Walt Longmire is the sheriff of Absaroka County, Wyoming, a vast and sparsely populated region where he’s known most residents his entire life. Created by Craig Johnson, Walt has become an icon of modern Western fiction through 20+ novels that blend traditional lawman archetypes with literary depth and contemporary themes.
Walt is haunted by the death of his wife Martha, which occurred before the series begins. This loss colors everything he does, driving his commitment to justice while leaving him emotionally guarded. He’s aging, sometimes questioning his relevance in a changing world, but his integrity and dedication to protecting his county never waver.
His best friend is Henry Standing Bear, a Northern Cheyenne who owns the Red Pony bar and provides Walt with insights into Native American culture and philosophy. Their friendship, forged in Vietnam, grounds Walt and gives the series its richest thematic exploration of Western identity and the complex relationship between white and Native communities.
Deputy Vic Moretti, a tough former Philadelphia cop who moved west, serves as both Walt’s most capable officer and a source of romantic tension. Their relationship evolves throughout the series, complicated by their professional roles and Walt’s emotional unavailability. Walt’s daughter Cady, a lawyer, adds family dynamics while occasionally becoming involved in cases.
What makes Walt compelling is his combination of traditional Western values—integrity, courage, self-reliance—with modern complexity. He’s not a simple hero; he’s a man struggling with loss, aging, and his place in a West that’s changing faster than he’d like. This depth makes him more than just another fictional lawman.
Reading Order
See the complete Walt Longmire reading order for all books in the series.