Walt is back where he belongs! Absaroka County, Wyoming.

After reading Depth of Winter, I’ve decided I prefer Walt back amongst his friends and foes in Wyoming. Land of Wolves is a more classic Longmire book we’ve all loved from the beginning.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

Can't go wrong with Craig Johnson! Walt Longmire is still recovering from his adventure in Mexico however when a lone wolf shows up in Absaroka County, Walt is summoned to figure out if wolf ki,led sheep herder or was it murder?

For me, one of the defining characteristics of a Western has been good guys versus bad guys. I see that as a theme throughout the Longmire series. Walt is not perfect. He is not a super hero. He is just a man, flawed and vulnerable, but ultimately, a good man.
In this latest adventure, he is still recovering from a horrendous time in Mexico, where he had faced a long time enemy. All those around him believe he is not yet healed enough, yet Walt must see justice done and bad guys vanquished, whatever the price to himself.
Love this series and this everyday hero.

This latest book in the Sheriff Walt Longmire series does not disappoint. With his usual cast of disparate characters, Craig Johnson uses setting, cross-cultural interactions, and the Sheriff's personal angst to create a riveting story for all readers. Johnson never seems to run out of twisted plots and rich, complex characters to create another winner. Highly recommended for mystery buffs.

Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. My introduction to sheriff Longmire was through the television series. Ther are some differences between the show and the books but not enough to disrupt the reading experience. This story takes place after Longmire returns from a foray into Mexico where he is badly injured. His adventures continue after he returns and he is showing his vulnerability and is questioning whether continuing to sheriff is the right thig to do. All of the good guys are here continuing to do good guy stuff and trying to keep the sheriff from doing something stupid and dangerous but he does them anyway. Fans of Longmire will enjoy reading this book.

First Sentence: Acknowledgements: Once, as a young man running fence for a rancher up near Dillon, Montana, I found myself stretching barbed wire over a rocky ridge, having ground-tied my horse below because his shod hooves weren't too fond of the outcropping.

An unusually large wolf is spotted by Walt. Is it the one suspected of killing sheep from a local herd? When Walt goes to find the herdsman, he finds the man's body and a question as to whether he committed suicide or was murdered. Ranchers want the wolf found and killed. A woman wants it saved as its DNA is unique. Henry Standing Bear believes it may be a messenger. Walt wants to solve the mystery of the herder, especially when another crime is committed.

For those of us who read everything from the cover page on, the "Acknowledgements" should not be missed. There one will find what is essentially a true, short story as a lead to the actual story.

Johnson transports readers into the environment of the story with rich, evocative passages and lush writing. Lest you fear he gets too flowery, it is balanced by his dialogue which is audible, natural, and tinged with the humor one has come to expect from this author and these characters. "'Why is everyone treating me like a Fabergé egg?' 'After Mexico, all parties have decided that you need a little more adult supervision.' ... 'Sancho follows me to the bathroom' … 'He's taking his orders very seriously.'" " Finally, there are always things one learns such as about 'predator zones.'

The element of mysticism, often a part of this series, adds a special touch to the story. Linking the wolf to Virgil White Buffalo, from prior books, and Henry Standing Bear telling about the spiritual relationship between a human and animals is worth considering in these times of environmental destruction.

What is very interesting is that this is a Walt who is older, slower, still recovering from the injuries of his last case. It is also a slightly more vulnerable Walt, questioning his relationship with his daughter. Although it is hard to imagine in this time, there has always been a running joke about Walt not having a computer. That he finally receives one, due to the wonderful character of Ruby, Walt's secretary, provides several delightful exchanges.

Johnson includes fascinating information on a considerable number of topics. While these are interesting and do relate to the plot, after about the third occasion, it does begin to feel as though it is filler.

"Land of Wolves" takes us back to Johnson's earlier books, which is a very good thing, with his trademark humor, dialogue, interesting characters, and excellent plot twists.

LAND OF THE WOLVES (PolProd-Walt Longmire-Wyoming-Contemp) – G+
Johnson, Craig – 15th in series
Viking – Sept 2019

4.5 stars

Hallelujah! Sheriff Walt is back where he belongs in Absaroka County. After what I considered to be the eye-rolling over-the-top debacle of his last book, I was thrilled to read a Longmire classic.

This has all the elements we have grown to love: A lot of humor, a little poignancy, some adventure and a bit of mysticism, all wrapped up in a mystery waiting to be untangled. Sheriff Walt is investigating the death of a sheep, possibly by a wolf, when the body of a shepherd is discovered. Was it murder or suicide?

