This novella, which is #11.5 in the 'Walt Longmire' series, has Longmire and his friends dealing with (what might be) a ghost. The book can be read as a standalone.
*****
Wyoming Highway Patrolman (HP) Bobby Womack, an Arapaho Indian assigned to the Wind River Canyon, was killed thirty years ago - at 12:34 A.M. - when he had a fiery collision with a fuel truck in a mountain tunnel.
Bobby was working under a cloud at the time, because he had shot two thieves fleeing with a bag of collectible coins - after which the coins couldn't be found.
Bobby wasn't flat out accused of taking the coins, but the incident cast a pall on his reputation.
Since Bobby's death, a handful of motorists have reported having encounters with a mysterious HP - wearing a badge that reads Womack - who helped them change a tire; gave them a warning about a broken light; etc.
Now, additional strange things are happening. An HP named Rosey Wayman, who was recently transferred to the Wind River Canyon, reports that's she's been receiving calls at 12:34 A.M. saying "Officer needs assistance”.....and they come from Bobby's radio.
On several nights Rosey has also found a rare coin on the highway, which seems to come from the stash that disappeared three decades ago.
Wayman's supervisor suggests a psychiatric evaluation, and Rosey - who insists she's not 'crazy' - is afraid of losing her job.
Walt Longmire, the Absaroka County Sheriff, wants to help his friend Rosey. So Walt and his best friend, Henry Standing Bear (aka The Cherokee Nation), plan to spend a couple of nights on patrol with Wayman, to see if they can hear the calls.
While they're in the area, Walt and Henry also speak to people who knew Bobby, to learn as much about the dead HP as possible. When Walt and Henry sit down to eat steaks with a very old Arapaho woman called Kimama Bellefeuille, she blesses the food starting with, “Cese’éihii heetih- eh’etii- hióówo’owú-u...….."
Kimama - who gives everyone nicknames - then calls Walt 'Bird Turd' (because bird poop is white). When Walt objects, Kimama dubs him 'Frosty', and when the sheriff complains AGAIN, she names him 'Bucket' (because he's beyond the pale. 😊)
The search for Bobby (if it's him) isn't straightforward, and there's suspense, danger, and excitement leading to the climax of the story. This is an entertaining novella in an authentic western setting.
Wind River Canyon
Recommended to readers who like mysteries, especially Longmire fans.
Rating: 3.5 stars
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