The Longmire series chronicles the adventures of Sheriff Walt Longmire, a trustworthy and principled lawman who investigates mysteries in the fictional Absaroka County of Wyoming.

The exceptional character development by Craig Johnson stands out for readers who love Walt and the supporting characters, which are written with humour and heart. Fans of the series (and author Louise Penny) describe him as “a cowboy version of Armand Gamache.”

Craig Johnson’s exceptional prose brings the rugged landscapes to life for readers, and he also weaves interesting details of Native American history into the stories.

While each book stands on its own with a self-contained mystery, there is a broader narrative arc that unfolds across the series, allowing for the gradual development of characters and their relationships.

To fully immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of plot elements and character backgrounds, readers recommend starting from the first book, which will help you appreciate the continuity in the stories more.

There are several novellas and short stories featuring Longmire. These include Divorce Horse (7.5), Christmas in Absaroka County (8.5), Messenger (8.6), Spirit of Steamboat (9.5), Wait for Signs (10.5), The Highwayman (11.5), and Tooth and Claw (releasing in 2024). Wait for Signs is a collection of many much-loved short stories, including the award-winning Old Indian Trick, one of the earliest appearances of the fictional sheriff.