While the county residents inflame themselves with wolf hysteria, Walt is trying to figure it out. His superhero antics in the last book did not leave him unmarked. His physical recovery is slow and painful and he is also experiencing weird conscious blackouts which last for several minutes and have his staff plenty worried.

This was a most pleasurable read, intelligent and often funny. Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

From the publisher: Attempting to recover from his harrowing experiences in Mexico, in Land of Wolves Wyoming Sheriff Walt Longmire is neck deep in the investigation of what could or could not be the suicidal hanging of a shepherd. With unsettling connections to a Basque family with a reputation for removing the legs of Absaroka County sheriffs, matters become even more complicated with the appearance of an oversize wolf in the Big Horn Mountains to which Walt finds himself feeling more and more empathetic.

Craig Johnson's latest Walt Longmire book, Land of Wolves, picks up shortly after the last book ended. Walt is still dealing with the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual effects of his adventure/ordeal in Mexico. His way of coping is jumping back into his job, and so when a dead sheep is found (echoing the beginning of the very first Longmire book), Walt and Vic find themselves investigating. The sheep leads to a dead shepherd, who appeared to have hanged himself, but things aren't really that clear cut in Absaroka County. As Walt follows where the clues lead him, he discovers that a lone wolf in the Bighorn Mountains, a missing persons case, a Basque family with ties to Walt that go way back, and the death of the shepherd all intertwine to create an engaging story that forces Walt to really look at what his future holds in light of his age and experiences in Mexico.

I really enjoy the Longmire books. Craig Johnson has created a wonderful lead character in Walt Longmire. There is depth and growth from book to book, and Land of Wolves is no different. Walt is a different man after all he went through as he hunted down Thomas Bidarte. He is still recovering from knife wounds and is prone to just zoning out for minutes at a time. His relationships are suffering, particularly with his daughter and granddaughter. He is seriously considering what life would be like if he were to step down as sheriff. This Walt like we haven't seen him before, and it's this type of character development that keeps the series fresh nineteen books in.

The supporting cast is another highlight in the Longmire books and this time its Undersheriff Vic Moretti (Walt's love interest) and Deputy Sheriff Sancho Saizarbitoria who are front and center. Vic's no-nonsense attitude and tough love help support Walt throughout this case and his recovery. Sancho is Basque, which comes in handy as Walt has to navigate the somewhat tangled family history of a local Basque family. Ruby, Henry, and Cady are also present, but only make cameo appearances (which is too bad, because Henry Standing Bear is a terrific character in his own right). Finally, the setting itself is like a character. The northwest corner of Wyoming, full of wide open spaces and mountains, is such a contrast to the more typical big city mysteries that are prevalent.

The mystery in Land of Wolves is good. Walt just keeps collecting evidence and following leads as the tension builds and the story slowly unfolds, plot threads converging. As family secrets are laid bare, Walt finds himself staring down his future with an almost mystic like quality. Often in the Longmire books, Native American religion plays a role, and that is the case again in Land of Wolves. This adds a spiritual depth to Walt's life that further builds the character.

I really enjoyed Land of Wolves. Craig Johnson has written another engaging and entertaining chapter in the life of Sheriff Walt Longmire. I recommend this to fans of the series. Readers new to the series would enjoy it as well, but while the story itself is self-contained, it definitely references many events from previous books.

I received a preview copy of this book from Viking and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Sheriff Walt Longmire is back in Absaroka County, Wyoming after his intense adventure in Mexico in the previous book in the Longmire series. Now things are back to normal ... or as normal as things get for cowboy-throwback sheriff. Sheep are being killed and the ranchers are concerned because a wolf has been spotted (by Walt himself), despite the fact that there haven't been wolves in Wyoming in a long time. A lone shepherd is found dead by hanging in the mountains in what could be a suicide but could also be a homicide. The son-in-law of one of the most dangerous men in the county pays a surprise visit. A woman previously unknown to Walt, doing research in the mountains, knows a little too much about the stray wolf and the dead man. And an internet personality with a webshow about seeking out and naming/shaming pedophiles may have a connection to Absaroka County.

Yup, back to normal.

As much as I really liked the energy and intensity of the previous book, I preferred having Walt back in familiar territory. He's still not 100%, physically (or mentally), due to what he endured in Mexico - in fact, his department has a pool going in anticipation of his next breakdown, and they're also keeping an eye on him, trying to keep him out of trouble (without much success).

