The fossil of a Tyrannosaurus rex is discovered in Absaroka County and not long after that the rancher that owned the land the T-rex is found on is discovered dead in a turtle pond. It isn't enough that everyone is fighting over who owns the right to the fossil, now Walt Longmire must figure out if the rancher's death was accidental or murder.

Craig Johnsons books about Sheriff Walt Longmire is a wonderful series, but I do miss the old days when I didn't have to wait a year until the next book. Walt Longmire is a marvelous character, he has that kind of old cowboy way that I love. The John Wayne feeling. Strong, reliable and tough and, as usual, Walt has a tendency to get into problems. I don't think I have read a book in this series when he doesn't end up in any way in the hospital. This book is not an exception. One thing I truly enjoyed was that Walt and Vic finally had the BIG talk that I have been waiting for since I read book nine in series (A Serpent's Tooth), the talked I waited to read in book ten that never happened.

When it came to the T-Rex story must I admit that even though I enjoyed reading it was the stuff around the case that I most d. It was a difficult case, was it murder or not? Who would, in the end, claim the T-Rex? But the things happening around, a heartbreaking death that I didn't see coming, the openhearted discussion between Walt and Vic and then the realization that an old enemy is back was the best part of the book.

So, in the end, the book gets 4.5 stars. I d the book very much, but I would have d a much more intense and interesting case.

I received this copy from the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review!read-201544 s Barbara1,517 5,142



In this 11th book in the 'Walt Longmire' series, Sheriff Longmire looks into the death of an elderly Indian while other people wrangle over a valuable fossil. The book can be read as a standalone but familiarity with the characters is a plus.

*****

A huge Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton - perhaps the largest yet discovered - is found on the Wyoming ranch of elderly Cheyenne Danny Lone Elk. The dinosaur is dubbed 'Jen' after it's discoverer, Jennifer Watt. Jennifer and local paleontologist Dave Baumann prepare to dig out the skeleton for the local High Plains Dinosaur Museum.



While the dinosaur is being excavated the corpse of Danny Lone Elk is found in the local snapping turtle pond, partially eaten by the aggressive shelled reptiles.



Because the 'Jen' skeleton is estimated to be worth more than eight million dollars it's ownership is soon disputed. The Cheyennes claim it's theirs, the Acting Deputy U.S. Attorney says it belongs to the state, and Jen and Dave insist they bought it from Danny for the Dinosaur Museum.





While the wrangling over the skeleton goes on, Sheriff Walt Longmire investigates the death of Danny Lone Elk and welcomes a visit from his daughter Cady and grandbaby Lola, who live in Philadelphia.



Though there's speculation that a drunken Danny died when he fell into the turtle pond, further inquiries point to mercury poisoning as the cause of death. Who would want to murder Danny? Walt goes to the Lone Elk Ranch to talk to the old Indian's family - his brother, son, daughter, and grandson, each of whom has their own quirky issues.



As the story proceeds there's a tragic death connected to Walt's family, which may have been engineered by a psychopath with a grudge against Walt and his under-sheriff Victoria Moretti. This story thread isn't pursued much, and may be fodder for a future book.



As Walt looks into Danny's death some of the possible suspects pull a vanishing act. Walt's pursuit of these individuals leads to plenty of action involving a recalcitrant Appaloosa; a ferocious thunderstorm; a helicopter; a hidden cave; a sinkhole whirlpool; etc.





In the course of the story various characters are poisoned; almost killed in a flash flood; cold-cocked with a rifle butt; shot; bruised; taken to the hospital; and so forth. Through it all Walt and his best friend Henry Standing Bear (AKA The Cheyenne Nation) show their mettle, two tough old soldiers who know how to get the job done. Walt's loyal pooch, 'Dog' also demonstrates some doggy smarts.



As I read the book I learned a little about Wyoming; Indian artifacts; snapping turtles; helicopters and dream visions. I was also impressed with Walt's common sense, affection for his family and friends, and just plain grit.

By the end of the book Danny's death is solved and the T. rex is getting a home. This is a good mystery in an engaging setting, recommended for fans of the genre.

You can follow my at https://bybarbsaffer.blogspot....41 s Zoeytron1,036 838

'So, dead bodies in the morning and the usual for lunch - just another day in Absaroka County, Wyoming.'

Boy howdy. It feels good to be back in Sheriff Walt Longmire's world. Comfortable as an old pair of cowboy boots. Vic Moretti returns with her salty tongue and no nonsense approach to life. The Busy Bee Cafe is still abuzz with plenty of gossip, serving as the local gathering place for coffee and good food. Henry Running Bear's wry humor is intact, and as always, he has the wisdom of the ages at his disposal.

