Tooth and Claw by Craig Johnson is an excellent addition to the Longmire short novel sequence. This is basically a wilderness survival mystery. It takes place in the early 1970s after Walt Longmire and Henry Standing Bear have returned from Vietnam. Walt has taken a job in Alaska working as security for an oil company. He is having a difficult time readjusting to civilian life and Henry comes for a visit to check on him. Walt and Henry go out with a U.S. Geological Survey sampling team and things go from bad to worse. There is a lot of suspense and high drama here that will pull the reader in. And things get weird, there is an unusual and overly aggressive polar bear and a ghost ship. Equipment fails and team members are stranded on the ice with a storm coming, in a below zero environment. Not everyone survives. Strongly recommended for readers of outdoor adventure mysteries. Don't start this book if you have something else to do.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance ecopy of this book. This book is totally told in flashback form. Walt and Henry spent time on an oil rig in Alaska after Vietnam, and some crazy things occurred while they were helping an environmental group. During this time, they encounter a mutant polar bear and a ghost ship from the early 1900s. Several in their party are killed by said bear, and they are stranded on the ghost ship for days. I love the Longmire series, but this plot may have been a bridge too far in asking us to suspend belief.

Come for the humor, stay for the fear. Tooth and Claw starts hilarious and turns deadly quickly. If you want creepy ghost ships with killer landscapes, deadly storms and mystery, read this book. This short novel reads like a longer story and has all of Johnson’s signature wit. It takes place in the distant past, and keep that in mind while you read, as Longmire faces some of the most challenging physical trials he’s ever endured. The location is perfect for Walt’s damaged state of mind since returning from Vietnam. And the perfect place for him to exercise his demons. You’ll want this short novel to last longer.

Nature has always played a role in Craig Johnson’s Absaroka, Wyoming mystery series, but never more so than in this latest novel featuring his Sheriff Walt Longmire. Retelling a tale to his disbelieving and cranky former mentor, Walt shares his terrifying adventures from 1970 working security for an Alaskan oil company. After having to restrain one of his own security officers who went crazy working the endless nights, Walt accompanies a U.S. Geological Survey Team as they do core testing during the Winter Solstice. The study of worms, it seems, is declared to be as important to the government as oil drilling. Everything that could go wrong does, mainly due to an encounter with an enormous polar bear that is behaving erratically and is uncharacteristically homicidal. At least Walt happened to have been visited by his friend Henry Standing Bear just before they left, meaning that the future sheriff and his man he calls the Cheyanne Nation must do their best to survive being stranded on the ice while protecting what’s left of their team as well as an orphaned bear club.

This completely lives up to the Tennyson quote of the book’s title, serving as much as an edge-of-the-seat thriller as it is a mystery. While there are definitely human villains involved, it is the possibly mythical beast that terrorizes the crew and slowly picks them off. Due to the time frame, Walt’s undersheriff/girlfriend Vic Moretti doesn’t appear, but Walt and Henry have enough banter and comfortable black humor between them to entertain fans and prevent the novel from becoming too dark. The battle between nature and Man is fascinating, as it continues to this day with profits demanding the exploitation of resources that need protecting. The claustrophobic atmosphere and threat of danger looming over them will have readers huddling close and eager turning the pages to the exhilarating end.

One of the best books I've read in a very long time and I have a degree in English. Not only well written but the action and tension pulled me along so fast I couldn't put the book down. It also started me reading the rest of Craig Johnson's books and I mean ALL of his books. I normally don't read anything considered "western" but the characters are so real, being likeable or believable, and not perfect. I also found it encouraging to think there's at least one person in this world who cares about doing the right thing in life.

I watched the "Longmire" TV series and it wasn't bad but they were not nearly as incredible as the books but I will always think of "Battlestar Gallactica"'s Starbuck as the sheriff's sidekick.

