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.

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).

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.

Mysterious / Suspenseful / Gritty / Emotional / Contemplative

- The Cold Dish is the first book in Craig Johnson's popular Longmire series, which inspired the television series Longmire.
- The title The Cold Dish references the saying "Revenge is a dish best served cold," and sets the tone for the novel's themes of justice and vengeance.
- Craig Johnson, the author of The Cold Dish, is known for setting his novels in the fictional Absaroka County, Wyoming, which is inspired by his own experiences living in rural Wyoming.

**Walt Longmire**  
The sheriff of Absaroka County, Wyoming, and narrator of the story, who leads the investigation into a murder, showcasing his sensitivity and humor despite personal grief.

**Vonnie Hayes**  
Walt's friend and love interest, known for her artistic background and complex personal history, which shapes her actions and relationships.

**Henry Standing Bear**  
Walt's best friend and a Vietnam War veteran, who provides unwavering support to Walt while also facing cultural and personal challenges.

**Victoria “Vic” Moretti**  
An ambitious and skilled undersheriff from a family of police officers, who navigates both personal and professional challenges in her role.

**Lucian Connally**  
The former sheriff of Absaroka County and Walt's mentor, known for his politically incorrect language and traditional approach to law enforcement.

**Brian “Turk” Connally**  
One of Walt's deputies and the nephew of Lucian, characterized by his rodeo-cowboy demeanor and contentious relationship with Walt.

**Lonnie and Melissa Little Bird**  
Members of the Cheyenne tribe, with Melissa being a young woman healing from trauma and her father Lonnie struggling to understand the justice system.

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