In a series of flashbacks, First Frost tells the story of Walt and Henry’s college days in California and their adventurous(aka dangerous) trip home before boot camp and ultimately Vietnam. Very poignant parts about Japanese internment camps and how people were treated. Much of the back story shows how both men started on their law enforcement careers.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early review copy.

Penguin Group Viking provided an early galley for review.

Johnson was another of the authors I heard talk about his upcoming release at a Mystery Writers Panel at PLA2024. Although this is the twentieth book in the series, it sounded like it might be a good place to jump in - what with being a flashback to the main character's youth and all. What can I say? I like a good pitch from someone who is passionate about their work.

The author's comfort level with these characters he has been writing for the past two decades shows through. The dialogue and the interplay come across as effortless; this is a world he knows well with characters that are fully fleshed out. Anyone who has been reading the series all along will feel like they are in comfortable surroundings.

Now that I've had a taste of the adventures of Walt Longmire, I just might have to go back and read more of the series (when time allows).

I have read all the Walt Longmires, and I think this is one of the best. A return to the strengths of the series, and an acknowledgment that the Sheriff, surely in his 80s by now, is no longer an action hero. The format works well, split between modern day Walt being called to testify in a hearing concerning a shooting that occurred in the last book, and some 60 years earlier as he and Henry Standing Bear are leaving college and preparing to enlist to go to Vietnam.

Both stories are compelling, but the two men in their youth are splendidly entertaining in the preview of the long friendship they have shared over the years. Walt and Henry have decided on a road trip before they report to the military, and are not that far out of California when they run into trouble in Arizona. Their truck runs off the road in the middle of nowhere and they find themselves in a very strange little semi-deserted town where the few residents are anxious for them to leave.

The town has an unhappy history as the site of a WWII internment camp for Japanese. There are obviously some pretty dark secrets there, and the town and surrounding area are ruled by a retired judge who runs things like the entitled, rich and stubborn old man he is. This is a great tale with some fascinating characters.

Meanwhile back in present day Wyoming, Walt is being targeted by the influential family of a man who got shot in his last case.

This was a splendid read and it's always nice to spend some time with Walt and Henry. The glimpse of their younger years was enlightening and entertaining. The split time period format is a great way to extend this series and exercise Johnson's terrific storyteller skills. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

In the latest book by Craig Johnson, we continue the story started in The Longmire Defense. This time we go back and forth between 1964 and present day. Both these times are crucial stages in Walt's life. Find out how by reading First Frost.

Another great read from Mr. Johnson! I always enjoying reading the Longmire books and this was no exception. Can't wait for the next installment!

"You are too big to surf."

As I started First Frost and read those words and Walt's subsequent musings on the subject of surfing, I immediately thought of The Fonz, in his leather jacket, water-skiing. Had Craig Johnson "jumped the shark?!?" Why the hell would Walt Longmire be surfing?

Thankfully, Mr. Johnson put me in my place and weaved another masterful adventure in the lives of Walt and Henry, with minimal surfing.

Time is a funny thing in the Walt Longmire universe. Going back to 1964 to tell a story of Walt and Henry's enlistment in the Armed Forces would put them both in their eighties in 2024. Cell phones exist, so does the internet and email, and while their present day seems to be OUR present day, Walt and Henry remain ageless and powerful even into their twilight years.

I hope time continues to move slowly for Walt and Henry, may they have many more adventures together and may Craig Johnson continue to share them with us.

My thanks to NetGalley for making an eARC of this book available to me.

Walt is back and in fine form. This book alternates between two stories: the first is with Walt in court to answer questions about the killings from the previous book; the second is a flashback to the handful of days between Walt and Henry graduating college and then reporting for military duty. Of course they'll have an adventure, and it only makes sense that it should involve... surfing? This book is filled with the typical humor, banter, twists, and great supporting characters. My only hope is that some of the supporting characters from the flashback story will show up in future books in this series.

I don't know how Craig Johnson manages to write such fascinating books but First Frost is the latest in a long list of Walt Longmire stories and each one continues the storyline but is totally different. The latest is a mix of prequel with Walt and Henry in 1964, traveling across country on their way to sign in to the military and a present day trial having to do with the story covered in The Longmire Defense. All our favorite characters are here, but going into the past brings a new history lesson with it.

In the last installment in the Longmire series, First Frost features a duel timeline with the use of flashbacks. In one timeline we are following Walt and Bear during the span of time between finishing college and joining the service. In the present timeline we are involved in the trail set up in the prior book. This book is packed with action and social commentary along the journey as we travel from California to the East Coast and what is found in the small deserted town will shock everyone! Another fantastic novel from Johnson. As always, I couldn't put it down and I'm already ready for the next book!

“You are too big to surf.” This is the opening line of Craig Johnson’s new Longmire novel First Frost. A surf board may be the last thing we think of when we think of the aging Sheriff Walt Longmire, but it brings back a flood of memories for Walt before he was a Sheriff and before he went off to the Vietnam War.
Johnson’s new novel takes us on a back and forth journey between now and many years ago. The current day Walt Longmire is being investigated for shooting Tom Rondelle in his last run in with some very wealthy and very powerful enemies. Someone is trying to prove that Walt acted carelessly, and we already know they have deep pockets and aren’t opposed to shady deals.
Walt Longmire and Henry Standing Bear, in 1964, are headed to an appointment with the United States Marine Corp and the Vietnam War. Walt takes a short cut that strands them in an unwelcoming place called Bone Valley. Walt and Henry soon realize that something bad has happened here, no one wants to admit it, and this town doesn’t take kindly to strangers walking around and nosing into something that isn’t their business.
Craig Johnson continues to amaze us with his development of the Walt Longmire character. I love how he blends different cultures with a cowboy sheriff from Wyoming. This is well worth the read, and Longmire fans will not be disappointed.