Walt has a lot on his plate right now, personal business as well as county business, a possible murder, and a big ol' bunch of dinosaur bones. Great read! public-library34 s Thomas841 191

I really the Longmire series. This is book 11 in the series and I recommend that you read them in order. In Dry Bones, a huge Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton is found on the property of Danny Lone Elk. Then Danny turns up dead and he may have been murdered. Walt Longmire, Absaroka County Sheriff of the largest and least populous county in the state of Wyoming, solves the case with the help of his deputies and some old friends including Henry Standing Bear, 2 Wyoming Highway Patrolmen, previous Sheriff Lucian Connally, FBI agent McGroder and Omar Rhodes, wealthy local rancher. All of these characters are now old friends to me, after reading the previous 10 books and watching the tv series.
The skeleton could be worth 5 million dollars or more and several claimants come forward. Half the fun of reading this book is the sparkling dialogue between the above characters. I enjoy the humor and camaraderie between them.
Omar has a Neiman Marcus helicopter and a custom made SUV that cost him a couple hundred thousand.
Lucian has only one leg and s to drink whiskey, which plays a part in solving the case.
Lucian quote: "Makes you feel better when you shoot people...You ought to try it sometime."
This was a library book and an easy 4 stars.craig-johnson30 s Algernon (Darth Anyan)1,617 1,034


“So, dead bodies in the morning and the usual for lunch – just another day in Absaroka County, Wyoming.”
“I just hope it’s not turtle soup.”

Heck! this is book eleven in the series: you should know by now what to expect! Lots and lots of winds and blizzards over the high plains, a grumpy sheriff and his loyal team of friends exchanging smart-ass remarks, some decent crime investigation with a whiff of Native-American spiritualism thrown in, heavy pick-up trucks, strong liquor and lots and lots of guns, either ancient or modern.

“In my experience, you can never have enough AsomBroso tequila or shotguns.” remarks Omar Rhoades, a recurring character loaded with money and thirsty for adventure. (Product placement is another recurring theme in the series.)

ItÂ’s good to be back in Absaroka County, even if this episode took a little longer to get me up to speed (Probably because I took a longer break than usual between installments.) Yes, there is a formula at work here, but the sweeping landscapes, the dialogue and the engaging characters are enough to carry me forward. The McGuffin in the current episode is a dead body that has remained hidden for some tens of millions of years. The uncovering of a very well preserved skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus Rex on land belonging to a Cheyenne family coincides with the discovery of the dead body of the patriarch of said family, drowned and eaten by turtles in a lake on the property.

that collection of bones that was found on his land is worth way more than the eight million dollars paid for similar finds, and that kind of money tends to get people thinking bad thoughts

I really have very little to say about the actual murder investigation. ItÂ’s not one of the most memorable moments in the series, except for an observation that spring in Absaroka County seems just as turbulent and dangerous as winter, the dominant season in the series so far. Much more interesting for the fans of Walt Longmire et Co. is the parallel story of the human interactions between the team members. Walt has his plate full of trouble, just as he should relax and prepare for the visit of his daughter Cady and of his brand new grandchild:

“This grandfather stuff is complicated.” , he bursts out at one point, not really knowing that the situation is about to go pear-shaped in an even darker manner: Cady’s husband is killed in Pennsylvania during a routine traffic stop, which might be connected to a dangerous drug lord Walt has confronted in a previous episode

Old sheriff Lucian Conally has his own health issues, but he is always ready to pitch in in the chase for killers unknown, and to offer a piece of his mind to Walt in his hour of need:

“Makes you feel better when you shoot people ... You ought to try it sometime.”
Fortunately for people of more modern sensibilities, Longmire is still trying to walk the thin line between the Old Frontier vigilante justice promoted by Lucian and the law abiding job he was sworn in.

In conclusion, a decent installment in the general note of the series, that didnÂ’t bring anything really new into the equation, beside the spoiler moment. Fast-paced and spiced with the dry humour that goes hand in hand with those dry dinosaur bones:

“Where are the pickled pig’s feet in this damn place?”

I will continue with the next Longmire book, eventually.
202024 s Carol845 544 Read

What can I say? I'm hooked on this series. You know I've got to it if I've made it to number 11 and counting. A great December comfort read.

Love the location, love the characters, love the myths, the spirits, the humor, the everyday life of the Sheriff Longmire of Absaroka County, Wyoming. And did I mention I also love the continued excellent narration by George Guidall. fiction mysteries series18 s Michael1,094 1,835

Good to get back to Sheriff Walt Longmire of mythical Abraoska County, Wyoming, and in turn feel he has my back, a father I could rely on. Knowing his history from prior books in the series contributes to my concerns for his life. But I would bet most readers would feel right at home with Walt if they chose to read this as a first read with him.

The starting murder puts Walt on investigating the drowning of a ranching patriarch, who is Cheyenne and in the middle of a deal with a fossil hunter to excavate an especially high quality T. Rex on his land, one worth over $8 million to museums and dealers. That makes for quite an entertaining premise, as we get outdoors and into some fascinating aspects of the science and business. For color and a touch of comedy we are served up with an intrusion by a grandstanding federal Assistant Attorney General. He wants to make a media splash by pushing prosecutions over illegal profits off fossils taken from federal lands. If Walt doesnÂ’t solve the case it looks the fossil hunter and his wife might get railroaded. Soon the fedÂ’s commandeering of space and human resources from WaltÂ’s operation begins to hamper his solving of the murder, forcing him to get pretty bold and in the process make some mistakes that get him in trouble. It may be a bit of a formula, but I it when the mistakes have to do with someone misjudging the weather. Instead of being caught in a blizzard, here the dangers of flashfloods in canyon regions become a thrill part of the story.

