The Western Star

The Western Star alternates between two timelines in Sheriff Walt Longmire's career: a present-day investigation and his first case as a young deputy in 1972. The earlier timeline centers on a steam train excursion across Wyoming carrying a group of county sheriffs, where Longmire encounters a situation that will haunt him for decades. The present-day narrative forces Longmire to confront unfinished business from that fateful train journey, as a parole hearing brings old wounds to the surface. His investigation spans Wyoming's rugged landscape and involves both his longtime friend Henry Standing Bear and his mentor, Lucian Connally. The dual narratives explore themes of justice, loyalty, and the weight of past decisions on the present. The book examines how secrets kept over decades can shape both individual lives and entire communities, while highlighting the complexities of law enforcement in the American West.

Readers appreciate Johnson's dual timeline structure, following both a 1972 case and a present-day mystery. Many note the deeper character development of Walt Longmire's early career and his relationships with other Wyoming sheriffs. Fans highlight the atmospheric train journey descriptions and the authentic portrayal of Wyoming law enforcement culture. Multiple reviews mention the book's emotional depth, particularly regarding Walt's late wife Martha. Common criticisms focus on the complex plot jumps between timelines, with some readers reporting confusion. Several reviewers found the ending abrupt and noted it leads directly into the next book, leaving key questions unanswered. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.31/5 (6,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (1,200+ ratings) Sample reader comments: "The parallel stories kept me guessing" - Goodreads reviewer "Ending felt like a TV cliffhanger" - Amazon reviewer "Best portrayal of young Walt yet" - BookBrowse review "Timeline shifts needed better transitions" - LibraryThing review

The Cold Dish by Craig Johnson The first book in the Walt Longmire series follows the Wyoming sheriff investigating revenge killings on the men who assaulted a local girl.

Iron Lake by William Kent Krueger A small-town Minnesota sheriff investigates crimes that intersect with Native American culture and traditions.

Open Season by C.J. Box Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett uncovers murder and conspiracy while patrolling the Bighorn Mountains.

A Cold Day for Murder by Dana Stabenow An Aleut detective searches for missing persons in the harsh Alaskan wilderness while navigating local politics and cultural dynamics.

The Cove by Ron Rash A murder mystery unfolds in a rural mountain community during World War I, blending historical elements with regional culture.

🌟 "The Western Star" is named after an actual steam locomotive that ran through Wyoming from 1924 to 1926, connecting communities across the state. 🤠 Author Craig Johnson lives on a ranch in Ucross, Wyoming, population 25, similar to the rural setting where his protagonist Walt Longmire serves as sheriff. 📚 The novel weaves together two timelines: 1972, when Walt was a young deputy, and present-day Wyoming, creating a complex narrative that spans 45 years of law enforcement history. 🚂 The book features a gathering of Wyoming sheriffs aboard a train, inspired by actual historical meetings of law enforcement officials who would travel together by rail to conventions. 🏆 The Walt Longmire series, of which "The Western Star" is the 13th book, inspired the successful television show "Longmire," which ran for six seasons (2012-2017) on A&E and Netflix.