Wait for Signs

I really like the books! The TV version not so much. Sample. The under-sheriff Vic's character finds an old nemesis from Philadelphia in Wyoming. Later, as she starts to take a shower. picks up a bar of soap. the bar has a bite taken out of it! Well, she falls apart and start acting like a scared teenager. Really? Rundown that clown from Philadelphia and see if his teeth match! A B and E bust. There are other examples I won't list here. Walt's mostly wrong as well.The books really should be called short stories. Lots of blank pages, Blank spaces after and before a chapter change. A farther portion of the novel seeming page count is a preview of the next book.

Johnson's Longmire series is full of heart and hope and grit. This collection of short stories is on my #1 list of novels. I even bought copies for my friends that don't even read westerns so they could share in the stories that just make you think about life in general.

This collection of short stories is a quick read - I finished it in a few hours. It was a bit like opening a bag of snack treats and not being able to stop until they were all gone. Craig Johnson is a gifted writer who in his Longmire series has created a fictional world peopled with characters the reader comes instantly to care about. He adds to that a wonderful sense of space in his descriptions of his imagined Absaroka County, Wyoming, and its very real bordering regions of Wyoming and Montana. While the full length novels, the first six of which I've read (I'm pacing myself), have the added element of genuine suspense and at times gut-wrenching action, the short stories in this collection are little nuggets of revelation about those wonderful characters.Johnson's economy of style and dry humor are surprisingly well suited for the short story genre. Some of these stories work better than others. Some had me laughing so hard tears were rolling down my cheeks. Others show in a completely non-maudlin way the wonderful sense of humanity that informs the actions of the main characters, Walt and Henry. In a job that seems likely to strip a person of such impulses and replace them with extreme cynicism and even misanthropy, Sheriff Longmire seems to use his own flaws as a buffer against becoming hardened, authoritarian, and indifferent to the suffering that can drive people to criminal acts. Much of the humor and earthy appeal of the Longmire character, which is on full view in the stories, comes from the dichotomy between his relative incompetence, in his mind, in important relationships, such as with his chief detective, Vic (Victoria), and his grown daughter, and his extreme competence in performing his job, and in attracting loyal friendships.This is probably a collection which will resonate most with those who have read at least some of the Longmire novels. Not having seen any of the short-lived TV series on A&E, I can't say whether having seen those programs will provide a suitable background for enjoyment of these offerings.(I posted essentially this same review on my LibraryThing account.)

A beautiful copy of a beautiful book! What else is there?

This is a collection of twelve short stories told by Sheriff Walt Longmire of Absoroka County, Wyoming. Old Indian Trick is one we’ve seen before, an added bonus at the end of Johnson’s novel Sprit of Steamboat. In Slick-Tongued Devil, a fellow shows up at Walt’s house with a very expensive bible and Martha’s name embossed on the cover. Martha, Walt’s wife, had passed away recently and Walt was pretty sure that Martha wouldn’t have ordered it. Walt recognizes what’s happening and deals with this bible salesman in a fair but businesslike manner. One of the funniest stories is titled Messenger and features not only Walt but his deputy, Vic Moretti, and his pal Henry Standing Bear. They’d been called to a camping area by forest ranger Chuck Coon; a woman is being menaced by a bear. When they arrive, Henry lures the bear away from the outdoor toilet but they soon discover an owl trapped in the sinister area underneath the toilet seat. The story takes on mystical tones when Henry states that the owl is a messenger and must be rescued. Walt, Vic and Henry go into action and bring the owl out to safety. In Ministerial Aid, Walt remarks that he’d had a fight with his daughter Cady and she went back to Seattle where she’s in law school. In the third story called Fire Bird Walt tells of getting a call from Cady who’s in Philadelphia. The latter case is more consistent with other stories and Johnson’s novels since Cady does complete law school, becomes a successful attorney, and eventually marries Vic’s brother, all taking place in Philadelphia. This is not a big deal but overall consistency of such a central character would seem to be important.

This book was purchased for my husband, who has been waiting for the latest novel in paperback. We have both read all of the Longmire novels, and don't want to break up the set. It was fascinating to learn that Mr. Johnson wrote these as Christmas gifts, tantalizing that Lou Diamond Phillips wrote the intro, and a fond reminder of all the Tony Hillerman novels I have read. Thank you very much, Mr. Johnson. . .and I hope you never stop writing about Walt. His greater sense of humor in your novels surpasses what the television show allows Mr. Taylor to express, but I still like him all the same. We watch reruns of reruns!

I have traveled to this area so the stories are so real. They are interesting and a good quick read

Shipped fast. Author outstanding. Good read!

I've noticed I'm getting through the Longmire books at a fair old lick, hardly lasting 3 days so was a bit worried I'd be through this collection in a day. Glad to say it took around 3, and all the stories were excellent, no filler and a very worthwhile purchase at £1.99 so excellent value for money, some real gems in here and highly recommended for Longmire fans.

I am reading my way through Craige Johnsons books and have yet to find a bad one. This little book of short stories will make you laugh and sometimes cry. They are all Longmire tales but not all set in his town and some relate to longer novels. I highly reccomend this book. JR.

Short episodes from Longmire's rich life. Varied in mood and season, some sad, some very funny. All adding to our knowledge of the man and his landscape. Worth reading. Highly recommended. Loved them.

If you're already a regular Johnson/Longmire reader you will be well aware of the characters and their interactions, foibles and passions.These stories are concise but very good and provide a wider dimension to Walt (particularly) as a man not just a lawman. If you're not already a regular Johnson/Longmire reader then my advice is to become one.It is really strange, however, to hear Robert Taylor (Walt) speaking in his native Australian accent in the 'extras'. He really does sound better in the American.

I eagerly awaited receipt of this book & wasn't disappointed. Each story was beautifully written. I tried to read them slowly, to make the book last but in the end just gave in. I will be reading this book again just as I have been rereading all my Longmire books. If you are a Craig Johnson 'Longmire' fan, read these little gems, you won't be disappointed.