounds a little too old for the part. You'd swear Walt is in his late 60's by the voice! He does a marvelous job that makes up for it though!

if you're a Longmire fan like me and avoiding because you know the story; You don't!

I'm on board for a few more to see if this continues or some exact carbon copies of TV episodes!

The Cheyenne Rifle of the Dead;- Read on!

Where does The Cold Dish rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

A surprise! Highly ranked because of the skill of the author, the skill of the reader, and the slow paced narrative building to an unbelievable twist.

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

Walter wandering deliriously in a snowstorm on a mountain, carrying to safety in turn, a wounded young suspect and an 'Indian' friend... all while Walter hears Cheyenne chants giving him strength and courage. Remarkable! Although this could be termed a 'Western police procedural,' there are many layers here.. including a chilling undercurrent that can't be explained (The Cheyenne Rifle of the Dead' has quite a reputation among the Cheyenne).

What about George Guidall’s performance did you like?

Very true to the main character. I believed every word he said.

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

Revenge is a dish best served cold..

Any additional comments?

I plan to explore more books in this series! Compelling characters drew me right into the storyline.

super!

I am uncertain if I love Craig Johnson because of George Guidall, or if I love George Guidall because of Craig Johnson. Either way, I am thrilled to have found the pairing. The exchange between characters is fabulous. I embarrassed myself at the gym, numerous times, by laughing out loud while listening.

Great read!

Great story! Great characters! Interesting relationships. Complex moral issues. Wonderful similies and metaphors. Never watched the tv series and probably won't but will read the next in the series.

Great stuff!

I wanted to share my opinion about this book. This is the second story about Walt Longmire that I've listened to and so far both books have been great! The characters seem so real, and all fit together with great chemistry. The author has done a fine job of melding serious story lines and detective work with humor, friendships and relationships..