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Walt Longmire #8.2
Messenger
Sheriff Walt Longmire, his long-time friend Henry Standing Bear, and his undersheriff Victoria Moretti are returning from a fishing trip in the Bighorn Mountains when Walt receives a distress call from Crazy Woman Canyon. Forest service ranger Chuck Coon is in trouble. Walt, the Bear, and Vic arrive to find Coon and a young woman up a tree, so to speak. The unlikley duo are fending off three very real bears from the top of a Porta Potty and tell a mystifying story of another dangerous creature inside the “convenience.” When Walt, Henry, and Vic face the creature what they find may be a Messenger from the Camp of the Dead, with a very personal tie to Walt himself.
58 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
About the author
Craig Johnson
101 books4,649 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Craig Johnson an American novelist, short story writer, and playwright. . He lives in Ucross, near Sheridan, Wyoming, population 25.
Johnson has written twelve novels featuring Sheriff Walt Longmire: The Cold Dish, Death Without Company, Kindness Goes Unpunished, Another Man's Moccasins, Junkyard Dogs, The Dark Horse (which received starred reviews from Kirkus, Booklist, Publishers Weekly, and Library Journal, and was named one of Publisher's Weekly's best books of the year in 2009), Hell Is Empty, As The Crow Flies and A Serpent's Tooth. The Cold Dish and The Dark Horse were both Dilys Award finalists, and Death Without Company was named the Wyoming Historical Association's Book of the Year. Another Man's Moccasins received the Western Writers of America Spur Award for best novel of 2008 as well as the Mountains and Plains award for fiction book of the year.
Former police officer; has also worked as an educator, cowboy, and longshoreman.
AWARDS: Tony Hillerman Award for "Old Indian Trick"; fiction book of the year, Wyoming Historical Society, for Death Without Company, Wyoming Council for the Arts Award.
Craig Johnson an American novelist, short story writer, and playwright. . He lives in Ucross, near Sheridan, Wyoming, population 25.
Johnson has written twelve novels featuring Sheriff Walt Longmire: The Cold Dish, Death Without Company, Kindness Goes Unpunished, Another Man's Moccasins, Junkyard Dogs, The Dark Horse (which received starred reviews from Kirkus, Booklist, Publishers Weekly, and Library Journal, and was named one of Publisher's Weekly's best books of the year in 2009), Hell Is Empty, As The Crow Flies and A Serpent's Tooth. The Cold Dish and The Dark Horse were both Dilys Award finalists, and Death Without Company was named the Wyoming Historical Association's Book of the Year. Another Man's Moccasins received the Western Writers of America Spur Award for best novel of 2008 as well as the Mountains and Plains award for fiction book of the year.
Former police officer; has also worked as an educator, cowboy, and longshoreman.
AWARDS: Tony Hillerman Award for "Old Indian Trick"; fiction book of the year, Wyoming Historical Society, for Death Without Company, Wyoming Council for the Arts Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews
November 16, 2017
“Messenger” is a Longmire series short story which takes place between Book 8 “As the Crow Flies”. And Book 9 “A Serpent’s Tooth”. Since it is 58 pages long it doesn’t necessarily merit a full review, a few comments will suffice.
The story begins with Sheriff Walt Longmire, his best friend, Henry Standing Bear, and Deputy Vic Moretti returning from a fishing trip in the Bighorn Mountains when they receives a distress call from Crazy Woman Canyon. A forest service ranger and a civilian are in trouble. Walt, Henry, and Vic arrive to find Coon and the civilian woman trapped on top of a Porta-potty by a mother bear and her cubs. In addition to the bears there is also a dangerous creature who attacked the woman, hiding in the Porta-potty. Upon investigation, Walt, Henry, and Vic, must rescue an owl – a messenger from the camp of the dead – from the bowels of the potty before the mother bear attacks them.
As Johnson describes in his acknowledgement, his short stories don’t focus so much on a mystery, but rather the focus are more about revealing character. There is an energy that seems to come out more in his characters in the stories, such as Walt and Henry discussing the name of Walt’s future granddaughter during a car ride or Vic’s incessant skill to throw out vulgar and socially unacceptable sarcastic retorts. They are what give Johnson’s stories a magic and flow to them.
