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Dear lovers of mystery and storytelling,

Craig Johnson’s *Cold Dish*, brought to life by the masterful narration of George Guidall, is much more than a mystery novel. It’s a vivid journey into the heart of Wyoming—a place where the wild beauty of the landscape mirrors the raw complexities of human nature. Listening to this audiobook felt like sitting by a campfire with an old, trusted friend, spinning tales that are equal parts gripping and profound.

When I first pressed play on *Cold Dish* during a long road trip through the remote highlands of Patagonia, I was immediately struck by a sense of familiarity. The wind-swept plains outside my car window seemed to echo the rugged terrain of Absaroka County, where Sheriff Walt Longmire grapples with a case that’s as much about justice as it is about redemption. Johnson’s prose, so deeply tied to the rhythms of the land, reminded me of the time I listened to *One Hundred Years of Solitude* in the surreal desolation of the Atacama Desert. Just as Gabriel García Márquez’s magical realism mirrored the uncanny landscape around me, Johnson’s storytelling feels inseparable from the Wyoming mountains that loom large over his narrative.

The story centers on Sheriff Walt Longmire, a man weathered by life and loss, as he investigates the murders of two young men who had been involved in the rape of a Cheyenne girl years earlier. Johnson doesn’t just unravel a whodunit; he weaves a complex tapestry of morality, memory, and the weight of the past. The themes hit close to home for me, especially the exploration of cultural tensions and the lingering scars of old wounds. It brought to mind an evening I spent in Oaxaca, listening to a grandmother recount stories of her youth. Her voice carried the weight of generations, much like the way Johnson’s characters speak with a wisdom borne of hardship.

Guidall’s narration is nothing short of extraordinary. His gravelly voice feels as though it’s been aged by the same winds that whip through Wyoming’s high country. He captures Longmire’s weary humor and quiet strength with such authenticity that you can almost hear the snow crunching under his boots. Guidall’s pacing is impeccable; the silences between his words are as powerful as the words themselves. It’s a rare skill, one that reminded me of that Oaxacan storyteller and the way she used silence to draw her audience in. Guidall doesn’t just read the story—he breathes life into it, transforming the listening experience into something intimate and immediate.

The audiobook also excels in its atmospheric details. You can almost feel the bite of Wyoming’s winter air, hear the rustle of aspen leaves, and see the long shadows cast by the setting sun. Johnson’s descriptions, paired with Guidall’s evocative delivery, create a world so vivid that it feels as though you’re walking alongside Longmire through every twist and turn of the case.

If there’s a limitation to *Cold Dish*, it might be its pacing. The story unfolds at a deliberate, almost meditative speed, which might not appeal to listeners looking for a fast-paced thriller. But for me, that pacing felt like a perfect match for the story’s themes and setting. It allows you to fully absorb the emotional weight of the narrative and the intricate relationships between the characters.

In comparing *Cold Dish* to other works in the genre, it stands out for its depth and authenticity. Unlike many detective stories that rely on flashy plot twists, Johnson’s novel is grounded in the real and the raw. It’s a story about people—their flaws, their struggles, their capacity for both cruelty and kindness. If you’ve enjoyed the works of Tony Hillerman or James Lee Burke, you’ll find a kindred spirit in Johnson’s writing.

Who should listen to this audiobook? Anyone who loves mysteries with a strong sense of place, richly drawn characters, and a touch of existential reflection. It’s perfect for long drives through open landscapes or cozy evenings by the fire. And if you’re new to audiobooks, Guidall’s narration is an excellent introduction to how powerful the medium can be.

Reflecting on *Cold Dish* and my own journey with it, I realize how much stories like this enrich our understanding of the world and ourselves. They remind us that every place, no matter how remote, holds its own history and its own truths. And they show us that even in the harshest of landscapes, moments of grace and beauty can be found.

So, if you’re ready to be transported to the rugged beauty of Wyoming and dive into a mystery that’s as thought-provoking as it is suspenseful, I can’t recommend *Cold Dish* enough. It’s a listening experience that lingers long after the final chapter.

Happy listening, and safe travels wherever your journey takes you.

With warm regards and a love for the road and storytelling, Marcus Rivera
Marcus Rivera