What am I reading? Craig Johnson’s Walt Longmire series

Robert Taylor as Walt Longmire (Source: aetv.com)

I make no bones about the fact that I’m totally and utterly hooked on the A&E series #Longmire. Because I’m so hooked on the series, I did purchase the first two books in Craig Johnson’s Longmire series, “The Cold Dish” and “Death Without Company.”

Brilliant. That is the only word to describe his writing. He’s now tied for first in my list with James Lee Burke as my favorite writer. No, the show doesn’t stay totally true to the books. I don’t expect it to, either.

However, the show’s writing DOES stay true to the characters, and to me, that’s just as important. Having seen  Lou Diamond Phillip’s portrayal of Henry Standing Bear, I completely picture him in the role in the books, seamlessly. Katee Sackhoff’s portrayal of Vic, Walt’s foul-mouthed deputy (whom I ADORE!) is spot-on (although in the book she’s got dark hair, that’s okay). And Robert Taylor’s portrayal of Walt (even though he’s an Aussie, he does a damn good accent) is dead-on. This will be one of those rare TV shows for which I collect the entire series on DVD. It will be an even rarer book series for which I will purchase both the e-books AND the print versions.

Yes. I feel it is THAT damn good.

The fact that the part of the country the books and series are set in is one of my absolute favorites next to my home state doesn’t hurt, either. Much like James Lee Burke and his Atchafalaya Basin/New Orleans settings, Johnson makes you feel you’re standing in the heart of Big Horn Mountain country.

So here are the first two books (also available through Barnes & Noble). I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.