“Books in Order: A Snapshot of Craig Johnson’s Literary Journey
Diving into the enchanting landscapes of American mystery novels, it is impossible not to stumble upon the distinctive works of Craig Johnson. His best known for his Walt Longmire series that transports readers to the raw west, intertwined with intrigue and suspense.
Introducing Craig Johnson: A Master Storyteller
Born and raised in Wyoming, Craig Johnson showed an early aptitude for storytelling. His rich upbringing amidst the grandeur of the West deeply inform his craft. A constant in Johnson’s writing is the vivacious and immersive depiction of the landscapes, infusing each novel with relatability and a sense of home.
It’s not merely the compelling plot and character development in Johnson’s writing, but also his startling realism and wry humor that sets his work apart. The rich portrait of the West rendered in his books provides readers with a unique immersion into the western culture and lifestyle.
His remarkable feats didn’t go unnoticed. Johnson has clinched numerous awards on the literary scene. His book, ‘The Dark Horse’, was lauded as one of the “Best Books of 2009” by Publisher’s Weekly. The Wyoming Historic Association also heralded ‘Death Without Companionship’ as Book of The Year. In addition, ‘Another Man’s Moccasin’ carried home the Western Writer’s of America Spur Award for Best Novel in 2008, and a Mountains and Plains Fiction Book of the Year award.
A Journey Through Johnson’s Books in Order
In 2004, Johnson embarked on the Walt Longmire series with his debut novel, ‘The Cold Dish’. A journey that would steer him into authorial success and readers’ hearts alike.
So, for those keen to embark on a mesmerizing journey through Johnson’s acclaimed series, following his books in order is the perfect plan. It ensures a clear understanding of the narrative flow and character development over time, enhancing the reading experience significantly. An overview of Craig Johnson’s books in order of their original publication is provided here:
Publication Order of Walt Longmire Books
| The Cold Dish | (2004) |    |
| Death Without Company | (2006) | |
| Kindness Goes Unpunished | (2007) | |
| Another Man’s Moccasins | (2008) | |
| The Dark Horse | (2009) | |
| Junkyard Dogs | (2010) | |
| Hell Is Empty | (2011) | |
| Divorce Horse | (2012) | |
| As the Crow Flies | (2012) | |
| Messenger | (2013) | |
| A Serpent’s Tooth | (2013) | |
| Spirit of Steamboat | (2013) | |
| Any Other Name | (2014) | |
| Dry Bones | (2015) | |
| The Highwayman | (2016) | |
| An Obvious Fact | (2016) | |
| The Western Star | (2017) |  |
| Depth of Winter | (2018) | |
| Land of Wolves | (2019) | |
| Next to Last Stand | (2020) | |
| Daughter of the Morning Star | (2022) | |
| Hell and Back | (2022) | |
| The Longmire Defense | (2023) | |
| First Frost | (2024) | |