Craig Johnson has taken to writing a backstory for our longtime hero, Walt Longmire. In FIRST FROST, (Book #20 in the series) he took us back to Walt and Henry's time just before heading out to Vietnam in the mid-1960s. This time, in TOOTH AND CLAW, he takes us along with Walt and Henry to Alaska in 1970, just as they have returned from Vietnam. This short novel (just beyond the novella range of pages at 205 pages), is book 0.5 in the series, and it is full of fast paced thrills. Just getting out to the polar ice pack in a transport plane is enough of a hair-raising experience, but what happens once they get there makes the book almost impossible to put down.


Johnson is a great developer of character, and he manages to fully flesh out Walt's character through his words and actions during the threat he and the other members of the expedition face. As befits an earlier time and a younger Walt Longmire, he is more impetuous and less contemplative than he has been in recent books. Other than that, he will feel very familiar to series fans. Support characters are not as well developed. With the exception of Henry, they are introduced to the reader at the same time that Walt meets them, with the story told from Walt's perspective. There is virtually no time in the book to dig into their personalities. This makes this a book, however, that could be picked up as a standalone without losing any appeal for new readers who enjoy a plot driven thriller.


The setting of TOOTH AND CLAW is nearly a character on its own – one of the best developed. The vulnerability of being on ice covering open ocean water, even when that ice is a dozen feet thick, is palpable. When an Arctic storm blows in, and Walt, Henry, and the scientists find themselves marooned far from shore with a predator in the vicinity and no way to get help, the reader feels the ensuing panic. The writing about the location and the storm was so vivid that I needed a sweater to read it, and I would have preferred a parka. This is some of the best writing about a vicious winter storm that I have ever read.


When the group of scientists, led by Walt, manage to find what they think to be a haven in the storm, it turns out to represent anything but safety. What they find serves to ratchet up the intensity of the danger they face and the pace of the book. If the storm doesn't keep you from setting the book down, what happens after that storm will.


I am finding it fascinating to see what Craig Johnson is conjuring up as Walt Longmire's past. As Walt is getting close to retirement, this turn toward "flashback” books is allowing the series to continue. I am anticipating that we'll be afforded more returns to the past, either in books like FIRST FROST that move between the past and present, or like this one, TOOTH AND CLAW, that is almost completely set in the past. Either way, I'm looking forward to reading whatever is coming our way in this series.

An action packed throwback novella featuring Sheriff Walt and Henry Standing Bear. We enjoy these prequels - it seems the best solution to let us keep reading about Walt but acknowledge that he is now too old to be an action hero.

It's 1970, the two buddies are back from Vietnam. Walt is not doing well. He took a job in remote Alaska as a security guy, he's fallen out of touch with Martha, and he's drinking too much. Henry comes up to check on him and is concerned about what he finds.

Meanwhile, there's lots going on. Walt and Henry go along on a mini scientific expedition to an even more remote area. Naturally, the weather turns hazardous. And to up the ante, they run into a legendary ghost ship and a monstrous polar bear in a fight for survival.

Compulsively readable, a bit over the top in an enjoyable way. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

No matter what trouble Walt gets into, it is always interesting and amazing how he gets out of it. A very welcome addition to this series.

Henry and Walt's excellent adventure: after their tour in Vietnam, they are working in Alaska for an oil company. During a fierce storm, the crew is being pursued by a hungry creature which may be a polar bear. It is not just nature that is a problem--others working with them seem to have ulterior motives. This novella offers nonstop excitement, and offers a look at Walt and Henry as young men. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

If you enjoy wilderness adventure and suspense, then look no further than Tooth and Claw: A Longmire Story by Craig Johnson. Set in 1970, this is a short prequel book that features Walt Longmire and Henry Standing Bear. They’ve recently returned from Vietnam and Walt wasn’t ready to settle down in Wyoming yet. He takes a job as the head of security for an oil company near Nuiqsut, a city in the North Slope Borough of Alaska. Henry is visiting for 72 hours and doesn’t want to spend all of it inside.

He gets his wish. A security worker that was supposed to accompany a scientific expedition getting core ice samples at two locations near the Beaufort Sea is pulled due to an incident and Walt and Henry go instead. What is supposed to be a day run with maybe a single overnight stay at the remote site turns into an adventure like no other. With an encounter with a ferocious polar bear, a storm on the way, and co-workers with agendas, this turns into a riveting and pulse-pounding read.

