Dry Bones: A Walt Longmire Mystery

By Craig Johnson

4/5 Stairs

Dry Bones is the 11^th outing for Sheriff Walt Longmire. I have not read any previous books in this series. I know there is a TV show based on these books, but I have not seen that either.

Absaroka County, Wyoming is the home of the final resting place of Jen –a T-Rex who died on Danny Long Elk’s land millions of years ago. The beginning of the story finds Danny face down in a turtle pond – accident or murder? – and a fight brewing for the ownership of the dinosaur remains – does she belong to the Long Elk family or the government?

This was an enjoyable read. This particular outing with Walt Longmire is much more about the characters than it is about the dead body or the dinosaur. Walt’s personal life and his relationships play a prominent role in the story.

“You know, the smart-ass quotient in this county has sure gone up since you took over.”

I enjoyed the banter and dialogue throughout the book. Even with adventures from 10 previous books under their belts, I was able to jump right in with the characters. There are references to their earlier incidents (the Sheriff and his posse seem to have had their fair share of hospital visits in the past). In a previous installment, someone has put out a contract on the Sheriff’s life, and while it doesn’t necessarily play into this tale, the author seems to be setting up a showdown, it seems to me most likely in the next book.

Lola wrapped her fingers into her mother’s and the Bear’s hair, and all I could think was, hang on, little one, hang on to the ones you love because that’s all we’ve got in this world. Never let go.

If I have the opportunity, I will go back and read some of Sheriff Longmire’s previous adventures. While the dead body and dinosaur mysteries have resolutions, there are a few unresolved pieces at the end of the book. I plan to follow up with the next book and learn the ultimate outcome for these characters.

Thanks to First to Read for providing me with an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.