The Knucklehead Report – Issue #4

BOOK REVIEW – THE COLD DISH BY CRAIG JOHNSON

Photo courtesy of Amazon.com

Some time ago, I ranted about the state of the modern Western genre. After several eye rolls, typical when I’m ranting like this, a suggestion to watch the TV show Longmire. Honestly, as I wasn’t quite finished with my rant, it is rude to interrupt a man mid-rant. So, I dismissed the possibility of this show being worth my time. I went so far as to claim the last good western was “Pale Rider.” So, I waited a month out of spite and tuned in to the TV show. Well, I loved it watched the entire series, and bought the book. Then I watched it several times before remembering I had bought the book.

First, I found it incredible. The book is about a country sheriff trying to find his way back after losing his wife. It featured the same characters in the TV adaptation with a few extras. But the central cast of characters is similar. I was reading how Longmire navigates through grief and regret and maintains a sense of dignity. Being a lawman and father is all that remained for Sheriff Longmire.

Slowly, we discover the relationships he has with staff. They were more than staff. They were more like family. However, with family, they hold their members to specific standards of conduct. As many know, when a person is grieving, it is one of the most horrific things to witness. Yet, the person’s circle of friends remains firm in the hopes the person they know and love returns to them. We see this throughout the story.

Each character experiences a crucible of sorts. When I think of Wyoming, I think of clean blue skies, fresh air, and peaceful living—foolish, I know. But why would I believe life’s challenges would somehow skip the Pacific Northwest?

Vic battled her displacement from her family, life, and career. Like many attractive women, most women, truthfully, aren’t being taken seriously in male-dominated professions. Lucian is battling to stay relevant, looking for one last ride to prove he is still a badass. I could go on forever about this book, but I have read this at least three times and certain portions more than that. A smile appears as I finish this review; it just occurs to me this series makes it okay to be either the cowboy or the Indian in our children’s game.