Overall, “Messenger” is cute, funny, and another nice transition between the regular series books.
The story begins with Sheriff Walt Longmire, his best friend, Henry Standing Bear, and Deputy Vic Moretti returning from a fishing trip in the Bighorn Mountains when they receives a distress call from Crazy Woman Canyon. A forest service ranger and a civilian are in trouble. Walt, Henry, and Vic arrive to find Coon and the civilian woman trapped on top of a Porta-potty by a mother bear and her cubs. In addition to the bears there is also a dangerous creature who attacked the woman, hiding in the Porta-potty. Upon investigation, Walt, Henry, and Vic, must rescue an owl – a messenger from the camp of the dead – from the bowels of the potty before the mother bear attacks them.
As Johnson describes in his acknowledgement, his short stories don’t focus so much on a mystery, but rather the focus are more about revealing character. There is an energy that seems to come out more in his characters in the stories, such as Walt and Henry discussing the name of Walt’s future granddaughter during a car ride or Vic’s incessant skill to throw out vulgar and socially unacceptable sarcastic retorts. They are what give Johnson’s stories a magic and flow to them.
Overall, “Messenger” is cute, funny, and another nice transition between the regular series books.
October 15, 2016
Of the five short stories about Absaroka County and its Sheriff Walt Longmire, "Messenger" looked the most promising. I like Walt, he's a great lead character, but if I want to relax and have fun I like his friends Henry Standing Bear and Vic Moretti even better. Between the laidback, phlegmatic Bear and the foul mouthed, temperamental deputy Vic I was sure there will be some sparks flying and some friendly 'burns' launched against the mostly gloomy Walt.
... and "Messenger" delivered on most of my expectations. It's a breather, a space for relaxing in the company of old friends and, why not, go fishing. Wyoming must be a perfect place for recharging your batteries in the middle of the beautiful Bighorn Mountains. But as long as there's a beeper or a cell phone nearby, Walt must answer the call of duty. This time is not murder most foul but a rescue mission for a Park Ranger and a clueless tourist (Do NOT feed the fauna! Remember Yogi Bear!) from some of those Bighorn beauties : an angry mother bear and her two cubs.
With the comedy taken care of, the rest of the short story deals with some serious family issues, like choosing a name for the soon to be born daughter of Cady. We even get two (messengers) for the price of one (story), one being the ever tactful Henry Standing Bear and the other one of those spiritual manifestations of Native American mythology that have characterized the series from its first episode.
All good, but to be honest I cannot call "Messenger" my favorite Absaroka short story. There's a couple of too obvious product placements, one whoopping coincidence that is only explained by spiritual mumbo-jumbo , a grizzly joke that I have heard a thousand times already and one too many scatological jokes that I grew out of back in my fourth grade.
These grumblings mean I am just about ready for a more substantial Longmire story, "A Serpent's Tooth", which was after all the reason I checked out the shorts in chronological order.
January 1, 2024
I love Walt Longmire and The Cheyenne Nation. Even a short story is awesome and their dialogue just makes me laugh. And what a predicament they were in between a bear, an owl, and an outhouse. So fun!
March 22, 2016
Walt Longmire, his best friend Henry and his under-sheriff Vic are on their way back from a fishing trip when they get a call for help. This ends up in saving folks from bears and an owl from a certain death. The image you get from Henry & Walt holding Vic upside down in the reservoir of a toilet to save the bird made me laugh really loud.
A short and really funny little story which illustrates all strengths that Craig Johnson has put in his Longmire series. If you have never read any of the books and want to know what the Longmire series is about this is a short story that introduces you to the Longmire world.
Well worth your while.
A short and really funny little story which illustrates all strengths that Craig Johnson has put in his Longmire series. If you have never read any of the books and want to know what the Longmire series is about this is a short story that introduces you to the Longmire world.
Well worth your while.