Walt starts out already distracted by the impending marriage of his lawyer daughter Cady and her upcoming arrival with her daughter. Walt has to get busy under tight constraints, especially when one of his scheduled interview subjects disappears or has been kidnapped. He always gets by with a little help from his friends, but help is slow in coming this time. Certainly his loyal dog Dog is ever ready at his side. His best friend Henry Standing Bear is absent for quite a while, but it wouldnÂ’t be a Longmire episode without at least one situation where Henry saves his life, as well as pass on special insights from his spiritual and crafty self. His trusty and tough female deputy, Vic, also takes a while to get into the story, but she does her bit for the team and provides special sustenance when the going gets tough (is there a romance youÂ’ll wonder if you didnÂ’t read prior installments). WaltÂ’s debilitated father Lucian, upon outings from assisted living, contributes to strategies based on his decades as a sheriff before Walt. Even WaltÂ’s elderly female dispatcher and favorite waitress at his lunch spot are on tap as usual for humor and condolences as needed, and both are needed before the end of this.

I always get the feeling that Johnson uses the framework of a crime scenario as a stage with the main purpose of letting his charming and feisty characters live their lives and in doing so either fulfill their fate or develop ways to outsmart it. Elements of justice are advanced, but the growth of his characters is what satisfies, family members youÂ’d to nurture. He also seems to get some jollies out of showcasing the richness of rural life and the play of cultural diversity in his particular region of Wyoming (north central near the Bighorn Mountains). With enough sense of community and place, itÂ’s such a kick to get to feel part of it all.


Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming
dog environment fiction ...more16 s Judith E620 233

While Sheriff Walter Longmire finds himself enmeshed in an ownership squabble over T-Rex fossils dug up in Absaroka County and the murder of Danny Lone Elk, Walt suspects an apparent random murder in Philadelphia, may be a revenge act directed at him. And, when WaltÂ’s personal life turns chaotic and tumultuous, Henry Standing Bear provides a stable arm with which to steady Walt and his family. audible fiction14 s Trish1,374 2,630

It is not only kids who are interested in dinosaurs, especially when evidence of the largest Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton ever discovered intact is located on the land of an Indian rancher in Wyoming. Johnson helpfully puts the Acknowledgments for this novel right up front so we can see the degree to which his fiction parallels the actual case of the largest T. rex skeleton ever found, Tyrannosaurus SUE, discovered just over the border in South Dakota. The actual case and the fictional case both become worldwide sensations.

The fact of the dinosaur led me back to this series of novels by Craig Johnson, basis for the long-running TV series called Longmire playing on A&E. Johnson continually surprises me with what he chooses to highlight. In his hands there is an inexhaustible well of stories from which to draw life in Wyoming for us. Johnson bridges the continental divide and makes life in Wyoming vivid to city folk who barely remember that there is country outside their city limits. Better yet, Johnson brings us the mysticism of ordinary life among AmericaÂ’s indigenous population by including unexplained visions and voices that keep his head turned to face danger.

This novel really began for me when Henry Standing Bear made his appearance. He somehow brings with him a calm center that reveals justice. Lots of things happen to ‘the old dinosaur’ that is Longmire. He acquires scars most folks get haircuts. His emotions sometimes carry away his humor. But Henry Standing Bear, with his careful language (no contractives) and considered responses, is a safe place for me. I suppose his spirit would make a good ghost, were he to be hurt.

But there is time to go before that unthinkable thing. This novel, others before it, give hints to what is coming, and we are anxious to know how it will turn out. If I had advice for a genre writer, I would point them to the Longmire books and say: study this.

Craig Johnson has to be the hardest working writer out there: just look at the promotion schedule for his new book printed below. Every day a new city. Along with overseeing the TV series and producing short stories and novellas for the season, every year Johnson continues to surprise us with a new installment in the unexpected adventures of Longmire, Vic, Henry Standing Bear, and now Cady and Lola. Reading their adventures is greeting an old friend.

Which is why, when one of them gets hurt badly, or worse, we need to remind ourselves that this is fiction, and characters are at the disposal of fiction. That happened in this novel to me. I was hurt more than I should be, perhaps, when one of the characters suffers a devastating loss. It reminded that me that crime novels are about crime and maltreatment when suddenly the jokey manner and friendly folk seem at odds with the subject.

Humor may be a way through the thicket that is life. The wisdom in the novels remain: we learn the value of kindness, fairness, and love, whether between friends, family, or the populace at large. If evil canÂ’t be beat, it can be doubled back on and laid very lowÂ…lower than happiness in the order of things.

This story is not so much about dinosaurs as about the response of humans to the possibility untold wealth as a result of dinosaurs. Pity. We already know about greed. What we have still to learn is tied up with the dinosaur.

Events for Craig JohnsonÂ’s DRY BONES Tour:

