For the 12th novel in Craig Johnson's highly addictive mystery series, Absaroka County sheriff Walt Longmire and his best friend Henry Standing Bear are in Hulett, Wyo., during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. It's August and bikers from around the world are pouring into the area when one of them is run off the road and left in a coma. The investigating officer calls on Walt to help solve the crime.
While following the clues, Walt encounters hostile biker gangs; an undercover ATF agent; Lola, the namesake for Henry's '59 Thunderbird; and a 15-ton, military-grade MRAP (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicle. Meanwhile, Walt's undersheriff, Vic Moretti, shows up in a bright orange Dodge Challenger, adding to the vehicular mix. The suspense ratchets to nosebleed levels, and the action races nonstop. Paying homage to what is arguably the most famous orange Dodge, albeit a Charger, Johnson includes a rip-roaring car chase complete with a field full of hay bales. The Dukes of Hazzard would be proud.
Rounding out a dozen novels (A Serpent's Tooth, Dry Bones) with his beloved sheriff, not to mention short stories and novellas, Johnson hasn't lost a step. An Obvious Fact is fresh and exciting, while retaining the attributes that make this series so popular. It's witty and complex with pop culture weaved into clever Sherlock Holmes literary references. The brilliantly colorful, snappy dialogue remains second to none. And dynamic characters surprise and delight readers with their charm, authenticity and depth. The most obvious fact is not deceptive at all: Craig Johnson writes a mighty fine story. --Jen Forbus of Jen's Book Thoughts