50 pages • 1 hour read
The Cold Dish
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Book Brief
354
Novel • Fiction
Absaroka County, Wyoming • Contemporary
2004
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Cold Dish by Craig Johnson follows Sheriff Walt Longmire of Absaroka County, Wyoming, as he investigates the murder of Cody Pritchard, one of four young men previously convicted of sexually assaulting a young Cheyenne woman, Melissa Little Bird. As more murders occur, Walt, alongside his undersheriff Vic Moretti and best friend Henry Standing Bear, navigates a complex case that intertwines vigilante justice and community tensions.
Mysterious
Suspenseful
Gritty
Emotional
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
57,397 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Craig Johnson's The Cold Dish is widely appreciated for vibrant storytelling, rich character development, and an evocative setting. Some readers found the plot pacing uneven. The protagonist, Walt Longmire, is noted for his depth and relatability, but a few critiques mention predictability in certain plot points. Overall, it’s a commendable start to the Longmire series.
Who Should Read The Cold Dish?
A reader who enjoys The Cold Dish by Craig Johnson would likely be a fan of modern Westerns with a strong sense of place, complex characters, and compelling mysteries. They would appreciate titles like A Cold Day in Paradise by Steve Hamilton and Longmire (TV series adaptation).
57,397 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Vonnie Hayes
Vonnie Hayes
Walt's friend and love interest, known for her artistic background and complex personal history, which shapes her actions and relationships.
Henry Standing Bear
Henry Standing Bear
Walt's best friend and a Vietnam War veteran, who provides unwavering support to Walt while also facing cultural and personal challenges.
Victoria “Vic” Moretti
Victoria “Vic” Moretti
An ambitious and skilled undersheriff from a family of police officers, who navigates both personal and professional challenges in her role.
Lucian Connally
Lucian Connally
The former sheriff of Absaroka County and Walt's mentor, known for his politically incorrect language and traditional approach to law enforcement.
Brian “Turk” Connally
Brian “Turk” Connally
One of Walt's deputies and the nephew of Lucian, characterized by his rodeo-cowboy demeanor and contentious relationship with Walt.
Lonnie and Melissa Little Bird
Lonnie and Melissa Little Bird
Members of the Cheyenne tribe, with Melissa being a young woman healing from trauma and her father Lonnie struggling to understand the justice system.
354
Novel • Fiction
Absaroka County, Wyoming • Contemporary
2004
Adult
18+ years
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