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Any Other Name: A Longmire Mystery    by Craig Johnson Amazon.com order for
Any Other Name
by Craig Johnson
Order:  USA  Can
Viking, 2014 (2014)
Hardcover, CD, e-Book
* * *   Reviewed by Hilary Williamson

Any Other Name is the eleventh episode in this popular series that follows Wyoming sheriff Walt Longmire. This time, his old friend and mentor, retired sheriff Lucian Connally, asks for his help (outside of his jurisdiction).

Lucian's old friend, Detective Gerald Holman in nearby Campbell County is dead. It seems a clear case of suicide, but Holman's wife doesn't believe her husband took his own life and Lucian wants to help her find out what happened. However he does warn her that Walt is 'like a gun; once you point him and pull the trigger, it's too late to change your mind.'

Naturally Walt can't refuse, even though his daughter is about to give birth in Philadelphia, and wants him there with her. Their frequent communications enliven the story, while the pressure on Walt to close the case quickly and the resulting tension tugs reader interest hard throughout. In fact, I found myself more concerned that Walt would get to the birthing room in time than that he would solve the mystery.

Holman, who 'was so by-the-book that he might as well have published the damn thing', had been a one person Cold Case Task Force. Three local women had gone missing, including a young Basque dancer, whose strong-minded sister is harrassing the police about their handling of the case. And there are plenty more colorful characters, including the strip club owner who just happens to be the Campbell County sheriff's sister.

As always, Vic and the Cheyenne Nation (Henry) get involved, though they do leave earlier than Walt manages for his daughter's big event. And Walt learns that there's a contract out on him, involving 'an unofficial union of assassins' - who set him up and why? I expect this plot thread will be developed further in the next episode.

Craig Johnson continues to write about tough situations with a light touch in Any Other Name - I enjoyed the fascinating trivia along the way, loved the ending, and am anxious to read more about Longmire's work and life.

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