Series Read: Walt Longmire series by Craig Johnson

[Becky ♡The Bookworm♡]

Sounds great, Michelle! I'm eager to hear your thoughts on book 3. There is a lot to like and even more to talk about. I have plenty of books lined up to keep me busy!

[Michelle]

I broke down and started book 3 before falling asleep last night! I only got to the part (view spoiler)[ where he gets to Cady's house and Vic's mom is there, and they are going for a walk. (hide spoiler)]
I worked late again so I didn't get any farther than that.

[Becky ♡The Bookworm♡]

Michelle wrote: "I broke down and started book 3 before falling asleep last night! I only got to the part [spoilers removed]
I worked late again so I didn't get any farther than that."

Book 3, Chapter 1-2: (view spoiler)[I really liked the scene with Walt reading Cady's favorite fairy tales story to the kids. It really stuck with me through the story.

Vic's mom is really neat, too. She's super kind and has a way of putting everyone at ease. She'd be perfect for Walt if she wasn't married. (hide spoiler)]

[Mary X]

I'll be starting book 3 soon.

[Michelle]

Mary, I'm liking it so far. Different setting, so a different tone.

Up through chapter 6. Some questions and thoughts.
(view spoiler)[ Loving Vic's mom, too, Becky. She does seem like she would be perfect for Walt. And Devon was a real piece of crap, wasn't he? Kinda loved the scene in the bathroom at the ball game. The more we hear about him, the less it seems he should be missed. I was caught off guard by the note left for Walt in Cady's room. No clue who to suspect yet though!

Remember how in the first book I thought there was some conflict or distance in Walt and Cady's relationship? Then in book 2 I thought I imagined it. But now, in the apartment, no photos of Walt? Her phone passcode was BEAR? Now I'm back in the weird dad / daughter relationship and I wonder what's up with them. Makes me a little sad, because I love Walt.

Also, I can't imagine that Dog isn't pooping in her house. Seems like he would need let out more, basing it off my dogs and how frequently they need to be let outside!

(hide spoiler)] Otherwise, loving it.

[Becky ♡The Bookworm♡]

Book 3, Chapters 1- 7

Agree with your thoughts, Michelle. Especially on Devon.

(view spoiler)[I was thinking that Lana and her kids might've been taking turns with Dog, but that might not be until later? Anyway, did you make the connection between Walt reading Rose Red/Sleeping Beauty in the first chapter and Cady's accident? I thought that was a subtle twist on the author's part.

My heart broke a little for Walt when he didn't find any pictures at Cady's house either. I thought after the New Year's party in Durant that they were much, much closer. I was also really touched when Henry first showed up at the hospital. Don't know if you're there yet, so I'll hold my comments! ; ) (hide spoiler)]

Enjoy!

[Sheila]

Cranky Note - I sure wish everyone would post which book they are talking about in their posts and replies. I am so confused.

[Sheila]

So I just started Kindness Goes Unpunished



I have just finished the first 2 chapters and think I am going to enjoy seeing how "the boys" do in the big city.

(view spoiler)[

Becky I enjoyed his reading the story to the kids as well especially all the kids comments as he read to them.

Maybe Walt has found a kindred spirit in Mrs. Morretti (hide spoiler)]

[Michelle]

Sorry, Sheila. Book 3 is the book you are reading.

[Sheila]

Michelle wrote: "Sorry, Sheila. Book 3 is the book you are reading."


Yes I know it is book 3 that I am reading. haha. I was wondering about the rest of you!

[Becky ♡The Bookworm♡]

Sheila...you're book 3 spoiler: (view spoiler)[Yes! I thought Mrs. Moretti and Walt make an awesome pair! I wish she was available! It sounds like her marriage isn't the happiest. (hide spoiler)]

This is such a good book! Lots of surprises to come!