April 28, 2023
This novella is the adhesive between two novels in the Longmire series. It left me breathless. A person would have no visual sense of humor if they can read this without continuously laughing out loud. I dare you to try.
November 25, 2020
Wonderful, a short story with Vic, Bear and Longmire!
July 12, 2013
I am not sure that Mr. Johnson has a clear vision on how he wants to blend Native American mysticism with his tales of Walt Longmire. In this very short story, we have the owl as messenger. Johnson acquaints us with some of the legends and portents involving owls and also employs one member of the species as a comic device. The plot of the short story revolves around a call for help, a mother bear and her young, a park ranger, an ignorant tourist, Henry, Walt and Vic. The overall storyline advances with events in Philadelphia.
[Amazon sells this separately with a description that implies 50+ pages of story. It is true only if you count the first chapter of the next novel, which is tacked on.]
[Amazon sells this separately with a description that implies 50+ pages of story. It is true only if you count the first chapter of the next novel, which is tacked on.]
November 29, 2015
Nice little character piece featuring Walt, Vic and Henry. Some of the books don't always have time for moments that aren't plot driven, so getting to spend some off time with three of the best Longmire characters is always welcome. It's only twenty pages or so but prequels the next full novel 'A Serpent's Tooth' nicely and includes a sample Chapter to tease or tempt. But I'm sure everybody must be hooked by now. Walt and Henry in close proximity are always good value.
September 27, 2021
This was an amusing little story about Walt, Vic and Henry and a message for Walt about his future granddaughter.
November 8, 2023
Story about a toilet and an owl. This section made me laugh.
“What do you weigh, Vic?"
"Fuck you, that's what I weigh.”
Exactly. This might also have been you-know-who from the end of book 9 - just saying. You'll have to read this book and book 9 to figure out what I'm trying not to give away.
“What do you weigh, Vic?"
"Fuck you, that's what I weigh.”
Exactly. This might also have been you-know-who from the end of book 9 - just saying. You'll have to read this book and book 9 to figure out what I'm trying not to give away.
September 19, 2019
A quick read novella from one of my favourite series.
A Porta Potty, owl rescue, Indian folklore, and laugh out loud moments.
This novella takes place after Hell Is Empty, and mentions Virgil White Buffalo.
A good quick read with deeper meaning behind the owl representation.
A Porta Potty, owl rescue, Indian folklore, and laugh out loud moments.
This novella takes place after Hell Is Empty, and mentions Virgil White Buffalo.
A good quick read with deeper meaning behind the owl representation.
April 22, 2018
I wish this had been a bit lengthier because I really enjoyed it. Normally I can’t stand Vic but she was humorous in this story.
December 7, 2022
Listened to the audio version as a part of waiting for signs. This story was humorous.
March 12, 2018
This is a short story. I'm a bit ashamed that it is going to count as a title in my Goodreads reader's challenge...
Walt and Henry have gone fishing and Vic tags along. They catch fish, they receive a distress call and the story kicks off. A forest ranger, a tourist, hungry bears, a trapped owl, an unsavory job which falls to Vic; all these elements work together pretty easily and logically and the only dimension of wonder is what Bear tells us about the owl.
In Castaneda's book "The Teachings of Don Juan" the reader, me, is following along, listening to Don Juan's view of the world and not taking it seriously and then Carlos and Don Juan go out into the real world and meet a crow. Don Juan says it is in fact a witch. And what are you going to do? Suddenly his wild beliefs are made concrete. I didn't have quite the same sense here, but I did realize that for all his banter Henry Standing Bear is a deeply religious man in a very down to earth, Cheyenne, way. Possibly this is a Native American way.
Is this owl a messenger from beyond the veil? Or possibly the soul of someone dead - or of someone yet to be born? The questions aren't really answered, but it's a good story - if a little gross in part - and provides a deeper understanding of Cheyenne beliefs and Henry's character.
Walt and Henry have gone fishing and Vic tags along. They catch fish, they receive a distress call and the story kicks off. A forest ranger, a tourist, hungry bears, a trapped owl, an unsavory job which falls to Vic; all these elements work together pretty easily and logically and the only dimension of wonder is what Bear tells us about the owl.
