50 pages • 1 hour read
Craig JohnsonThe Cold Dish
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2004A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Cold Dish by Craig Johnson follows Sheriff Walt Longmire of Absaroka County, Wyoming, as he investigates the murder of Cody Pritchard, one of four young men previously convicted of sexually assaulting a young Cheyenne woman, Melissa Little Bird. As more murders occur, Walt, alongside his undersheriff Vic Moretti and best friend Henry Standing Bear, navigates a complex case that intertwines vigilante justice and community tensions.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Craig Johnson's The Cold Dish is widely appreciated for vibrant storytelling, rich character development, and an evocative setting. Some readers found the plot pacing uneven. The protagonist, Walt Longmire, is noted for his depth and relatability, but a few critiques mention predictability in certain plot points. Overall, it’s a commendable start to the Longmire series.
Who Should Read The Cold Dish?
A reader who enjoys The Cold Dish by Craig Johnson would likely be a fan of modern Westerns with a strong sense of place, complex characters, and compelling mysteries. They would appreciate titles like A Cold Day in Paradise by Steve Hamilton and Longmire (TV series adaptation).