by Cynthia Chow
Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of The Western Star, and a link to purchase it from Amazon, and an indie bookstore where a portion of the sale goes to help support KRL.
Back in 1972, Walt Longmire was not the wry, easy-going sheriff readers love today. Just two weeks of working under Absaroka County Sheriff Lucian Connelly had Walt questioning his choice of career, despite the pressure of having to support a new wife and upcoming baby. In his first year as president of the Wyoming Sheriff’s Association, Lucian was dragging along his rookie deputy for a sheriff’s junket on the Western Star steam train to Evanston. It sounded like the start of a bad joke; what do you get when you have 24 armed sheriffs, one deputy, a pretty woman, and too much alcohol? The answer is nothing good, as Walt finds himself knocked off the train, arrested, unarrested, and trapped on a locomotive with at least one murderer.
The events of 1972 are revealed as Lucian and Walt travel to Cheyenne to oppose the appeal of prisoner whose release Walt has opposed for forty years. When the governor’s wife begins to throw in roadblocks by using the press, even Walt’s closest allies question his refusal to budge. As the narratives switch between the past and the present, readers are shown the contrast between the naïve deputy and the far more jaded sheriff he would become. Walt’s humor is leavened by the gravity of the present situation, while in the past he finds himself in the midst of a possible conspiracy and encountering questionable mentors. So it’s fortunate that in the present day Walt is counseled by his daughter Cady, AKA the Greatest Legal Mind of Our Time, profane undersheriff Vic Moretti, and his quietly acerbic best friend, Henry Standing Bear. Only Lucian was also there with Walt as he encountered the case that would decide his career, haunt his nights, and forever change his life.
There is so much I want to say about this extraordinary novel. It is safe to say that readers are in for a unique twist on the locked-room, train murder mystery. As the train rockets to Evanston and back, Walt grows more confident with his observations even as he trusts his compatriots less. What remains constant throughout are the delightful banter between Walt and his friends, as well as the black humor shared by law enforcement officers. Readers are reminded that as compassionate and fair-minded Walt has become, there remains at his core a ruthless protective instinct for those he loves. The next installment of this series may herald in a far different Walt, one who is sure to be as compelling as he is unstoppable. I will be on the edge of my seat waiting to see who Walt becomes, and pity anyone who stands in his way.
To enter to win a copy of The Western Star, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “western,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen October 28, 2017. U.S. residents only. If entering via email please include your mailing address, and if via comment please include your email address.
Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & mystery short stories in our mystery section.
Use this link to purchase the book & a portion goes to help support KRL & indie bookstore Mysterious Galaxy:
You can also use this link to purchase the book on Amazon. If you have ad blocker on you may not see the link:
Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases using those links. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.
I love this series and I’m grateful for the giveaways!
I am looking forward to reading this book. I love the Walt Longmire and Vic Moretti characters. When I read Craig Johnson’s books, it’s as if I stepped into the Wyoming landscape.
That’s what I thought, until I found out most of it is filmed in New Mexico. Regardless I love the show & the scenery is beautiful.
I love the series, watch it on Netflix when I can. I would love to win this book.
Excited to read it!!
Love this series! Craig Johnson has build a great community!
Love the Longmire series.
Love your take on the character development over time and I always wondered what past he and Lucian shared. Sounds like a good mystery pick!
I love every issue and to have one signed would be a great heart warming blessing to me!
Western….would love a hard copy. 1508 McCroskey Ave apt 613 Knoxville,Tn 37917. jeanniemartin30@gmail.com.
Hooked on the show and can’t wait to read the books!
I love a good book and I love the series longmire, so I’m sure this will be a great book to read. Even if I don’t win it-I’ll go buy me a copy.
I have been watching this on Netflix and have read some of the books.
Would love a chance to win this.
Love the character of Walt Longmire and would enjoy reading this book. Thanks for the opportunity!
So excited! Thanks for a great story and a great read. 🙂 Love this series so much.
I’d love to win the latest Longmire book, thanks for the chance. crs(at)codedivasites(dot)com
Love Longmire and the Craig Johnson Books. I love being a part of Wyoming landscape. Love the Red Pony and Standing Bear. Ready for season 6
Thank you for the Walt Longmire series!!
Thank you for the chance.
I’m so glad that I caught the television version just as it started. I’m sad to see the end coming. But something as good as Longmire can’t last forever.
I can relate to Walt very well. The stuff that comes out of Craig Johnson brain tissue is amazing.
Thank You and Stay Safe,
Larry McDonald LP
Great write-up about the book!! With the tv series ending, have really been wanting to read the books. People who love the tv series, also love the books, which says a lot!!
Craig Johnson’s Walt Longmire series is amazing. It just gets better and better. Even better is hearing Craig in person because it is so much fun to hear him tell his stories and answer all the questions. All his stories and descriptions have put Wyoming on my bucket list!
I would love to win Craig Johnson’s new book! Best thing in print for Western’s in my opinion of course.
I can’t wait for S6 on Netflix. Hopefully I win this book.
I love the Longmire books along with the TV show. Can’t wait for season 6 on the 17th.
I can’t wait for Season 6, and would love a copy of this book.
Good Afternoon,
This Native Wyoming Gal (and dang proud of it!) would love to win this phenomenal book! Anything Craig writes is bound to be phenomenal!
Thank you!
I’m a big fan of Craig Johnson and really enjoy his books. I would love a copy of the Western Star. Boy Howdy!
Huzzah,
Jeffrey “Dawg” Wright
My husband and I were fortunate enough to hear Craig speak at Anderson’s Bookstore in Naperville, IL recently. What a down-to-earth, erudite man! We like the series and love the books but, being summer visitors to the Sheridan area each summer, are glad there aren’t really as many murders there as there are in the series!! 🙂
Looking forward to the Netflix series (anyone know when it’s supposed to be there?) and wish there would be more.
janet
I haven’t read any of the Longmire novels yet but I absolutely love watching the show. This seems like a great first Longmire book to read!
I love Craig Johnsons work! Such a great talent!
Good article. I love Craig Johnson’s books.
BIG fan – love to win!
kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com
New author to me. Sounds like a great read, would like to read.
diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
Thank you for introducing me to this series & author!
We have a winner!