Ticket 2 Ride

Number 19 in the Longmire mystery series, Craig Johnson writes another engrossing tale from Absaroka County, Wyoming. The Longmire Defense (2023, Viking) is difficult to put down once you start turning pages.

The Longmire books are best sellers and was a successful television series. Sheriff Walt Longmire is an endearing character, along with deputy sheriff Vic Moretti, Red Pony tavern owner Henry Standing Bear, retired sheriff Lucian Connally, Walt’s daughter Cady, and dispatcher Ruby.

The television series added characters not in the books to explore a variety of storylines and character conflicts. Besides the new characters, the television series changed the relationship of other characters to Walt. This is not a blog about the television series, just some of the differences since the series was so popular. The most obvious difference is the tone and Walt himself. The tone of the books is lighter, Walt is more self-aware and affable, though still headstrong and old school in his thinking. Walt, in the books, has a very dry sense of humor and he shows his human flaws.

Johnson is a deceptive writer, or least I find him so. He’s very easy to read and his humor is spot-on. By easy, he doesn’t try to impress with flowery descriptions or grammar that requires a dictionary. That being said, Johnson weaves very complex stories and within his writing are clues or ambiguity that readers can miss or fail to see a connection. This is an example of less is more.

In this example, Walt is confronted by a man who prove a huge obstacle later:

“He gave out a long sigh, but then the smile returned. ‘You seem like good man, Sheriff, and that is why I am here. Let me to tell you something you are in very above your pay grade on this. These powers who be, they are not to send just one guy like myself against you, they are to send whole army, and they will make it look like it your fault.’”

An exchange between Walt and Ruby, his dispatcher regarding Walt’s grandfather:

“Well, we all knew he was a killer, I’m just relieved that he wasn’t a thief,” said Ruby.

Shaking his head, Walt sighed. “You know, Rube, this is a strange business we’re in.”

The Longmire Defense, referenced in the book’s title, pertains to a chess game, but I won’t give it away. The plot focuses on Walt and his grandfather, a man who Walt doesn’t holds bitter memories. One other comment about the books, they focus more on Walt’s family, whereas the television series used family did in a much broader sense. If you enjoy a story that delves into Walt’s past, and uncertain future, this book will keep you turning pages, right to the very end.

If I have a complaint, it’s that some of the Longmire characters are on the sidelines for the story. That’s what happens in the books, a case may limit the involvement of other characters.

4/5 A solid mystery that only dangled a few clues I got right. I look forward to Longmire #20 to see what’s next for Walt.

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