[Sheila]

Kindness Goes Unpunished

Chapters 1-7

Becky re your spoiler (view spoiler)[ I hadn't picked up on the Sleeping Beauty/Cady thing. Nice catch. and yes pretty sad when Walt didn't see any pictures with him in it. But whatever the note said along with the note on the pillow made up for it. What do you think the note said? I love you or Glad your're here? Then he sees the wallpaper on her computer of the 2 of them.

Henry seems to have a very special relationship with Cady as well as Walt.

Devon doesn't appear to be much of a loss. It sounded like he was really almost stalking her with all the calls. Certainly sounded controlling.

This story has hit close to home with me having had to live through my husband being in a coma with head injury from a fall. You cling to every little movement with hope. Scariest thing ever. (hide spoiler)]

[Becky ♡The Bookworm♡]

Book 3 - Chapter 1-7:

(view spoiler)[Yes! I loved that scene with the computer...can't recall what chapter it's in, but it really sticks out in my mind.

I can imagine this is somewhat cathartic for you to read. I've been bedside in ICU more times that I care to think about, including with my husband after an aortic aneurysm repair. He was only 37 at the time. It was really scary for us. My kids had just started high school.

One thing that really struck me about the author is how "right" he gets the little things. Like sitting in a chair for hours, the emotional numbness that takes over until all that remains is a desperate clinging to hope, sleeping upright and losing time until you start questioning your sanity, the occasional caregiver that can't quite look you in the eye... It all works together and makes it very realistic and human.

I really, really felt for Walt. It's clear that Cady is still the most important thing in his world. (hide spoiler)]

[Sheila]

I finished Kindness Goes Unpunished
today and I think it is probably my favorite so far. I just love the different relationships between all the main characters.

[Sheila]

I had read a couple of the Longmire books earlier so my next one to read is

which is #7 in the series. Is anyone that far?

[Becky ♡The Bookworm♡]

I'm not there yet, Sheila, but give me a couple of weeks and I will be. I hope to start book 4 later this week.

[Michelle]

I should be able to start book 4 at the end of this week, too, Becky!

[Michelle]

Shelia, Becky and I will be starting this week if you want to chat with us about what your remember!

[Mary X]

I plan on starting book 3 in the next day or two.

[Becky ♡The Bookworm♡]

Michelle wrote: "I should be able to start book 4 at the end of this week, too, Becky!"

YAY! I should be able to start Thursday or Friday.

[Amanda]

I finally started last night. I love it! I had a hard time putting it down so I could get some sleep. The author does an amazing job in making the setting feel so real.
I also didn't expect there to be a lot of humor.

Up to 21% on Kindle
(view spoiler)[
Somehow I'm not surprised that the man who was murdered was one of the rapists. It's going to be hard to solve when everyone wanted him dead. (Even the readers)

I love Longmire's character so much. I think his inability to let go and stop thinking about Little Bird's rape makes him more human and likeable.
(hide spoiler)]

I am in love with this book and I can already tell it's going to be a 5 star book for me. I want to start the tv series soon.

[Michelle]

The TV series feels different than the books. Vic was nothing like I pictured. She's not blonde in the books, and just wasn't what I wanted. But the show is good, just not as good as the book series!

[Becky ♡The Bookworm♡]

Michelle wrote: "The TV series feels different than the books. Vic was nothing like I pictured. She's not blonde in the books, and just wasn't what I wanted. But the show is good, just not as good as the book series!"

I also noticed that Henry is described as bigger and taller than Walt, but Lou Diamond Phillips has nailed his personality and speech. I think he's perfect for the role.

The books are so well done and I love that we get to hear Walt's inner thoughts. That's something that can't translate to screen. I've always enjoyed books more than TV shows, but I'm still a big fan of the Longmire show. So glad Netflix picked it up for another season!

[Michelle]

Starting . So far, so good.
(view spoiler)[Cady is back home with Walt doing her therapy and trying to regain her lost memories. Henry is so cute, trying to hide where he and Cady are going to eat so Walt doesn't follow. He does seem like he wants to smother her--perfectly acceptable reaction based on what happened in the last book!

