Earlier
this week I reviewed the latest incredible book by Craig Johnson, The Western Star. Memories of a
legendary train are a major part of that book. As I was reading, I was reminded
of another book of his where memories of a mode of transportation played a
major role in the tale. For this Friday in October when there has already been
snow in the Northern Rockies it seemed appropriate to remind you of Spirit Of Steamboat: A Walt Longmire Story
first reviewed here in late December 2013. Patti is at Bouchercon 2017 with her husband, so this
week Todd Mason has the honors at his Sweet Freedom blog for more
reading suggestions.
The Tuesday before Christmas brings
snow, relative quiet, and no real plans for Sheriff Walt Longmire other than
his annual rereading of A Christmas Carol.
That is until the quiet dark haired woman toting a garment bag walked into his office.
Eventually it becomes clear that she wants to see the former Sheriff, Lucian
Connally. The woman claims to have something that she would like to return to
him.
Lucian is living at the “Durant Home
for Assisted Living” and could probably use a visit from somebody besides
Sheriff Walt Longmire and Dog. Not only is the home’s television another victim
of Lucian’s legendary temper having died by gunshot, the man is not in the best
of moods because it is Christmas and he has been drinking quite a bit. He has
no idea who the mystery woman is either until she says “Steamboat.”
What follows is an incredibly
suspenseful flashback tale of a flight to save a child’s life against the
odds---medical and environmental. On Christmas Eve in 1988 an aging WWII plane
and a cast of locals including the recently retired Lucian and first year
Sheriff Walt Longmire pulled off a Christmas miracle. Though readers can
surmise from nearly the start that the dark haired woman was that child, there
is plenty of suspense in how the flight happened and why she is back now.
While Spirit Of Steamboat: A Walt
Longmire Story is a short book as it is a novella, it is a powerful and
deeply moving book. Craig Johnson brings alive the storm, the people, and the
history of a legendary aircraft in a way that few novelists could do. The
resulting 160 page book might simply be the best thing the man has ever
written.
Spirit Of Steamboat: A Walt Longmire Story
Craig Johnson
Viking (part of Penguin Group)
ISBN# 978-0-670-01578-8
October 2013
Hardback (also available in e-book and
audio)
160 Pages
$20.00
Material supplied by the good folks of
the Plano Texas Public Library System.
You can also read Lesa Holstine's take on the book here.
You can also read Lesa Holstine's take on the book here.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2013, 2017
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4 comments:
I'm a big fan of Johnson and Longmire. THE SPIRIT OF STEAMBOAT only enhanced my appreciation.
I agree. Heck of a book and heck of a series.
I have read all but the last two of Craig Johnson's books, have never been disappointed. Loved this one. Trying to wait till the snow flies to sit back and read his last two - not sure I can wait that long. Nice review!
Thank you! Appreciate it. Just make sure to read them.
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