Part of Walt Longmire, book 8.1
First published 2012
Sheriff Walt Longmire confronts the holidays in Absaroka County through four distinct cases that test his resolve. On New Year's Day, he assists an elderly domestic abuse victim while nursing a severe hangover and wearing only a bathrobe. Days before Christmas, grief overwhelms him when Martha's obituary mysteriously reappears in the local paper, followed by an unexpected visitor at his door. He encounters a young female hitchhiker who resists his attempts to help, challenging his protective instincts. Finally, Cady forces him into last-minute Christmas shopping, where he discovers a young Navy chaplain in need of assistance. Each story reveals Walt's struggle with Martha's death and his complicated relationship with his daughter Cady. His dry humor and compassionate nature shine through moments of vulnerability and strength, showing a sheriff who remains dedicated to helping others even while battling his own demons during the most emotionally charged time of year.
Genres: fiction, mystery, crime, contemporary
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: family-drama, found-family
Setting: Absaroka County
Period: New Year's Day, Christmas
82 pages · Kindle Edition · Penguin Books
Content warnings: domestic-violence