Series Read: Walt Longmire series by Craig Johnson

[ilovebakedgoods (Teresa)]

Up to Chapter 7 on book 1. Wow, this is really small print or else these chapters are super long. I'm finding myself reading one chapter at a time or what feels like a lot of chapters and I find out it is only 2 chapters. Dense book, I guess? Very descriptive.

I've been feeling under the weather so I got a lot of it read last night but I haven't really been able to sit here and discuss groups of chapters like I had hoped. I'm forgetting some of the stuff that has happened or that i want to point out.

Well, I love the way this is a slow read, the mystery doesn't feel urgent and I am pretty eager to just sit by and go along for the ride with these characters. I am not even bothering to try to figure out whodunit because I'm enjoying the story so much.

(view spoiler)[

I am anxious to see if Walt and Vonnie go on more dates! Also enjoying the changes that are being made to Walt's home. And wondering when Cady and Walt will ever get to chat. (hide spoiler)]

Favorite secondary character (meaning, anyone who isn't Walt or Henry, since they are pretty much my first two favorites) would have to be Vic. I love how she gives Walt grief and doesn't put up with anything.

[Becky ♡The Bookworm♡]

Vic is awesome, Teresa! She's got such a potty mouth, but I think she gets along great with everybody. Vonnie and Walt seemed to have a connection, especially since they've both lost their spouses, they understand grieving. It's like they both want more, but are holding back a little.

I don't recall how many pages my chapters were. It's hard to really tell on a Nook, but I blazed through it pretty fast because it was just...I don't know...cozy? It's one of those curl up by the fire and forget the world kind of books. I really got into the third one, too. I think it was just as good as the first.

[Michelle]

Good to hear, Becky! I liked the first book so much that I bought the collection of the first 4 (or 5?) titles on my nook since the library didn't have the next few to check out. I want to start book 2 this week.

[ilovebakedgoods (Teresa)]

Becky, it really is a cozy book in a way. I was thinking something along those lines last night! I've been reading it while I've been sick and it has entertained me a lot.

[Mary X]

I am still waiting for book 2. I have this thing about reading series in order.

[Michelle]

Me too. I can't jump around in a series.

[Mary X]

Book 2 has gone from "waiting for copy" to "in transit" so I should have it soon.

[Becky ♡The Bookworm♡]

Mary: Harry Dresden's Love Slave wrote: "Book 2 has gone from "waiting for copy" to "in transit" so I should have it soon."

Yay! I'm eager to hear your thoughts on it. I really enjoyed Lucian's character in the TV show, but after book 2 I got a whole other perspective of his life. I like him even more now.

I'll probably wait until everyone catches up to book 4, before I keep going. I love, love, love this series, but I have a bunch of books to read over the next few weeks and it's more fun to read them with someone.

[Michelle]

Becky, I plan to start book 2 this week. I have so much going on with work through Thursday that I haven't had time to focus on reading. Probably Friday for me. :)

[Becky ♡The Bookworm♡]

Michelle wrote: "Becky, I plan to start book 2 this week. I have so much going on with work through Thursday that I haven't had time to focus on reading. Probably Friday for me. :)"

I'll be here! This is just such a neat series. Each book has had a totally different plot, but the character growth is consistent and unique, keeping me engaged. I thought there was more action in the second book and having the third book in the big city was awesome!

[Laura]

I am about 45% through book two. I am enjoying it even more than I did book 1, I think because I'm starting to know the characters better. I also slowed down a little. When I read book 1 it was on the heels of reading a real page turner that I was completely engrossed in. And I noticed my mind kept drifting while I read the book.

It still does some with book two, but a lot less. I think I find the mystery in book two even more compelling too.

I'm finding these books are very good, but a more relaxed read.

[Mary X]

just got the email that book 2 is available for me to pick up.

[Sheila]

Is anyone ready to read Book 3 yet?

Kindness Goes Unpunished by Craig Johnson

[Becky ♡The Bookworm♡]

Sheila wrote: "Is anyone ready to read Book 3 yet?

Kindness Goes Unpunished by Craig Johnson"

I've read it Shelia, but I'll be here to comment. I liked it as much as book 1! I'm holding off on book 4 until a few others have caught up.

[Sheila]

great Becky I'll start it today then.

[Laura]

Yea! http://deadline.com/2014/11/netflix-p...

Book 2 is getting better and better, BTW. Very intriguing and I love the character development. mini (view spoiler)[We get to meet Cady in this one. (hide spoiler)]

[Becky ♡The Bookworm♡]

Thank goodness Netflix saved Longmire! Now I can sleep at night! It'll be a long wait until next summer, but I can do it! Hehe...

