Kindness Goes Unpunished

A Walt Longmire Mystery

By: Craig Johnson

Narrated by: George Guidall

Length: 8 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

Craig Johnson's Walt Longmire mysteries are critically acclaimed. Longmire's third outing takes him from Wyoming to Philadelphia to investigate a brutal assault on his daughter, Cady. Walt believes her ex-boyfriend is behind the crime and searches him out. But when he turns up dead, Walt is back to square one.

Listen to all of Craig Johnson's Walt Longmire mysteries.

©2007 Craig Johnson (P)2007 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

"The quick pace and tangled web of interconnected crimes will keep readers turning pages." ( Publishers Weekly)

Good story

I thought this story was good and definitely had heart (and a somewhat embarrassing moment) but I wasn’t a big fan of the setting. I think there’s something special about the usual setting.

Okay, so I'm a little in love ...

I'm an undemanding listener, but I like the narrator to be more than adequate, the story line to hold my interest and not be too transparent, and I like character-driven stories rather than action-driven.

The Walt Longmire series fills these specs on every score. George Guidall is like an old shoe, comfortable, familiar and reliable. He brings Walt to life; he also does a good job with the other characters that populate the series. Mr. Guidall's voice is low and soothing, but he plays his instrument with intelligence and wit.

Forgive me for not commenting on the story line, other than to say it's worthwhile and engaging. I've read books in the series since Kindness Goes Unpunished; Another Man's Moccasins and Dark Horse. I'm pacing myself so that I don't rip through the series too fast. Compare Walt to a box of fine chocolates or a visit with a friend ... my walk with him is worth savoring.

At the end of Dark Horse is an interview between George Guidall and Craig Johnson. I hesitated, fearful of being disenchanted, but it's a great listen--Mr. Guidall and Mr. Johnson are funny and self-deprecating and the story behind the start of the Walt Longmire series is an entertaining one.

As a clue to my preferences in writers, I like J.A. Jance, William Kent Krueger, Karin Slaughter, Elly Griffiths, Clive Cussler, Steve Berry, Michael Connelly(!), John Sandford, John Lutz--all folks who write good characters in bad situations.

I hope this review helps you decide to give Walt Longmire, George Guidall and Craig Johnson a try.

Wyoming Sheriff Longmire goes to Philadelphia

First, let me say that the opening of this book is one of the best that I've ever read. Sheriff Walt Longmire is attempting to read his grown daughter's favorite childhood fairy tale to a group of very peevish young children in a classroom. This is a group that may actually outlast Walt---great fun!!

Then the book goes into the real mystery with Longmire going to Philadelphia, with his Native American friend, where "Bear" will be speaking about art, and Longmire will be visiting his lawyer daughter, Cady, and her new boyfriend. But shortly after arriving, Cady is attacked and left in a coma. Her boyfriend is murdered and Walt goes on the search for answers. Walt's sidekick, Vick, and her Philadelphia policemen family are glad for Walt's help. Then all the twists and turns begin.

This third installment of Longmire takes place completely in Philadelphia. I definitely missed the Wyoming countryside, but Walt kept his own outlook on life in the city. Walt, Bear, and Vick keep the excitement going wherever they are. Romance comes into play now that we are becoming part of the Longmire family too. Keep them coming, Craig Johnson!

Johnson Nails it Again

Any additional comments?

This is my 3rd Longmire story & I plan to continue!
Johnson nailed it again, and just to keep it fresh he changes the venue to Philadelphia.
Initially I was worried the location would hurt the story but putting Longmire in a classic fish out of water tale works well.
The story has plenty of twists and turns, a good deal of interpersonal actions and classic Longmire dialog to make me want more.
This is a must read/listen.

More crime investigation than the first two

What made the experience of listening to Kindness Goes Unpunished the most enjoyable?

With the main characters so well established in the first two books, Craig Johnson took a little bit of a different direction by concentrating much more on the mystery at hand. This doesn't mean that there weren't engaging new characters. Of course there were! This is Craig Johnson! But this book clearly shifted from character-driven from plot-driven. And the plot was outstanding; a great way to present a slightly shifted format.

Which scene was your favorite?

Henry's ritual in the hospital was my favorite scene because the reactions of Walt and Henry following the ritual really showed the close friendship the two share.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I listened to this book on an interstate drive, so I did listen to it all in one sitting. When it was over, the car seemed awfully quiet in a way that the next book I started (not another Longmire) could not really fill it.

Any additional comments?

This book shows more deep emotion than the first two. I'm not talking the drunken depression of the first book. This book explores the darkness of the soul that can come from hopelessness and the return to the light that hope can bring. It is the first of the series that made my eyes fill a little bit.

Ick!

I love this series and all the characters are absolutely excellent. I definitely recommend this book, it might be one of the best in the series. On a personal note I was not completely satisfied with the romance playing out this book. The Sheriff's previous romance, albeit with a serial killer, was much more tasteful. It just didn't seem right that his daughter was in the hospital and that at the same time he was having a sexual affair with a woman who is about the same age as his daughter. Although I grimaced alot at times, I still loved the book! Excellent narrator!

Love this series

These books are well written and the narration is excellent. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery that keeps you listening. You are both anxious to hear the outcome and then sad when it’s over. This particular book does not disappoint and leaves you wanting the next in the series.

Love this series!

I absolutely love Walt Longmire and the characters in this series. And George Guidall does a stellar job narrating with consistency of voice, pacing, and an understanding of character personalities that he is so well known for. I can't wait to read more in this series and highly recommend it to fans of any genre. Happy Reading!

love this series

Would you consider the audio edition of Kindness Goes Unpunished to be better than the print version?

I haven't read any of the series.

What did you like best about this story?

The continuous story. I don't want the series to end.

What about George Guidall’s performance did you like?

His voice and pacing is perfect.

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

I like the flashbacks and the literary allusions in all the books.

Any additional comments?

Again, I don't want the series to end.

Craig Johnson is the Best!

I listen to an average of 100 books a year, and the Longmire books are some of my most favorite! I find myself going back and relistening (they have to be fantastic for me to re-listen) time and again. George Guidall is a brilliant narrator, also one of my favorites!