Next to Last Stand

Written by Craig Johnson

Narrated by George Guidall

One of the most viewed paintings in American history, Custer’s Last Fight, copied
and distributed by Anheuser-Busch at a rate of more than a million copies a year,
was destroyed in a fire at the Seventh Cavalry headquarters in Fort Bliss, Texas, in
1946. Or was it? When Charley Lee Stillwater dies of an apparent heart attack at the
Veterans’ Home of Wyoming, Walt Longmire is called in to try to make sense of a
partial painting and a Florsheim shoebox containing one million dollars, both found
in Stillwater’s foot locker, sending the good sheriff on the trail of a dangerous art heist.

Walt is fond of the veterans who sit outside the home and wave at passing cars,
and he felt a particular kinship with Charley Lee, making him all the more eager to
untangle the mystery of the deceased man’s belongings. As he follows the money—
encountering some nefarious characters along the way—Longmire strives to make
sure that this investigation doesn’t become his own next to last stand.

Craig Johnson is the New York Times bestselling author of the Longmire mysteries,
the basis for the hit Netflix original series Longmire. He is the recipient of the Western
Writers of America Spur Award for fiction, and his novella Spirit of Steamboat was
the first One Book Wyoming selection. He lives in Ucross, Wyoming, population
twenty-five.

George Guidall’s 40-year career in the theatre includes leading roles on Broadway,
Off-Broadway, and in regional theatres across the country. The recipient of an Obie
Award, he has appeared in over 75 productions ranging from Shakespeare to Neil
Simon. One of the audiobook industry’s most acclaimed readers, Guidall received
Audie Awards for his performances of A Widow for One Year and I Know This Much
Is True.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Sep 22, 2020
• ISBN: 9781501998799

Craig Johnson

Craig Johnson es el director principal de ministerios de la Iglesia de Lakewood con Joel Osteen, que supervisa todos los ministerios pastorales y es el fundador de la Fundación Champions y los centros de desarrollo del Club de Campeones para necesidades especiales, con más de 75 centros en todo el mundo. Craig es el coautor de Champions Curriculum, un plan de estudios cristiano de alcance completo para aquellos con necesidades especiales. Es autor de Lead Vertically que inspira a la gente a ofrecerse como voluntario y a construir grandes equipos que perduren y Champion que habla sobre cómo el viaje milagroso de un niño a través del autismo está cambiando el mundo. Craig y su esposa Samantha, tienen tres hijos: Cory, Courtney y Connor.

Reviews for Next to Last Stand

[Janet J. King · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very good ... well worth my time. If you've never read or listen to a Longmire story why what are you waiting for

[Ed · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was a great mix of history and fiction. All done with creative wit and intelligence.

[lewilliams-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Custer's Last Fight was destroyed in a fire at the 7th Cavalry headquaters at Ft, Bliss TX...but what if it didn't burn up? Along the way to finding the answer, Walt looks into the death of Charlie Lee Stillwell at at Veteran'ss Home. which was ruled to be natural causes. This gets Walt, Vic and Bear involved with a group of four wheel chair riding vets, the mystery of a partial painting of Custer's Last Stand, and a shoe box of one million dollars. Another good read from Craig Johnson.

[ethel55_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A bit of art history greets Walt when he arrives at the veteran's home after the death of an old soldier and family friend. Those ubiquitous bar prints of Custer's Last Stand had to start somewhere, and this book explores an interesting what if scenario, and bringing international intrigue to Wyoming.

[lbswiener · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Next to Last Stand is a good story. It keeps one guessing as to who and why there were killings and art thefts. There is also a little humor to keep the story going. The characters are believable and the scenery descriptions are easy to follow. The book was highly researched regarding Custer's last stand. Four stars were awarded to this book.

[waldhaus1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Another new direction for Longmire giving Johnson an opportunity to explore an iconic event in American history while adding human interest.

[ralphd00d-325171 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is book #16 in the Walt Longmire series.

A famous painting was destroyed and now resurfaces in a very unlikely place. Walt doing the due diligence he feels the office of Sheriff is required, as well as his sense of moral obligation, goes in search of answers - is it truly the real deal? As answers are found out, he goes against not only some seedy characters, but even the Russians.

I started this series many moons ago, prior to the television show being released, and have truly enjoyed it. Though being set in a fictional place, Johnson brings out a very realistic feel about the beauty of Wyoming, and the 'cowboy-type' attitude of the main character. When I read of this story being released, I was a bit hesitant. Due to the ongoing story line, each of the last books have made me wonder how much further will this series continue, at least with the main character. His age, and thoughts of retirement, bring these to mind, as well.

