Spirit of Steamboat | Craig Johnson

Spirit of Steamboat: A Longmire Story

Extended Synopsis

Sheriff Walt Longmire is quietly reading A Christmas Carol in his office when his solitary holiday is interrupted by a literal ghost of Christmas past. A young woman with a distinctive hairline scar arrives seeking answers about his predecessor, the legendary Lucian Connally. With his daughter Cady and undersheriff Moretti otherwise engaged, Walt takes it upon himself to assist her on Christmas Eve. The trail leads them to the Durant Home for Assisted Living, where Lucian, several tumblers deep into his Pappy Van Winkle’s, flatly denies ever laying eyes on the woman.

Undeterred, the mysterious visitor simply whispers the word "Steamboat," triggering a cascade of memories that transports them all back to a harrowing and fateful Christmas Eve in 1988. Spirit of Steamboat is a captivating novella that enriches the Longmire universe, delivering the series' signature blend of high-plains atmosphere, moral complexity, and deep character history. This holiday-themed mystery offers a thrilling ride into the past of Absaroka County's most iconic lawmen.

Reader Targeting

• Devoted fans of the Walt Longmire mystery novels and viewers of the hit television adaptation.
• Readers who appreciate atmospheric modern Westerns and character-driven crime fiction.
• Enthusiasts of tightly plotted holiday mysteries and compelling police procedurals.

Accolades & Awards

• A celebrated installment in the New York Times Bestselling Walt Longmire Series.

Author Biography

Craig Johnson is the New York Times bestselling author of the critically acclaimed Walt Longmire mystery series. Known for his authentic dialogue, deep understanding of the American West, and compelling characterizations, Johnson's work serves as the foundation for the hit television drama Longmire, currently streaming on Paramount+.

Bust-Down Books: Armed With Education