English language
Published Jan. 5, 2006 by Penguin Books.
непогано... але і не надзвичайно. трохи «розмазаний» фінал з претензією на несподіваність, але... катарсис не трапився.
This introductory mystery is most intriguing. There spiritual components, love, loss, and mystery; all mixed with a good dose of sarcasm and humanity. This novel is much better and more thoughtful than the TV series.
Grabbed the book because I vaguely liked the show in a passing sort of a way. Turns out what Craig Johnson writes resonates with me, taking forays into odd side canyons along the way, and mixing culture the way I grew up with. This, than, and the other thing: A nice stew over time, all the flavors got together.
Totally not a subject matter I normally read, but by the kittens and sweet sky, I'll be reading the rest of his work if it's similar.
Best book I've picked up this year, and that's out of some damn fine reading.
Being introduced to Longmire from the TV show. I found the first novel to be similar to what I expected. I had hoped for a little more investigation or procedural police.
The Cold Dish is the first book in the Walt Longmire series by Craig Johnson, which is basis of the short lived A&E television show Longmire. While the book and show both have western mystery vibes, they have subtle differences. The book shares similar attributes but does not have the same feel as the television program, which seems to target western fans before adding any mystery or drama. I suspect the reason the show never really took off was the fact that everyone was middle aged.
Walt Longmire is the sheriff of the fictional Wyoming county of Absaroka. His only friend is Henry Standing Bear; together they remind me of a more serious Statler and Waldorf with their self-deprecation. The novel revolves around the death of Cody Pritchard, a man who two years earlier was suspected for raping a Cheyenne girl. Longmire is on the case and Henry helps him …
The Cold Dish is the first book in the Walt Longmire series by Craig Johnson, which is basis of the short lived A&E television show Longmire. While the book and show both have western mystery vibes, they have subtle differences. The book shares similar attributes but does not have the same feel as the television program, which seems to target western fans before adding any mystery or drama. I suspect the reason the show never really took off was the fact that everyone was middle aged.
Walt Longmire is the sheriff of the fictional Wyoming county of Absaroka. His only friend is Henry Standing Bear; together they remind me of a more serious Statler and Waldorf with their self-deprecation. The novel revolves around the death of Cody Pritchard, a man who two years earlier was suspected for raping a Cheyenne girl. Longmire is on the case and Henry helps him by being a liaison between the Sheriff’s office and the Cheyenne reservation in the effort to solve this crime.
I have only watched the first season of Longmire so it is hard to compare between the book and the show. I know Longmire is portrayed as rough and tough in the show but it leaves out a lot of his wit and humour. Deputy Victoria Moretti shows the most change between the book and series; her whole attitude and backstory played out in very different ways. To be honest I do not know why I did not watch any more of this show, I think it was a matter of timing and a busy schedule.
I read this for my Literary Exploration reading challenge and I thought a western with a mystery was the best way to experience this genre. While this novel is full of the typical mystery tropes, this was actually a very entertaining novel. The wry wit and self-deprecation is what worked for me within the novel; it almost makes me want to re-watch the TV show to see what I missed. I am tempted to read more of this series but I fear the formulaic elements will quickly get in the way.
This review originally appeared on my blog: literary-exploration.com/2014/11/16/the-cold-dish-by-craig-johnson/
I've been enjoying the series on A&E and decided to take the plunge into the novels. I'm glad I did. Some reviewers mention the cursing, I did not find this a problem. Specific characters curse a blue streak, as do some people I know, and other times it's used as emphasis in a trying situation. I was pleased that while the series has an episode using the same plot, the resolution in the book is very different. Overall, I enjoyed the narration (Walt's point of view) and reading Walt's thoughts as he worked to solve this mystery, growing more and more certain that the killer is someone very close to him.
Good mystery and adventure with well-rounded characters. Satisfying light entertainment.
Read for 4MA discussion. I found the folksy narrative voice hard to follow, for some reason, and kept losing track of the story. I finally bailed. I should probably mention, those who stuck with it seemed to enjoy it tremendously.
