Golden Age of Detective Fiction

The Cold Dish is the first novel in Craig Johnson’s acclaimed Walt Longmire mystery series. Set in the fictional Absaroka County in Wyoming, the story follows Sheriff Walt Longmire as he investigates a series of murders that shake the small community.

The novel opens with the discovery of the body of Cody Pritchard, a young man who was involved in the sexual assault of a Native American girl, Melissa Little Bird, two years prior. The crime had been hushed up, and Cody had only recently been released from juvenile detention. As Walt delves into Cody’s murder, he uncovers a web of secrets and vendettas that stretch back years.

Walt is joined in his investigation by his loyal friend Henry Standing Bear, a Cheyenne man with deep ties to the community, and Victoria Moretti, his no-nonsense undersheriff. Together, they navigate the rugged Wyoming landscape and confront the demons of the past to uncover the truth behind Cody’s death.

As the investigation progresses, Walt discovers that there are more suspects than he initially thought, including Melissa’s family and members of the local community who had reasons to seek revenge. As tensions rise and the body count climbs, Walt must race against time to catch the killer before they strike again.

The Cold Dish is not just a gripping mystery but also a richly atmospheric novel that paints a vivid portrait of the American West. Johnson’s evocative prose brings the Wyoming landscape to life, from its snow-capped mountains to its dusty plains, and captures the spirit of a community grappling with change.

At its heart, The Cold Dish is a story about justice, redemption, and the complexities of human nature. Walt Longmire is a compelling protagonist, a man haunted by his own demons but driven by a sense of duty and honor. As he unravels the mystery of Cody’s murder, he must confront his own past and come to terms with the realities of life in Absaroka County.

With its memorable characters, atmospheric setting, and gripping plot, The Cold Dish is a must-read for fans of contemporary crime fiction and anyone who appreciates a well-crafted mystery set against the backdrop of the American West.

The Review

As I delved into Craig Johnson’s The Cold Dish, I immersed myself in the rugged landscape of Absaroka County, Wyoming, and the complex world of Sheriff Walt Longmire. Johnson’s prose gripped me from the very first page, drawing me into a narrative that seamlessly blends mystery, character development, and the stark beauty of the Western wilderness.

As the story unfolds, we follow Sheriff Longmire as he investigates a series of murders, each intricately linked to the past and the secrets buried within the small community. What struck me most about Johnson’s writing is his ability to create multi-dimensional characters that feel like real people. From the gruff yet compassionate Sheriff Longmire to his loyal deputy Vic and the enigmatic Henry Standing Bear, each character is fleshed out with depth and authenticity.

One aspect of the book that I particularly enjoyed was Johnson’s vivid portrayal of the Wyoming landscape. His descriptions are so evocative that I could almost feel the biting cold of the winter wind and smell the crisp scent of pine trees. The setting becomes a character in its own right, shaping the actions and motivations of those inhabiting it.

The Cold Dish is not just a mystery novel; it’s a meditation on justice, revenge, and the complexities of human nature. Johnson deftly explores themes of loyalty, redemption, and the consequences of past actions, all against the backdrop of the unforgiving Wyoming wilderness.

Johnson’s masterful storytelling, rich character development, and vivid setting make it a standout in the genre. The Cold Dish will satisfy you whether you enjoy mystery novels or simply appreciate finely crafted literature.