Another female cop. Potential love interest for Walt? (hide spoiler)]

[Becky ♡The Bookworm♡]

I'll be starting Another Man's Moccasins after supper. I've read a couple of intense books this week and need to unwind with a big dose of Walt!

[Mary X]

I'm about half-way through book 3. Will have to go back and read the spoilers about that one.

[Becky ♡The Bookworm♡]

Mary...how are you liking Kindness Goes Unpunished so far?

[Mary X]

Loving it so far. I've got 2 windows opens o I can go back and read the comments about it:

I'm still doing these on audio. I've gotten used to the love scene jumping and the way Walt's thoughts sometimes interrupt a scene, like in the beginning: Kindness Goes Unpunished, book 3: (view spoiler)[like in the scene where he is reading the fairy tale to the kids and his mind keeps going somewhere else (hide spoiler)]

[Mary X]

Kindness book 3:
@ Michelle: post 205: (view spoiler)[I got that vibe too. That maybe there was something going on between them. I was wondering if it was because she chose to stay in Philly instead of going back home. But she seems to be close to Bear almost like he was more of a father figure to her. Maybe we'll get more about that as the series progresses. And I had the same though about Dog. I have a dog and my dog would have made a mess after all that time and mauled me as soon as I came in the door (hide spoiler)]

[Mary X]

Mrs. Moretti: (view spoiler)[Walt seems to be very attracted to her and it sounds like she's not all that close with her husband. Like maybe her husband doesn't have time for her. That might be why she cheated on him before. (hide spoiler)]

[Mary X]

@ Becky: post 213: Book 3: (view spoiler)[I got a little weepy at the hospital scenes. I have a daughter and she's an only child and I can't imagine how hard that would be. (hide spoiler)]

[Mary X]

Still loving how Walt refers to Henry and The Cheyenne Nation and how all the women seem to go speechless around Henry. Plus how Henry plays up the Indian thing around white people he knows aren't familiar with Native American culture.

[Becky ♡The Bookworm♡]

Loved that scene, Mary!

[Mary X]

Gah I just gave myself a series spoiler by reading the description of a short story a few books ahead. I hate it when I do that!

[Becky ♡The Bookworm♡]

Mary: Harry Dresden's Love Slave wrote: "Gah I just gave myself a series spoiler by reading the description of a short story a few books ahead. I hate it when I do that!"

That drives me nuts, too! It's pretty sad when the summaries have spoilers!

[Becky ♡The Bookworm♡]

Book 4:

Chapters 1: (view spoiler)[It's good to see Cady improving, but must be really frustrating for her to have to relearn so much. The memory loss is probably the worst. I can certainly understand why Walt doesn't want to leave her side. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 2: (view spoiler)[Poor Walt just can't get a break this year! So did the big guy in the tunnel have anything to do with the death of the woman? I really thought he was being attacked by a bear for a second. Whoever this guy is sure did a number on the officers at the hospital, too.

Love it that Lucian is still around, but what happened to Sanchez? (hide spoiler)]

This book is off to a quick start! I'm going to be up late reading, I can already tell. : )

[Becky ♡The Bookworm♡]

Book 4:

Chapter 3: (view spoiler)[Snap! What are the odds that there would be a connection to Walt's time in Vietnam!? I do like that we are learning about his war experiences. (hide spoiler)]

I finished this morning and it was another great read: (view spoiler)[I love how easily the author blends Red Herrings into the story. It's great to be surprised. Lots of new characters in this one and a lot to think about. What initially appeared to be an easily solved murder leads to all sorts of trouble, including human trafficking with a victim connected to Walt's past. Then again, Walt's life hasn't ever been simple!

As I recall, we've heard bits and pieces about Mai Kim in previous books. I'm glad we were shown how she fit into Walt's life during the war and got a good look at the case he was working on as a MP. I thought the story wove into the current timeline exceptionally well.

Virgil: He turned out to be an interesting guy. Do you think we'll see him again? Who were the people in his photograph? I want to know the rest of his story. What happened during the years he wasn't wrongfully imprisoned?

