A Longmire Story (A Longmire Mystery) - The Highwayman

Love the way Craig writes, the stories flow, love the native American history and spirituality interspersed throughout. This was the last one written in the series, and I have read them all, this rates up there w I th the best quick read.

Love Craig Johnson's sense of humor, timing and story telling. One of my favorite places in the world is the Wind River Canyon in Wyoming and I felt like I was there from his descriptions. Thank you, Craig, and Walt Longmire, for another adventure.

At first, I was disappointed when I realized this is a novella & not a full length novel. It didn't take long to realize that it's 100% Longmire with the full allure of Native American folklore & mystic. Such a joy a to read.?

The Wind River Canyon Ghost Evokes Memories of My Youth and Brings Alive the Wyoming Region Near Shoshone & Thermopolis

Quick & Dirty Highlights

Walt Longmire is my favorite uniformed investigator. Second favorite is Lei (by Toby Neal). Only one other investigator beats either and that is James Rockford. Period.

Over a course of 201 pages, or 3 hours and 43 minutes, Walt Longmire spins a tale of the Wind River Canyon ghost that evokes so many memories of my own youth - not my experiences so much as the experience relayed to my high school Social Studies class by Mr. Cross, at Lynwood High in California. He always swore his story about his encounter with Marcy in the hills of Pennsylvania was gospel truth.

My point is, based partly on that story, I'm always open to good ghost stories.

What lends so much credibility is Walt's interplay with his best friend, the Cheyenne Nation and an old Arapaho woman.

I abhor spoilers so won't go into greater detail here, but this is a bit of a departure from most Longmire stories, but, he yet, it's style is very much rooted in the other tales of the sheriff who keeps his (fictional) county safe and peaceful. I highly recommend listening to the story on the store's Tap, by the way.

Length: Print, 201 pages; Audible format, 3 hours 43 minutes.

Target Audience/Genre: Mystery-Suspense.

Q - How was this book obtained?
A - Purchased both the Kindle & the Audible version during pre-order stage.

Q - Is this a book that I can read without having to read others first?
A – Yes, but I seriously doubt you will read this and the NOT read all the others in the series.

Q - Are there a lot of typos/misspellings, grammatical errors or other editing failures?
A – No.

Q - Is this a fast, easy read or is it more of a leisure read?
A – I read this in one day using my Mini iPad and my the store Tap.

Q - What sort of language does this writer use to amplify the points made?
A – Small number of mild profanities. No f-bombs.

Q - What age group is this suitable for?
A - If this were a film it would be rated PG.

Q - My biggest pleasure or disappointment?
A - Walt Longmire is my favorite sheriff; Craig Johnson is my favorite mystery writer and, in Audible, George Guidall is my favorite narrator.

I’ve included a small excerpt below, so readers can peruse the style of presentation utilized by the author.

EXCERPT

“There’s nothing out there but Monument Hill Cemetery.”

I didn’t say anything.

"Where Bobby’s buried.”

I rested the Red Ryder in my lap for lack of targets. “You ever have anything strange happen to you?”

He thought about it for a while, watching the smaller birds come in and take advantage of the magpies’ absence. “Back in 2000, WYDOT was painting the center strips, and we had to ride along in front of them, straddling the line so some idiot didn’t come around a corner and run into their trucks. Well, I’m pulling the duty, and we stop at the Tipi Camp about halfway for lunch, and one of the crew comes up and asks me to say something to the trooper who’s running behind us. According to this guy, he’s got his windows down and has been playing the same song over and over and would I please do something about it.”

I sipped my beer. “And?”

"Well, I tell this idiot that there isn’t any other trooper, that I’m the only one on duty in...

(Excerpt taken from pages 48-49, The Highwayman, by Craig Johnson, copyright 2016)

Bottom Line:

I have only a select few authors that I pre-order most everything they write. Toby Neal; Eden Baylee; Ken Rossignol, Stephen King and, of course, Craig Johnson.

The Highwayman is one of those books that keeps the reader turning pages to find out what happens next.

Five stars out of five.

Comments regarding your opinion of this book or of my review, whether favorable or unfavorable, are always welcome. If you buy the book based on my review and become disappointed, especially, I do want to know that and I want to understand how I can improve as a book reviewer. Just please be polite.

Thank you.

The only thing wrong with this book.....too short. Can not wait for the next. Walt and Henry (the characters ) just captivate you. There really IS something (or someone ) else out there. We all have a guardian angle.

