Lee Child
New York Times bestselling author of the Jack Reacher novels
Craig Johnson
New York Times-bestselling author of the Walt Longmire series
Photo credit: Catherine Henriette
New York Times-bestselling author Craig Johnson is the author of the longstanding Longmire mysteries, the basis of a hit Netflix series. Johnson is an in-demand speaker who entertains audiences with his wit, charisma, and anecdotes on writing and the culture of the American frontier. A true modern cowboy, Johnson lives in Ucross, Wyoming – population twenty-five.
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About Craig Johnson
Craig Johnson is the author of the New York Times-bestselling Walt Longmire series and one of today’s most popular mystery writers. Johnson’s Longmire novels have been translated into fourteen languages and earned him Le Prix du Polar Nouvel Observateur, the Western Writers of America’s Spur Award, and the Watson Award among others. In his latest book, Hell and Back, the eighteenth installment of the Longmire series, Johnson takes the beloved sheriff Walt Longmire to the very limits of his sanity to do battle with the most dangerous adversary he’s ever faced: himself.
Craig Johnson is a popular speaker known for his wit, charm, and engaging personality. A favorite with libraries, festivals, and schools, Johnson talks about the stories behind Longmire, his journey to becoming a writer, and living in the Western U.S. Johnson’s novella Spirit of Steamboat was selected as the first One Book Wyoming community read in 2014.
The protagonist of Johnson’s bestselling novels is detective Walt Longmire, a taciturn, trustworthy, and dedicated detective who investigates murders in the fictional Absaroka County, Wyoming and the nearby Indian reservation. Johnson has published twelve Longmire novels and counting, including hits such as The Cold Dish, Death Without Company, Kindness Goes Unpunished, Hell is Empty, and Dry Bones, as well as two novellas and one short story collection.
In 2011, the Longmire books were adapted into a blockbuster A&E television series, which debuted with 4.1 million total viewers – a record-breaking figure for an original series on the network. Longmire, starring Robert Taylor, Lou Diamond Phillips, and Katee Sackoff, moved to Netflix in 2014 and finished with its sixth season.
Craig Johnson lives with his wife on a ranch he built in Ucross, Wyoming – population twenty-five. Each summer, the Buffalo, Wyoming Chamber of Commerce hosts “Longmire Days,” an annual festival celebrating Johnson and all things Longmire. About 12,000-14,000 fans attend each year, including many of the show’s actors and Johnson himself.
Contact us for more information about booking Craig Johnson for your next event.
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Speaking Topics
The Stories Behind Longmire
Craig Johnson is the voice behind the hit Walt Longmire books, one of the best-loved mystery series today. Acclaimed for its Lone Ranger protagonist, unique Western settings, and willingness to confront complicated social themes – particularly surrounding Native Americans – the Longmire books are a refreshing take on classical western and detective fiction. In this talk, Johnson discusses the stories and inspirations behind his one-of-a-kind series, drawing on his experiences living in rural Wyoming and unusual journey to becoming a writer.
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Praise for Craig Johnson
Praise for Hell and Back
. . . those happy to bend crime fiction in the direction of horror will find a smorgasbord of supernatural delights.
— BooklistA mystical thriller that offers a wild ride through a thoroughly altered reality.
— Kirkus ReviewsPraise for Next to Last Stand
Like the greatest crime novelists, Johnson is a student of human nature. Walt Longmire is strong but fallible, a man whose devil-may-care stoicism masks a heightened sensitivity to the horrors he’s witnessed.
— Los Angeles TimesJohnson’s trademarks [are] great characters, witty banter, serious sleuthing, and a love of Wyoming bigger than a stack of derelict cars.
— The Boston GlobeJohnson’s hero only gets better—both at solving cases and at hooking readers—with age.
— Publishers WeeklyPraise for An Obvious Fact
Thrilling . . . Whether he’s squaring off against biker gangs or teasing out long-simmering feuds involving his closest friends, Walt Longmire is always the man for the job.
— Publishers WeeklyA Walt Longmire novel is like going on a ride-along with an old friend, watching him ferret out the bad guys with wit and humanity (and more than a few bullets), while we swap stories and catch up on old times…it’s An Obvious Fact—it’s good to have Walt back on the scene.
— Mystery ScenePraise for Any Other Name
[Johnson] has hit a home run….Indeed, this may be [his] best Longmire mystery yet.
— Wyoming Tribune EagleBracingly ruthless and unsentimental.
— The Washington PostOnce more, you can count on Longmire…for action both physical and cerebral, a bit of humor and romance, and a mighty good mystery.
— Kirkus ReviewsPraise for Spirit of Steamboat
Johnson is a born storyteller, and he spins this old-fashioned adventure tale deftly….An extremely pleasant present for fans of this popular series.
— BooklistPraise for A Serpent’s Tooth
Authentic….The story moves at a brisk pace, with room for some good-natured humor and plenty of gorgeous Wyoming scenery.
— CNN.comPraise for As the Crow Flies
Walt continues to be excellent company because he’s always keen to learn something from the strong Indian characters in this series…This time a wizened old medicine woman takes Walt in hand, guiding him through a Native American Church peyote ceremony deep in the woods…he [has] a vision that expands his mind and helps him solve the case.
— Marilyn Stasio, The New York Times Book ReviewPraise for Hell is Empty
Truly great. Reading Craig Johnson is a treat…[Johnson] has outdone himself with his newest book, Hell Is Empty…A piece of quality fiction that is built on so many levels that you could read it two or three times and not catch all that Johnson is trying to say…
— Wyoming Tribune Eagle... a chilling allegorical tale of resolve and endurance…[Johnson] uses his intimate knowledge of the landscape and wildlife of Wyoming to full advantage, making them characters in the action... Good stories that take place in the West are in short supply these days, and Johnson’s latest is the real deal with literary clout.
— The Denver PostPraise for Another Man’s Moccasins
An insightful look at various forms of racism, human trafficking, and confronting your own prejudices.
— Detroit Free PressPraise for Kindness Goes Unpunished
With strong human emotions of love, greed, and revenge . . . multifaceted and rich with depth and history.
— The Denver PostPraise for The Cold Dish
We in the West have a major new talent on our hands.
— The Denver PostA winning piece of work, and a convincing feel to the whole package.
— The Washington Post -
Books by Craig Johnson
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Featured Title
Hell and Back
"Solid . . . Longtime fans will relish Johnson’s new insights into Walt’s character . . ."
—Publisher’s Weekly
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