Quick Take

The new novel in the beloved New York Times bestselling Longmire series.One of the most viewed paintings in American history, Custer's Last Fight, copied and distributed by Anheuser-Busch at a rate of over two million copies a year, was destroyed in a fire at the 7th Cavalry Headquarters in Fort Bliss, Texas, in 1946. Or was it? When Charley Lee Stillwater dies of an apparent heart attack at the Wyoming Home for Soldiers & Sailors, Walt Longmire is called in to try and make sense of a piece of a painting and a Florsheim shoebox containing a million dollars, sending the good sheriff on the trail of a dangerous art heist.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Next to Last Stand (Walt Longmire, #16)

Introduction

"Next to Last Stand" is the latest installment in the beloved "Walt Longmire" series by Craig Johnson. In this book, Sheriff Walt Longmire is called upon to investigate the mysterious death of a resident at the Wyoming Home for Soldiers & Sailors, which leads him on a dangerous journey to uncover a missing painting and a million-dollar inheritance. With its intriguing plot, engaging characters, and Johnson's signature wit, this novel promises to captivate fans of the series and newcomers alike.

About Craig Johnson

Craig Johnson is an American novelist, short story writer, and playwright known for his "Walt Longmire" series. Born in Kansas, Johnson has lived in Ucross, Wyoming, for many years. He has written twelve novels featuring Sheriff Walt Longmire, including "The Cold Dish," "Death Without Company," and "A Serpent's Tooth." Johnson's writing style has been praised for its authenticity, humor, and ability to blend genres seamlessly. His work has received numerous awards and accolades, cementing his status as a master storyteller in the crime fiction genre.

Analysis of Views

Engaging Characters: Readers appreciate the familiar characters in the series, including Sheriff Walt Longmire, his trusted allies Henry Standing Bear and Victoria Moretti, and the quirky residents of Absaroka County. The interactions between these characters add depth and humor to the story.
Art and History: The book delves into various aspects of art and history, particularly the iconic painting "Custer's Last Fight." Johnson's research shines through as he weaves historical facts and insights into the narrative, making it educational as well as entertaining.
Mystery and Suspense: The mystery surrounding the missing painting and the inheritance adds intrigue to the story. Readers enjoy the twists and turns as Walt Longmire unravels the case, facing dangerous adversaries along the way.
Humor and Wit: Johnson's signature humor and wit are present throughout the book, with witty dialogues and humorous exchanges between characters. These moments add levity to the story and make it more enjoyable for readers.
Strong Setting: The Wyoming landscape plays a significant role in the series, and readers appreciate the vivid descriptions of its rugged beauty. The setting serves as a backdrop for the story while also adding depth to the characters and their relationships.

Reasons for Recommendation

Consistent Quality: Readers recommend this book because it maintains the high standards set by previous installments in the series. Craig Johnson's ability to craft engaging stories with well-developed characters and intriguing plotlines continues to impress fans of the series.
Educational Aspect: The book offers an educational aspect by incorporating historical facts and insights into the narrative. Readers appreciate learning about art history and gaining a deeper understanding of the Battle of Little Bighorn through Walt Longmire's perspective.
Engaging Mystery: The mystery surrounding the missing painting and the inheritance adds suspense and keeps readers engaged throughout the story. The twists and turns keep readers guessing until the final reveal.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Lack of Originality: Some readers feel that this book lacks originality compared to previous installments in the series. They feel that it relies too heavily on familiar elements from previous books, which may make it less satisfying for those who have read them all.
Vic's Role: A few readers express disappointment with Vic's role in this book. They feel that she takes over Walt's role in certain aspects of the story, detracting from his centrality in the series. This may be a point of contention for some readers who prefer a more focused narrative centered on Walt Longmire.

Conclusion

"Next to Last Stand" is a highly recommended addition to Craig Johnson's "Walt Longmire" series. With its engaging characters, intriguing mystery, historical insights, and signature humor, this book offers a captivating reading experience for fans of crime fiction and those new to the series alike. While some readers may find it lacking in originality or prefer a more focused narrative centered on Walt Longmire, the overall consensus is that it continues to uphold the high standards set by previous installments in the series. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, "Next to Last Stand" is sure to entertain you with its blend of mystery, history, and heartfelt relationships.