You know that feeling when you pick up a book and it smells like woodsmoke and rain? That’s basically the experience of cracking open any of the books by Craig Johnson. Honestly, it’s rare to find a series that maintains its soul after twenty years, but Johnson has managed to turn the high plains of Wyoming into a character that’s just as grumpy and resilient as his protagonist, Walt Longmire.
People often think they’re just getting into a standard police procedural. They aren't.
Walt isn't your typical "troubled detective" with a drinking problem and a failed marriage—well, okay, he’s a widower, but he’s not a cliché. He’s a guy who quotes Margaret Atwood and Camus while wearing a sheepskin coat. He’s deeply human. Johnson writes with this specific, dry humor that feels like a conversation over a lukewarm cup of diner coffee. It’s grounded. It’s gritty. And it’s surprisingly spiritual.
The Absolute Best Way to Tackle Books by Craig Johnson
If you’re new to the series, don't just jump in anywhere. I mean, you could, but you'd be doing yourself a massive disservice. The character arcs in the Longmire universe are slow burns. They simmer. If you skip around, you miss the subtle shifts in Walt's relationship with Vic Moretti or the deep, unspoken brotherhood he shares with Henry Standing Bear.
Start with The Cold Dish.
It’s the one that launched everything back in 2004. It introduces us to Absaroka County—a fictional place that feels more real than most actual towns in Wyoming. The plot revolves around the death of a young man who had been involved in a horrific crime years prior. It’s heavy. It deals with racial tensions and the systemic failures of the justice system on and off the "Rez." But it also sets the tone for Johnson’s prose: sparse, evocative, and incredibly rhythmic.
Chronological Order Matters (Mostly)
Most people want a checklist. Life isn't a checklist, but for the sake of your sanity, following the publication order is usually the smartest move. Here’s a rough trajectory of how the series evolves:
- The Early Years: The Cold Dish, Death Without Company, and Kindness Goes Unpunished. These establish the geography and the "Sheriff of the Old School" vibe.
- The Middle Push: This is where things get weird. In a good way. Hell is Empty is basically Dante's Inferno set on a mountain during a blizzard. It’s a masterpiece of psychological suspense.
- The Modern Era: Recent releases like First Frost (2024) and Land of Wolves show a version of Walt who is aging, feeling his bones, and contemplating his legacy.
Why the "Longmire" TV Show Isn't the Whole Story
A lot of folks found the books by Craig Johnson because of the A&E and Netflix show starring Robert Taylor. Look, the show is great. Katee Sackhoff is a powerhouse as Vic. But the books? They’re deeper. In the books, Walt’s internal monologue is much more literary and reflective. He’s a big guy who reads a lot.
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The show also had to sanitize some of the more "out there" elements of the novels. Johnson isn't afraid to lean into "High Plains Magical Realism." There are moments where you aren't quite sure if Walt is experiencing something supernatural or just suffering from hypothermia and a concussion. That ambiguity is where the magic happens. Henry Standing Bear is also a much more formidable, complex presence on the page—less of a "sidekick" and more of a co-protagonist with his own harrowing history.
The Short Stories and Novellas
Don't ignore the "in-between" stuff. Johnson releases these little gems, often around Christmas, that flesh out the world. Spirit of Steamboat is a standout. It’s a novella that jumps back in time to 1988, during a massive storm, and it provides some of the most intense action sequences in the entire series. It’s lean. It’s mean. It’s perfect for a one-sitting read.
Dealing With the Absaroka Geography
One thing that trips up readers is trying to find Absaroka County on a map. You won’t. It’s a composite. Craig Johnson lives in Ucross, Wyoming—population: about 25—and he draws heavily from the actual landscape of Sheridan and Johnson counties.
The realism comes from the details. The way the wind sounds through the Buffalo Berry bushes. The specific bite of a Wyoming winter that can kill a man in twenty minutes if he isn't careful. Johnson is a master of "sense of place." He makes you feel the altitude. When you read these books, you're not just observing a crime; you're surviving the environment.
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The Evolution of the Supporting Cast
The longevity of these books isn't just because of Walt. It’s the ensemble.
- Vic Moretti: The foul-mouthed Philadelphia transplant who brings a sharp, urban edge to the rural setting. Her chemistry with Walt is the stuff of legend and constant frustration for readers.
- The Ferg: Often the comic relief, but he grows into a competent, reliable deputy over the years.
- Ruby: The administrative backbone of the Sheriff's office who keeps Walt from falling apart.
- Lucian Connally: The former Sheriff. He’s a foul-mouthed, one-legged, whiskey-drinking mentor who represents the "Old West" that is slowly fading away.
Addressing the "Formulaic" Criticism
Some critics say that long-running series eventually become "cozy" or repetitive. Is that true for books by Craig Johnson?
Honestly, sometimes. There are books in the middle of the run where the mystery feels a bit secondary to the character banter. But just when you think you've got the rhythm figured out, Johnson throws a curveball like The Western Star, which uses a dual-timeline narrative on a train to completely deconstruct Walt’s origin story. He keeps the stakes high by making the violence feel real and the consequences permanent. Characters die. Relationships fracture. Walt gets hurt—really hurt—and he doesn't just bounce back in the next chapter.
Common Misconceptions About the Series
It’s easy to label these as "Dad Books." And yeah, Dads love them. But that’s a narrow view. These are essentially Westerns, but they’re also deeply rooted in contemporary issues. They tackle the opioid crisis, the jurisdictional nightmares of tribal land, and the environmental impact of coal and gas mining.
Another misconception is that you have to like Westerns to enjoy them. If you like Michael Connelly or James Lee Burke, you’ll like Craig Johnson. The "Western" part is just the setting; the "Noir" heart is what keeps the engine turning. It’s about the burden of duty and the weight of the past.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Reading
To really appreciate what Johnson is doing, pay attention to the literary references. He hides them everywhere. From Virgil to Walt Whitman, the books are a treasure hunt for English majors. It’s a brilliant contrast to the rough-and-tumble action.
Also, if you can, listen to the audiobooks. George Guidall is the narrator, and he is the voice of Walt Longmire. His gravelly, measured delivery captures the weariness and the warmth of the character perfectly. It’s one of those rare instances where the audio version might actually be superior to reading the text yourself.
Practical Steps for the Longmire Enthusiast
If you’re looking to dive deep into this world, here’s how to do it right:
- Commit to the first three: Don't judge the series by The Cold Dish alone. By the time you finish Kindness Goes Unpunished, you'll know if you're in for the long haul.
- Visit Longmire Days: If you become a true superfan, there’s an annual event in Buffalo, Wyoming. It’s a massive gathering where fans, the author, and even actors from the show hang out. It’s the ultimate immersive experience.
- Check out the "Highwayman" series: Johnson has branched out slightly with books like The Highwayman, which leans even harder into the supernatural/ghost story elements. It’s a great palette cleanser if you want a break from the main continuity.
- Follow Johnson’s Social Media: He’s actually very active and hilarious. He shares photos of his ranch and his dog, and it gives you a great sense of where the inspiration for his books comes from.
The brilliance of books by Craig Johnson lies in their consistency. In an era where everything feels disposable and fast-paced, these novels are a reminder of the value of slow, deliberate storytelling. They remind us that even in a world that’s changing too fast, some things—like honor, friendship, and a really good hat—still matter.
If you want to start, go grab a copy of The Cold Dish. Turn off your phone. Find a quiet corner. Let the Wyoming wind start blowing through your living room. You won't regret it.