Death Without Company

Death Without Company is the second novel in Craig Johnson's Walt Longmire series, set in Wyoming's Absaroka County. Sheriff Longmire investigates the death of an elderly Basque woman in a nursing home after his predecessor, Lucian Connally, raises suspicions about her passing. The investigation leads Longmire into the complex history of Wyoming's Basque immigrant community and decades-old secrets from Absaroka County's past. The case forces him to navigate both the harsh winter landscape and the tension between different cultural groups in his jurisdiction. The novel explores themes of justice, cultural identity, and the long shadows cast by historical events. Through its focus on Wyoming's Basque heritage and small-town dynamics, the book examines how the past continues to influence present-day relationships and conflicts.

Readers value the character development and relationships in this second Walt Longmire novel, particularly the deeper exploration of Lucian Connally's past. Many reviews highlight Johnson's rich descriptions of Wyoming and his ability to weave Basque culture into the narrative. Readers appreciate: - The complex, layered mystery plot - Natural dialogue and dry humor - Historical elements and cultural details - Growing relationships between returning characters Common criticisms: - Slower pacing in the middle sections - Too many characters to track - Some find the Basque elements confusing Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.24/5 (32,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (2,800+ ratings) LibraryThing: 4.1/5 (600+ ratings) "The characters feel like old friends" appears frequently in positive reviews. Critical reviews often note "the plot meanders at times" and "requires concentration to follow all the connections."

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🏔️ Author Craig Johnson lives on a ranch in Ucross, Wyoming (population 25), similar to the rural setting of his Walt Longmire series. 📚 The book's title comes from a Basque saying: "Death without company is a bitter death indeed," reflecting the significant Basque cultural elements woven throughout the story. 🎬 The Walt Longmire series, including elements from "Death Without Company," was adapted into a successful TV show (2012-2017) starring Robert Taylor as Sheriff Longmire. 🦬 The novel's setting, fictional Absaroka County, is based on Johnson County, Wyoming, which played a significant role in the historical Johnson County War between cattle barons and settlers. 👮‍♂️ While researching for his books, Craig Johnson spent considerable time with various Wyoming sheriffs to ensure authentic portrayal of rural law enforcement procedures and culture.