...but this is it. I read this book because, as a fan of this series, I have eagerly awaited the release of this newest book ever since I finished reading the other eight a few months ago.
Walt Longmire is an incredibly likable character. He is humble, brave, self-deprecating, sensible, and fallible, all while managing to be a salt-of-the-earth kind of charming. The supporting characters draw the reader in even further, each with his or her well-developed role, strengths, and flaws. The culture of Wyoming and the American West gives great flavor and lets this be a learning experience (I'm an east-coaster) at the same time.
And then there is the story. Twists, turns, action, romance, mystery, balanced with well-written dialogue and the sturdy cast of characters -- it's a page-turner that will make you laugh, cry, and cling to the edge of your seat.
If that weren't enough, let's layer on the fantastic narrator, who does an incredible job of bringing the characters and the emotion and pace of the story to life. It is truly incredible how remarkably consistent he is with the different voices.
My commute is my only audiobook time, so I listen in fits and starts and sometimes zone out for a bit. With this book, I found myself rewinding every time I started up again or found myself zoning out. I tried to savor every word because I just did not want it to end. (I won't spoil it with details -- but it ends with a kick.)
Even if you haven't read the other books in the series, you could start here. If you don't love this book, I wouldn't bother reading more of them -- but if you do love it, you are in for a treat. There are eight more!!