Author Craig Johnson has had wonderful success with this Longmire series in part, I think, because we get the story through Walt's perspective and despite his almost super-human efforts at times, he's very relate-able - mostly because he struggles. He struggles to make sense of things, and to get through his daily life, and to stay connected to the only family he has left, and also to do his job. We may not make life and death decisions the way Walt Longmire does, but we do understand a daily struggle.

Bringing this story back home provides some comfort (for Walt as well as for the reader), but Johnson doesn't make the welcome home very easy. There is a lot going on here, with multiple plots, and it's anybody's guess if the stories will merge and become part of one big story, or if Walt has to end up solving different cases in the course of this book.

I enjoyed this book. Opening a book to a Walt Longmire story just feels 'right.' We know we're in for a strong, morally straight man who will push through everything thrown at him in order to solve a problem or right a wrong. And even if you've never read a Walt Longmire story before, you could pick this up and read it with no problem.

Looking for a good book? <em>Land of Wolves</em> by Craig Johnson is the fifteenth book in the Walt Longmire series and brings Sheriff Longmire back to Wyoming for a couple of different mysteries inside his own county.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Land of Wolves: The Longmire Series
By Craig Johnson
Viking
2019

Review by Cynthia Chow

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 here 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.

Like many, I became a fan of Longmire when I began watching the television show. I decided I needed more of these stories and began reading the books. As is often the case, the books are well worth reading and I believe they are better than the show. The latest in the series is Land Of Wolves, and it does not disappoint. The author, Craig Johnson, does a wonderful job building tension throughout the book. As the tension builds, he relieves it with masterful job injecting humor into some of the best dialogue between characters I have read in many years. I very highly recommend this book, it is one of the best books of the year.

I have been wanting to read this series for a while and haven’t had the chance. It starts with a shepherd who may or may not have committed suicide and Walt Longmire is on the case. He always seems to do what it right now matter the repercussions on his health or standing in the community. It takes so many turns and is a good mystery. I really liked how Longmire is a human with all the flaws we have. I look forward to read more in this series.
Thank you Netgalley, Craig Johnson and Penguin Group/ Viking for the ARC for my honest review,

After the very dark "Depth of Winter", "Land of Wolves" returns us to the more comfortable and classic Longmire storytelling that made this series so popular. Walt is still reeling from the events in the last book and the toll it took on him, both physically and mentally, are felt throughout this new murder mystery and causes some serious introspection. I'm glad to see the return of all the familiar characters. I've always liked Vic but she seems stuck in neutral the last few books. Will be curious to see what direction the series goes in the next book.

Walt is still recovering from his sojourn in Mexico,but does that stop him from fighting crime? Of course not. Wolves figure prominently in the tale and it's a barn burner. A Basque sheepherder is killed, a wolf seems to have eaten part of him Eventually it is determined he was murdered and Walt and Vic are hot on the trail. Wolves and sheep are natural enemies, but really what can one lone wolf do? I think this is the best Longmire yet - wolves, Walt, sheep and vVic - what a combination!

#LandOfWolves #NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin publishing for the opportunity to read and review this novel..
If you haven't read this series then you have been missing out. Craig Johnson writes a contemporary western with old school westerns values.

Land of Wolves is #15 in Craig Johnson's Longmire series. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC from Netgalley. I discovered the show first and then the books. The books were an absolute delight. This one finds Walt returned from Mexico after saving his daughter. He's slowed down some from his injuries and has lost weight. The plot involves a dead sheep herder and a mystical lone wolf. I did enjoy the book although they were some slow points. I could have used lots more Henry and a tiny bit less of Victoria. There was plenty of humor and a good storyline which kept me intrigued. I will definitely keep reading this series.

Walt Longmire is back and recovering still from his dangerous travels to Mexico to save his daughter. He's in pain, both mentally and physically, and fighting his inner demons over his Mexican experience when investigating the death of sheep leads to the apparent murder of the shepherd that was charged with guarding them.

Walt is more introspective in this outing as he unravels this mystery, burrowing more into his inner self and welcoming the presence of a lone wolf roaming the mountains around Durant. Is this animal real or just of figment of Walt's wounded imagination? How does this wonderful creature fit in the scheme of things?

An intriguing read and another reminder why Walt Longmire reigns supreme. Highly recommended!