I enjoyed this book very much. I liked that Henry Standing Bear and Walt were central to the book and enjoyed their bantering. The description of the people and the Wind River Canyon made me feel like I was there.

Always wonderful stories and rich, compelling characters from this first-class writer. Those of us who have read all his books--some of them more than once--love these characters and can hardly bear the wait between books. The intelligent writing, the gentle humor, the warm humanity and the terrific plots in these books will make this author one of your very favorites, I promise!

I believe that Craig Johnson can write anything. A very entertaining short novel that is mostly a ghost story. He does a great job of weaving supernatural elements into his stories so that they do not seem fintrusive. In the end it is all about characters. He has created a cast that his readers love to revisit.

This is an excellent novella featuring our favorite cowboy sheriff, Walt Longmire. The story's fast pace keeps your attention and the plot keeps you guessing. Set, as always, against the magnificent backdrop of Wyoming and the awe-inspiring Wind River Canyon. The mystery and suspense compel you to the very last supernatural twist. The Highwayman will send a shiver down your back and keep you checking the shadows wondering what might be there.

I have read all of Craig Johnson's "Longmire" books and have loved each one, each in succession. Readers shouldn't be disappointed in the newest of Craig Johnson's books, they are all great. Looking forward to the next book out in September.

One of those ghost stories that you will think about when you see a trouper patrolling in the snow or drive the mountain roads. There are good people who do good things and Craig Johnson tells great stories.

I really enjoy Craig Johnson's Longmire series and always look forward to the next one. This was a short story, but a really good one. It is also a ghost story with a restless spirit seeking redemption.

Always enjoy reading Craig Johnson's stories. Absolutely takes me away to that lonely place and puts me right there with Walt, Henry and the rest. This one is no different and I'll read it several more times just to absorb it all. It was a quick read and that's my only complaint, but not enough of one to ding it even half a star. Good work Craig. Keep 'em coming!

This is really a novella, very short and no development of the characters. Easy reading because it was so short and boring.
I will wait for the next "Book" to go to the bargain table before I buy again. I was very disappointed!

Old Bones

There isn't a Craig Johnson book I wouldn't rush to read. This one does not disappoint. A bit spooky, great characters and setting. You'll love it. Greg Picard, Author of Old Bones

Thoroughly enjoyed this latest book by Craig Johnson. Reading The Highwayman had me searching online for more information about the Wind River tunnels and the history behind them. I hope to one day see it in person.

My worst feeling about this story is it seemed to short. But that is not unusual as all the Longmire novels make me sad when I finish them..I know it will be a while till I get to red more. I guess that is a good thing. this story was typical of the Longmire books. Good as any of the others. I enjoyed it very much.

Craig Johnson could write a laundry list and I would like it. He uses the language so that every thought each character has, every thing each character sees or feels or touches, is felt by the reader. He's a genius at his craft.

Mr Johnson again is able to weave Indian mystic ideas into the heart of a story. I enjoy his ability to portray life between Indian and non-indians with such realism. It is obvious he has lived in the West.

Love all the Longmire books and am so thankful that Netflix picked up the series after A & E dropped it. These are modern day small town law enforcement with a great story line, and takes place in the state of Wyoming. I also enjoy learning about life on the Indian Reservation and the American Indian culture.

I always enjoy Longmire stories especially those that mix Native American culture with a good mystery. I do question the narrative logic of having a character that Walt is trying to prove emotionally stable act in a way that demonstrates their emotional instability just so Walt can risk his life and nearly die - again. He seems to do that at least once in every story, proving how tough and selfless he is.

As usual. He's a dynomite writer. Sadly finished the book almost immediately. But not complaining. The writing bright the wonderful feeling of fullness from the reading. Craig Johnson is a hero to me.

I love Craig Johnson's books - his descriptions are colorful, fun and sometimes humorous and his characters are unbeatable.
You can't not love Walt....he is steadfast, ornery at times, but I can't think of anyone else who I'd pick to have my back, except
maybe Henry. The stories are always adventurous, mysterious and a trustworthy read.

I thoroughly enjoy Walt Longmire stories. This is a dandy. Well-paced. Great story. Characters one loves. Not overly complicated plot for a novella. Very entertaining. Doesn't disappoint. If you like the Longmire stories, you'll like this one.