[jamespurcell · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Walt and his team spend a lot of time increasing their fund of knowledge as they pursue a missing Little Big Horn illustration. Despite thousand of copies widely distributed in bars and saloons, this one is special. Not for its art but for its provenance. And, it all starts with the death of a WW2 vet, one of the wavers, from the local veteran's home. How did he get the $1 million dollars found in a shoebox in his room?Lots of good repartee as he, Vic and the Bear pursue the painting, its history, and its raison d'etre. Another very good book from this excellent series.

[cbl_tn · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Absaroka County Sheriff Walt Longmire has a soft spot for the Wavers at the Veterans’ Home. These men sit in their wheelchairs at the end of the drive and wave at passing vehicles. After one of the Wavers dies, Walt is surprised to find a box full of cash in his room, along with an old painting that seems familiar. Even though there doesn’t seem to be a case for the sheriff’s department, Walt’s curiosity leads him to Custer’s Last Stand/the Battle of the Greasy Grass (depending on your perspective), a legendary painting of the same, and a shady Russian art dealer and his associates.It seems like Johnson really wanted to write about Custer and the legends surrounding him, and he had to push the boundaries of the series in order to do it. Walt really had no business launching an investigation without evidence of a crime. I can forgive the plot weaknesses since the secondary characters are much more prominent in this installment. Unusually, Walt is rarely alone in this book. He spends a lot of time with Vic, and he goes on a road trip with Vic and his best friend, Henry Standing Bear. One of my favorite minor characters, Lonnie Littlebird, makes an all too rare appearance in this book. I don’t think this book would work well as a standalone because of the plot weaknesses, but I think longtime series fans will love the ensemble aspect of this book as much as I did.

[gpangel_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Next to Last Stand by Craig Johnson is a 2020 Viking publication.The famous painting of Custard’s Last Fight, , once widely distributed by Anheuser-Busch was allegedly destroyed in 1946. But, when Charlie Lee Stillwater dies, a shoebox with a million dollars and a piece of a painting is discovered amongst his belongings, which raises Walt Longmire’s curiosity. Thus, begins another adventure for the sheriff of Wyoming's Absaroka County. I love heist or caper storylines, and enjoy the history that often accompanies stolen art. Unfortunately, this plot didn’t fit this series or Walt Longmire, in my opinion. The execution is wonky as well, and at times I struggled to remain focused. I was invested enough in the story to want to see the outcome, but this was one of the weaker installments in the series. I’ve remained loyal to this series, even when I felt it was veering off course, and have had a few concerns about the change in tone and direction, but I confess, my patience and enthusiasm is waning. Naturally, I will optimistically approach the next entry in the series, but it may be the last chance I give it. 3 stars

[labdaddy4 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I have read every “Longmire” book and they simply never get old. Settling in to read one kind of feels like putting on a worn but oh so comfortable pair of jeans. For this one, in addition to the humor, action, and mystery - the author introduced and zany group of elderly vets that play an essential part in the book. I hope that before these characters pass from the scene - they make other appearances in Johnson’s novels

[buffalogr · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Next to Last Stand refers to a painting of Custer's Last Stand. If you've ever been to Garryowen, MT, it'll seem familiar. The story takes place in adjacent Wyoming and the mythical Absaroka county is nearby to Garryowen. I really did not enjoy the Mexico excursion a couple of books ago; and the lasting impact seems odd and strange. Some of the characters are residents of the Wyoming Veteran's home and one of them has the world's largest pile of chicken shit. Johnson has a sense of humor, all right. Enjoyable. Light-hearted! Will there be a Longmire #18?