Tuesday, May 12, 12Noon Tome on the Range Las Vegas, NM
Tuesday, May 12, 6PM Collected Works Santa Fe, NM
Wednesday, May 13, 7PM Tattered Cover (Colfax) Denver, CO
Thursday, May 14, 7PM Old Firehouse Bks/Midtown Arts Fort Collins, CO
Friday, May 15, 5:30PM Sunriver Bks & Music/ SHARC Sunriver, OR
Saturday, May 16, 2PM PowellÂ’s (Cedar Hills Crossing) Portland, OR
Sunday, May 17, 2PM Sunrise Mountain Library Phoenix, AZ
Monday, May 18, 12Noon Clues Unlimited Tucson, AZ
Monday, May 18, 7PM Poisoned Pen Phoenix, AZ
Tuesday, May 19, 7PM Book Passage (Corte Madera) San Francisco, CA
Wednesday, May 20, 7:30PM Book Shop Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, CA
Thursday, May 21, 7PM Book People Austin, TX
Friday, May 22, 6:30PM Murder by the Book Houston, TX
Saturday, May 23, 3PM Barnes & Noble Lincoln Park Dallas, TX
Sunday, May 24, 2PM Mechanicsburg Mystery Bks Philadelphia, PA
Tuesday, May 26, 7PM Chester County Books Philadelphia, PA
Wednesday, May 27, 7PM Left Bank Books St. Louis, MO
Thursday, May 28, 7PM BookSmart/ Circle Cinema Tulsa, OK
Friday, May 29, 7PM Books & Co. Dayton, OH
Saturday, May 30, 11AM McIntyreÂ’s Fine Books Pittsboro, NC
Sunday, May 31, 3PM Quail Ridge Bookstore Raleigh, NC
Monday, June 1, 6PM Watermark Books Wichita, KS
Tuesday, June 2, 7PM Once Upon a Crime Minneapolis, MN
Wednesday, June 3, 7PM Mystery to Me / Hotel Red Madison, WI
Friday, June 5, 7PM AndersonÂ’s Bookshop Chicago, IL
Sunday, June 7th, Time TK Printers Row Lit Festival Chicago, IL
Monday, June 8th, 7PM Barnes & Noble Billings, MT

Events for Craig Johnson's Outlaw Motorcyle Tour:

Sunday, June 14, 2PM Red Lodge Book Red Lodge MT
Sunday, June 14, 4PM Red Lodge Library Red Lodge MT
Monday, June 15, 12 PM Elk River Book Livingston, MT
Monday, June 15, 7PM Country Bookshelf Bozeman MT
Tuesday, June 16, 7PM Fact & Fiction Missoula MT
Wednesday, June 17, 7PM Polson Public Library Polson MT
Thursday, June 18, 7PM Auntie's Bookstore Spokane WA
Saturday, June 20, 12 PM Seattle Mystery Bookstore Seattle WA
Sunday, June 21, 4PM Paulina Springs Books Sisters, OR
Sunday, June 21, 6PM Paulina Springs Books Redmond OR
Monday, June 22, 12PM Burns Public Library Burns OR
Tuesday, June 23, 7PM Betty's Books Baker City OR
Wednesday, June 24, 7PM Rediscovered Books Boise ID
Thursday, June 25, 6PM Haley Public Library Haley ID
Friday, -June 26, 4PM Dubois Public Library Dubois WY
Saturday, June 27, Time TK Mtn Spirit Habitat Groundbreaking Cody WY


america animals crime ...more13 s Karl3,258 324

This installment of the Walt Longmire series is not up to the normal standards of the previous books.

The pace seemed rushed and the plot was minor in the scheme of things. Familiar names were mentioned, and the overall story line was not moved forward a great deal. I thoght the book to be a place holder to meet publishing obligations and lay some groundwork for future publications in the series.2015-04-books-bought12 s Kathleen MindeAuthor 1 book42

Eleven years ago, after reading a review in our local paper, I picked up a novel by then-debut author Craig Johnson called The Cold Dish. And I was hooked. His characters were vivid and human and able. The humor was cheeky, yet cleverly worded. There were elements of Indian mysticism and Greek philosophy. With the Wyoming terrain playing a volatile supporting character to the fallible human cast, The Cold Dish was one of the best books I had ever read from a debut author. Still is.

Now ten books, 1 novella, and a collection of short stories neatly tucked under his cowboy belt, Johnson proudly, and rightly so, presents Dry Bones. With Sheriff Walt Longmire, the renaissance man of Wyoming lawmen, at the helm and his deliciously salty undersheriff Victoria "Vic" Moretti as his wingman, the fictitious Absaroka County is faced with a mystery that kind of began 65 million years ago. When the bones of probably largest and most intact T. Rex skeleton is discovered on Danny Lone Elk's ranch it is cause for celebration. Until, that is, the body of Danny Lone Elk is discovered face down in a pond of carnivorous snapping turtles. The imagery is not lost on the reader as Lone Elk's family, the Cheyenne tribe, the High Plains Dinosaur Museum, and the federal government all lay a claim to the dinosaur nicknamed "Jen".

Walt's tiny town of 2483 citizens is immediately overrun with bureaucrats, media, and the FBI--that's the government agency FBI, not the Longmire sobriquet for big Indians. Henry Standing Bear, the sage Indian who has had Walt's back since elementary school, helps Walt navigate through the politically and culturally delicate dance with the Cheyenne tribe. Characters from past books Agent In Charge McGroder, a man who owes Walt his life, and two agents, nicknamed the Bobs, assist with the federal investigation. Making Walt's job even more difficult is the supremely pompous acting deputy attorney, Skip Trost. And, on top of all of this mayhem, Walt's daughter is flying in from Philadelphia with his first grandchild, Lola, whose namesake is Henry's Baltic-blue 1959 Thunderbird convertible.

Thankfully, now that deputies Saizarbitoria and the appropriately named Double Tough are back, as is former-Sheriff Lucian Connelly who stubbornly refuses to die, Walt has his entire team on board. Even Dog, his ever present canine sounding board is there to help. Saizarbitoria is able to update Walt on the multiple equipment requirements of an infant granddaughter. Lucian is willing to shoot anyone, anyone, just give him a chance. And Double Tough (I missed that guy), after losing his eye in an earlier book is back from medical leave sporting an eye patch and a fake eye. I laughed out loud at Vic's reaction when no one had the nerve to tell DT his new eye was the wrong color: "I can't believe you a******* were going to let him wander around looking a ****ed-up husky because you two were afraid of hurting his delicate feelings..." I love that woman.

