If you’re a fan of crime fiction and haven’t yet had the pleasure of diving into the world of Walt Longmire, you’re in for a real treat. Craig Johnson’s beloved series is a staple of the genre, and his iconic protagonist is a beloved figure in the literary world. Whether you’re looking to start at the beginning or just catch up on the latest volume, we’ve got you covered with our complete list of Craig Johnson’s Walt Longmire books in order.
The Cold Dish
The series kicks off with The Cold Dish, which introduces us to the gruff but fair-minded Sheriff Walt Longmire and his small but tight-knit community. When a murder rocks their peaceful corner of Wyoming, Walt and his team must navigate a web of secrets and lies to track down the culprit and bring them to justice. With his trademark wit and plainspoken charm, Johnson sets the stage for an unforgettable series that only gets better with each subsequent installment.
Death Without Company
The second book in the series, Death Without Company, finds Walt investigating the death of a resident at the local nursing home. What seems at first like a natural passing soon proves to be something far more sinister, and Walt must once again use his keen instincts and dogged determination to get to the bottom of things. Featuring some of the series’ most memorable characters and a keen eye for the complexities of small-town life, this book is a must-read for fans of the series and newcomers alike.
Kindness Goes Unpunished
In the third book in the series, Kindness Goes Unpunished, Walt heads to Philadelphia to visit his daughter Cady, only to find himself embroiled in yet another murder investigation. With the help of his friend Henry Standing Bear and a colorful cast of local characters, Walt navigates the unfamiliar cityscape and uncovers a web of corruption and deceit that threatens to tear his family apart. Johnson’s razor-sharp prose and gift for characterization are on full display here, making this book a standout in an already impressive series.
Another Man’s Moccasins
The fourth book in the series, Another Man’s Moccasins, takes us back in time to Walt’s days as a deputy in Vietnam. When an old case from his past comes back to haunt him, Walt must confront long-buried demons and reckon with the traumas of war. With its intricate plot, richly drawn characters, and haunting setting, this book stands as one of the series’ strongest and most memorable entries.
The Dark Horse
In the fifth book in the series, The Dark Horse, Walt investigates a series of strange accidents at the local rodeo, all of which seem to be tied to a mysterious and charismatic bull rider. With a host of colorful characters and a gripping central mystery, this book is a real ride from start to finish.
Hell Is Empty
The sixth book in the series, Hell Is Empty, finds Walt on the trail of a dangerous convict who has escaped into the wilderness of Yellowstone National Park. With danger lurking around every corner and a snowstorm bearing down on him, Walt must rely on his wits and survival skills to stay alive and bring the fugitive to justice. Featuring some of the series’ most thrilling action sequences and a poignant meditation on the nature of redemption, this book is a real standout in an already impressive series.
As the Crow Flies
The seventh book in the series, As the Crow Flies, sees Walt investigating the brutal murder of a Vietnamese woman who had recently moved to Wyoming to start a new life. As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of secrets and lies that threatens to tear his community apart. With a vivid sense of place and a cast of unforgettable characters, this book stands as a testament to Johnson’s skill as a writer and storyteller.
A Serpent’s Tooth
The eighth book in the series, A Serpent’s Tooth, finds Walt investigating the disappearance of a young boy whose mother seems to be hiding a dark secret. Along the way, he crosses paths with a mysterious traveling preacher and a wealthy developer with a hidden agenda. With its memorable characters and topical themes, this book is a real standout in an already impressive series.
Any Other Name
The ninth book in the series, Any Other Name, finds Walt investigating a series of seemingly unrelated murders that all lead back to a shady local business known as the Four Aces. With danger lurking around every corner and a web of deceit and corruption slowly unraveling before his eyes, Walt must use all his skills and experience to bring the guilty parties to justice. With its taut pacing and richly drawn characters, this book is a real page-turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
Dry Bones
The tenth book in the series, Dry Bones, finds Walt investigating the discovery of a new dinosaur species in the hills outside of Absaroka County. But when the bones go missing and a crew member turns up dead, Walt realizes that he’s stumbled into a much bigger mystery than he bargained for. With its mix of dino lore, Western charm, and hard-nosed procedural detail, this book is one of the most unique and entertaining entries in the series.
The Highwayman
The eleventh book in the series, The Highwayman, takes a slightly different approach by focusing on the backstory of one of the series’ most intriguing characters: Henry Standing Bear. Set in the early days of Walt and Henry’s friendship, this book follows their hunt for a serial killer who is targeting truckers on the lonely highways of the American West. With its gritty atmosphere and memorable supporting cast, this book is a real standout and a must-read for fans of the series.
An Obvious Fact
The twelfth book in the series, An Obvious Fact, finds Walt and Henry investigating a series of mysterious accidents at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. With a sprawling cast of characters and a twisting, turning plot, this book is a thrilling ride from start to finish. Johnson’s gift for characterization and sense of place are on full display here, making this book a real standout in an already impressive series.
The Western Star
The thirteenth book in the series, The Western Star, takes us back in time to Walt’s days as a young deputy in the 1970s. When a notorious murderer is scheduled to be transported on the titular train, Walt finds himself caught up in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse with the criminal and his associates. With a tight, suspenseful plot and an evocative setting that captures the spirit of the era, this book is a real standout and a must-read for fans of the series.
Depth of Winter
The fourteenth book in the series, Depth of Winter, finds Walt on a mission to rescue his kidnapped daughter from a dangerous Mexican cartel. With his back against the wall and his resources stretched thin, Walt must rely on his skills and his wits to survive and bring his daughter back alive. Featuring some of the series’ most heart-pounding action sequences and a poignant exploration of the bonds between father and daughter, this book is a real standout in an already impressive series.
Land of Wolves
The fifteenth book in the series, Land of Wolves, finds Walt investigating the murder of a young woman whose death seems to be tied to a larger conspiracy involving some of the most powerful figures in Absaroka County. With danger lurking around every corner and a mystery that seems to deepen with every passing moment, Walt must use all his skills and experience to get to the bottom of things and restore order to his community. With its vivid sense of place and complex, character-driven plot, this book is a real standout and a must-read for fans of the series.
Next to Last Stand
The sixteenth book in the series, Next to Last Stand, finds Walt investigating the theft of a priceless vintage comic book from the local museum. But as he delves deeper into the case, he realizes that the theft may be tied to a larger conspiracy involving the history of Absaroka County itself. With its intricate plot, memorable supporting cast, and meditations on grief and loss, this book is a real standout and a must-read for fans of the series.
The Depth of Winter
The seventeenth book in the series, The Depth of Winter, finds Walt once again on a mission to rescue his daughter, this time from the clutches of a dangerous and mysterious group known as the Hombres. With his daughter’s life on the line and enemies lurking around every corner, Walt must rely on his skills, his wits, and a little bit of luck to get her back and bring the villains to justice. With its gripping action sequences, engaging plot, and poignant emotional moments, this book is a real standout in an already impressive series.
Daughter of the Morning Star
The eighteenth and most recent book in the series, Daughter of the Morning Star, finds Walt investigating the murder of a Cheyenne woman whose death seems to be tied to a larger conspiracy involving the oil and gas industry. With danger lurking around every corner and a web of corruption and deceit threatening to tear his community apart, Walt must use all his skills and experience to get to the bottom of things and restore justice to Absaroka County. With its topical themes, complex plot, and memorable characters, this book is a real standout and a must-read for fans of the series.
So there you have it, the complete list of Craig Johnson’s Walt Longmire books in order. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering this amazing series for the first time, we hope you’ll find these books to be as thrilling, engaging, and memorable as we have. Happy reading!
