The past is a stubborn presence that refuses to be shaken off. Walt Longmire is rummaging through his past in an attempt to declutter his residence and placate his new paramour, Victoria. The appearance of a surfboard amongst the rubble leads to a remembrance of Walt’s youth when the world was more black and white.

In 1964, Walt and his best friend, Henry Standing Bear, are enjoying their last carefree days in Southern California before beginning basic training for military service. As Walt, Henry and Walt’s girlfriend prepare to depart the beach, a ship capsizes in the ocean. Walt and Henry dive into the waters to aid the vulnerable sailors. Their heroics are acknowledged by law enforcement but also scrutinized as the ship happened to be smuggling narcotics.

"FIRST FROST is equal parts humor, action and drama, and they all add up to another winning novel from this talented and prolific author."

Walt and Henry can’t get out of Dodge soon enough despite entreaties from local law enforcement to remain. As the pair drive eastbound, they soon find themselves off-course in an Arizona locale called Bone Valley. Their car is in need of repair, and the town gives off inhospitable vibes. They explore their surroundings, learning that one man reigns over the entire area and the land once hosted a World War II internment camp.

Upon meeting Bone Valley’s sovereign, they realize that their questions are as inconvenient as their presence. They are urged to move along. However, apparitions of a young girl in a Hannya mask bemuse Walt and lead to his car being disabled for a second time. The not-so-distant past featured a mass execution at the internment camp that bloodied the hands of its perpetrators and silenced the town residents. The planned road trip leading to a Vietnam deployment is now on hold.

In the present day, Walt is facing scrutiny for a recent volatile situation in which he used lethal force, and multiple suspects have been killed. He must testify as to the justification of his actions despite knowing the innate absurdity of the process. The proceedings prove trying as Walt and Victoria attempt to keep cool under the condescending questioning of lawyers with an agenda. Walt needs someone to back up his version of events or his world will come crashing down on him and his loved ones.

Craig Johnson continues the entertaining story of Sheriff Walt Longmire in this fun and appealing novel. The hypnotic narrative splits time between a youthful Walt and a more mature and enlightened Walt. The trouble that surrounds him hasn’t changed but has only assumed a new form. The plot runs smoothly as the tumultuous events of the bygone days reach its incendiary denouement, while those of the present time become more hazy.

The appeal of Walt Longmire is in his persistent pursuit of justice, even to his own detriment. The interactions between him and every character are memorable in their own way. FIRST FROST is equal parts humor, action and drama, and they all add up to another winning novel from this talented and prolific author.