Vic/Walt: I'm so glad that their "issue" was downplayed. Still not sure how I feel about them getting involved romantically. I liked the working relationship better. I did enjoy the last scene between them, though. How many of us girls have given that "I'm washing my hair" excuse when we're ticked off? I know I have at least once!

Cady/Walt: There is such tenderness in Walt's inner thoughts towards his daughter. Love their relationship. I really enjoyed Michael in the last book and hope that they have a future together.

One of my favorite lines was from Ruby. She tells Walt, "You don't care about the living as much as you do the dead." That really sums up his dedication and determination to obtain justice for innocent victims. (hide spoiler)]

[Michelle]

Becky, I need to catch up with you! I will avoid your spoilers until then.

@Amanda: The Cold Dish
How far along are you now? I agree, it became a favorite series of mine from the very first book. I just love Walt and Henry. Such great characters!

[Mary X]

Finished Book 3:

(view spoiler)[Walt & Vic have sex!!!! I didn't think they ever would. I figured they would come close hand flirt a little but not actually do it. (hide spoiler)]

[Michelle]

@Mary
(view spoiler)[ I know! I was shocked when they had sex. Disappointed, because I don't like the idea of a relationship between them or the baggage and drama it can create. I guess we will see if it impacts them in the next book. (hide spoiler)]

[Amanda]

Michelle wrote: "Becky, I need to catch up with you! I will avoid your spoilers until then.

@Amanda: The Cold Dish
How far along are you now? I agree, it became a favorite series of mine from the..."

I haven't been able to read much lately so I'm only at 75%. I read a big chunk of it last night.

[Amanda]

Up to 78%
(view spoiler)[
That scene on the mountain was so exciting. I was so worried for Henry even though I knew the author wouldn't kill off such a wonderful character in the first book. I loved, loved, loved the spirits that guided Walt and the music that gave him strength. What a wonderful scene!
(hide spoiler)]

I've also been watching the tv show in the evenings. It is really good and has become a favorite of mine, actually. The Walt of the book and the Walt of the tv show are so different! Book Walt is very silly and is constantly making me laugh. He had me at vacuum wrapped sheriff-burrito.
I love his "conversations" with Vic and the answering machine. :D

[Amanda]

Finished .

(view spoiler)[
I did not expect Vonnie to be the killer. I feel so terrible for Walt because he really liked her and I think they could have been good together if she hadn't gone on a killing spree.

I love the dog. I'm pretty sure Walt is going to keep him and I'm excited to see more about the dog in the future.
(hide spoiler)]

Amazing writing! I can't wait to read the next book.

[Mary X]

Amanda: The Cold Dish: (view spoiler)[I didn't see that one coming either about Vonnie being the killer (hide spoiler)]

[Amanda]

Mary: Harry Dresden's Love Slave wrote: "Amanda: The Cold Dish: [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[
I was SO shocked! Never would I have guessed that ending. I think that was one reason why I loved the book so much...I hate figuring out who the killer is halfway through the book. (hide spoiler)]

[Michelle]

@Amanda: The Cold Dish ending thoughts
(view spoiler)[I did NOT see the ending coming, either. It definitely got me hooked on the series. Johnson writes a good mystery. And yes, I loved that the dog came to Walt's cabin and stayed with him. They needed each other in that moment, and every good cowboy needs a dog. (hide spoiler)]
Can't wait for you to read the next one!

[Mary X]

I waited too long to put book 4 on hold at the library. The TV series must be creating a bigger demand for these books.

I'm 3rd in line for 1 copy for the audio and 2nd in line for 1 copy of the ebook.

[Michelle]

Mary, I put book 4 down temporarily to knock out some other challenges, so I will be ready to go whenever you can get a copy.

[Mary X]

I went ahead and put book 5 on hold too. Also put the short story collection on hold:

[Michelle]

I still need to get book 5. I'll try to get those short stories, too.