Mystery - 4.5 starsGeorge and I got hooked on the Longmire series on A&E this summer, and because we both fell in love with the show, we decided to read the first book in the series. We are both so glad we did as the show is so different from the books. Cold Dish is such a fantastic first novel for Craig Johnson. It introduces Walt Longmire, Sheriff of Absaroka County, Wyoming, and a supporting cast of characters that will quietly and subtly knock your socks off. Walt's best friend, Henry Standing Bear, is a perfect example. Henry, like Walt, is a Vietnam War veteran. He is not content living too far away from the Cheyenne Reservation on which he grew up, and so he owns the local bar placed just outside the Reservation boundaries. He is a big, tough man whose quiet ways and thoughtful presence make him oh so popular with the ladies. Vic, the deputy from Philly who cusses like a sailor and gives Walt a really hard time, is also an attractive woman and competent forensics investigator. The best aspect of the books is Johnson's humor. I found myself laughing out loud many times at Vic's attitude and at the self-depracating comments that almost always escape Walt's lips. George is on book 5 right now, and has loved them all. I can't wait to start on the second one! However, it may have to wait until I get done with my next Mother-Daughter selection.
