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Book Review of The Cold Dish (Walt Longmire, Bk 1)

The Cold Dish (Walt Longmire, Bk 1)
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Helpful Score: 1


This is a delicious new series that was recommended to me at a book reading site. This has some of the same attributes as the book we were discussing on that reading site: wit with a bit of sarcasm, snappy dialogue, interesting plot, and fascinating characters. This author gives gritty thumbnail sketches of new characters he introduces. Craig Johnson creates absolutely fascinating characters. I think most Americans are interested in Indians and have a curiosity about their current lives. Johnson gives the reader insight into the diverse way Indians live today.

Long-time sheriff of a Wyoming county, Walt Longmire is concerned about revenge being meted out to four men who were given suspended sentences for viciously raping a young Northern Cheyenne girl. His county is nestled right next to an Indian reservation. The case, though it happened two years ago, still bothers Longmire. It is obvious that Longmire thinks there was a serious miscarriage of justice against the young Cheyenne girl.

Now, two of the four men have been murdered. Why seek revenge so late after the crime? He needs to put the other two men in protective custody while he tries to find the perp. Before he can do that, the third man is wounded, and then disappears.

This is such an interesting story that weaves Indian culture with a modern Wyoming lawman theme. It is compelling on several levels; I hate to give too much information that might reduce other readers' enjoyment. Overall rating = 4.5 stars

Walt Longmire Mysteries
** 1. The Cold Dish (2004)
2. Death Without Company (2006)
3. Kindness Goes Unpunished (2007)