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Walt Longmire #22
The Brothers McKay
Not yet published
Expected 26 May 26Sherriff Walt Longmire is back in another action-packed mystery following the events of Return to Sender.
- GenresMystery
368 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication May 26, 2026
About the author
Craig Johnson
117 books5,011 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Craig Johnson an American novelist, short story writer, and playwright. . He lives in Ucross, near Sheridan, Wyoming, population 25.
Johnson has written twelve novels featuring Sheriff Walt Longmire: The Cold Dish, Death Without Company, Kindness Goes Unpunished, Another Man's Moccasins, Junkyard Dogs, The Dark Horse (which received starred reviews from Kirkus, Booklist, Publishers Weekly, and Library Journal, and was named one of Publisher's Weekly's best books of the year in 2009), Hell Is Empty, As The Crow Flies and A Serpent's Tooth. The Cold Dish and The Dark Horse were both Dilys Award finalists, and Death Without Company was named the Wyoming Historical Association's Book of the Year. Another Man's Moccasins received the Western Writers of America Spur Award for best novel of 2008 as well as the Mountains and Plains award for fiction book of the year.
Former police officer; has also worked as an educator, cowboy, and longshoreman.
AWARDS: Tony Hillerman Award for "Old Indian Trick"; fiction book of the year, Wyoming Historical Society, for Death Without Company, Wyoming Council for the Arts Award.
Craig Johnson an American novelist, short story writer, and playwright. . He lives in Ucross, near Sheridan, Wyoming, population 25.
Johnson has written twelve novels featuring Sheriff Walt Longmire: The Cold Dish, Death Without Company, Kindness Goes Unpunished, Another Man's Moccasins, Junkyard Dogs, The Dark Horse (which received starred reviews from Kirkus, Booklist, Publishers Weekly, and Library Journal, and was named one of Publisher's Weekly's best books of the year in 2009), Hell Is Empty, As The Crow Flies and A Serpent's Tooth. The Cold Dish and The Dark Horse were both Dilys Award finalists, and Death Without Company was named the Wyoming Historical Association's Book of the Year. Another Man's Moccasins received the Western Writers of America Spur Award for best novel of 2008 as well as the Mountains and Plains award for fiction book of the year.
Former police officer; has also worked as an educator, cowboy, and longshoreman.
AWARDS: Tony Hillerman Award for "Old Indian Trick"; fiction book of the year, Wyoming Historical Society, for Death Without Company, Wyoming Council for the Arts Award.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
With this 22nd installment of Craig Johnson's Walt Longmire Mysteries, the author taps into the literature loving lawman's knowledge base.
A prominent unlikeable wealthy citizen, Pepper McKay, of Crazy Woman Canyon in Absaroka County is found dead and his family of 4 sons, all who have motive, are suspected. Walt and crew are investigating the possible murder as 3 wildfires are being driven their way by unpredictable winds. The suspect list grows as another body from the original suspect pool appears. Other characters add to the mix of plot twists including members of a seminary, of which one of the McKay's sons is a monk, a mule named Borax who connects with Walt's gentle side and survival in a firestorm, and a former Russian spy, Maxim Sudorov, who helps Walt with the solving of the mystery by refining the connection of Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov (hence, the significance of the book's title) to the case.
The book starts a bit slow as Johnson begins his investigation, and takes off later in my favorite part of book when Walt is forced into survival mode because of the fires having their way. Johnson's description of what is happening is top notch and the reader is right there wondering if there is any escape. One problem I had was one of the characters had been impaled by a tree branch and was draped over the mule when the text indicated this couldn't be done without causing more damage.
I also thought that Vic's role was over the top with her crude language and made me wonder how Walt could be engaged to her.
All in all, I really liked the book and am recommending it to patrons, family, and friends, because it includes the many great components in the Longmire series: Humor, Native American culture, incredible descriptions of Wyoming landscapes and landforms, great characterizations, and a mystery with lots of twists!
