Let’s start with the assurance that I never read The Brothers Karamazov. I was an English major in college, but nothing in my studies prepared me for Russian literature. I have a little background in Greek drama, thanks to a wonderful high school English teacher, but that prepared me well for Jeopardy questions (hubris, anyone?). So, my discussion of Craig Johnson’s The Brothers McKay will not be a deep dive into a comparison with The Brothers Karamazov. Instead, I can tell you it’s another example of Johnson’s wonderful storytelling skills, and his vivid descriptions of Wyoming nature, with the addition of an awesome mule.
Of course, trouble always comes in threes for Sheriff Walt Longmire of Absaroka County, Wyoming. When Pepper McKay, owner of the O-Kay Ranch is found dead in a stream, it seems everyone in the county could have wanted him dead, including Walt. But, did the drunken man slip and hit his head on a rock, or did someone do that to him? Pepper’s four sons were all at the ranch the night he died. That included his illegitimate son, who has as much reason to hate him as anyone. And, of course, everyone suspects him. Just when Walt is told it was murder, there’s another death.
Trouble comes in threes, but it isn’t just murder. Cady, Walt’s daughter, was just appointed the new State Attorney General, and she has a problem on her hands. Maxim Sidorov, a Russian and star witness for the state, wants to move to a different county, one without a parole officer. Since Longmire’s office is closest, that makes him parole officer for a man who tried to kill him. Just what Walt needs, responsibility for a Russian spook who manages to leave his cell constantly, and has a few suggestions about Longmire’s murder investigation.
As Walt deals with both of these situations, there’s an enormous wildfire heading their way. Longmire does his duty, making everyone else leave the area, everyone on his staff, and all his suspects in the McKay killing But, who is the responsible one who takes time to look again for anyone left behind and finds himself trapped with the dumbest religious novice ever, and a mule?
I’ve always enjoyed the tidbits of history that Walt just seems to spout naturally, stories of the War of 1812, the history of St. Bernards, mules in Nevada, quotes from Oscar Wilde.I enjoy the love and passion for Wyoming that Longmire has. Then, there’s the dry humor. Walt doesn’t want to leave Borax, the mule, behind. Borax doesn’t want to leave the O-Kay Ranch. “I climbed in the truck and sat there staring at him, thinking that if I had an animal spirit, I was probably looking at him.”
If you’re looking for a good story, a complicated, tense mystery with wonderful characters, and an admirable mule, check out the twenty-second Longmire mystery, The Brothers McKay. Any connections to The Brothers Karamazov, other than what is explained in the book, is up to you to discover.
Craig Johnson’s website is https://www.craigallenjohnson.com/
The Brothers McKay by Craig Johnson. Viking, 2026. 360p.
FTC Full Disclosure – I received a galley from the publisher through NetGalley, with no expectation of a positive review.
I read it long ago, back in the early 90s, as it was required for one of my courses when I was doing a double major in Literature and History at The University of Texas at Dallas. So, I remembered just enough to feel very stupid when the links were made in the tale.
Very much enjoyed the read.
And, fortunately, Kevin, I didn’t have to feel stupid because I hadn’t read it, and have no intention of doing it. The book I was “supposed” to read, and didn’t was Remembrance of Things Past. I think I read, maybe, ten pages, and said the heck with this. On the other hand, I was in a class that spent eight weeks on Hamlet. Eight weeks! We could have written it in that time!
Been there and done that. I ground out the Remembrance deal and hated every page. Had to write a paper on the damn thing too.
BLAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And did the two month Hamlet nonsense too. Not to be ever again, quoth the raven.
Ah, but did you do the two month Hamlet with a weird professor with a Southern accent whose “claim to fame” was he was in a theater class with Jim Nabors? (sigh) One of the poorest professors I ever had.
Ditto, on both the Longmires and the Karamazov, which I’ve never read. This one is on hold.
Oh, good. You’ll read it like me, as a mystery, Jeff. I LOVED the mule, Borax. He’s impressive.
I was a little disappointed in Return to Sender, the one that preceded this one, because Walt was solo pretty much the entire book. I really miss the secondary characters when they are only allowed brief appearances. I read all of them but this new one, and I’m hoping the whole team gets some decent page-time this time around.
Sam, You’ll be happier with this one. Vic and Henry are init. The Russian is a good character. And, Borax, the mule. Is wonderful!
Sam, If you’ve never watched one of the Poisoned Pen Bookstore’s videos with Craig Johnson, you should. If you go to YouTube and put in Poisoned Pen Bookstore – Craig Johnson, you should get the video of Wednesday night’s event. Craig is always funny, and he addresses your comment about the characters.