But then tragedy hits Walt and it's a heartbreaker. And while Walt feels that it is personally aimed at him from someone in his past he has to deal with the human fallout and that's just not something he is good at. He's a man who keeps his feelings to himself and bumbles when handling the feelings of others. Boy howdy does this poor man seriously fumble around. It painfully reminds the reader that despite his strong and stoic nature, deep down, Walt is still a frail human. We also get to see a bit of Walt's childhood, something he rarely looks back upon. To add to Walt's unhappy distress, the prophetic visions of his ghosts are starting to come true.

With his ability to build a strong story, his intelligent and clever word play, that cheeky sense of humor, and the most remarkable and endearing cast of characters; Johnson remains one of my favorite writers. I look forward to, and faithfully pre-order, all his new books. And, if he ever visits your town for a book signing, do go meet him. He is a most personable and accommodating speaker; he truly loves talking to his readers. His signings here started in a tiny little bookstore and as his audience grew exponentially he had to move to a larger venue.

Yep, this book is highly highly highly highly recommended.
beautiful-prose craig-johnson-is-my-favorite favorites ...more10 s Eric940 83

This being the twelfth book in the Longmire series, I have officially run out of superlatives for its' entries. The quality of the stories hasn't begun to waver in the least -- this is actually one of the strongest in the series yet -- and the author's commitment to advancing the character's stories in organic, yet significant ways keeps impressing me, as nobody wants to read a series this long where Status Quo is God. And man, with the unexpected and gut wrenching event halfway through this book, that just can't be said here. If you haven't yet read any of these books, do yourself a favor and start back at the beginning with The Cold Dish, as this series is so much better read in order.audiobooks craig-johnson detective-mystery ...more10 s Marty Fried1,092 111

The usual Longmire gang with the usual interactions. Maybe not as much humor, but there was a death in the family, so that's to be expected. Things happen, but nothing that important, so the story was not as interesting as some. Still, for me it's always a pleasure to visit with these people.

We get a bunch of Lucian in this one, which is always fun. I love some of his outbursts, as an antidote to too much political correctness. In this one, he refers to the highway patrol as Triple-A with guns, and says they "couldn't slap their ass with a patented ass-slapping machine." Typical from him.audiobooks favorite-authors10 s Brenda725 144

The most complete T. Rex fossil ever found causes major problems for Walt Longmire. No one is sure who owns the valuable dinosaur or the land it was found on. A murder occurs, another far away murder occurs, Cady and Lola visit briefly, and poor Walt is burdened with federal bureaucracy. I enjoyed the storyline, but there were times during dialogues that I had to stop and figure out who was speaking. It wasn't always clear and it wasn't labelled. I do the banter between the characters, but there were certain serious situations when the banter seemed inappropriate. Compared to previous books in the series, I'd say this was not the best, but not the worst.8 s Frank1,998 26

I decided to get a copy of this one from the library after finishing the previous book in the series, ANY OTHER NAME, a couple of weeks ago. I have been reading the Longmire books kind of hit and miss for the past few years and always seem to enjoy them and want more. In this one, Walt and Vic are summoned to a pond filled with snapping turtles to identify a body floating there. Turns out that the corpse is an elderly Indian named Danny Lone Elk who is also the head of the family and owns a large ranch. Then close by a dinosaur fossil is discovered that is probably worth millions. The T. Rex is dubbed Jen after the woman who discovered it and the Lone Elk family consider it theirs. But the head of a local dino museum claims he made a deal with Danny so the possession of the dino is in dispute. Then the State of Wyoming feels it also has a claim to the dinosaur and of course Walt gets involved along with Standing Bear in the dispute. Meanwhile, Walt's daughter Cady and his granddaughter are visiting Wyoming from Philadelphia. Her husband, a cop in Philly meets up with tragedy during the visit that may be at the hand of an old nemesis. So who killed Danny and is his death related somehow to the dinosaur discovery? Walt goes through a series of dangerous incidents before all is made clear.

This one was compelling as usual and made me want to continue with the series as soon as possible. The book kind of left a cliff hanger ending with the question who was responsible for the attack on Cady's husband and will it be avenged? I'll be looking forward to reading on...crime-thrillers-mystery7 s Jeff Dickison1,818 72

A good entry into the Longmire series. This has to do with the discovery of a T-Rex skeleton and the subsequent murder of the gentleman who owned the land it was found on. There is a subplot that I'm sure will lead to another book in the future. Highly recommended.6 s Mark1,452 161

The article of conflict is the Fossil of a Tyrannosaurus Rex found on the property of Indian gourds, the Indian who sold the right to excavation is found dead in a lake.
Walt Longmire gets an ADA on his back accompanied by the FBI because the man in question wants to make a case of selling the Fossil history of the state of Wyoming, or also known as a wee bit of Political Grandstanding something that Longmire has an absolute dis of.
Also Longmire's granddaughter Lola and daughter Cady are visiting the great outdoors of Wyoming and before she has landed the world has changed for Longmire, family and friends.
And then there is the drama of the Indian family on whose ground the Fossil was found and whose grandfather turns out to be poisoned. Longmire has his work cut out for him.