Thank you to Viking Penguin and Netgalley for the opportunity to read the ARC.
A prominent unlikeable wealthy citizen, Pepper McKay, of Crazy Woman Canyon in Absaroka County is found dead and his family of 4 sons, all who have motive, are suspected. Walt and crew are investigating the possible murder as 3 wildfires are being driven their way by unpredictable winds. The suspect list grows as another body from the original suspect pool appears. Other characters add to the mix of plot twists including members of a seminary, of which one of the McKay's sons is a monk, a mule named Borax who connects with Walt's gentle side and survival in a firestorm, and a former Russian spy, Maxim Sudorov, who helps Walt with the solving of the mystery by refining the connection of Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov (hence, the significance of the book's title) to the case.
The book starts a bit slow as Johnson begins his investigation, and takes off later in my favorite part of book when Walt is forced into survival mode because of the fires having their way. Johnson's description of what is happening is top notch and the reader is right there wondering if there is any escape. One problem I had was one of the characters had been impaled by a tree branch and was draped over the mule when the text indicated this couldn't be done without causing more damage.
I also thought that Vic's role was over the top with her crude language and made me wonder how Walt could be engaged to her.
All in all, I really liked the book and am recommending it to patrons, family, and friends, because it includes the many great components in the Longmire series: Humor, Native American culture, incredible descriptions of Wyoming landscapes and landforms, great characterizations, and a mystery with lots of twists!
Thank you to Viking Penguin and Netgalley for the opportunity to read the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Craig Johnson, NetGalley, and Viking Publishers for allowing me to read a free ebook in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is the 22nd installment in the long running Walt Longmire series and they just keep getting better! This one is the best yet! The plot and characters give an informative nod to the novel the Brothers Karamazov (hence the title). Having not previously read that novel, Walt talked me along so that I had all the information that i needed to follow the action (so don't worry if you haven't read the 1000 page tome either!). Circumstances come to a head at the O"Kay Ranch when two murder victims have been found and a third dead body is discovered just as the ranch is evacuated in the path of an oncoming forest fire. Walt is the last to leave, except (of course!) he discovers that a novice monk with a bad sense of direction and a stubborn mule (literally) haven't evacuated as they should have. Walt can't allow himself to evacuate without everyone else safe, so he heads toward the fire to rescue the monk, and ends up getting into the center of several large forest fires as they combine to form a super fire. Fortunately, Walt's new friend Borax the mule is as stubborn and steady as he is. Not only do Walt and Borax save lives, they get to the bottom of the series of murders also.
I also loved the other story line that is woven into the plot in which we learn a little bit more about the disappearance of Ruth One Heart, and we come face to face with an old adversary - or is he?
I already can't wait for the next book in the series!
This is the 22nd installment in the long running Walt Longmire series and they just keep getting better! This one is the best yet! The plot and characters give an informative nod to the novel the Brothers Karamazov (hence the title). Having not previously read that novel, Walt talked me along so that I had all the information that i needed to follow the action (so don't worry if you haven't read the 1000 page tome either!). Circumstances come to a head at the O"Kay Ranch when two murder victims have been found and a third dead body is discovered just as the ranch is evacuated in the path of an oncoming forest fire. Walt is the last to leave, except (of course!) he discovers that a novice monk with a bad sense of direction and a stubborn mule (literally) haven't evacuated as they should have. Walt can't allow himself to evacuate without everyone else safe, so he heads toward the fire to rescue the monk, and ends up getting into the center of several large forest fires as they combine to form a super fire. Fortunately, Walt's new friend Borax the mule is as stubborn and steady as he is. Not only do Walt and Borax save lives, they get to the bottom of the series of murders also.
I also loved the other story line that is woven into the plot in which we learn a little bit more about the disappearance of Ruth One Heart, and we come face to face with an old adversary - or is he?
I already can't wait for the next book in the series!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.75 stars
For those long-time fans of Sheriff Walt, another stirring adventure. These stories rate very high in readability, with their humor, their intelligence, their entertaining verbal detours, and a truly stellar cast of characters.
