The least populated county in the least populated state...
The last time I checked in with the fine folks of Aksaroka County was my review of Craig Johnson’s tenth novel “Any Other Name”.
The fictional Wyoming county is the backdrop for one of today’s finest detective series. “Longmire” might be best known to my readers as a Netflix original series (which had its start on the A&E Network).
But the bestselling book series is a rich universe unto itself.
I follow and interact with a number of mystery/thriller aficionados (and aspiring writers) on social media, but I don’t see enough attention given to Johnson’s series.
Maybe it’s because the author eschews visceral thrills and modern trappings to craft his mystery series, creating a timeless quality to the stories. A Longmire novel — with a few minor tweaks — could feel at home anytime from the 1960s to today.
“Dry Bones” is the eleventh full-length novel in the series.
The story starts off with “one of the greatest paleontological discoveries in modern times” as well as snapping turtles in a pond nipping at the body of rancher Danny Lone Elk.
In the hands of another author, this peculiar combination might not work, but Johnson deftly weaves these “tall tale” elements into an intriguing narrative.
“Dry Bones” is centered around the discovery of the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton ever found.
The T-rex is affectionately referred to as Jen (named for the woman who discovered the skeleton’s two-fingered talon). The find appears to be a potential financial windfall for the High Plains Dinosaur Museum.
The only problem is that the dinosaur bones are on the property of the aforementioned Danny Lone Elk. Officials from the state government and the Federal Bureau of Investigation descend on Absaroka County as a result of the dino bones.
What ensues could be dubbed “Raiders of the Lost Dinosaur” as the assembled forces jockey for position.
In the eye of the storm is Sheriff Walt Longmire, the venerable western lawman at the heart of Johnson’s novels.
A Longmire novel is told from Walt’s first person point of view. The conversational tone adds a cozy feeling of familiarity to the mysteries.
Along for the ride is a supporting cast that includes recurring characters like Longmire’s undersheriff Victoria “Vic” Moretti, outdoor adventurer Omar Rhoades, former sheriff Lucian Connally, Walt’s daughter Cady, and longtime friend Henry Standing Bear.
While each novel works as a standalone, there are various subplots that carry over from book to book. In many cases, these points deal with Walt’s life beyond the world of law enforcement.
Those of you who watched the TV series have a general familiarity with the key players in the Longmire universe, but — as is the case with filmed adaptations — the series strays from the novels.
For example, in the novels, Cady Longmire lives in Philadelphia with her husband Michael Moretti (Vic’s brother) and their five-month-old daughter Lola (the third Longmire novel “Kindness Goes Unpunished” takes place in Philly and ranks as one of my favorites in the series — it was great to see Walt and Henry Standing Bear mosey outside of their western confines).
Mother and daughter are flying to Wyoming for a visit during the early passages of “Dry Bones.” What looks like a routine visit turns into a situation that is anything but routine.
I won’t go into spoilers, but the subplot further develops the relationship between Walt and Cady. One of the things I like about Johnson’s mysteries is that the stories pack an emotional punch.
This passage illustrates Walt’s emotional turmoil during these sequences:
“I kept thinking about much easier this would have all been if my wife were still here, and how I would’ve gladly traded places with her if only she could be here to console Cady and care for the baby. Martha was like that — she didn’t have to say anything but would simply lay her hand on you and suddenly things were all right.”
It is this aspect that makes a Longmire novel so compelling. Some authors might be tempted to create a tough western lawman who is merely a vessel for solving a mystery. But Johnson isn’t afraid to add in psychological heft and a sense of native spirituality to the character.
I’ve mentioned in my other blog posts (including my review of the previous novel “Any Other Name”) that Bridget and I have had the opportunity to interact with Craig Johnson (and have him sign some books) on three occasions at one of Omaha’s best independent bookstores, The Bookworm.
If you get a chance to attend an in-person event with Johnson, I’d highly recommend it. He typically does a reading at his events, and the tales come to life as the author’s distinctive baritone voice belts out a passage from his latest tome.
On the whole, I had a good time reading “Dry Bones.”
Writing this review makes me wish I had had my blog when I started reading the series in 2012. I really enjoy documenting my progress with these reviews, and look forward to bringing you my thoughts on the next entry in the Longmire series!
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