In this 8th book in the Walt Longmire series, Craig Johnson once again places his protagonist in a setting outside his normal jurisdiction, albeit a bit closer to home than the streets of Philadelphia. The story takes place on the Montana Indian Reservation, a few hours north of Absaroka County, Wyoming.

When Walt discovers the location designated for his daughter's upcoming wedding has suddenly become unavailable, he and his best friend Henry Standing Bear, are faced with the prospect of finding another suitable area for the event. Following the advice of the Cheyenne Chief Lonnie Little Bird, the two men travel to a place known as Painted Warrior cliffs where Walt witnesses a woman falling to her death.

The investigation is headed by the newly appointed tribal police chief, Lolo Long, a woman reminiscent of most in Walt's life, headstrong, outspoken, and beautiful. Lacking experience, Lolo convinces Walt to assist with the investigation, where he takes on the role of mentor.

Caught up in the investigation, playing go-between with an old friend from the FBI, and his daughter's imminent arrival, Walt has more than enough to keep himself occupied. Henry remains a steadfast anchor, providing timely advice and assistance that Walt relies on.

The best thing I've discovered about Craig's books, that keeps me re-reading them, isn't the beautiful sense of location he paints with words, the laid back, sometimes subtle, humor laced throughout, but the people and their relationships. Craig captures the essence of people, their motivations, fears, and wonder at life and situations they face, and is able to project that onto the page.

Highly recommended series, and is slated for broadcast as a 10-episode, television series on A&E later this year, entitled Longmire.