by Cynthia Chow

As we continue with the theme of e-books this week, check out our review of a brand new mystery short story by Craig Johnson featuring his popular character from the TV show and books, Walt Longmire. This short story is available today, April 23 as an e-special only for $2.99.

For three extraordinary good friends, a fishing trip during Wyoming’s Indian summer serves as a cover to discuss topics that Sheriff Walt Longmire, his beautiful undersheriff Victoria Moretti, and his best friend “Cheyenne Nation” Henry Standing Bear, would normally never discuss for fear of their sharing actual feelings. However, Henry Standing Bear does need to confront the issue of Walt’s forthcoming new granddaughter being named not after his wife, but possibly after his friend’s truck…which was named after a stripper. Luckily for Walt, a distress call from a forest service ranger in Crazy Woman Canyon summons them to rescue a tourist who has been trapped by a protective mama bear in a Porta-Potty. While this leads to no end of bathroom humor, a more serious concern arises with the discovery of a trapped owl which has them all placing their lives–and dignity–at risk.

Fans who are lamenting the wait until June’s new Longmire season and the release of the new Walt Longmire mystery, A Serpent’s Tooth, will be more than satisfied by this thoroughly enjoyable short story featuring their favorite characters. Not only does it provide information regarding the Cheyenne’s relationship with animals but it expands upon the strong friendship between Walt, Standing Walking Bear, and Vic. The trust and love these three have for one another is a joy to witness, and the humor they use to cover their feelings is even more entertaining. Even Vic’s razor sharp wit cannot hide the trust she places in Walt and Henry Standing Bear–trust that has her venturing into places most men would fear to tread.

A portion of the proceeds of this story benefits the Jackson, Wyoming Teton Raptor Center, so readers will know that their reading pleasure will also serve a very good cause and benefit the spirits of generations to come.

Cynthia Chow is the branch manager of Kaneohe Public Library on the island of Oahu. She balances a librarian lifestyle of cardigans and hair buns with a passion for motorcycle riding and regrettable tattoos (sorry, Mom).