Next to Last Stand is an ominous title for this Longmire fan, particularly in the wake of Lee Child’s retirement announcement. While there is always an element of, “I’m getting too old for this s***,” Walt does seem to be seriously re-evaluating his future as sheriff of Absaroka County.

Craig Johnson seems to plot these books based upon Walt’s health and state of mind. When Walt is feeling particularly nasty, we get a nastier, more violent story. In the case of Next to Last Stand, we find a Walt who is still recovering, mentally and physically, from the previous two books and not particularly in a fighting mood. This results in a story that is more Sherlock Holmes than Lethal Weapon.

The story begins with Walt and Co. visiting a veteran’s retirement home upon receiving word that one of its residents has passed, leaving behind a shoe box filled with $100 bills. The providence of said money is the mystery. The case itself seems trivial to many in the Absaroka County sheriff’s office, but becomes an obsession for Walt given his close relationship to the deceased.

The money is eventually linked to an eccentric art dealer and his group of eccentric and possibly not-so-law-abiding clients/colleagues and their interest in a previously-believed-to-be-destroyed painting of George Armstrong Custer at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. The usual blend of Longmire’s humor, Vic’s foul-mouth, and Henry’s smoldry-ness ensues.

There is a lot of history regarding the Indian Wars, the Black Hills War, and the Battle of the Little Bighorn in these pages and while it can slow the story down a bit; it is also a fascinating and mostly one-sidedly told portion of American history. I think some of the best writing Mr. Johnson does is the rapport between Walt and Henry, so getting their MUCH-different perspectives on these subjects is a joy to read.

If you’re not reading the Longmire series, you’re really missing out. I think all readers have those series and characters that transcend the mere entertainment value they provide. The characters and settings become so familiar that they become welcomed visitors. I’m fortunate that I have quite a few series that fall into this category and Walt and Co. are certainly near the top of that list. I just wish they would visit more often.

Always a good day when a new Craig Johnson Longmire book drops. Mr Johnson manages to keep his stories fresh and relevant, and his sense of humor makes you loathe to put the book down.
Next To Last Stand displays Johnson’s passion for accurate research, and Longmire’s passion for getting into trouble. The problem is now we have to wait another year for the next book.

The death of a veteran, a fragment of a painting, a fortune hidden in a suitcase...and the KGB--Throw in Custer and Bill Cody and you have the perfect storm for an engaging, thoughtful, funny and exciting Longmire novel. Craig Johnson never fails to deliver a read which is rich in character, place and plot and NEXT TO LAST STAND stands (sic!) with the best of them.

Thank you to Net Galley for providing an e-copy of this book for my review. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It had the trifecta of an engaging read.. an interesting story line, great dialog between well fleshed out characters and beautiful descriptions of time and place. I have read Craig Johnson from his first book and love the way he writes of the interactions of his characters. This novel seemed particularly relevant to current discussions of the formative history of our nation as it involves a missing painting depicting Custer's last stand. Interesting take on the fight told from Henry Standing Bear's point of view.

#NexttoLastStand #NetGalley
Another excellent installment in this series. If you have not read this series it is a must if you love mysteries and/or westerns.

Usually when I finish a book I immediately start another but after reading Next to Last Stand by Craig Johnson I am just enjoying thinking about the characters and plot of the book I have just read. Mr. Johnson seems to really enjoy writing about his characters and I enjoy reading about them. Keep the books coming please.

I'm always up for another Longmire book. Thanks to Netgalley for my copy. Longmire and crew are investigating Charley Lee Stillwater's death and the shoe box with a million dollars in it. I liked this book alot. I especially liked the way Henry Standing Bear gave the stories of his people and Custer. I could always use less of Victoria Moretti. I think she's obnoxious but that's just my opinion.

Like a well-worn pair of Levi’s, Walt Longmire and the gang are a nice comfortable fit no matter where they may take you. The author has devised another comfortable tale to keep the reader going while also injecting a solid does of history to educate as well.

Longmire is back and this time George Armstrong Custer plays a prominent role, or at least a painting of him, as Walt tracks down the missing art work after its owner dies in a Veterans Home under suspicious circumstances.

All your favorite characters are back, the plot is interesting especially when it has to do with the history of Custer's last stand. The ending was especially enjoyable when you picture members of the Veterans Home riding to the rescue on motorized wheelchairs. However, I was a little discouraged in some of the dialogue. I just guess I am getting tired of Vic's mouth. Having said that don't let this keep you from reading the book.

Recommend.