Laura...about your mini spoiler: (view spoiler)[Yes! I love Cady and Walt's relationship! The next book is all about them. (hide spoiler)]

About Lucian in Book 2: (view spoiler)[It was neat to see his softer, more vulnerable side. He's always so tough. Seeing him grieve and struggle with his age makes him even more human. I have a real soft spot for him. (hide spoiler)]

[Laura]

Becky - I agree with you on both "spoiler" counts!

[Mary X]

I finally picked up book 2 yesterday and started it today. But I didn't get very far.

[Kay Kay]

Laura wrote: "Chapter 10
Saw that coming! [spoilers removed]>"

I was disappointed in him, but I was glad that his character grew through it. He really seemed to be sorry.

[Kay Kay]

ilovebakedgoods (Teresa) wrote: "I'm still on book 1, just started chapter 4. I really want to discuss this properly but work is killing me! I will say, I just loved the bit about the shower curtain burrito! Been there, done that...."

I really like the writing too. I was worried that it would just be a rough and tumble western, but he really makes the characters come to life! I was also impressed with all the the literature references embedded in the book. It just made it fun!

[Kay Kay]

I just finished Cold Dish! It was excellent! I was so surprised. I thought I would be slogging through a typical western. What a pleasant surprise. I can't wait to start number 2.

[Michelle]

Finally started Death Without Company! Not too far into yet, but first impressions:
(view spoiler)[Walt just met the granddaughter (Lana) and had them take the body for the medical examiner. Total surprise about Lucian and his secret marriage! I love how layered his past seems to be. And I loved the small glimpse at how Walt came to work for him. And Vic being single? I mostly hope they don't put Walt and her together--I'm slightly open to it because I love both of their characters, but I don't feel like they fit. (hide spoiler)]
More later!

[Michelle]

Karrie wrote: "I just finished Cold Dish! It was excellent! I was so surprised. I thought I would be slogging through a typical western. What a pleasant surprise. I can't wait to start number 2."

Karrie, if you start now we will basically reading it together. I'm not very far in.

[Mary X]

That's exactly where I am on book 2.

[Becky ♡The Bookworm♡]

Michelle wrote: "Finally started Death Without Company! Not too far into yet, but first impressions:
[spoilers removed]
More later!"

Regarding your (view spoiler)[: I think my favorite part of the book is the glimpse into Lucian's past. He's such a strong character that seeing his emotional/vulnerable side made him more realistic to me. I agree with you about Vic. They don't quite blend. I think she's too young and wild for him. I like their working relationship as it is. (hide spoiler)]

[Mary X]

I'm about 1/2 through book 2. I love how Johnson can really create a vivid scene and not need a whole lot of extra words to put you right there.

(view spoiler)[I honestly have no clue who the bad guy is yet. I don't think it has anything to do with the husband's death in 1951. I think that's just a red herring. But I could be wrong. I did not see the end of book 1 coming until it smacked me in the face. I don't think he'll put Vic and Walt together. I have no trouble closing my eyes and picturing Lou Diamond Phillips as Henry. But I've had a crush on him since I was a teenager and Young Guns came out. (hide spoiler)]

[Michelle]

Loved Death Without Company!
So much to talk about in this one:(view spoiler)[
Lucian: We got so much more backstory on him and what he was like when he was younger. I love him even more. And loved the ending with Lana. I suppose that means she is sticking around?

New deputy "Sancho": I loved him from the beginning, and halfway through I started getting scared that he was the guilty one because of the Basque connection! Thank goodness that didn't happen. He's a keeper. Such a good addition to the team, and a balance for Vic. Also digging the addition of Double Tough. He seems like he will fit in the department just fine.

Cady: The way Walt didn't talk or connect with her in the first book made me think they were estranged, but their relationships seems great so far. Surprised me.

Also, really don't like the tap-dancing around the attraction to Vic. She's not right for him! Keep it professional.
(hide spoiler)]

[Becky ♡The Bookworm♡]

Mary...I love the unpredictability of these books. I can spin all sorts of scenarios and in most cases I get pretty close or nail the suspect before the book reveals it, but NOT with Johnson. It's a real refresher!

[Michelle]

Becky ♡The Bookworm♡ wrote: "Mary...I love the unpredictability of these books. I can spin all sorts of scenarios and in most cases I get pretty close or nail the suspect before the book reveals it, but NOT with Johnson. It'..."

Completely agree. I was way off in both books. Especially the first one!