In Castaneda's book "The Teachings of Don Juan" the reader, me, is following along, listening to Don Juan's view of the world and not taking it seriously and then Carlos and Don Juan go out into the real world and meet a crow. Don Juan says it is in fact a witch. And what are you going to do? Suddenly his wild beliefs are made concrete. I didn't have quite the same sense here, but I did realize that for all his banter Henry Standing Bear is a deeply religious man in a very down to earth, Cheyenne, way. Possibly this is a Native American way.
Is this owl a messenger from beyond the veil? Or possibly the soul of someone dead - or of someone yet to be born? The questions aren't really answered, but it's a good story - if a little gross in part - and provides a deeper understanding of Cheyenne beliefs and Henry's character.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2014
This is the third novella of this series that I've read and I really enjoyed it. I love the mystical aspects of each one, plus I'm a fan of the Longmire TV series, which is what attracted my attention to this series in the first place. There are nine full length books and 4 novellas, so far. I only read three of the novellas. I desperately need to catch up with this series.
I've grown to love these characters mainly from the TV show but, through these novellas, I've come to appreciate them even more. I just wish they were longer, but then they wouldn't be novellas and it just shows I need to read the full length novels :)
FTC Disclosure: NetGalley provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
I've grown to love these characters mainly from the TV show but, through these novellas, I've come to appreciate them even more. I just wish they were longer, but then they wouldn't be novellas and it just shows I need to read the full length novels :)
FTC Disclosure: NetGalley provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 24, 2013
Walt, the Cheyenne Nation Henry and Vic come up against an owl....
Humorous and enjoyable story, yet the serious point is that situation is indeed accurate and deadly to owls.
But it is indeed a fun visit to Absaroka County.
Humorous and enjoyable story, yet the serious point is that situation is indeed accurate and deadly to owls.
But it is indeed a fun visit to Absaroka County.
October 21, 2019
Funny and mystical story with no bad guys, just big, BIG bears and two people stranded on top of a Porta Potty. And another mysterious being inside the Porta Potty. Who can only be rescued by Vic. And that's the really funny - no, hilarious - part!
December 9, 2016
Johnson is just excellent. Have enjoyed every Longmire book I have read, including this one.
August 24, 2021
I think this might be the funniest short short story I have read. It contained laugh-out-loud moments and word pictures that bring forth "eeyew - that's disgustingly funny"!!! I love these characters in the Longmire series and find the shorts enhance their character development.
It's Indian summer and time for Henry Standing Bear, Walt, and tag-along undersheriff Vic Moretti to go fishing in the Bighorn Mountains. They are in the process of returning home with the day's catch, discussing Cady who is now married and pregnant, and what she might name the baby when Walt picks up a distress call from Forest Service Ranger, Chuck Coon, on his handheld radio. It sounds like a life or death situation. Henry hits the gas pedal and off they go in Rezdawg (Henry's truck) to the rescue.
When they arrive in Crazy Woman Canyon they find Ranger Chuck and a woman trapped on top of a Porta Potty trying to get away from a large angry black bear and her two cubs. After Henry diverts the bear and Walt rescues Ranger Chuck and the lady, they find another animal trapped down in the Porta Potty. Henry convinces the other two that they must save it because, in Cheyenne folklore, it might be The Spirit Messenger. In the meantime the mother bear returns. Rescuing the animal provides the comic relief between books 8 and 9. The ending punch line is hilarious.
It's Indian summer and time for Henry Standing Bear, Walt, and tag-along undersheriff Vic Moretti to go fishing in the Bighorn Mountains. They are in the process of returning home with the day's catch, discussing Cady who is now married and pregnant, and what she might name the baby when Walt picks up a distress call from Forest Service Ranger, Chuck Coon, on his handheld radio. It sounds like a life or death situation. Henry hits the gas pedal and off they go in Rezdawg (Henry's truck) to the rescue.
