Longmire Books In Order: The Complete Craig Johnson Reading Guide (202)

You know that feeling when you’re curled up with a mug of coffee (or maybe something stronger), ready to dive into a mystery, and you need to know the exact order to read a series so nothing spoils? That’s exactly where I find myself with the Longmire books.

I’ve come to care about Walt, Henry, Vic, even old Dog, and I want to experience their journey in the right sequence, savoring every twist and Wyoming sunset. Let’s lay out the steps on this reading trail, shall we?

Order to Read

Here’s the authentic reading order of Craig Johnson’s Walt Longmire novels, including the novellas and short stories in their publication sequence:

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, e-book short story)
As the Crow Flies (2012)
Messenger (2013, e-book short story)
A Serpent’s Tooth (2013)
Spirit of Steamboat (2013, novella)
Any Other Name (2014)
Dry Bones (2015)
The Highwayman (2016, novella)
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 (2021)
Hell and Back (2022)
The Longmire Defense (2023)
First Frost (2024)
Tooth and Claw (2024, novella)
Return to Sender (2025)

(I’ve woven in both the full-length novels and the shorter e-stories/novellas, following the publication order as the most intuitive path.)

Getting to Know the Author : Craig Johnson

I’ve always got a soft spot for authors who practically transport you to another place, and Craig Johnson does exactly that with his rugged Wyoming backdrop.

Who is he? Craig Allen Johnson, born in 1961, is an American novelist best known for crafting the Walt Longmire mysteries, blending Western style with detective fiction. He lives in Ucross, Wyoming (population 25!), where he draws inspiration from the land and its quiet drama. He’s told such compelling stories that several of his novels have become New York Times bestsellers.
The real deal, not the myth: He once presented himself as a former New York police officer, but later acknowledged that this was misleading, not one of his proudest moments, but he’s genuine on the page, and that counts.
TV fame: His series found new life on the screen with Longmire, airing on A&E and later Netflix, making quite a splash in the world of crime drama.

What Makes the Longmire Series Special

There’s something about Walt Longmire’s steady drive and moral compass, paired with his loyal circle of friends, that makes this series a heartwarming mystery adventure.

1. Character Evolution Anchored in Friendship

Everyone grows alongside Walt, from his unshakeable bond with Henry Standing Bear to the evolving relationship with Deputy Vic Moretti. These arcs unfold beautifully over time, so reading in order brings the emotional payoff.

2. An Atmosphere That Feels Alive

Wyoming isn’t just a backdrop, it feels like a character. Johnson writes the high plains, cold winters, and dusty small towns with a reverence that makes you feel the chill in your bones.

3. Humor and Warmth Amid Shadows

Don’t let the murder scenes fool you, quirky humor and unexpected camaraderie often shine through. Even dramatic moments carry a touch of wit or humanity that reminds you why you keep turning pages.

4. Novellas That Punctuate the Timeline

Those shorter works, like Divorce Horse or Spirit of Steamboat, offer little snapshots into Walt’s past or present. I tend to slot them in between novels when I’m craving a bite-size visit with the characters.

FAQ Section

Q1: Are the Longmire books connected, and can I read them out of order?
They are absolutely connected, and I’d strongly recommend starting from the beginning. Each book builds on relationships, personal history, and subtle details that enrich the experience. Sure, each mystery resolves within its story, but the deeper arcs, like Walt’s evolution or Vic’s backstory, lose impact if you jump around.

Q2: What about the novellas and short stories: when should I read them?
These are mostly stand-alone glimpses, like comic relief scenes or heartwarming interludes. You can read them alongside the main novels (inline) or save them after you finish a novel. Fans suggest enjoying them chronologically for the cleanest narrative flow.

Q3: Will Return to Sender spoil earlier stuff for new readers?
It does reference past events, but lightly. Newcomers won’t be lost, yet if you’re new to the series, starting from The Cold Dish gives you the full context and emotional payoff.

Verdict

So here’s how I’d wrap this up, over that final sip of something cozy as the Wyoming wind howls:

Start from The Cold Dish and make your way through the novels in order. Sprinkle in the novellas when you need a quick fix or want a break between the big mysteries. Craig Johnson’s stories are like sitting by a campfire with a trusted friend, warm, engrossing, and full of unexpected turns. By the time you reach Return to Sender, you’ll feel like you’ve been part of Walt’s world for years.

Let me know how the journey feels when you’re a few books in, I always love geeking out over Longmire as much as the next reader.

Know Your Author

Emon Anam

Hi, I’m Emon
I’m the voice and heart behind Whimsy Read. After nine years in the world of banking, I followed my passion for storytelling into the world of SEO and content strategy. Now, I blend that analytical eye with a deep love for literature to bring you book reviews that are thoughtful, honest, and always focused on the stories that stay with you.
When I’m not reading or writing, you’ll find me enjoying joyful chaos with my wife and three kids, getting lost in a new series, or revisiting my old loves: theater, music, and gaming. At the end of the day, I believe great books are meant to be shared, and I’m so glad you’re here to share them with me.