50 pages 1 hour read

Craig Johnson

The Cold Dish

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2004

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Cold Dish by Craig Johnson follows Sheriff Walt Longmire of Absaroka County, Wyoming, as he investigates the murder of Cody Pritchard, one of four young men previously convicted of sexually assaulting a young Cheyenne woman, Melissa Little Bird. As more murders occur, Walt, alongside his undersheriff Vic Moretti and best friend Henry Standing Bear, navigates a complex case that intertwines vigilante justice and community tensions.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Craig Johnson's The Cold Dish is widely appreciated for vibrant storytelling, rich character development, and an evocative setting. Some readers found the plot pacing uneven. The protagonist, Walt Longmire, is noted for his depth and relatability, but a few critiques mention predictability in certain plot points. Overall, it’s a commendable start to the Longmire series.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Cold Dish?

A reader who enjoys The Cold Dish by Craig Johnson would likely be a fan of modern Westerns with a strong sense of place, complex characters, and compelling mysteries. They would appreciate titles like A Cold Day in Paradise by Steve Hamilton and Longmire (TV series adaptation).

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Western

Mystery / Crime Fiction

Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Grief

Society: Community

Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice