Reviewing short story collections can be tough, but especially tough for WAIT FOR SIGNS because grouping all twelve short stories together means I miss delving into the unique character and tone of each story. Each one adds to Walt Longmire's history, but each offers a different view of the man who defines this series. "Ministerial Aide" takes place shortly after Martha's death. While still retaining the dry humor I love about this series, it is a poignant and heartbreaking story. "Messenger" fits inside the Longmire timeline toward the newest releases, and takes place mostly inside a Porta-Potty. I laughed so hard my sides hurt. "Thankstaking" bring Walt and Henry Standing Bear together for a Thanksgiving dinner, and Henry Standing Bear is absolutely one of my favorite characters in any series hands down.

All the stories are insightful and worth reading over and over. The depth of Craig Johnson's writing makes reading the Longmire series a pleasure, and every time I pick up his books a new truth about how to live is revealed. His reflection on human behavior, hope, and the strength to survive always amazes me, and I come away from each of his stories eager to read another. The world is not always fair and just, but after spending time with Walt, Vic, Henry, and Cady I always come away with a little more hope for it.

There is an introduction by Lou Diamond Phillips, which I might have read twice because I'm a bit of a fangirl. It's fantastic, full of humor, wit, and insight, so if you're the type to usually skip introductions, resist the urge and read this one! You won't regret it. WAIT FOR SIGNS can be read all at once, one story at a time, from cover to cover, or by skipping around to wherever you feel like reading first. The stories really do cover a large span of time, and they don't need to be read in any particular order. There are quite a few that center around Christmas, but since Craig Johnson released these to fans around that time, it makes perfect sense that the Holidays are used to full effect.

WAIT FOR SIGNS is a short story collection you will want to read if you're a fan of the Longmire Mysteries and if you've never read a Longmire Mystery, by all means start reading! The Cold Dish is the first in the series and you won't regret finding these characters in the beautiful and harsh Absaroka County! WAIT FOR SIGNS is a delightful collection to savor and come back to as you wait for the next in this incredible series by Craig Johnson.

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