Below is the complete list of Craig Johnson books in order. For this series, the chronological reading order is the same as the order of publication.
Publication Order of Walt Longmire Books
Publication Order of Walt Longmire Short Stories/Novellas Books
Publication Order of Walt Longmire Collections Books
About Craig Johnson
Craig Johnson is an American novelist best known for creating the long-running Walt Longmire Mysteries, a modern Western crime series centered on Sheriff Walt Longmire. Blending classic Western storytelling with contemporary crime fiction, Johnson’s novels have earned a large following for their strong sense of place, memorable characters, and thoughtful exploration of life in the American West.
Johnson was born in Huntington, West Virginia, in 1961, though he would eventually become closely associated with the wide-open landscapes of Wyoming that shape much of his fiction. His upbringing involved frequent moves, giving him exposure to different regions and communities across the United States. Before becoming a full-time writer, Johnson held a variety of jobs that ranged from teaching and law enforcement work to carpentry and horse wrangling. These experiences provided a wealth of real-world details that later informed the rugged authenticity of his novels.
Johnson eventually settled in Ucross, Wyoming, a tiny town with only a handful of residents. The rural setting became an important inspiration for his storytelling. The wide plains, harsh winters, and isolated communities of Wyoming appear frequently in his books, where the landscape often functions almost like an additional character within the narrative.
His literary breakthrough came with the publication of The Cold Dish in 2004, the first novel in the Walt Longmire series. The story introduces Sheriff Walt Longmire, a thoughtful and quietly determined lawman serving the fictional Absaroka County, Wyoming. Longmire is portrayed as a man shaped by both duty and personal loss, struggling to maintain justice in a sparsely populated region where everyone knows each other.
Reading Craig Johnson’s books in publication order reveals the gradual development of both the characters and the fictional county where the stories take place. Each novel builds upon Longmire’s relationships with a recurring cast that includes his loyal friend Henry Standing Bear, his sharp and capable deputy Victoria “Vic” Moretti, and his daughter Cady Longmire. Over time, their interactions form a strong emotional backbone for the series.
Johnson’s approach to storytelling blends several traditions. At its core, the series functions as a crime investigation, with each book presenting a new mystery for Longmire to solve. However, the novels also draw heavily from Western literature, emphasizing themes such as loyalty, personal honor, and the challenges of maintaining law and order in remote landscapes.
Another distinctive element of Johnson’s writing is the subtle humor woven throughout the narratives. Sheriff Longmire’s dry wit and understated personality often provide moments of levity amid serious investigations. This balance between tension and character-driven humor contributes significantly to the enduring appeal of the books.
The success of the Walt Longmire novels eventually led to the television adaptation Longmire, which premiered in 2012. The series brought Johnson’s characters and the rugged Wyoming setting to a much wider audience, helping introduce many viewers to the novels that inspired it.
Despite the success of the television adaptation, Johnson has continued expanding the literary series, with new installments exploring deeper layers of Longmire’s personal history and the evolving dynamics within Absaroka County. His novels often address complex topics such as Native American culture, rural politics, environmental challenges, and the tension between tradition and modernization.
Craig Johnson’s writing is frequently praised for its strong sense of atmosphere and its ability to portray small communities with authenticity and empathy. Rather than relying solely on fast-paced action, his stories take time to explore the lives of the people who inhabit the fictional county, creating a world that feels lived-in and believable.
Following Craig Johnson’s books in publication order allows readers to see the gradual growth of both Walt Longmire and the surrounding characters. Across the series, Johnson has created a modern Western saga that combines crime fiction, character-driven storytelling, and the enduring spirit of the American frontier.
I think the Longmire series are great reads. The books are much better than the TV series. I also think the books by James Lee Burke are excellent reads. Try one and you will be hooked.