This particular review is written by someone who's been a card-carrying Walt Longmire/Craig Johnson fan since the very first book, The Cold Dish. As crazy as I am about this series, even I will admit that, while they're all good, some books are stronger than others. When I began reading Next to Last Stand, I grew a little impatient, even a little worried. Vic spent most of her time whining about being bored and being a pain in the rear end. On the other hand, Walt kept having episodes where his mind would wander off to parts unknown and he'd stare off into space for long periods. Granted, my reaction to Vic comes from personal experience. I remember being bored only once in my life, and I tend to roll my eyes when anyone says that they are. Walt is another story. I'll let Vic ride shotgun with me any day, but I love Walt. I want him to be recovered from his experiences in the last two books. I want my Walt back! (Now look who's whining...)

The good news is that, once this investigation picks up speed, Vic and Walt are both back to the normal that all fans know and love. Yippee!

I happen to enjoy a good art heist, and that's what readers will find in Next to Last Stand. The even better news is that there's more to love in the book than finding a stolen painting and the identity of the thieves. There's the look into the cutthroat art world. There are the Wavers at the Wyoming Home for Soldiers and Sailors, characters all. There's the African proverb which states "When an old man dies, a library burns to the ground." (Could we change "man" to "person," please?) There's a topnotch chase scene. There's the only chicken coop on the National Register of Historic Places. And best of all-- whether showing us how to persuade a nude prisoner to don his clothes or helping a new employee learn the ropes, there's humor, there's intelligence, there's Walt. He's my kind of guy. It's good to have him back.

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It's good to be back in Absaroka County again. This is definitely a more light-hearted entry in the series, especially when contrasted with Depth of Winter. Almost all the familiar characters (except Cady) get at least a walk-on part. The history of the painting was interesting, the Russians were kind of over the top in an amusing way, and it's always fun to see Longmire surprise others with his knowledge about art and culture. Liked the Wavers wheelchair brigade, but I think I've seen that DJ type in too many other books. Liked the history lessons too, although some didn't feel as organic to the story as they could have been - especially having the Wavers tell Longmire all about Charley Lee. They'd known each other for years, supposedly, so no need for the biography. And here's something I wish wasn't in my head - the kidnapper guy who coats himself in Vaseline thinking the deputies won't be able to hold onto him. Okay, it's funny. But...why is there a giant tub of Vaseline available in the prison bathroom? Do I want to know that? Well, enough of that. It's a good book and sets up for some changes in the future, maybe.

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