Another brilliant installment in this series that keeps telling a story I really enjoy reading, the down to earth Sherif who has his issues with visions of a supernatural but mostly Indian nature. Henry his Cheyenne best friend who keeps his friends alive and keeps drama grounded, Vic Moretti who stayed with Longmire because he stole her heart and more.

Their story and friendship. dialogue and insights make a stay in Wyoming's Absaroka County an interesting read and makes you yearn for more stories and developments in their universe.

Well worth the read, but start at the beginning and enjoy the development of Longmire's character and that those of his friends.
Or watch the tv show it is easily one of the better TV shows on the telly currently. 2016 western7 s Linda1,426 1,524

This was my first encounter with a Craig Johnson novel. It certainly won't be my last. I wanted to know what all the hoopla was about. Craig Johnson can write dialog nobody's business. The banter between his characters ranges from crisp and tight to lengthy and deeply memorable. I especially enjoyed the resurfacing of Walt Longmire's grandfather encounter at the kitchen table from long ago. The showdown spoke volumes of who Walt would become and who the grandfather had been.

One cannot whine about coming late to the ball. Starting with the latest novel and working backwards is a heavy undertaking. There were so many characters and backstories that I had to catch my breath and regroup for a minute. I want to know more about Walt's relationship with his daughter, Cady, and his present squeeze, Vic. Both appear to be women with deep-flowing rivers. I also love the vein of respect for his Native American community.

This story has been weaved with multiple threads of family, longtime friends and relationships, professional commitments, the FBI, and the High Plains Dinosaur Museum. It reaches into the past and then displays an unknown open-ended future. I believe that I am hooked once and for all.craig-johnson mystery-thrillers native-americans ...more7 s MackayAuthor 3 books28

The charms of the Walt Longmire series mostly lie in the deft characterization, the sly wit, the broad comedy, and the well-painted settings. All of that is believable and to be treasured. I always enjoy being in Walt's company, especially if Henry Standing Bear is close by. This won't be the last one I read, either (should Mr. Johnson care to write more). All that said, this story felt a bit phoned in and gave short shrift to elements within the tale.

**spoiler alert** But all is not right with this novel.

The murder of Cady's new husband obviously is setting up something down the line in the larger tale of Walt's evolving life, but it threw the balance of this book - which is about the discovery of a big T-Rex fossil and the subsequent fight over it - all out of whack. After such an event, it was hard to care (or believe Walt would care) about the tedious bones and the never-fully-resolved fight. Some characters simply disappear. Ho hum. Mr. Johnson is capable of so much more.mystery7 s Laura (Kyahgirl)2,202 150

4.5/5; 5 stars; A

I really enjoyed this audiobook. The narrator, George Guidall, probably made the book for me. His voice was well matched to all the characters.

And speaking of characters, that is what really appeals to me in this story; right from the main character, Walt Longmire, to his old buddy Henry Standing Bear, his under-sheriff Vic, Dog, and all the other colourful people in this Wyoming community. The mystery was interesting, the dialogue witty and the pace snappy. Despite the various dark elements in the plot, the overall feel of the book wasn't dark.

I have never read a Walt Longmire mystery before but will definitely be going back to check out earlier books in the series.audio-books compelling-characters gotta-love-small-towns ...more7 s Laura156

I really enjoy Craig Johnson's writing! And, although the characterization is a bit different than the TV series, I both and look forward to reading (and seeing) more stories about Walt Longmire.big-people-books7 s The Girl with the Sagittarius Tattoo2,496 352

The real mystery about Dry Bones is why I didn't love it more.

The story begins when an archaeologist discovers the largest and most complete skeleton of a T-Rex ever found - right here in Absaroka County, Wyoming! The fossil is located on the large ranch property of Danny Lone Elk. When Danny turns up face down in his own retention pond, the family assumes his long battle with alcoholism finally caught up to him. It's the most ly scenario... until the ME discovers he had deadly levels of mercury in his body.

This one just never caught my interest, which is a shame. I love archaeology and fossils and dinosaurs. Unfortunately, the plot had Lucian Connelly as a big character (I find him tiresome) and involved a runaway teenage boy again. *yawn*

There was one surprising development involving a permanent change for Walt's daughter. I was kind of shocked at the timing, although it's easy to see why Craig Johnson chose to do it from a long-term story arc perspective.

Let's see how Walt, Cady and granddaughter Lola do in An Obvious Fact.3-stars audiobook g-mystery ...more6 s ?Susan?1,016 220

Another great Longmire adventure. All the old characters are back. Walt finds himself caught between a government blowhard, a feisty young archeologist and the murder of an old Indian acquaintance. There are not many suspects and most are dismissed fairly easily, however just when Walt thinks he has a hold on the case, tragedy strikes. As much as he would to protect and serve he is very distracted and feeling useless. This book is a turning point in the series, some very serious, old, unfinished business must be handled by Walt and Henry before it rears its ugly death head again.

George Guidall is still one of my favorite narrators and is perfectly paired with Craige Johnsons wonderful characters.
audible dog favorites ...more6 s Julie4,147 38.2k

While all the books in this series are riveting, I found myself thinking, this was one of the best installments I have read so far. I loved the dialogue, the way the author offsets heavy plot developments with humor, and creates an atmosphere that sucks the reader right into the pages of the book.

