Craig Johnson’s New Walt Longmire Novel Inspired by Cowboy State Story

Renowned Wyoming author Craig Johnson’s upcoming novel, Return to Sender, is set to release on May 27, Cowboy State Daily reports.

The book, the latest in the Sheriff Walt Longmire series, draws inspiration from a May 2023 Cowboy State Daily article about a mail carrier navigating the most remote route in the United States.

The article by Jake Nichols chronicled Tebra Morris, a contract mail carrier from Bairoil, Wyoming, whose 300-mile route between Rawlins and Lander spans rugged terrain along Highway 287, including stops in isolated areas like Muddy Gap and Split Rock. Johnson, known for incorporating true-to-life stories into his fiction, was captivated by the piece and its possibilities for a mystery.

“There was an article about this woman who had, like, the longest postal route in the United States,” Johnson told Cowboy State Daily. “And I thought, of course, with the nefarious mind of the crime fiction writer, if she went missing, where would you look for her?”

The setting for Return to Sender is the Red Desert and Rock Springs area, a region Johnson had long wanted to explore in his writing. The vast, desolate landscapes provided the perfect backdrop for a story rooted in isolation and mystery.

“I’m always looking for interesting spots in the state to do something a little bit different,” Johnson said.

The plot involves Longmire stepping in to investigate the disappearance of a postal worker, prompted by a request from a relative of his late wife. The story also finds Longmire grappling with personal challenges, including his daughter’s impending appointment as Wyoming’s attorney general.

To ensure authenticity, Johnson consulted the U.S. Postal Service and accompanied a postal worker on a delivery route. He gained insight into the logistics of mail sorting, scanning equipment, and the challenges faced by rural carriers.

“They look at it like there’s this river of mail that’s constantly running, and it’s their job to make sure those tributaries get out to those mailboxes,” Johnson explained.

This meticulous research is a hallmark of Johnson’s work, as is his commitment to visiting and walking the locations he writes about. His exploration of the Red Desert included hikes and motorcycle rides to immerse himself in the setting.

While Return to Sender promises Johnson’s signature blend of realism and intrigue, it also highlights Longmire’s struggles as an investigator. Johnson notes that Longmire’s reputation and imposing physical presence make him a less-than-ideal undercover agent, adding a layer of complexity to the story.

“How long can he really keep people from figuring out who he is?” Johnson mused. “It’s not like he’s an unknown in Wyoming.”

For Johnson, Wyoming itself remains an inexhaustible source of ideas and stories.

“Early on, people asked if I worried about running out of ideas,” Johnson said. “I’m like, ‘No, I live in Wyoming, for goodness’ sake. I’ve got more ideas than I know what to do with.’”

Fans can look forward to diving into this new mystery when the book hits shelves on May 27.