But the star of this tale was four-legged: Meet Borax, a gigantic john mule, phlegmatic in disposition (unless you scratch him under the chin), herculean in stamina, and truly the one who saved the day here. The other non human main character is a horrifying forest fire which adds a lot of suspense.
There is often a preposterous edge to Walt's mysteries and this is no exception. Realistically, I find it hard to forget that he is a 75-80 year old man (based on previous stories and his Vietnam experience) and he is often unbelievably super heroish. And the villain and the motive in this one are not particularly credible. Also I don't appreciate the cliffhanger endings. I fear one of the next adventures is going to take Walt to Russia and I am hoping to avoid a repeat of Walt's Mexican odyssey which I thought was a weak point in the series.
But I didn't care because this was such an entertaining and witty journey. Walt's conversations with Borax were highlights, and I hope Borax joins the cast of characters. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
For those long-time fans of Sheriff Walt, another stirring adventure. These stories rate very high in readability, with their humor, their intelligence, their entertaining verbal detours, and a truly stellar cast of characters.
But the star of this tale was four-legged: Meet Borax, a gigantic john mule, phlegmatic in disposition (unless you scratch him under the chin), herculean in stamina, and truly the one who saved the day here. The other non human main character is a horrifying forest fire which adds a lot of suspense.
There is often a preposterous edge to Walt's mysteries and this is no exception. Realistically, I find it hard to forget that he is a 75-80 year old man (based on previous stories and his Vietnam experience) and he is often unbelievably super heroish. And the villain and the motive in this one are not particularly credible. Also I don't appreciate the cliffhanger endings. I fear one of the next adventures is going to take Walt to Russia and I am hoping to avoid a repeat of Walt's Mexican odyssey which I thought was a weak point in the series.
But I didn't care because this was such an entertaining and witty journey. Walt's conversations with Borax were highlights, and I hope Borax joins the cast of characters. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In the next book in the Walt Longmire series, THE BROTHERS MCKAY by Craig Johnson, Walt Longmire is the protagonist. Walt and his fiancé, Vic (Victoria) Moretti, investigate the death of Pepper McKay, the owner of the O’Kay Dude Ranch in Absaroka County, Wyoming. Why is Pepper McKay dead, and did somebody kill him?
I enjoy returning to the world of Walt Longmire. I think I hear his voice as I read. While this book is one in a long-running series, it can be read as a standalone. The characters are well developed, and the plot is engaging. I especially like the dialogue between Walt and Vic and between Walt and Henry Standing Bear. It’s good to know Walt still drinks Rainier beer. I look forward to reading future books in the Walt Longmire series. Thank you, Viking Penguin and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review an advance reader copy of THE BROTHERS MCKAY.
I enjoy returning to the world of Walt Longmire. I think I hear his voice as I read. While this book is one in a long-running series, it can be read as a standalone. The characters are well developed, and the plot is engaging. I especially like the dialogue between Walt and Vic and between Walt and Henry Standing Bear. It’s good to know Walt still drinks Rainier beer. I look forward to reading future books in the Walt Longmire series. Thank you, Viking Penguin and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review an advance reader copy of THE BROTHERS MCKAY.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The twenty-second Longmire novel proves Craig Johnson still has his fastball. The Brothers McKay is a masterful murder mystery, a scintillating survival thriller, and a homage to The Brothers Karamazov. Trust me, you'll see the Russian classic in a whole new light (and not just because of the delightful scenes with Max Sidarov in this one). This is not one of those books where it's hard to find a suspect. In The Brothers McKay its hard to find anyone who shed a tear for the murder victim. There is no shortage of people who had reason to hate Pepper McKay. The fact some offer to take credit for the murder makes Walt's job even more interesting. The Longmire series remains the standard for books featuring American lawmen.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
My thanks to NetGalley for making an eARC of this book available for my review.
