Craig Johnson Books in Order

This reading order guide provides the complete list of Craig Johnson books in order, from the very first to the latest, so you won’t miss anything!

Craig Johnson is the brilliant mind behind one of modern Western fiction’s most beloved characters—Sheriff Walt Longmire. Born in Huntington, West Virginia in 1961, Johnson has always carried a deep appreciation for the American West, both in spirit and in scenery. Today, he lives in the quiet, picturesque town of Ucross, Wyoming—a place so small it has a population of only 25 people. But don’t let the size of the town fool you. Ucross, with its wide skies and rugged landscapes, is the perfect inspiration for the world Johnson creates in his novels.

Before becoming a full-time writer, Craig Johnson wore many hats. He worked in construction, rode horses, and even served as a patrolman. These experiences shaped his writing in powerful ways. His background in law enforcement lends a genuine sense of realism to his books. When you read a Longmire mystery, it doesn’t feel like fiction—it feels like you’re right there in Absaroka County, riding shotgun with Walt himself.

Johnson’s writing style is a unique mix of old-fashioned storytelling and contemporary mystery. His books are often categorized as Western crime novels, but they are so much more than that. With deep character development, gripping plot lines, and a setting that almost feels like a character on its own, Johnson brings something truly special to the genre. The dusty roads, the snowy mountains, the silence of the plains—they all come alive in his pages.

At the heart of his success is Sheriff Walt Longmire. Introduced in 2005 with The Cold Dish, Walt is a complex, deeply human character. He’s not a perfect man. He’s a little rough around the edges, a bit haunted by his past, and still mourning the loss of his wife. But that’s exactly what makes him so relatable. Readers connect with him not because he’s a superhero, but because he’s real. He struggles, he doubts, and yet he keeps going. His sense of duty to his community is unwavering, and his moral compass—though sometimes tested—always seems to find true north.

One of the reasons readers return to Johnson’s books again and again is the community he has built around Walt. The supporting characters are just as vivid and important as the sheriff himself. Henry Standing Bear, Walt’s loyal best friend, adds wisdom, humor, and cultural depth. Victoria “Vic” Moretti, the tough-as-nails deputy from Philadelphia, brings edge, energy, and a spark of unexpected emotion. Together, this team makes Absaroka County feel like a place you’ve been, or a place you wish you could visit.

Johnson’s debut novel didn’t just impress readers—it impressed critics too. The Cold Dish received widespread acclaim and even won the prestigious Dilys Award in 2006. But Johnson didn’t stop there. He continued to expand Walt’s world with titles like Death Without Company, Kindness Goes Unpunished, and many more, each one building upon the last and deepening our understanding of the characters and the setting.

When the Longmire television adaptation premiered on A&E in 2012, Johnson’s stories reached an even wider audience. While the show made some changes—like filming in New Mexico instead of Wyoming—it stayed true to the heart of the novels. Fans around the world fell in love with the TV version of Walt, and new readers discovered the books that started it all. Johnson even played a consulting role during the show’s production, ensuring the spirit of Absaroka County remained intact.

Something that makes Craig Johnson’s writing stand out is his use of the natural world. The Wyoming wilderness isn’t just a backdrop—it plays an essential role in shaping the stories. Whether it’s a snowstorm that traps suspects or a long, silent drive across the plains that gives Walt time to think, the land becomes a living part of the narrative. Readers can almost smell the pine trees, hear the wind across the hills, and feel the chill of the Wyoming winters.

There’s also a quiet spirituality running through many of Johnson’s books. He often explores Native American traditions and beliefs, particularly through the character of Henry Standing Bear. These moments add a deeper layer to the stories and often help Walt solve cases in ways that logic alone cannot.

As of today, Craig Johnson continues to write new adventures for Sheriff Longmire, keeping his loyal readers coming back year after year. His novels have been translated into several languages, sold millions of copies, and inspired readers from all over the world. And through it all, Johnson remains dedicated to the craft of storytelling—still writing, still living quietly in Ucross, still drawing inspiration from the wild, beautiful land he calls home.

If you haven’t yet picked up a Walt Longmire mystery, there’s no better time than now. Whether you’re a fan of crime fiction, Westerns, or simply enjoy well-written characters and atmospheric settings, Craig Johnson’s books offer a rich reading experience that’s hard to forget. Once you step into Absaroka County, you may never want to leave.