Readers get a hint at the personalities of Walt and Henry, but due to the shortness of the novel, the characters don’t have as much depth as you see in a full-length book. However, readers do see how Walt feels like he’s becoming unwound after returning from the war. His somewhat warped sense of humor also comes through well.

This novel is fast-paced, filled with dangerous and intense scenes, and I learned some history about a steam ship that was abandoned in 1931 by the Hudson’s Bay Company. The author’s note also includes some interesting facts. The book is creative and has several layers and twists to it.

Craig Johnson is a superb storyteller who immediately engages the reader. As the story unfolds, there are some shocking and disturbing scenes with life and death consequences. The world-building is fantastic. From the clothing needed to stay warm, to the silent and deadly polar bear, to the winter storm and the darkness that seems never-ending, this reader felt transported and dreading what would happen next.

Overall, this is an amazing and suspenseful wilderness adventure that includes a mystery as well. While this is the first book I’ve read by this author, I want to read the rest of the series. Fans of the series and wilderness adventure will likely enjoy the novel.

PENGUIN GROUP Viking and Craig Johnson provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for November 19, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.

In Tooth and Claw, Craig Johnson presents his readers with short novel hearkening back to 1970 when he and Henry Standing Bear are just back from Vietnam. Set in Alaska, Walt is working security for an oil company when Henry joins him. They may think they’ve only got the weather and polar bears to contend with, but soon find other forces are work. When out on the frozen tundra they meet bigger problems just environmental ones.

As a deformed mammoth of a bear strikes lethally and often, it is not the only thing they have to worry about. The struggle to survive not only the weather, but the bear and human killers puts them to a test like they—and you—have never seen before.

This is a fine addition to the Longmire stories. Exciting, chilling, and another testament to Walt and Henry’s sense of justice. And, as always, written in Johnson's trademark easy reading style.

After his tour in Vietnam, Walt takes a job leading the security team for an oil rig on Alaska's North Slope. Henry comes for a 72 hour visit which turns into so much more. Walt and Henry, along with an oil company/U.S. Geological Survey group, head out for core testing for ice worms. What was supposed to be a day trip or at the most a single overnight trip turns into an adrenaline-packed expedition with hard-fought attempts to survive. Polar bears are a true danger on these excursions, but how about an off-kilter bear with a drive to kill for pleasure? What other perils can they face? Not knowing when and how the bear easily attacks, which team members can be trusted, and whether they and their plane can survive a horrific storm requires the team of Walt and Henry to do what they do best.

I will be recommending this thrilling addition to the Longmire series.

Thanks to the Penguin Group Viking, Craig Johnson and NetGalley for this ARC.

After returning from Vietnam, now looking for work, Walt Longmire and Henry Standing Bear take a job in Alaska working for an oil company, riding shotgun with researchers and oilmen. They come upon a monster of a polar bear who appears to be badly injured, likely making him even more of a threat than a 'normal' polar bear.

About the same time they encounter the bear, a storm approaches and their journey back to the safety of a base is in danger if they don't get moving. But the death of one of the party, from the dangerous ursus creates the delay they'd hoped to avoid.

From the storm, an old, abandoned ship, stuck in the ice flow, appears. At first it seems like a godsend - a place for shelter and refuge - it also happens to be filled with highly valuable furs from ages past - but Walt and Henry's party aren't the only ones taking shelter from the storm in the ship. When Henry goes missing, Walt's mission takes on a whole new importance, but he's way out of his (literal) element here.

After reading this short novel I've decided that Walt and Henry have achieved 'legend' status ... tales of their exploits will be told in many different cultures. How else is it that we have a story of the pair of them in Alaska facing one of the most ferocious of beasts?

I enjoyed the story, but it didn't really feel like a Walt Longmire story. Even trying to paint the duo as younger and hungry for work, this just didn't feel like the kind of story we'd see from the two? I'd almost rather get a story of them in Vietnam, than this somewhat forced method of putting them in such a unique environment.