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This review is the copyrighted property of Night Owl Reviews- http://www.nightowl.comhardcover mystery6 s Mark StevensAuthor 6 books185

I listen to Craig Johnson novels on audio for one reason: George Guidall.

George Guidall is the voice of Walt Longmire. He perfectly captures LongmireÂ’s wise, calm inner workings. As fans of the main character know, Sheriff Longmire never gets too excited and Guidall shifts from general befuddlement to rising alarm to stubborn insistence in smooth fashion.

Together, Guidall’s narration—as natural as sitting around a campfire—is made that much more sublime due to Craig Johnson’s easy-going prose and the steady rhythms of his velvet narrative style. The pacing is exquisite, the details are wonderful, and the plot charges ahead on a natural roll. Nothing feels forced. Johnson’s prose is a master class in subtraction—only the needed details—and steady forward momentum.

I don’t know about other Craig Johnson readers, but I live for the colorful touches as much as the big plot. A pack of dogs is “the canine mafia.” A one-year old “escapes from everything a miniature Houdini.” And at one point Vic smiles with “the kind of smile cats reserve for their dealings with mice.”

As reviewer Kevin Tipple and many others have pointed out, Johnson’s books and the television series “Longmire” are two different animals. The books are first-person. They ride on Longmire’s big-world view. He has ample reason to be jaded and biting, but he’s open hearted. He’s in charge, sure, but nobody needs to know he’s the smartest guy in the fictional Wyoming county where he keeps order. He gives everyone the benefit of the doubt. Longmire’s feet are so firmly planted on the ground that he makes ghosts as real as the dogs, trucks and Vic’s colorful language. There are multiple double-meanings of ‘dry bones’ in this yarn (including a nifty lesson on cremation); the best reference might be Longmire’s own marrow.

Unfortunately, the television show relies on a more traditional cop show mentality and, of course, can’t possibly let us in on the steady observations and attitudes that gives the books their fine style. It’s possible you’ve seen the show and don’t think you would enjoy the books. That would be a big mistake. If anything, treat the television series a gateway drug. (I’m writing this before getting a chance to see what Netflix does with the “Longmire” production; I’m hoping they open it up a bit and let it breathe.)

As stories go, "Dry Bones" is up there with my other favorite, "Hell is Empty." The good news here is that Johnson isnÂ’t mailing it in, despite the success of both the books and show. (IÂ’d be surprised if he ever did.)

"Dry Bones" involves a gem of a plot ignited by two events. The first is the discovery of a complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton—and possibly one of the best examples ever found. The second is the death of Danny Lone Elk, whose body is found being nibbled by turtles in a fishing hole. Murder? Natural causes?

The fight over ownership and the future of the skeleton and the investigation into the murder (hey, we know it’s murder—this is a murder mystery series) are smoothly interwoven with Longmire’s warm humor and ability to endure a variety of ordeals that both man and nature hurl his way. A subplot deals with the pending visit of Longmire’s daughter and granddaughter and then a tragedy back in Philadelphia adds a solid hunk of emotional weight, as if Longmire’s load wasn’t quite heavy enough.

There will no scenery chewing, however, nothing too over the top. Walt Longmire sucks it up, keeps moving right along.

Even given the most shocking news of all, Walt keeps it all in: “It’s a fact that the planet rotates at approximately 1,040 miles per hour, but there are those moments when the world just stops, magnetic poles be damned; you just stop the world with the weight of your own solitary gravitas.”

Listening to George Guidall, you'll feel that "gravitas" right down in your own dry bones.

(Final note: I have been reading and enjoying Craig Johnson's novels for many years. Visit my book review page for evidence: https://markhstevens.wordpress.com/. I was thrilled when Craig generously offered to read my forthcoming novel, "Lake of Fire" (September 2015), the fourth in the Allison Coil Mystery Series. He gave me a fantastic endorsement: www.writermarkstevens.com) 5 s Jamie Collins1,465 309

An insubstantial Longmire book, which nonetheless includes floods, lightning, a helicopter crash, a gun battle or two, and a death in the family. ItÂ’s an okay read if youÂ’re familiar with the series.

Plotlines include the discovery of a dinosaur fossil on some disputed land, the discovery of the dead body of a Cheyenne man who owned some of that land, and a visit from LongmireÂ’s daughter and new granddaughter.

I will never Walt and Vic together. Never.
contemporary-fiction mystery5 s Heather Fineisen1,264 118

This wasn't my favorite entry in the Walt Longmire series but it was still a good read. I d the focus on the dig that found the dinosaur bones and the legal initiatives that came with it. The characters are well developed and the dialogue witty. The mystery seemingly played second to the other story line which is left hanging. Overall, a solid read.

Copy provided by NetGalley.mystery net-galley series5 s Scott498 49

**As I continue my Longmire series read, full disclosure requires that I openly admit I am a devoted fan of the Longmire television show (on A/E and now Netflix) and have enjoyed reading the previous books in the Longmire book series that inspired that show even more. With that said, I am still doing my best to provide objective and an honest review. **

"Dry Bones" is the eleventh novel in the “Longmire” mystery series, continuing the fictional adventures of Walt Longmire, Sheriff of Absaroka County, Wyoming; his daughter, Cady, the world’s greatest lawyer; his best friend, Henry Standing Bear; his loyal and outspoken deputy, Vic Moretti; his loyal and less outspoken deputy, and Dog, his faithful animal companion.