[samsattler · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The good news about Craig Johnson’s sixteenth Walt Longmire novel, Next to Last Stand, is that it entirely takes place on Longmire’s Wyoming turf. But the best thing, really, about this new one is that Johnson makes almost all of the series secondary characters integral parts of his story. As good as the last two books in the series have been, both books (for longtime series fans) suffered from the near-disappearance of characters such as Longmire’s best friend Henry Standing Bear; his daughter, Cady; his undersheriff and love interest, Vic Moretti; his dispatcher and organizer, Ruby; and former sheriff Lucian Connally. The bad news is that the Longmire is still on the outs with Cady, meaning that her only appearance in Next to Last Stand comes via conversational third-party references.Of course, the “last stand” referenced in the title of Next to Last Stand refers to George Armstrong Custer’s fiasco at the Battle of the Little Bighorn, a fight during which he and almost his entire army were slaughtered by an overwhelming number of American Indian soldiers. Twelve years later, in 1888, an otherwise unexceptional painter called Cassily Adams produced a large painting of Custer’s portion of the battlefield. The painting was sold to a St. Louis bartender who hung it over his bar but lost it (along with his bar) four years later as payout on a $35,000 debt to Adolphus Busch. The painting, which was destroyed in a 1946 fire, is still famous today because Budweiser made it a prominent part of its advertising for decades by producing over one million copies of the painting. But what if the painting really survived the fire? What would it be worth today, and what would an unscrupulous collector be willing to pay for it? (The real painting actually was destroyed.)When Charlie Lee Stillwater dies from an apparent heart attack at the Veterans’ Home of Wyoming, Walt Longmire is saddened by the man’s sudden, but not all that unexpected, death. It is only when looking around the old black man’s room at the home that Walt learns how knowledgeable Charlie was about art and the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Then, when Walt discovers an old boot-box stuffed with a million dollars in unmarked $100-dollar bills, along with a partial painting that reminds him of Custer’s big mistake, all the alarm bells in his mind start ringing at the same time. Just who was his old friend Charlie Lee Stillwater and what was he up to before he died? Walt is going to figure it out – and try to survive the process of doing it.I should note that in Next to Last Stand readers will continue to watch Walt suffer from the aftermath of what happened to him in Mexico two books earlier in Depth of Winter. Walt is really feeling his age and the way it slows him down, but he keeps throwing his body into the chase as if he were a man ten or fifteen years younger than he is. And he’s finding out the hard way how bad an idea that is. As a reader, I’m starting to worry a bit that Johnson is hinting that Walt is about to retire as sheriff of Absaroka County, realizing all the while that that would not necessarily mark the end of the series. Many a series has continued after the retirement of its main character – think, John Rebus or Harry Bosch – so Longmire’s retirement could just mark a shift in his perspective. The book does end on a rather ominous note, however, when the sheriff finally contacts his “estranged” daughter Cady by phones and begins the conversation with the words, “Hey, Punk, I’ve got some sad news.” Those are, in fact, the very last words of Next to Last Stand.Bottom Line: Next to Last Stand is particular fun for readers who grew up hearing stories about General George Armstrong Custer and the way he managed to so abruptly end his military career. The portion of the book during which Henry Standing Bear, Walt, and Vic visit the battleground is a particular joy to read. Too, readers who have visited the Buffalo Bill Cody museum in Cody, Wyoming, will enjoy the segment of the book that takes place there because of the insights into what goes on behind the scenes of that wonderful museum. This is a memorable addition to the Walt Longmire series.

[cathyskye · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This particular review is written by someone who's been a card-carrying Walt Longmire/Craig Johnson fan since the very first book, The Cold Dish. As crazy as I am about this series, even I will admit that, while they're all good, some books are stronger than others. When I began reading Next to Last Stand, I grew a little impatient, even a little worried. Vic spent most of her time whining about being bored and being a pain in the rear end. On the other hand, Walt kept having episodes where his mind would wander off to parts unknown and he'd stare off into space for long periods. Granted, my reaction to Vic comes from personal experience. I remember being bored only once in my life, and I tend to roll my eyes when anyone says that they are. Walt is another story. I'll let Vic ride shotgun with me any day, but I love Walt. I want him to be recovered from his experiences in the last two books. I want my Walt back! (Now look who's whining...)The good news is that, once this investigation picks up speed, Vic and Walt are both back to the normal that all fans know and love. Yippee!I happen to enjoy a good art heist, and that's what readers will find in Next to Last Stand. The even better news is that there's more to love in the book than finding a stolen painting and the identity of the thieves. There's the look into the cutthroat art world. There are the Wavers at the Wyoming Home for Soldiers and Sailors, characters all. There's the African proverb which states "When an old man dies, a library burns to the ground." (Could we change "man" to "person," please?) There's a topnotch chase scene. There's the only chicken coop on the National Register of Historic Places. And best of all-- whether showing us how to persuade a nude prisoner to don his clothes or helping a new employee learn the ropes, there's humor, there's intelligence, there's Walt. He's my kind of guy. It's good to have him back.