Walt is back, along with most all of his usual support group including Henry, Ruby, Cady, Dog, Victoria, and a Russian assassin, but this time we get a marvelous additional member in Borax the mule. (You'll likely see some similarities between Walt and Borax.) The deaths in this book are seemingly related to the classic book "The Brothers Karamazov", but we also get the most unrelenting and uncaring of opponents that Walt has ever faced: a wildfire. To top it off, there is major movement with the ongoing plotline involving Russian oligarchs.
Walt is back, along with most all of his usual support group including Henry, Ruby, Cady, Dog, Victoria, and a Russian assassin, but this time we get a marvelous additional member in Borax the mule. (You'll likely see some similarities between Walt and Borax.) The deaths in this book are seemingly related to the classic book "The Brothers Karamazov", but we also get the most unrelenting and uncaring of opponents that Walt has ever faced: a wildfire. To top it off, there is major movement with the ongoing plotline involving Russian oligarchs.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Longmire is back. Pepper McKay, the most hated man in Absaroka County, has been murdered on his ranch. The suspect list seems never ending, but each of Pepper’s four sons have a motive, even if they all claim innocence. Walt must pull the threads of old grudges and long-buried secrets to find the truth. With a second body and a wildfire tearing through the canyon, can Walt escape the killer and the elements.
Johnson pays homage to Dostoevsky’s classic in this 5-star read!
Thank you NetGalley and Viking Penguin for allowing me to read this title early!
Johnson pays homage to Dostoevsky’s classic in this 5-star read!
Thank you NetGalley and Viking Penguin for allowing me to read this title early!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5
Many thanks to Craig Johnson, Viking Penguin, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this novel. I’m a huge fan of the Longmire series, but sadly I haven’t loved the last few installments. I enjoyed The Brothers McKay, though, as it seemed a bit more like older books in the series. It was nice to see Walt solving a local mystery, and the allusions to The Brothers Karamazov were intriguing. I did find the ending to be extremely abrupt — so much so that it did not seem convincing. But overall, an enjoyable novel that should please Longmire fans.
Many thanks to Craig Johnson, Viking Penguin, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this novel. I’m a huge fan of the Longmire series, but sadly I haven’t loved the last few installments. I enjoyed The Brothers McKay, though, as it seemed a bit more like older books in the series. It was nice to see Walt solving a local mystery, and the allusions to The Brothers Karamazov were intriguing. I did find the ending to be extremely abrupt — so much so that it did not seem convincing. But overall, an enjoyable novel that should please Longmire fans.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A great addition to the Longmire series!
In this book, Walt has 2 dead bodies to deal with and a number of suspects, including Pepper McKay's (the first murder victim) 3 sons, each of which had motive, but claims innocence. Throw in the other dead body, just to make things more interesting and Walt has quite the challenge solving these murders.
Pick this great book up in May of 2026 to find out all the details!
In this book, Walt has 2 dead bodies to deal with and a number of suspects, including Pepper McKay's (the first murder victim) 3 sons, each of which had motive, but claims innocence. Throw in the other dead body, just to make things more interesting and Walt has quite the challenge solving these murders.
Pick this great book up in May of 2026 to find out all the details!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Brothers McKay by Craig Johnson is another welcome addition to the Longmire stories. This time the Sheriff is tasked with finding the killer of an unlikable rancher. There are lots of suspects, including his four sons and the ranch hands with the added complication of a forest fire burning out of control. As always, the storytelling is captivating if a bit over the top and the story is believable. The only thing wrong with a Longmire book is having to wait for the next one!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Craig Johnson delivers once again! Walt and Vic are called to investigate the murder of Pepper McKay, the much-despised owner of the O-Kay Dude Ranch with a cast of suspects a mile long. What ensues is a twisted mystery with a murderer one would least expect. Excellent suspense – especially the wildfire! I received an ARC from NetGalley, and the opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I love Craig Johnson books so much. A usual I loved this book. Craig is my auto read.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews