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blogginboutbooks 's review for:
The Cold Dish: A Longmire Mystery
by Craig Johnson
I was on the hunt for a new (to me) mystery/crime series to read and I came across a best-of list that recommended the Longmire series. I've seen the first episode of the book-inspired series on Netflix, so I had an idea what to expect from this series opener. There were elements of THE COLD DISH, though, that took me by surprise. In a good way.
First, I was surprised by what a strong sense of place the book has. The setting is of huge importance, a character unto itself really. Johnson describes the land and its people in a way that really makes the region come alive. Second, it surprised me that The COLD DISH is more character-driven than plot-driven. Third, I was surprised by how funny the book is. Walt and his BFF both have a dry sense of humor that made me laugh out loud more than once. All these elements made the book a fun, lively read for me.
As far as mystery/thrillers go, THE COLD DISH moves along very slowly. It's a long book (about 448 pages) and it takes a long time for the story to really get anywhere. Which isn't to say that the tale is boring. It's not. But if you're expecting an adrenaline-fueled, edge-of-your-seat kind of ride, you're going to be disappointed. While the mystery is pretty straightforward, I was still surprised by the identity of the killer.
Overall, I didn't end up absolutely loving THE COLD DISH. I liked it, though, and will likely continue on with the series. If I could, I would give it 3 1/2 stars; since I can't, I rounded up.
First, I was surprised by what a strong sense of place the book has. The setting is of huge importance, a character unto itself really. Johnson describes the land and its people in a way that really makes the region come alive. Second, it surprised me that The COLD DISH is more character-driven than plot-driven. Third, I was surprised by how funny the book is. Walt and his BFF both have a dry sense of humor that made me laugh out loud more than once. All these elements made the book a fun, lively read for me.
As far as mystery/thrillers go, THE COLD DISH moves along very slowly. It's a long book (about 448 pages) and it takes a long time for the story to really get anywhere. Which isn't to say that the tale is boring. It's not. But if you're expecting an adrenaline-fueled, edge-of-your-seat kind of ride, you're going to be disappointed. While the mystery is pretty straightforward, I was still surprised by the identity of the killer.
Overall, I didn't end up absolutely loving THE COLD DISH. I liked it, though, and will likely continue on with the series. If I could, I would give it 3 1/2 stars; since I can't, I rounded up.