640 reviews for:

The Cold Dish

Craig Johnson

3.94 AVERAGE


I had come across this TV series title several times on Netflix before actually taking the time to watch it. Needless to say, I found it hard not to like Robert Taylor's portrayal of Walt Longmire. After having watched a season-plus of episodes, I decided I needed to read the books, to see what was missing. I was not disappointed.

As a big fan of Robert B. Parker's series of Spenser, this quickly jumped into a series I wanted to read. Though it does, obviously, start with book one mirroring one of the episodes from the television series, there are enough differences I feel like I am not reading a novelization. Johnson does well in bringing what would normally appear mundane for a small-time sheriff into the a mystery that requires interaction with other characters as eccentric as the sheriff in order to solve this crime of murder. With a nice twist I was not expecting at the end, Johnson has shown he has the feel of a great western-mystery writer.

I very much enjoyed this story. I would read another from the series.

Excellent mix of western and crime. Love the characters. Looking forward to reading more Longmire.

What a damn fine book. I'm not a big reader of mysteries, but picked this one up because I'm traveling through Montana and Wyoming, where the Longmire series is set, and the TV show was filmed where I used to live until recently, in Santa Fe. Saw a copy on the shelf at Fact & Fiction Books in Missoula, and decided to give it a try. This was a very happy accident.

Remarkably accomplished novel. As a whodunit, it's masterful. I can't say more for fear of giving something away. But more than keeping the mystery mysterious, Johnson made me laugh out loud (no, really) repeatedly, and on a number of occasions made me marvel at a sentence or a description that was of a quality I would expect in a more literary genre. He made the book much more than a delightful diversion. You care a lot about the characters – including some of the likely suspects – and even the minor characters are drawn with warmth, humor, and graceful humanity – and earthiness. The sense of place is palpable. I really can't think of a downside, a sour note, in the whole book. Can't wait to follow these characters into the next book.

I really enjoyed the series on television. I liked this book a lot too.

This book is enjoyable and at times quite thrilling. I read it as a fan of the TV series and on a friend's recommendation.

I'll definitely come back to check on Walt, Henry, Vic and the gang.

A different sort of western mystery. I really like the characters and the setting. Not as predictable as the TV show.

Started reading this novel on a trip back from Powell, Wyoming. Wyoming is long stretches of high desert filled with antelopes and tumble weed. But then there are these pockets of amazing mountains, buttes, and lakes. Fueled by a booming oil and mineral industry the state puts a high priority on education. Despite this fact, drinking outpaces hunting and fishing as the number one recreational activity. Billionaires and millionaires might come to play, but it takes a tough individual to eke out a living in this state. Wyoming is a character in itself. Johnson does an incredible job in capturing the spirit of Wyoming. From the sheepherders demanding the sheriff bring beer when he comes to investigate the dead body they found to out of state hunters in their hummers and pricey hunting clothes, Johnson accurately creates the spirit of Wyoming. His characterizations are standout. From Vic to Henry to Walter Longmire, each character is fully fleshed out and realistic.

The only weakness in the story is the mystery. Halfway through it, I accurately guessed the killer. Johnson used a fairly commonly plot. But this is the first book, I suspect that the mysteries will get more complex with the series. But this first book does a stand out job in creating a Wyoming mystery series.

Love the netflix series. Didnt know it was based on a book. So of course I had to read. Now I need to re-watch the series because I dont remember this storyline at all.

Since I love the show on A&E I decided to try the books. Of course there are some differences, but I'll be reading more of this series for sure.
adventurous dark mysterious reflective slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes