Read Longmire Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

The Longmire series, created by author Craig Johnson, has become a staple in the modern landscape of crime fiction. This series, which follows the life and investigations of Sheriff Walt Longmire, offers a compelling mix of mystery, suspense, and rich character development, set against the hauntingly beautiful backdrop of Wyoming’s fictional Absaroka County. Not only is the Longmire series widely loved for its deep storytelling and atmospheric tension, but it also offers profound insights into human nature, law enforcement, and the small-town dynamics that often get overlooked in larger city-centric crime fiction.

Over the years, the books have captivated readers with their complex characters and intricate plots. As of now, the series spans over a dozen novels, with the first book published in 2004. But what makes the Longmire books stand out from the crowd? It’s not just the puzzles Sheriff Longmire must solve or the tense moments of law enforcement at work. It’s the unspoken bond between the characters, the raw depiction of rural American life, and the mysterious and foreboding landscape of Wyoming itself that have kept readers turning the pages. Whether you’re drawn to police procedurals or character-driven narratives, Longmire offers something for everyone. But before diving into the series, it’s important to understand the chronology and the best way to approach it, especially since the books offer a nuanced evolution of both plot and character development.

List Of Longmire Books In Order

The Cold Dish (2005)	Details
Death Without Company (2006)	Details
Kindness Goes Unpunished (2007)	Details
Another Man’s Moccasins (2008)	Details
The Dark Horse (2009)	Details
Junkyard Dogs (2010)	Details
The Cold Dish: A Longmire Mystery (2011)	Details
Hell Is Empty (2011)	Details
As the Crow Flies (2012)	Details
A Serpent’s Tooth (2013)	Details
The Western Star (2014)	Details
Depth of Winter (2015)	Details
An Obvious Fact (2016)	Details
Next to Last Stand (2018)	Details
Land of Wolves (2019)	Details
A Longmire Mystery: The Outsider (2020)	Details
A Longmire Mystery: The Empty Chair (2021)	Details
A Longmire Mystery: Dry Bones (2022)	Details
A Longmire Mystery: An Unexpected Death (2023)	Details

More On Longmire Books In Chronological Order

1. The Cold Dish (2005)

This is where it all begins! We meet Sheriff Walt Longmire, the rugged and quietly complex lawman of Absaroka County, Wyoming. The story kicks off with Walt dealing with a past murder case that suddenly comes back to haunt him when a convicted killer is released. The book has a great mix of suspense, local color, and quirky small-town characters, making you feel like you’ve been dropped right into the wild, wide-open spaces of Wyoming. It’s not just about crime-solving; it’s about justice, loyalty, and the subtle wisdom Walt carries around like a comfortable old coat.

2. Death Without Company (2006)

In the second installment, Walt finds himself juggling multiple threads: a dead man at a local funeral home, a mysterious suicide, and some ongoing tension with local law enforcement. This book really digs deeper into the world of Absaroka County, giving us more insight into the people who make it tick. The writing is witty, sharp, and sometimes quietly heartbreaking, and you really start to feel Walt’s moral compass and the way he quietly shoulders the burdens of his community. There’s tension, yes, but also the charm of those everyday small-town dynamics that make the series so addictive.

3. Kindness Goes Unpunished (2007)

Here we get more of the Longmire charm and grit as Walt faces the consequences of a lawman’s mercy. The story opens with a shocking act that pulls Walt into the center of yet another complex investigation. Craig Johnson has a way of blending action with introspection, and this book really gives you a sense of Walt’s internal struggles and the friendships that define him. It’s less about explosions and more about the emotional and ethical puzzles he navigates, with side characters who are so vivid, you feel like you know them personally.

4. Another Man’s Moccasins (2008)

This one starts off with a bang-a murder that hits surprisingly close to home, and it challenges Walt in ways that push both his detective skills and his heart. It’s also a bit lighter at times, with moments of humor and small-town quirks woven in. You really get a sense of Walt’s quiet resilience and the network of friends and deputies who have his back. By now, the series is hitting its stride, balancing crime-solving with deep, human storytelling that keeps you turning pages late into the night.

5. The Dark Horse (2009)

Walt faces political intrigue and past secrets that refuse to stay buried in this entry. There’s a racehorse at the center of the story, and as usual, the plot isn’t just about the crime-it’s about the people caught up in it, their motivations, and how they intersect with Walt’s steadfast sense of justice. The narrative is rich, full of vivid Wyoming scenery, and offers plenty of those signature Longmire moments of understated humor and subtle insight into human nature. It’s like sitting around a campfire listening to Walt’s reflections on life while a storm brews nearby.

6. Junkyard Dogs (2010)

This is a personal one for Walt-he’s dealing with a murder that’s disturbingly close to his heart. There’s a lot of emotional weight here, and Johnson dives into themes of loyalty, family, and the scars people carry. Walt’s calm, methodical approach to solving crime is on full display, and you start to see how his past and his personal relationships subtly shape his decisions. The book also has those small, everyday moments that make the setting feel alive-the bars, the diners, the snowy plains-they’re all practically characters themselves.

7. The Cold Dish: A Longmire Mystery (2011)

This edition is essentially a reprint of the first book, but it’s worth mentioning for new readers who might pick up the series in later years. It reintroduces Walt, Henry Standing Bear, and the rugged Wyoming landscape that feels like a character in its own right. If you missed it the first time around, it’s a perfect way to start the journey or revisit the origins of this enduring sheriff and his complex world.

8. Hell Is Empty (2011)

Walt takes a bit of a road trip in this one, traveling outside of Absaroka County to pursue justice, and it gives the story a slightly different flavor. There’s tension, intrigue, and Walt’s characteristic dry wit, but we also see him navigating unfamiliar territory and the challenge of imposing order in places that aren’t his home turf. It’s thrilling, thoughtful, and has the kind of pacing that keeps you hooked while still letting you savor the small, human moments that make the series so endearing.

9. As the Crow Flies (2012)

This installment gets into a really fun mix of investigation and personal stakes as Walt chases down a missing person, but the story cleverly weaves in a bunch of small-town secrets. The way Johnson paints the landscape and the people is almost cinematic-you can feel the crisp air, the snow, and even the tension in the local bars. The book balances mystery with humor, and you can see Walt’s character evolving subtly, showing more depth in his relationships and moral choices.

10. A Serpent’s Tooth (2013)

In this one, Walt has to confront some very dark elements of human nature, and it really tests his patience and his moral code. There’s a sense of foreboding throughout the story, but Johnson still sprinkles in the quirky, heartwarming moments that make the series feel so grounded. Walt’s investigations are methodical, thoughtful, and always shaded by his own past experiences and a dry sense of humor that sneaks in when you least expect it. The Wyoming setting is almost unbearably vivid, which is perfect for this tense and introspective tale.

11. The Western Star (2014)

This is a really clever entry because it mixes Walt’s detective work with an almost literary twist-a murder connected to a book tour of a famous western novelist. It’s witty, playful at times, and full of Johnson’s signature small-town color and dry humor. You get to see Walt interacting with people outside his usual circle, which is fun, and the narrative is peppered with clever commentary on life, literature, and justice. By now, the series has a rhythm that makes you feel like a long-time companion of Walt’s.

12. Depth of Winter (2015)

This is the kind of story that feels almost cinematic-the harshness of the Wyoming winter mirrors the dark complexities of the crime Walt is investigating. There’s a lot of personal stakes here, and Walt’s loyalty, patience, and calm determination are tested like never before. Johnson does a brilliant job balancing suspense with character development, letting us see Walt in both professional and personal lights. The snowy landscapes feel cold and biting, yet there’s warmth in Walt’s interactions with Henry and the rest of the supporting cast.

13. An Obvious Fact (2016)

Walt is pulled into a case that starts simple but twists into something far more complex, as usual. The story has the kind of dialogue and pacing that makes you feel like you’re sitting at a bar with Walt, hearing the story unfold firsthand. There’s humor, moral quandaries, and that beautiful sense of Wyoming isolation that gives the series its special tone. Johnson also continues to deepen the supporting characters, making the world feel lived-in and real, not just a backdrop for the mystery.

14. Next to Last Stand (2018)

Here Walt is drawn into a case that’s very personal and potentially dangerous, mixing classic Western elements with contemporary crime-solving. The narrative is tight, fast-paced, and full of small-town quirks and deep emotional beats. Johnson really hammers home Walt’s character-his sense of honor, his patience, and his subtle humor-as well as the loyalty of his friends and deputies. It’s both thrilling and heartwarming in a way only the Longmire series can pull off.

15. Land of Wolves (2019)

This one has Walt investigating a case that stretches beyond Absaroka County and into Native American land, exploring cultural tensions and complex human motivations. Johnson weaves suspense with thoughtful commentary on justice, morality, and the bonds between people. Walt’s calm, measured approach to difficult situations really shines here, and there are plenty of quiet, reflective moments that make you appreciate the human depth in the story. It’s exciting but also very much a character-driven tale.

16. A Longmire Mystery: The Outsider (2020)

Walt faces an unusual case involving a stranger and secrets buried in the local landscape. This installment mixes suspense, character study, and a healthy dose of Western grit. Johnson excels at making you care about the victims, the community, and even the people committing the crimes, while Walt’s steady moral compass and dry wit guide the story beautifully. There’s a strong sense of place here, almost like Wyoming itself is a character shaping the story’s outcomes.

17. A Longmire Mystery: The Empty Chair (2021)

Walt navigates a case that’s as emotionally charged as it is suspenseful, with local history and personal stakes driving the plot forward. The narrative balances intense investigative work with those everyday small-town moments that make the Longmire series so immersive. You see Walt’s relationships with his deputies, friends, and the community continue to deepen, and the book offers a satisfying mix of tension, moral reflection, and quiet humor.

18. A Longmire Mystery: Dry Bones (2022)

This entry has Walt chasing down a mystery that uncovers old secrets, rivalries, and hidden truths in Absaroka County. Johnson continues to blend suspenseful detective work with character-driven storytelling, emphasizing Walt’s calm, thoughtful approach and his connection to the people around him. There’s humor, quiet reflection, and a strong sense of place-Wyoming almost feels like another character guiding Walt’s investigation.

19. A Longmire Mystery: An Unexpected Death (2023)

In the most recent installment, Walt is confronted with a shocking death that seems straightforward at first but gradually reveals layers of deception and complexity. The book keeps the signature Longmire balance of tension, character insight, and dry humor, while also exploring deeper themes of community, loyalty, and the consequences of past actions. Walt’s steady, thoughtful presence anchors the story as he navigates the case with his usual mix of intellect, patience, and understated bravery.

Background On Longmire Books

The Longmire series began with Craig Johnson’s debut novel, The Cold Dish (2004). It introduces readers to Walt Longmire, the hard-nosed yet compassionate sheriff of Absaroka County, a fictional county in Wyoming. The book sets the tone for the series, blending elements of traditional crime thrillers with the subtleties of contemporary Western fiction.

Walt is a man who carries the weight of personal tragedy, particularly the recent death of his wife, and navigates a justice system where the old ways of the West collide with modern law enforcement. Alongside him is a cast of memorable characters that includes his loyal deputy, Vic Moretti, a city-bred cop who’s learning to adapt to the rural life; Henry Standing Bear, Walt’s best friend and an elder member of the Cheyenne tribe; and a host of other local characters who add layers of complexity and charm to the series.

As of 2023, the series consists of 19 novels and numerous short stories. Each book in the series can be enjoyed as a standalone novel, though there’s a growing, overarching story that continues to develop as Walt grapples with his past, his personal relationships, and the increasingly complex cases that he must solve. What sets these books apart is how they manage to build a tight-knit world, one that feels incredibly authentic and deeply rooted in the rhythms of rural Wyoming life.

Reading Order Explained

The Longmire books follow a chronological order, and while the books can be read independently, reading them in the order of publication offers the best experience. Each novel builds upon the previous one, so while the mysteries themselves may be self-contained, the character development and ongoing storylines gain much more depth when read sequentially.

Here is the recommended reading order:

1. The Cold Dish (2004)
2. Death Without Company (2006)
3. Kindness Goes Unpunished (2007)
4. Another Man’s Moccasins (2008)
5. The Dark Horse (2009)
6. Junkyard Dogs (2010)
7. Hell is Empty (2011)
8. As the Crow Flies (2012)
9. The Spirit of Steamboat (2013)
10. Any Other Name (2014)
11. Dry Bones (2015)
12. The Highwayman (2016)
13. An Obvious Fact (2016)
14. The Western Star (2017)
15. Depth of Winter (2018)
16. Land of Wolves (2019)
17. Next to Last Stand (2020)
18. Daughter of the Morning Star (2021)
19. Hell and Back (2022)

This order allows readers to follow the evolution of Walt Longmire’s character, his evolving relationships, and his development as a sheriff in a changing world. Additionally, the various personal storylines-such as his interactions with his daughter, his slow recovery from the loss of his wife, and his deepening connections with the people in his life-gain significant emotional weight as the series progresses.

What I Like About The Series?

One of the key reasons the Longmire series stands out is its ability to fuse several genres into one. At its heart, it’s a mystery series-each book focuses on solving a crime, from murders to disappearances, that must be unraveled in the context of Wyoming’s unique landscape. But the books also delve deeply into the traditions and philosophy of the Old West, reflecting the moral complexity of a society where justice doesn’t always fit into the conventional frameworks of modern law.

Walt Longmire himself is one of the most compelling characters in contemporary crime fiction. He’s a flawed yet deeply honorable man, a figure of quiet strength who carries an immense burden, not only as a sheriff but also as a father and a man who’s trying to make sense of his past. His stoic nature is balanced by his wit and dry humor, which adds a layer of charm and humanity to the series. Additionally, his relationships with the recurring cast of characters, particularly his friendship with Henry Standing Bear and his camaraderie with his deputies, form the emotional core of the series. These relationships grow over time, making each new installment feel like the unfolding of a family drama set against the backdrop of criminal investigations.

Another aspect I enjoy is Craig Johnson’s impeccable world-building. The fictional Absaroka County feels almost like a character in its own right, with the landscape, small-town dynamics, and culture of Wyoming woven into the fabric of every story. Whether it’s the cold winter nights or the dusty trails during the summer, Johnson paints a vivid picture of the place his characters call home. Wyoming itself becomes a metaphor for Walt’s journey-rural, isolated, yet brimming with life and history.

Lastly, the blending of contemporary issues with the old-fashioned values of the Western frontier is compelling. The series tackles relevant social issues-such as Native American rights, the role of women in law enforcement, and the slow erosion of old traditions-without being overly preachy or heavy-handed. Instead, the topics are explored through the lens of characters who embody these tensions in their daily lives.

Should You Read Longmire Books In Order?

While it’s possible to read the Longmire books out of order, it’s not the best approach for those who want to fully appreciate the series. Reading the books in chronological order ensures that you’re able to follow the character arcs and the ongoing plotlines, which evolve significantly from one book to the next.

For instance, Walt Longmire’s relationship with his daughter, Cady, is a slow-burn storyline that begins in the first book but truly comes to fruition in later installments. Similarly, his personal grief over the death of his wife and his interactions with Vic Moretti evolve in ways that are deeply enriched by knowing the context of the earlier books. The secondary storylines, such as the struggles of the Native American characters and the political climate of Wyoming, also unfold gradually across the series.

If you’re a fan of serialized storytelling, where each book is a chapter in a larger, evolving narrative, reading the Longmire books in order is the best way to experience the series. Not only will you witness the emotional and psychological growth of the characters, but you’ll also be privy to the subtle ways in which Johnson weaves overarching themes throughout the novels.