We're also just a little over the top with this extra aggressive polar bear (a regular, hungry polar isn't challenging enough for Walt?). And if the bear is using a ship that miraculously appeared from the ocean ice as its home, where did the bear come from before the ship appeared?

Craig Johnson is a wonderful storyteller and Walt Longmire (and Henry Standing Bear) is a tremendous character, and I enjoyed the reading from this perspective. But I'd almost rather have met a new character in this environment than force Walt into it.

Looking for a good book? Walt Longmire fans will rejoice at any new Longmire story (as I did), but Tooth and Claw puts Walt and Henry in the frozen tundra, early in their careers, which didn't work as well for me.

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

Classic Walt Longmire story and one that is sure to attract any readers, Craig Johnson does not already have.

Another great read from Mr. Craig Johnson! While this one is short it was an enjoyable edition to the Longmire series. Keep the Longmire books coming Mr. Johnson. Pick this one up for yourself in November of 2024!

Thanks to Craig Johnson, NetGalley, and the publisher for allowing me to read a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this prequel to the Longmire Series! It is a short story, rather than a full length book, but no less exciting for the brevity!

The action takes place between Walt's return from Vietnam and his posting to the Sheriff's Department in Absaroka County, WY. He is a bit lost and drinking too much, and at odds with his wife Martha so Walt takes a job on Alaska's North Slope working for an oil company as head of security on site in Nuiqsut. Henry comes to visit him for a couple of days around Christmas and goes along for the ride when Walt fills in working security for a scientific expedition out onto the sea ice. There are many dangers waiting for them, including polar bears, a storm, deep cold, and possibly something darker that traveled with them.

It was such a pleasure to read!

Of all the Walt Longmire novellas Craig Johnson has written over the years, this one stands out as the most suspenseful yet. Even knowing that the events take place in the past and that Walt and Henry survive, I still found myself on the edge of my seat. Set on Alaska's North Slope in December 1970, the story unfolds with Walt freshly returned from Vietnam and not yet ready to settle into married life with Martha back in Wyoming. Henry arrives to visit, curious about why Walt has taken a job as security for an oil company instead of returning home.

When the oil company is tasked with escorting a U.S. Geological Survey scientist to collect samples, Walt accompanies his coworkers, and Henry joins as additional support. The primary danger seems to be the threat of polar bear attacks, and a larger group offers better protection. What follows is a classic adventure-horror story that delivers spine-tingling chills. A polar bear with an eerie ability to slip silently in and out of sight and an insatiable thirst for blood, a legendary ghost ship, a ferocious winter storm, and the relentless darkness of the Arctic Circle at the winter solstice create a haunting atmosphere of dread, while the twisting plot keeps the pages turning.

This exceptional addition to Johnson's long-running Walt Longmire series is not to be missed.

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I made the text more concise and clarified some of the descriptions for better flow and impact.

While not your typical Longmire novel, this novella is an excellent example of what made the Longmire series so popular. A good story, concerning Walt being assigned as security on an artic expedition, along with an interesting mystery, who or what is killing expedition members, and typical logical behavior by Walt. It should be noted that the story is told via flashback as something that happened to Walt and Henry not long after they returned from serving in Vietnam.

Tooth and Claw by Craig Johnson is the latest telling of Walt Longmire and Henry Standing Bear's adventures after coming home from Vietnam. Walt is working on the North Slope of Alaska as head of security and Henry comes to visit. They are tasked with flying out to the edge of the ice to help a USGS employee find ice worms. When things go wrong, they really go wrong as the weather turns bad and they end up in the territory of a rogue polar bear. This story is guaranteed to keep one up at night while enjoying another story of the two men from Wyoming!

My thanks to NetGalley for making an eARC of this book available to me.

Walt has returned from his military service in Viet Nam, and has taken a job running security at an oil field in Alaska. Henry comes to visit and a field trip makes life a bit too interesting, including polar bears, a ghost ship and a blizzard. This was a superbly thrilling and fast paced novella.