First Frost is the latest book in the Walt Longmire series by Craig Johnson.   The 26 books are western mysteries set in the (fictional) Absaroka County in Wyoming.    After growing up on a ranch, he goes to University, then serves in the Marines as a military police officer, doing a tour of Vietnam.   After his discharge, he works on an oil rig in Alaska before returning back to Wyoming.   Longmire becomes the  Sheriff of the County when the previous sheriff retires.

Other central characters are his life-long friend, Henry Standing Bear, his under-sheriff Victoria Moretti, his daughter Cady, and minor characters from the police station and the Rez.   Walt has a strong sense of justice and as a protagonist, he is a blend of a classic western hero and a modern detective.

All of the stories are entertaining books to read.    The author uses strong characterization, solid dialogue, lots of action, and varied thematic material.    I have read about 23 of the books and all have been a good investment of my time.    First Frost has two parallel stories.    A current story follows court proceedings from a shooting, but the main story goes back to the time when Walt and Henry had finished university and were on their way to report in to their assigned military training.    They become stranded in a desert town on their way east, and find buried secrets from World War Two, and a hostile reception from the residents of Bone Valley.

All of the Longmire books are recommended.    4.2 out of 5.0 stars4.2

An audiobook sample is provided as a “taster.”

No story hits every mark as high literature, an entertaining read, and memorable content, but we have to go with the overall impression to evaluate the book.    Some additional observations are provided:

Pros:

• Likeable protagonists who we have continued to follow.
• Meaningful thematic material – in this case, the treatment of Japanese citizens in an internment camp.  
• Good pacing, but also the author intermixes more than one story.

Cons:

• The dialogue is a bit simple.    Walt and Henry have laconic responses, but all characters have less to say than we would expect.   
• This story is a bit episodic.