When they arrive in Crazy Woman Canyon they find Ranger Chuck and a woman trapped on top of a Porta Potty trying to get away from a large angry black bear and her two cubs. After Henry diverts the bear and Walt rescues Ranger Chuck and the lady, they find another animal trapped down in the Porta Potty. Henry convinces the other two that they must save it because, in Cheyenne folklore, it might be The Spirit Messenger. In the meantime the mother bear returns. Rescuing the animal provides the comic relief between books 8 and 9. The ending punch line is hilarious.
April 6, 2022
It was one of those late summer days that sometimes showed up in early October after a killing frost—warm, dry, and hazy; Indian summer. The term is over two hundred years old and was first coined by the French American writer John Hector St. John de Crèvecoeur in 1778, describing the warm calm before the winter storm.
While not the best of the short stories, this one is stronger for featuring my favorite trio prevalently. Something about Walt, Henry, and Vic always guarantees a good time, and that's pretty much the entirety of the cast for this story.
I know that I just need to accept that Cady is a main character in these books, but I just really don't want to. And, while this one doesn't feature her heavily, it does talk a lot about her and what she wants to name her daughter, and I happen to agree with Walt and Vic on this one.
Excited to start the next full novel now!
While not the best of the short stories, this one is stronger for featuring my favorite trio prevalently. Something about Walt, Henry, and Vic always guarantees a good time, and that's pretty much the entirety of the cast for this story.
I know that I just need to accept that Cady is a main character in these books, but I just really don't want to. And, while this one doesn't feature her heavily, it does talk a lot about her and what she wants to name her daughter, and I happen to agree with Walt and Vic on this one.
Excited to start the next full novel now!
February 23, 2018
I tend to enjoy these little connecting tissue stories as Craig Johnson calls them. Not a real mystery, but more of a character enhancement type of a story.
This novella has Walt, Henry and Vic on their way back from a fishing trip in the Bighorn Mountains when they receive a static infused distress call over their handheld radio from one of the local forest service rangers about “a couple of lives endangered.” So, being in the vicinity of the call, they decide to go about lending a hand.
Without giving away the story, the situation they come upon, leads to at least a couple of chuckle-worthy bits of dialogue among the cast of characters.
A quick and easy read, that was very enjoyable.
This novella has Walt, Henry and Vic on their way back from a fishing trip in the Bighorn Mountains when they receive a static infused distress call over their handheld radio from one of the local forest service rangers about “a couple of lives endangered.” So, being in the vicinity of the call, they decide to go about lending a hand.
Without giving away the story, the situation they come upon, leads to at least a couple of chuckle-worthy bits of dialogue among the cast of characters.
A quick and easy read, that was very enjoyable.
July 9, 2018
This wee little novella speaks to character more than mystery.
It is short and to the point and really fun to read.
"Sheriff Walt Longmire, his long-time friend Henry Standing Bear, and his undersheriff Victoria Moretti are returning from a fishing trip in the Bighorn Mountains when Walt receives a distress call from Crazy Woman Canyon. Forest service ranger Chuck Coon is in trouble. Walt, the Bear, and Vic arrive to find Coon and a young woman up a tree, so to speak. The unlikley duo are fending off three very real bears from the top of a Porta Potty and tell a mystifying story of another dangerous creature inside the “convenience.” When Walt, Henry, and Vic face the creature what they find may be a Messenger from the Camp of the Dead, with a very personal tie to Walt himself."
It is short and to the point and really fun to read.
"Sheriff Walt Longmire, his long-time friend Henry Standing Bear, and his undersheriff Victoria Moretti are returning from a fishing trip in the Bighorn Mountains when Walt receives a distress call from Crazy Woman Canyon. Forest service ranger Chuck Coon is in trouble. Walt, the Bear, and Vic arrive to find Coon and a young woman up a tree, so to speak. The unlikley duo are fending off three very real bears from the top of a Porta Potty and tell a mystifying story of another dangerous creature inside the “convenience.” When Walt, Henry, and Vic face the creature what they find may be a Messenger from the Camp of the Dead, with a very personal tie to Walt himself."
