“Junkyard Dogs,” by Wyoming writer Craig Johnson, is the sixth novel in his Sheriff Walt Longmire series. Johnson’s hero, a 50-something widower, is a well-worn and seasoned lawman who has seen a lot of what human nature can do. Walt’s jurisdiction is Absaroka County in northeastern Wyoming.
One of Johnson’s strengths as a writer is his description and love of place, especially Wyoming, his home. “Junkyard Dogs” opens in February, and Wyoming’s harsh, long-running winter temperatures are not even breaking zero. The roads are icy and slippery — which, ironically, saves the life of local junkyard owner Geo Stewart.
It seems the 72-year-old Geo was up on the roof cleaning out the chimney when his new granddaughter-in-law decided to take the family car to the store. Not knowing that he was roped and tied off to the bumper, Geo was dragged behind the car for more than 2 miles before the car was pulled over by the deputy. This scene is the readers’ introduction to a bizarre family that definitely takes the fun out of dysfunctional.
In portraying Geo, Johnson writes, “He was a ball of tendons and stringy muscle tanned by the scorching Wyoming summers and freeze-dried by the winters into a living jerky.” Johnson’s talent for using fascinating and unusual people to conjure up plots brimming with extraordinary situations shines.
Contrary to some Westerns, where all the strong leads are male, Walt’s world is populated by some pretty incredible women.
One is Deputy Victoria “Vic” Morelli, his second in command who hails from Philadelphia and has quite the “colorful” language. Their relationship is complicated by a personal connection that Walt tries to suppress because of their difference in age.
Then there is Ruby, the dispatcher and über-efficient, bossy office manager inherited from the previous sheriff. Also Betty, Walt’s former ninth-grade English teacher, who plays a large role in this story with an unexpected connection to the aforementioned Junkman.
Walt’s best friend is Henry Standing Bear, a Cheyenne. They have been friends since they were boys. Henry has helped Walt in the past and is again drawn into the action lending his expertise in tracking to help find a murderer.
Deputy Santiago Saizarbitoria (Sancho) is suffering from what Walt calls “bullet fever” after suffering grave injuries during the last story — think post-traumatic stress disorder.
Surrounded by this stellar crew, Walt faces surprising actions by the county residents that test the endurance of his department and the medical staff of the local hospital.
First there is the long conflict between Ozzie Dobbs, who’s trying to get a high-end housing development off the ground, and Geo Stewart, who refuses to relocate the junkyard away from the site.
Then there is the discovery of a highly illegal cash crop being cultivated by Duane, Geo’s grandson. Mix in a member of the Aryan Brotherhood, a severed digit found in a cooler, kidnapping and an explosive, gripping scene at the junkyard featuring menacing, deadly dogs hellbent on Walt’s hide, and Johnson delivers a stellar story guaranteed to captivate.
Absaroka County and its residents seem to exist in a time and place where Shane and the Lone Ranger would be right at home. But this is a Western tale with a modern-day twist, populated with great characters that are right at home in the 21st century.
Johnson has woven a complex narrative that grabs the reader, drawing him into the plot with all its twists and turns. This story deals with strong human emotions of love, greed and desperation.
Johnson has a hearty, no-nonsense Western voice and his story is given immediacy by Walt’s first-person dialogue. It’s a comfortable and welcoming voice, with self-depricating humor and a wry outlook on life, as well.
Stepping in to Walt’s world is like slipping on a favorite pair of slippers, and it’s where those slippers lead that provides the thrill. Johnson pens a series that should become a “must” read, so curl up, get comfortable and enjoy the ride.
Leslie Doran is a freelance writer in Durango.
FICTION
Junkyard Dogs, by Craig Johnson, $25.95
