The Sheriff is Coming to Town
January 16th, 2013Are you like the rest of Wyoming , and in fact, the rest of the good ol’ USA , who have caught Longmire fever?! For those of you not in the know, it is not a new influenza sweeping the nation. It is Longmire, a contemporary crime thriller, a new television series based on the Walt Longmire Mystery novels of New York Times bestselling author and Wyoming resident Craig Johnson. And the most exciting news is that you can rub elbows and hear a Wyoming author who has gained critical acclaim, speak on the making of the A&E series, Longmire, this Saturday, January 19, from 7 – 9 pm at the Broadway Theater, 618 Broadway, in Rock Springs, Wyoming! Sponsored by the Sweetwater County Library Foundation, this unique event includes chances to win autographed Longmire memorabilia during a live auction and the highest bidder will even win the chance to choose the name of a character in a future Longmire mystery.
If you are unaware of the Longmire phenomenon, let me explain about the 2012 summer hit series that is hailed as the new number one show on cable. Based on Johnson’s eight Walt Longmire Mystery novels (the ninth coming out April 2013), the stories are centered on the sheriff and also narrated by him. Widower Sheriff Longmire (starring Robert Taylor) of Absaroka County , Wyoming , is an observant, dedicated man with a “dry wit” and in bad need of a new truck. He has a quirky, gruff exterior yet he is gentle and honest and always insists on solving the case and bringing the culprits to justice. He is personally and professionally rebuilding his life with support from his daughter (Cassidy Freeman), a foul-mouthed, feisty female deputy (Katee Sackhoff), and his best advice dispensing buddy Henry Standing Bear (Lou Diamond Phillips) at the Red Pony. One of Walt’s most admirable qualities is that he is always willing to learn something from the Native American characters in the stories.
Craig Johnson’s novels have it all; you are drawn in to the story immediately through his colorful, well-developed characters and settings in Wyoming . Johnson’s stories are more than mysteries with surprise resolutions; they are the saga of a modern day Wyoming lawman. I can hear the characters speaking and I feel the wind and snow. When I can do that, I know the author is a great storyteller. Somewhere I read that Johnson’s settings are like one of his well developed characters. It hit the nail on the head; I could not have put it better. He is a strong storyteller with something for everyone. He combines the elements of great characters and settings, thrilling storylines, interesting themes, superb dialogue, good natured humor, and even romance along with a little of the supernatural. To watch clips or full episodes of “Longmire” and a list of Craig Johnson’s awards, please see the A&E website, http://www.aetv.com/longmire/about/andhttp://www.craigallenjohnson.com/.
You are invited to join the festivities Saturday night January 19, from 7 – 9 p.m. and meet Craig Johnson, author of the award-winning and New York Times bestselling Walt Longmire Mystery series, the basis for Longmire, the hit A&E original drama series. “After only four airings of A&E’s new drama series Longmire, the show has been renewed for a second season. The series premiered with 4.1 million viewers to become the A&E’s most-watched scripted series debut of all time and the highest-rated new cable scripted drama of 2012 among total viewers and adults 25-54.” He lives in Ucross , Wyoming – population twenty-five! Where is that you ask? Join us and find out! There will be delicious hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar Saturday night; one free drink is included with your ticket. Pick up your ticket in advance at any of the main libraries for only $25 or $30 at the door. Tickets are getting limited, so hurry!