May 5, 2020
I have read the entire series as well as binge watched "Longmire" on Netflix. I love the characters. Walt Longmire is a truly decent person and his friend Henry Standing Bear is an amazing character. I loved the Indian culture that was brought into the book and I will never use the PC designation Native American again. Craig Johnson's descriptions of the Northern Wyoming landscape is like a travel book but the winters he writes about make we want to wrap up tight in a blanket and not go anywhere.
March 3, 2023
So much was happening in such a short book. The descriptive writing was especially compelling with everything that was going on in such a constrictive space. (Won't go into detail to discourage the spoilers!) The addition of Native American mysticism and symbolism was so compelling that it now makes me tend to look into the hidden meaning of everything! That's what a good book sometimes does - changes your perspective. Loved it!
October 2, 2017
One of the filler short stories -- with Walt, Standing Bear and Vic tasked with saving a ranger and a tourist who are on top of the outhouse being chased by a bear -- and then saving an eagle from the same outhouse which Standing Bear believes is a messenger and connected with the upcoming birth of Lola.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2021
Also found in Wait for Signs: Twelve Longmire Stories
Walt, Vic & Henry take on critters at the campsite, and in the process, Cady's baby names are discussed.
Walt, Vic & Henry take on critters at the campsite, and in the process, Cady's baby names are discussed.
August 17, 2023
Walt, Henry and Vic are out fishing when they find a game warden and a woman "treed" on top of a port-a-potty by a bear. They help the two stranded individuals get away successfully but they find there is an owl stuck in the bottom of the toilet. Henry says the owl is a spirit messenger and must be rescued and so begins another interesting adventure for the three friends.
March 8, 2018
Well, that was fast
I guess I is not look very closely because I did not realize this was a short story. I took it for the opening action of a book. Guess author had nothing more to say.
I guess I is not look very closely because I did not realize this was a short story. I took it for the opening action of a book. Guess author had nothing more to say.
September 21, 2018
Craig Johnson delights us, yet again, with another visit to Absaroka County, Wyoming to spend time with our favourite sheriff. As a bonus, we get treated to some fine sweary comic quips from Vic along the way.
“Messenger” is another Longmire short story. Yet it doesn’t involve a mystery and no crime has been committed that needs to be solved. It is simply a lovely visit to Longmire’s world. And it is quite possibly the funniest story, short or full length, in the entire collection to date.
Returning with his best friend, Henry Standing Bear, and his under-sheriff, Victoria Moretti, from a fishing trip, Longmire receives an urgent call for help from forest ranger, Chuck Coon. Arriving at the scene of the incident, our three favourites find Chuck and an attractive woman stranded on the roof of a portable toilet, a toilet that is surrounded by a hungry bear and her cubs.
So begins the fun and Longmire soon finds himself meeting a creature who may have been sent to him bearing a message from The Camp of The Dead.
“Messenger” is another Longmire short story. Yet it doesn’t involve a mystery and no crime has been committed that needs to be solved. It is simply a lovely visit to Longmire’s world. And it is quite possibly the funniest story, short or full length, in the entire collection to date.
Returning with his best friend, Henry Standing Bear, and his under-sheriff, Victoria Moretti, from a fishing trip, Longmire receives an urgent call for help from forest ranger, Chuck Coon. Arriving at the scene of the incident, our three favourites find Chuck and an attractive woman stranded on the roof of a portable toilet, a toilet that is surrounded by a hungry bear and her cubs.
So begins the fun and Longmire soon finds himself meeting a creature who may have been sent to him bearing a message from The Camp of The Dead.
May 4, 2019
Keystone Cops anybody
While this is a short story it has all that is necessary for a good read. Like all good short stories it leaves you satisfied but you still would like some more. The key here is a humorous look at life in the West. So for a good time get a copy and enjoy.
While this is a short story it has all that is necessary for a good read. Like all good short stories it leaves you satisfied but you still would like some more. The key here is a humorous look at life in the West. So for a good time get a copy and enjoy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews