Hell and Back

Longmire Mysteries, Book 18

By: Craig Johnson

Narrated by: George Guidall

Length: 9 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

A new novel in the beloved New York Times bestselling Longmire series.

Picking up where Daughter of the Morning Star left off, the next Longmire novel finds the sheriff digging further into the mysteries of the wandering without—a mythical all-knowing spiritual being that devours souls.

Walt thinks he might find the answers he's looking for among the ruins of an old Native American boarding school—an institution designed to strip Native children of their heritage. He has been haunted by the image of the Fort Pratt Industrial Indian Training School ever since he first saw a faded postcard picturing a hundred boys in uniform, in front of a large, ominous building—a postcard that was given to him by Jimmy Lane, the father of Jeanie One Moon.

After Walt's initial investigation into Jeanie's disappearance yielded no satisfying conclusions, Walt has to confront the fact that he may be dealing with an adversary unlike any he has ever faced before.

©2022 Craig Johnson (P)2022 Recorded Books

This one hit me like a freight train.

I have put off tacking this one for awhile. Johnson has always dabbled a bit in the super natural with these Longmire books. And ever since the introduction of Virgil White Buffalo the novels are never far from supernatural spiritualism of the Americas. Specifically the super nature of the American west’s indigenous people. It has been an undercurrent of the novels since the first one where Walt carried Henry out of the mountains.

None of it has bothered me. In part because the magic, if that is the right word (I think it is), seems rooted in friendship, love and deep connection. But “Hell and Back” promised a story that I would have thought only Stephen King could have written. But eventually my need to experience the adventures of Walt, Henry, Vic and Dog, overpowered my worry about the content.
I’m glad it did. This is a pretty fresh take on haunting and closes out the last book’s story line with grace and unexpected depth.

This is a different kind of case for Walt. But it works, and if you have been reticent to tag along with Walt, for this one, I suggest you put it aside.

The emotional punch at the end was fantastically touching, and I don’t think that is me victim of some maudlin mood. I think “hell and back” simply represents an entertaining yet very real meditation on the real magic of the universe, and where the real meaning of our lives is derived.
It relies maybe too much on past Longmire adventures, but maybe not.

If you are a Longmire fan this is for you.

Enjoyable Listen

Having listened to the whole series it became confusing , then clearer. Nice touch at the end. Good Listen.

True Gift for Longmire Fans

The details in this unique journey of Walt’s is a gift to his loyal readers. The book was constantly revealing characters and storylines from his previous books. Craig Johnson shows great respect to his followers by writing such a story and as usual George Guidall delivers the story exactly as it was meant to be told. Wow!

Craig and George the BEST

Such a wild ride you have to hold on the stay with it!
Enjoyed every word looking forward for the series to continue!

All Of It!

Love how the past story characters were brought in. The people in Walt Longmire’s life are always on his mind and in his heart.

I will never be tired of the escapades of Walt

At this point, the only voice I imagine as Walt when reading, is that of Mr. Guidall.

love it

I have all the books in the series this one was very different can't wait for the next one

As to, Hell and Back

One of the Best ones yet. And I have loved every single one!! Awesome

Maybe my new favorite Longmire book

The callbacks in this story from all the previous books is so satisfying. I love the way he incorporated all the characters and taglines. I really enjoy the more mystical aspects of the Longmire stories and this may well be the pinnacle…so far. Love it! Can’t wait for the next one!

must read again

That was so different! Guidall was amazing, as usual, and kept me mostly on track with all the characters and story twists. There are plenty of those! There many, many quite scary sequences, terrifying where you could not stop the momentum, often followed by great relief when Standing Near shows up. Walt's existential searches and conclusions were a helpful, thought provoking guide. I recommend the book. I plan to listen again for more "aha" moment s discovered!