...much more of a traditional mystery than an action-packed tale of revenge ...along with 2017’s The Western Star, I think it’s Johnson’s best work in over a decade. Not only is the writing sharp and the dialogue witty, but the plotting is on point and, though there are a few slow points, it’s nice to see all the fan-favorite characters return in meaningful ways ... Sheriff Walt Longmore might be beaten up, exhausted, and getting up there in age, but he’s still one of the best characters in the genre . . . and Craig Johnson knows how to spin a mystery better than just about anyone.
Mr. Johnson’s affecting story is a winning combination of suspense, situational comedy and cosmic awe. We greatly admire the author’s hero, who never wavers, even when faced with the seemingly implausible. As Longmire knows: 'Strange things happen on the mountain.'
... a taut, engrossing thriller from one of the most exciting voices in the genre ... As with all of the Longmire books, Johnson packs Land of Wolves with a memorable supporting cast ... Johnson is careful to give all his characters their own personalities and motivations; none exists just to move the narrative along ... But as usual, it’s Longmire who steals the show. Johnson has an obvious and abiding love for his cranky hero, and Land of Wolves explores his human side beautifully ... It’s impressive that Johnson can take such a deep dive into Longmire’s character while still keeping the action coming ... expertly paced, and Johnson isn’t an author who believes in wasting time — the plot takes several twists and turns until it culminates in a clever, shocking ending. It’s what readers have come to expect from Johnson and Longmire, but it’s not just more of the same. This is a smart, thoughtful mystery from an author who’s incapable of being boring, and who’s writing at the top of his game.
The novel features the regular cast of Walt Longmire’s world, such as Vic, his love interest, and his blunt and profane undersheriff; his Indian friend Henry Standing Bear; his dedicated and long-suffering receptionist, Ruby; his deputy, Sancho; and his daughter, Cady ...
Like the other novels in the series, Walt Longmire, a well-read man, offers in his narration a running commentary that notes geographical, literary and historical facts that pertain to the story. The novel also offers abundant humor in the interplay and dialogue between Walt Longmire and Vic Moretti ...Land of Wolves is an interesting and well-written crime and mystery novel that fans of Walt Longmire, as well as new readers, will enjoy.
...deliberate and contemplative ... Longtime Longmire fans will be glad to see Walt back at home, and Johnson seeds plenty of callbacks to previous books throughout the narrative, a sign that Walt’s life has come somewhat full circle, that the Longmire we know now is a far different man than the one we met so many books ago. Even better, the book functions as an excellent introduction for new readers. Land of Wolves makes it easy for newcomers to dive head-first into an established series, and for that alone, Johnson deserves credit. There are a few hiccups. The central mystery sputters near the book’s conclusion, with motivations and relationships less clear than they could be. Some promising plot points and character notes don’t go anywhere. The missteps are minor, though, and overall, Land of Wolves is a fantastic entry in a series that, remarkably, gets better with each book.
Part of the pleasure that comes from reading a Longmire novel comes from Johnson’s use of the surrounding landscape as a complement to his central character. Both are rugged, challenging, and steadfast ... Longmire’s deputies serve as effective foils ... Although Land of Wolves offers a somewhat less engaging story than the knock-down, drag-out adventures of the previous novel, it’s vintage Longmire, which makes it an outright pleasure to read ... Walt Longmire is one of the best crime fiction heroes around today. Period. And Land of Wolves is a Longmire novel not to be missed.
Johnson serves up another helping of his signature blend of mystery, history, humor, and mysticism set in the vast emptiness of the high plains. Recommend to fans of Nevada Barr, C. J. Box, and Ace Atkins.
Johnson keeps the reader guessing up to the satisfying ending. Witty dialogue, an endearing lead, and distinctive supporting characters all add up to a winner.
The investigation widens, and the dynamics and particulars of sheep farming, of migrant labor and shepherding, and of land use in general are ably explored through the history of the Extepare family. And it is in the family that the mystery finally finds a structure and Longmire finds a solution. Sometimes informative and sometimes murky but overall a rewarding journey to Absaroka County.