[ilovebakedgoods (Teresa)]

I'm still on book 1. I have read another few chapters but it feels like I am not getting anywhere with this one. It is so slow for me and I can't figure out why! I guess it has a lot of detail and I really want to be finished, since I've been reading it for awhile. I'm taking a break to read another book but I do love this writer's style so it's not that I dislike the book. It's just different than what I'm used to in some ways.

As for my feelings on book 1, where I'm at, so far, I just finished reading about (view spoiler)[Walt & Vonnie's dinner date. I really hope more develops between these two in time! They seem to have a natural chemistry but right now there seems to be a lot of sadness between them for some reason or another. I'm curious to know what happened with Vonnie's marriage, now that I know what happened to her father. I guess finding out more about that will enlighten me to more of Vonnie's story and why she seems sad so much. (hide spoiler)]

[ilovebakedgoods (Teresa)]

I love the literature references throughout book 1, too, Karrie!

Is this something that continues throughout the series? I love how well-read these characters are, how intelligent they are, not to mention how intelligent and well-read the author must be!

[Becky ♡The Bookworm♡]

Michelle wrote: "Loved Death Without Company!
So much to talk about in this one..."

Yes! This was a good one! About your spoilers:

(view spoiler)[Lucian: That end scene with Lana was wonderful! I do hope she sticks around and they can develop a tight relationship. I felt so bad for him during this book and he seemed so lonely. He's lived such a rich life, but to not have anyone really special outside of his friendship with Walt must've been hard. I'm curious how much time he spent with Mari before she was killed in the nursing home?

I agree with you about Sancho. Double Tough getting on board surprised me, but I think he will fit in nicely, too.

You and I were on the same page about Cady. I thought there was something there, a distance, or maybe he was hiding something from her during the first book. Now I feel differently. The third book is so emotionally powerful and centers around their relationship. The last scene is deeply moving! I can't wait for you to read it!

Vic: Oh, I have SOOO many thoughts on Vic! She's a tough cop, but I think her divorce has thrown her. My first impression after the kiss was that she's not comfortable with intimate emotions and views sex sort of like a guy would. Does that make sense? Guys don't need the emotional aspect to enjoy sex, but women need to feel some emotional connection first. I think Vic buries that need. I don't think they are right for each other and Walt knows better, too. She's too young, she's rebounding, they're CO-WORKERS... (hide spoiler)]

What do you think?

[Mary X]

I finished book 2 last night but was too tired last night to come on and discuss.

The bad guy in this one didn't catch me as off guard as the last one. Not that I figured it out early but I had an inkling before Walt did. Unlike last time where I didn't have a clue.

BOOK 2: (view spoiler)[I wonder if the new medical examiner Bill McDermott or Double Tough will end up a romantic interest for Vic or Cady or if we'll see the safety deposit box lady again (hide spoiler)]

[Mary X]

I already have book 3 on audio but I have a couple others that I want to read first.

[Michelle]

Mary: Harry Dresden's Love Slave wrote: "I finished book 2 last night but was too tired last night to come on and discuss.

The bad guy in this one didn't catch me as off guard as the last one. Not that I figured it out early but I had..."

(view spoiler)[I had the thought that Bill McDermott might make another appearance as a potential love interest as well. Double Tough might just be the ticket for Vic--she needs someone and I don't want it to be Walt. (hide spoiler)]

[Michelle]

Mary: Harry Dresden's Love Slave wrote: "I already have book 3 on audio but I have a couple others that I want to read first."

Mary, I am going to wait a week or so to start book 3 as well. I am working on the first book of the Codex Alera series read and have a few more to knock out for other challenges. Let me know when you are ready to start the next one and I'll join with you.

[ilovebakedgoods (Teresa)]

Am up to Chapter 11, page 227 in book one now.

I'm intrigued by the Cheyenne Death Rifle and wondering if that's a real thing. Going to look that up.

(view spoiler)[Kinda glad to see Walt punch Turk, heh.

Why on earth would he ever suspect Henry? I guess it's normal to do that, you really never know anyone, but still! (hide spoiler)]

[Becky ♡The Bookworm♡]

Let us know what you find out, Teresa! The author seemed to do his research on this one...or else he's really good at bluffing. My knowledge of the Cheyenne isn't that extensive. ; )

About your spoiler: (view spoiler)[Turk totally had that coming! I got a real kick out of Harry's remarks about office management, too. I think it pains Walt to think that Harry could be the perpetrator, but he's forced to follow the evidence trail. I got the sense that he was really struggling with it. (hide spoiler)]

[Michelle]

I watched the first two episodes of the show last night. Very different from how I pictured everyone in the books. (view spoiler)[And no Lucian so far! Turk / Branch seems to be sticking around, and I was surprised to see Cady there. (hide spoiler)]

Not a bad show, but I love the books much more.

