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To better help readers find new authors and books they might enjoy, I’m going to finally kick off a new series of write-ups here on TRBS Substack, breaking down why different groups of fans love certain writers, their universes, and the characters who inhabit them.

First up, I want to take a look at Sherif Walt Longmire, star of Craig Johnson’s New York Times bestselling series. You might recognize the name, and that would make sense, since the television adaptation of Johnson’s books, titled Longmire, ran for six seasons with great success, forming a cult following that has led to such yearly events as “Longmire Days,” a comic-con-like gathering for fans in Wyoming. Starring Robert Taylor in the titular role, Longmire became a popular option to stream on Netflix, and the show no doubt brought more readers to Johnson’s work, which first began with The Cold Dish in 2005.

The Cold Dish introduced readers to Walt Longmire, sheriff of Absaroka County in Wyoming, along with his close friends and colleagues, Henry Standing Bear and Victoria “Vic” Moretti. Since then, Johnson has gone on to publish 21 total novels, all part of that series, with another one due out next year, probably sometime in the spring of 2026.

In addition to the full-length novels, Johnson has also penned numerous short stories and novellas, which started as an annual tradition. Years back, every Christmas Eve, the author would send out a new short story, delighting his fans. Eventually, they were all compiled into one collection titled Wait for Sig. And though it’s no longer a yearly occurrence, Johnson does still continue to churn out short stories and novellas on a fairly regular basis.

 

Not sure if Johnson’s books are a fit for you? Let’s break down why readers love them so much, then. Deal? Let’s go.

 

First Book: The Cold Dish (2005).

Latest Book: Return To Sender (2025).

From my review:

 

“Craig Johnson delivers another knockout with The Longmire Defense—a gritty, twist-filled ride through the heart of Wyoming’s Red Desert. When a mail carrier vanishes on the country’s longest route, Walt trades his badge for a mailbag and dives headfirst into one of his strangest, most dangerous investigations yet. A missing person, a cult, and a sheriff who refuses to quit—this is Longmire at his rugged best. Smart, suspenseful, and loaded with heart, Johnson proves once again why this series remains a national treasure.” — Ryan Steck, The Real Book Spy

 

 

Who should read ‘em?

Fans of Ace Atkins, Nevada Barr, and Robert B. Parker should definitely give this series a go. And if you love C.J. Box or William Kent Krueger, you probably already love Johnson’s books and just don’t know it yet!

Fans keep coming back for the characters

One of the main things that makes Craig Johnson’s books so addicting to his readers is his ability to create rich, multi-dimensional characters that—over time—begin to feel like long lost friends. Sheriff Walt Longmire—the hero, of course—is a complex protagonist with a strong moral compass and a sense of duty. That said, he’s not perfect, and for all his great qualities, it’s perhaps his flaws and struggles that make him so relatable and easy to identify with.

Whether it’s battling past demons, suffering from the grief of lost loved ones, or struggling with the vices Walt turns to self-medicate, Johnson never holds back, unafraid to give his hero vulnerabilities that readers can relate to and empathize with.

The setting—with most books taking place in the gorgeous Wyoming landscape—holds great appeal

Setting is another thing that keeps readers coming back for more adventures with Walt, as Johnson’s books are set in the vast and rugged landscapes of Wyoming (mainly the fictional Absaroka County), all of which he develops and paints with vivid descriptions of the Western environment, all the while still capturing the small-town atmosphere that makes you feel as though you could visit and find Walt and Henry at the Red Pony cafe. It takes a gifted writer and storyteller to balance both sides of that coin, and Johnson has been doing it flawlessly for two decades.

But even when Walt is taken out of Absoroka, every book has a strong sense of place, and few writers are able to set a scene as quickly as Johnson, who’s always careful to ensure that his readers can see the events before and around them as they unfold. That dedication to presenting an authentic backdrop adds depth to the stories and creates a unique atmosphere for his thriving franchise. In a lot of ways, reading each new book is almost like taking a yearly vacation to Wyoming. It’s a nice—much more affordable—escape . . . you know, at least until the danger starts.

Don’t let the outdoorsy setting fool you; Johnson can spin one heck of a mystery

For the most part, I’d argue that the Longmire series primarily falls within the mystery and crime fiction genre—though, there’s plenty of thrills to go with. But what Johnson does best is weave intricate and well-crafted mysteries that keep readers engaged from beginning to end, and more than once, he’s managed to pull off a stunning, jaw-dropping twist (The Western Star comes to mind, for that very reason) that his readers will never see coming.

Not all of his stuff reads like a whodunit, obviously. Some books fall more in line with general crime fiction, although the outdoorsy element still gives them a unique feel and trademark in today’s market. Other books, however, certainly have more of a traditional slow-burn, mystery structure as they delve into broader themes, human nature, and social issues, adding additional layers of depth to the stories.

He’ll rock you and shock you, but he’ll also make you LOL a time or two

While the stories have an overall serious tone, Johnson often infuses his writing with a dry and subtle humor that adds a touch of light to the darker themes of criminal investigations. Such moments often arise through witty dialogue (especially between Walt and Vic or Walt and Henry) and the interactions between characters, providing moments of laugh-out-loud dry humor that pair nicely with the seriousness of Walt’s investigations. He might be an old, scruffy cowboy, but Walt has a pretty solid sense of humor . . . at least, when he wants to.

In keeping with the comments about interactions between characters, the emotional depth in Johnson’s writing is likely another reason readers connect so strongly with his work. The relationships between characters, especially the bond between Walt Longmire and his close friends and colleagues, are authentic and heartfelt—and because they evolve and change across 21 books, readers become invested in the characters’ personal journeys and growth.

That is one reason it’s so rewarding to read the whole series, and it’ll be fun to see how long Johnson can keep it going.

Cultural Exploration

Johnson’s books are also known for offering deep insight into the culture and heritage of the American West, particularly the challenges faced by Native American communities. In my opinion (and some may disagree, I admit), Johnson explores these themes with respect, carefully avoiding tropes or clichés, instead providing readers with an opportunity to learn and reflect on related aspects of Native American society.

Personally, as the adoptive father of a Native American child, I really love the Longmire books for delving into such topics, as they’ve helped me to understand more about my son’s heritage. That said, People fearing that Johnson is some kind of in-your-face, woke-shouting writer who screams only about how bad Americans and the poor Indians are, well, that isn’t remotely true. Again, it’s all about balance with Johnson—across all areas of his storytelling, and few can hold a reader’s attention like him.

So, why do readers love Craig Johnson’s work?

 

Praised as “One of the hardest working, most thoughtful, and fairest reviewers out there” by New York Times bestselling author Lisa Scottoline, Ryan Steck has “quickly established himself as the authority on mysteries and thrillers” (Author A.J. Tata). Steck also works full-time as a freelance editor in addition to running TRBS. He is the author of FIELDS OF FIRE, which #1 New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr says “will leave you speechless and begging for more,” LETHAL RANGE, OUT FOR BLOOD, GONE DARK, and TED BELL’S MONARCH. For more information, follow him on Twitter, Facebook, and BookBub. For even more content and book news, subscribe to The Real Book Spy Substack!