[hcnewton · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.--- I placed my hands on my hips and stared at the recently departed. It was true that he wasn't a man I particularly liked, but fate had brought him in contact with me and now he was dead wand that made me partially responsible.... "Earth to Walt." I turned and looked at her as she smiled. "So, you're getting pissed, huh?" She stood beside me, toeing a tuft of grass. "There's always a point where you start taking it personally. I like that part because that's when shit starts happening, and I like it when shit starts happening." She turned her face toward me, listening as I clenched my fists, like a cinch being tightened ion a saddle. "So, is shit about to start happening?" "I believe so."WHAT'S NEXT TO LAST STAND ABOUT?An elderly resident at the Veterans' Home of Wyoming ("The Sailor’s & Soldier’s Home of Wyoming") dies of an apparent heart attack—which saddens, Walt, he liked Charley Lee Stillwater (and Cady loved the man). But what gets him coming back is the fact that among his possessions is a shoebox full of hundred dollar bills. Ten thousand of them, in fact. Where does a man like Charley Lee come up with that? And is there a clue among the surprising amount of books about art, art history, and General Custer in his room?And the presence of a million dollars does cast a little doubt on the heart attack if only to be thorough. That's a great motive to kill someone—or at least the beginning of one. Things develop from there as they tend to when Walt gets curious. He ends up involving art experts from all over the state (and even the world)—experts who may be more interesting than the art they're discussing.I want to spend more time at The Sailor’s & Soldier’s Home—I liked both the staff and the residents we spent time with. The souped-up motorized wheelchairs were great, and the people in them were even better. I just hope we don't need another semi-suspicious death to get Walt back there.The Custer material really serves as an excuse for Henry Standing Bear to sound off about Custer and the battle of Little Big Horn. I'd love to hear a few history lectures from Henry, the little bits we got here were enough to make me want more. Walt, Vic, and Henry (with an assist from Lucian) also give their (almost universally negative) opinions about all the movies made about the man and event. The Custer, Little Big Horn, and cinematic material alone is worth the effort to read this book.** Of course, with Johnson's style, there's not a lot of effort involved, so that may come across as faint praise.NEXT TO LAST STAND IN RELATION TO THE REST OF THE SERIESThere's a new staff member for the Absaroka Sheriff Department, and at least one member of the current staff is preparing to leave (how many is yet to be determined). Johnson either has big plans, or he's writing himself into a corner where he'll have to make some. I'm pretty curious about it either way.But the bigger tie to the rest of the story is where this stands in relation to Depth of Winter. I enjoyed The Western Star, and thought the conclusion was a doozy. This led into Depth of Winter, which was good, but...wasn't a Walt Longmire book. Land of Wolves focused on Walt's recovery and was closer to what I expect in a Longmire book. Walt's not back at 100%, physically or mentally. But he's closer to it than he was in Land of Wolves, close enough that the book gets closer and closer to a typical Longmire read the further we get. Something about this case sparked whatever it was in Walt that he'd allowed to grow dormant since the last chapter of The Western Star.It's never really spelled out—it's just obvious to those of us who've spent 16 books (plus the short stories) with the Sheriff. I'm not looking for the series to stagnate. I appreciate that every book in the series has a different feel than the others, and I don't want that to change. I want Walt, Vic, Sancho, and the rest to develop. But there's something about every non-Depth of Winter novel that remains quintessentially the same—I was more than a little worried that Johnson had left that behind in favor of the guy who took on a small army in Mexico. I'm glad to see I was probably worried about nothing.THE RETURN OF AN OLD FRIENDLonnie Littlebird—Chief of the Cheyenne Nation and Tribal Elder—is back! It's been too, too long since his smiling presence has graced this series. Um hmm, yes, it is so.I've got nothing more to say about him, but as always, I perked up when I saw him. I just enjoy him (and am looking forward to hearing George Guidall's narration of the audiobook, I like his Lonnie Littlebird).WELL, I GUESS I KNOW WHAT THE NEXT BOOK IS ABOUT?There's this subplot involving Henry Standing Bear, Tribal Police Chief Lolo Long (from As the Crow Flies, Dry Bones, and maybe a short story), Lolo's niece, and Walt that looked like it was going to be a major part of this novel. And then it just...went away. I'm not talking about being unresolved, it was simply dropped with 150 pages to go.Now that I stop and think for a minute, there was another subplot that didn't get adequate resolution...maybe it's setting the stage for something else, too?I think Johnson's too good to just drop stuff without a good reason (ditto for the editorial staff at Viking). I just can't see the reasoning from here.SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT NEXT TO LAST STAND? "You do realize that being so conversant with wounds that you can estimate the amount of stitches needed to retain vital organs is not normal, right?" I laughed. "What's normal in this line of work anyway?" "Good question."Abandonded storylines aside, I liked this so much. The world and characters we know and love have almost been absent—or at least not fully present—since 2016's An Obvious Fact. But they're all here, and it felt so good to be back. But even without that sense of relief, this was a fun book—had we got this book without the Mexico trip trilogy (for lack of a better name), I'd have enjoyed it as much. Clever mystery, great characters—both the guilty, the victims, and everyone else—with a conclusion that's as entertaining as it is satisfying. I was in hog heaven.Would this work as a jumping-on point to the series, or even to read as a stand-alone? Oh, yeah. Absolutely. Johnson's strong on that point, you can jump on at almost any point and feel at home. You technically could read this as a stand-alone, but it'd be like eating just one Lays Potato Chip, I bet you cant. I'm already counting down the days until Walt Longmire #17, and there are too many of them.