[Mary X]

If I ever get round to watching the show, I'll probably take it as a totally separate thing like I did with True Blood and Bones.

[ilovebakedgoods (Teresa)]

(Book one)

Chapter 11:(view spoiler)[That blizzard scene had me on the edge of my seat!! I was shocked when Henry got shot and even though I knew Henry wouldn't die, I was so worried about Walt passing out before he reached him. The Cheyenne imagery was interesting! Was Walt hallucinating or was there something supernatural really going on, hmmm!

I read that chapter while I was on the couch bundled under blankets, feeling very cold, so the book atmosphere was perfect. I felt like I was out in the cold with Walt. Superb writing.

I thought for sure George was going to be dead when Walt got back to the parking lot. I had not anticipated him waking up and driving off. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 13: (view spoiler)[I'm not sure what I feel about Vonnie getting upset with Walt over hearing him on the walkie system. I was kind of annoyed that she got so mad at him, after all it's not like she's professed really strong feelings for him. But, then I could also understand where she was coming from. I'm starting to wonder if a relationship is something those two should pursue, and regardless of my thoughts, I am pretty sure we will see that all play out by the end of this book, one way or the other.

I loved this quote on page 288, when Walt first sees Vonnie in the hospital: "Seeing her again was like unearthing an emotional library card with a lot of overdues." Wow!! Awesome. (hide spoiler)]

I'm almost finished (finally) but I have to stop reading to do some chores, ugh!! I am determined to finish this book today, though.

[Becky ♡The Bookworm♡]

Mary: Harry Dresden's Love Slave wrote: "If I ever get round to watching the show, I'll probably take it as a totally separate thing like I did with True Blood and Bones."

Yes...it's so different from the book. I still like it, but I agree with Michelle. The books are so much more enjoyable.

Although...the eye candy is nice! Branch can sure fill out a pair of Wranglers, Walt is THE cowboy every girl dreams of, and Henry? *swoons*

[ilovebakedgoods (Teresa)]

Chapter 14: (view spoiler)[On page 304, when Walt is talking to Dorothy at the diner, Dorothy says that Vonnie has had a rough life and that when her father killed himself, there had been "some things going on out there." I have a feeling she means that Vonnie had been sexually abused by her father.

(view spoiler)[Why does George keep running, I wonder! Does George know who is doing the killing, is another thing I wonder about. (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[ilovebakedgoods (Teresa)]

Almost done with book 1!

Chapter 15/16:(view spoiler)[ I had been suspecting Vonnie now and then, especially when Dorothy revealed that bit about "something" happening when Vonnie was growing up. The only other people who I felt Walt would be sad over finding out about being the killer were Lucian and Lonnie Little Bird or Melissa, but none of them is able physically or capable!! I didn't keep Vonnie as my #1 suspect (I really didn't have one) and I was a little surprised when it was revealed but I started not trusting her for awhile there. She was just too darn sad all the time that I knew she wouldn't be sticking around for the next book. Not surprised she shot herself, either.

I'm not sure how I feel about this. On the one hand, I understand where she's coming from but on the other, there is the law. I really don't think she could have killed all 4 boys without cracking and killing herself in the end. She just didn't seem strong enough to keep up a facade. (hide spoiler)]

Epilogue:(view spoiler)[Time to get off your butt, Walt! Stop with the self-pity and move on. I'm glad he has the dog now. (hide spoiler)]

I loved the writing in this book and the characters. The mystery was kind of secondary to me. I will happily continue the series but it will be awhile before I read the next one. I've got a lot of books to read first and this one, while beautifully written, was not fast for me to get through and right now I need fast ones.

[Michelle]

I know it's a bit silly, but (view spoiler)[I love that he has the dog now, too. It's what they both needed to heal, I guess, and every rugged cowboy needs a good dog. (hide spoiler)]

[ilovebakedgoods (Teresa)]

I agree, Michelle!

[Becky ♡The Bookworm♡]

OMGosh, yes! And (view spoiler)[it's not just a dog, it's a DOG, or a DOG!!!!. No yappie terrier for Walt! (hide spoiler)]

[Becky ♡The Bookworm♡]

Hey Y'all!

Just checking to see if anyone is ready to tackle Book 4:



I can keep waiting for awhile, but I'm dying to know how Cady is doing.

[Michelle]

I'm planning to start book 3 next week. Becky, I'll try to catch up with you soon!