by Cynthia Chow

Details at the end of this review on how to win a copy of Dry Bones and the book before this one, Any Other Name (just released in paperback), along with a link to purchase the book where a portion goes to help support KRL & indie bookstore Mysterious Galaxy.

Rock skipping and fly-fishing. Only in Absaroka County, Wyoming, does that mean skipping rocks to chase turtles away from a body and using a fish-hook to reel it in. Danny Lone Elk has unfortunately met his demise in his favorite fishing spot, nibbled on by the very creatures he championed. Even more inconvenient for Sheriff Walt Longmire is the discovery on Danny Lone Elk’s land of “Jen,” possibly the world’s most important–and valuable–fossilized skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus Rex. Paleontologists, museums, the U.S. government, Danny Lone Elk’s family, and the Cheyenne Conservatory all contest ownership of the eight-million-dollar prize, but the one with the last word is, inconveniently, the late Danny Lone Elk.

The influx of media, an attention-hungry acting U.S. deputy attorney, FBI agents, and very stubborn Indians wouldn’t make Walt’s life pleasant at any time, but they are even more unwelcome now since he’s expecting a visit from his daughter and five-month-old grandchild. A devastating trauma further adds to the sheriff’s burden, and he’s a man who’s had his share of loss in life. With his undersheriff/girlfriend Victoria “Vic” Moretti coping–aka suppressing–her own recent tragedy, Walt will have to rely on his capable officers and retired sheriff Lucian for help. The one-legged irascible former sheriff often proves to be a politically incorrect nuisance and liability, but his wily intelligence and experience should never be underestimated. Much more pleasant is “Cheyenne Nation” Henry Standing Bear, who is again on hand to provide critical insights as well as the levity that Walt will need to manage this cascade of troubles.

Few can mix very dry humor with devastating human trauma as well as Craig Johnson, and he continues to do so in this thirteenth novel featuring laconic and wry Walt Longmire. As his dispatcher wisely comments, it’s when he loses his humor that he becomes truly frightening. A glimpse into his childhood reveals a dark past that makes his dedication to law enforcement even more admirable. One can sense the weariness in Walt revealed only to his most trusted friends, but his droll wit and ironic observations alleviate the somber and often absurd situations facing his county. How often do you see deputies debating the color to match another’s fake eye, but being too sheepish to be overly critical?

Fans of the televised version of the books will be thrilled to know that Netflix is continuing the series after its cancellation by A&E. This ensures that both the novels and the television show will continue to showcase Craig Johnson’s unique perspective, skill with stellar dialogue, and wisecracking characters.

To enter to win a copy of Dry Bones & Any Other Name, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “Longmire,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen June 13, 2015. 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 & short stories in our mystery section.

Click on this link to purchase this book and a portion goes to help support KRL and Mysterious Galaxy:

Dry Bones: A Walt Longmire Mystery

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).