by Cynthia Chow

Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of Land of Wolves. We also have a link to order it from Amazon, and from an indie bookstore where a portion goes to help support KRL.

After recent traumatic events, the case of a dead sheep should be a relief for Wyoming’s Absaroka County Sheriff Walt Longmire. Instead, the following investigation brings no end of headaches, mostly in the form of wolf conservator Keasik Cheechoo, a labor advocate determined to protect both immigrant workers and the wolf she’s tagged. It puts her firmly in the path of a beleaguered Walt, as a suspected wolf becomes blamed not just for killing the sheep but for nibbling on a hanged shepherd. What began as a simple sheep death soon becomes entangled in crimes of the past, not the least of which led to Walt’s mentor attaining his legendary one-legged status.

Still prone to violence and as lethal with her acerbic barbs as she is with her weapons, Undersheriff Victoria Moretti displays an undercurrent of concern for her love interest and still-recovering boss. Vic, of course, disguises her worry through the Department’s pool on who’s going to next be responsible for letting Walt to something stupid and be hurt, but it’s a legitimate fear. Despite having been beaten, shot, stabbed, and run over during previous on-the-job incidents, the kidnapping of his daughter by a cartel led to injuries from which Walt may never overcome. As much as he might try to ignore the continual physical pains, his mental blackouts are becoming more and more noticeable by his officers. He friend Henry Standing Bear, also known the intimidating force that is the Cheyanne Nation, has an interesting theory about Walt’s visions, one that relates to their interactions with a deceased shaman. It’s Henry’s more practical skills that are being requested by a bail bondsman, though, a contracted snatch-and-grab that will most likely complicate Walt’s life.

This continues to be the most thoughtful, hilarious, and fascinating mystery series being written today. Despite the apparent lackadaisical demeanors of Walt and Henry, the level of suspense, action, and violence amps up to nearly unbearable levels by its outstanding conclusion. The Walt presented here has nearly been broken by the violence he’s witnessed and endured, and it has him questioning whether there’s any purpose to fighting back against the evil he’s seen men do. It’s not surprising that Walt relates to the lone wolf, aging and no longer relevant to his young pack. Wise counsel comes from an unexpected source, from a person generally not the source of pep talks but who always gives Walt the support he needs. The quiet beauty of Wyoming hides menace and danger, but readers will be reassured to know that Walt Longmire will always be there as a beacon of morality and good humor.

To enter to win a copy of Land of Wolves, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “wolves” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen November 9, 2019. U.S. residents only. If entering via email please include your mailing address (so if you win we can get the book sent right out to you), and if via comment please include your email address. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.

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Click on this link to purchase this book & a portion goes to help support KRL & an indie bookstore Mysterious Galaxy:

Land of Wolves: A Longmire Mystery

You can use this link to purchase the book on Amazon. If you have ad blocker on you may not see the link:

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).

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. 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.