Sheriff Longmire investigates when his instincts tell him something isn't right about a prisoner accused of killing her husband. Wade Barsad, a man with a dubious past, locked his wife's horses in their barn and burned the animals alive. In return, Mary shot Wade in the head six times - or so the story goes. Walt doesn't believe Mary's confession, and he's determined to dig deeper. Posing as an insurance claims investigator, Walt soon discovers other people who might have wanted Wade dead, including a beautiful Guatemalan bartender and a rancher with a taste for liquor, but not for honesty.
The Dark Horse is sure to build on the success of Another Man's Moccasins as Sheriff Longmire unpins his star and ventures into a town without pity to save a woman without hope.
Listen to all of Craig Johnson's Walt Longmire mysteries.
©2009 Craig Johnson; (P)2009 Recorded Books, LLC
"Another outstanding book from Johnson"
Johnson has done it again. I love these characters and these people. I want to know them and live in their town. He has the ability to write 5 books in a series each of which is entirely different from the others. The Cold Dish was my choice for best listen a couple of years ago, and Another Man's Moccasins was my choice in 2008. This one is in the running for the best for this year. He is a fine writer with a literate protagonist. He develops the story in a way that allows the reader to become part of the story. It is so nice to find a book that reads so beautifully.
The interaction with the title Dark Horse is amazing, and of course as usual, the title has several meanings. I'll not go into that because a couple of them are key to the story. I would have like to see more of Vic and Henry, but they were clearly an important part of the story even if they were only on the periphery most of the time. There were some very interesting secondary characters introduced this time. A young boy and his mother, an old cowboy, and a surprising FBI agent are all well developed and integral to the plot.
Read this book. Better yet, listen to this book. George Guidall has become Walt Longmire for me. I hear his voice when I read the books with my eyes.
"very descriptive"
The descriptions of the Wyoming area put me right there. Since I'm from Utah, I've been to some of the areas mentioned in the book and this made it much more captivating. The story had a nice twist, but it was predictable, but still very entertaining. I highly recommend this book! I could envision Tom Beringer playing the part of the sheriff if it were made into a movie with all the clever quips and humor in the story.
"The Dark Horse"
I have enjoyed Craig Johnson books very much,the dog his daughter's his office staff and the Indian, but especially because of George Guidall. Their interview was wonderful. I have read all of Craig Johnson's books read by George. They are just wonderful and keep me walking at 65. Thanks Brenda
"The last alas, sigh"
I hope Craig Johnson continues to write more books about Sheriff Longmire. I enjoy listening to his laid back but heroic style of doing his job. I like the Cheyenne nation, Standing Bear and his refusal to use contractions. He won't say won't, he will say will not. I am totally caught up in the story but alas there are no more. I have all five. I will download the next book when you write it, come on Craig, you do not, or maybe don't need the sleep. Get busy. Good stuff!
"a great series"
this is the lastest in the series. And in my opinion it just gets better and better.
all of his books are wonderful and Geroge Guidall the narrator just makes it perfect
get this book, it is worth the credit.
in fact get all of them
"Wasn't Expecting It to Be So Hauntingly Beautiful"
This is a beautiful story, in part about a downtrodden woman and her abused horses. It's hard to get the images/feelings about the horses out of your head; there are parts that are shudder-worthy. Luckily, in comes the wonderfully tough and yet sensitive -- and capable --Walt Longmire to lend a hand. Truly a beautiful and at times haunting story, and a good mystery to boot... with an excellent narrator.
"Love all of them"
Good writing, great characters, tremendous narration.
"and it was such a promising series..."
I really loved this series...until it became a romance novel for old men who dream of a young nubile woman falling for them. His relationship and sexual encounters with Vic are just too embarrassing to listen to :(
"The Dark Horse"
This is my first introduction to Craig Johnson's work. The reader did a good job, story was also good. Enjoy it, for what it is.
"Best of the Walt Longmire Series so Far"
I've enjoyed all the Walt Longmire books so far. Craig Johnson and this series are not among my all time favorites, but they are entertaining enough to recommend, and are worth your time and money.
George Guidall is my all-time favorite narrator and he fits this series to a tee. He's even better in this series than he is in the Mitch Rapp books by Vince Flynn.
Anyway, I haven't felt that any of the Craig Johnson - Walt Longmire books are "Can't Put Down", and I do find myself drifting at times from these books. There seems to be too many side conversations and small events that aren't really related to the story, and go beyond describing the way of life and times of living near an Indian Reservation in Wyoming.
If you haven't already found him, James Lee Burke is a fantastic Americana style writer in this genre and is one of my all-time favorites. I would highly recommend him and his Dave Robicheaux series. As for Walt Longmire, I will probably continue listening to the rest of the books, but I'll take breaks along the way.
Overall, recommended!