This adventure begins with Walt waiting for Cady to arrive for a visit with his five-month old granddaughter, Lola. Unfortunately, before she can arrive, Walt is called in by Omar to investigate a dead body of a local rancher found floating face down in his own turtle pond. The victim, Danny Lone Elk, also happens to own the property that “Jen”, the biggest Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton was recently discovered and is being excavated by representatives of the High Plains Dinosaur Museum. Danny’s death and possible murder kicks off an ownership fight of the estimated $8M find, including claims from Danny’s family, the dinosaur museum, the local Indian tribe preservation society, and the federal government. Acting Deputy U.S. Attorney, Skip Trost, and a team of FBI agents (including one from a previous book) all show up on Walt’s door demanding a piece of the action.

While trying to fight off everyone trying to claim ownership, Walt begins his investigation to find out who would want Danny out of the way. Enlisting help from his best friend, Henry Standing Bear, the previous sheriff, Lucian Connolly and, mystery hunter and helicopter owner, Omar Rhoades, Walt gets tangled up with the members of DannyÂ’s family and their dysfunctional history.

As the story unfolds, Johnson moves smoothly between several plotlines, including the mystery around Danny’s death, the fighting between the various groups and agencies over the rights to “Jen”, and the arrival of his exhausted daughter and loud granddaughter. There are some great moments between Henry and Lucian, as well as with Henry and Omar. Although he’s used sparingly in the series, Omar brings just enough mystery and strength to stand shoulder to shoulder with Henry and withstand Lucian’s sharp sarcastic attacks. Besides, Johnson needed to find a way to include Omar’s famous Neiman Marcus helicopter in the story. There’s even a major surprise you won’t see coming that may involve Walt’s and Vic’s undead enemy hiding out in Mexico, Tomas Bidarte.

As usual, Walt gets himself injured and hurt, suffering his hundredth concussion (I swear he seems to suffer at least one concussion in every book) as he not only fights to uncover the secrets DannyÂ’s family members are keeping, but also tries to survive a horrible lightning and wind storm to reveal the truth and gain justice the Longmire way. However sarcastic this sounds, it was an entertaining read. I enjoyed the way the mystery unfolded, the unique members of Danny Lone ElkÂ’s family, the wonderful snidely character of Deputy U.S. Attorney Skip Trost as he tried to bend Walt to his side, and LucianÂ’s getting sick from drinking the poisoned liquor was classic.

Johnson has created a cast of real human characters and a physical geographic world that is beautiful in so many ways. But what really got me in this book was the shocking surprise that came in the middle of the story when I least expected it. Johnson pulls me and gets me to care about all of his world, and then he rips it out from under the reader, elevating the story and the drama to new and higher levels. There was more than a moment when I was very angry and refused to accept the outcome. ThatÂ’s what a great writer does to you and your heart. I hope youÂ’re happy Johnson. Seriously, I hope youÂ’re pleased with what you did.

Overall, "Dry Bones" is a story about the past, the future, revenge, and more importantly, the bonds of friendship and family. The shadow of Bidarte in the background, and knowing that no one is safe has captured my interest in a stunning manner. I cannot wait to find out what happens in the next book.mystery4 s Mike Finn1,343 38

It's been a year since I last read a Walt Longmire book so reading this one was meeting an old friend and effortlessly catching up with where you left off. Part of that comes from the familiar ensemble cast that I've gotten to know over the previous ten books and which have their own novel-spanning story arc. Part comes from the way Walt Longmire looks at the world with calm compassion, tinged with humour. A lot of it comes from George Guidall's gravelly-voiced narration, which I could listen to all day.

As is often the case with the Longmire books, this one starts off light and a little quirky, slowly drawing me into a situation, a set of people and a location and then gradually becomes darker and sadder, watching indentations in a rock path fill with water in the rain.

The book opens with the discovery of two bodies, The first is the fossilised remains of a T. Rex that a young palaeontologist and her dog discover while sheltering under a rock overhang. The second is of a body, floating in a lake, surrounded by snapping turtles.

This being the series it is, I knew the two would be related and that murder would be involved and that founding out how everything fitted together would take me on a tour both of the politics and economics of finding and selling a major new fossil and of the family, friends and enemies of the dead man.

All of that lived up to its promise, with the motivations and history being even more complicated than I expected. Along the way, a lot of fun was poked at the posturing of a newly-appointed Acting Deputy Attorney General and Walt was placed in a number of life-threatening situations, mostly involving very bad weather (storms rather than snow this time) and all kinds of people pointing loaded weapons at him.

The one part of this series that I'd grown a little tired of was the importance to the plots of Walt's mystic moments. Maybe it's the atheist in me refusing to let go, but I've always viewed Walt's regular communication with the spirits of dead Cheyenne as a sign of mental illness rather than a finely-tuned spiritual connection. It made me smile that, in this book, Victoria Moretti finally calls Walt on his 'vision thing' and asks if he's ever considered asking a neurologist to check out his brain for faulty parts.

The novel-spanning story arc also moved forward with some bad news that I'm sure will change the course of future books and which added to the slow accumulation of sorrow in the book.

I'm glad I went back to this series again. 'Dry Bones' has refreshed my appetite for the books which is good because, as of 2022, I still have another eight books left in the series.

I strongly recommend the audiobook version 'Dry Bones'. George Guidall's narration is too good to miss.audiobook crime crime-series4 s Jason KoivuAuthor 7 books1,334

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