We’re a little late to the Longmire Party, folks, so we’re not technically in the first five pages here.

As writers, we hear all the time that we’ve got to hook readers in just the first few pages or else. We’ve got to hook agents in the first few pages or else.

Whether you’re looking to get published or just hoping to hook your reader, first impressions are vital. Compelling opening scenes are the key to catching an agent or editor’s attention, and are crucial for keeping your reader engaged.

JEFF GERKE, THE FIRST FIFTY PAGES

Well then, let’s study those first few pages in other people’s stories, shall we?

Today I snagged from the New Release shelf:

The Longmire Defense by Craig Johnson

The Longmire Defense is the NINETEENTH installment in Craig Johnson’s Longmire series, so this story-world and cast of characters was established quite some time ago. Still, I was in the mood for a mystery in the mountainous West, and seeing the dust jacket promise a cold case investigation won me over.

The opening pages appear to pick up after whatever chaos the eighteenth book (Hell and Back) brought upon Sheriff Walt Longmire. Longmire is staying with family out in the middle of nowhere when his undersheriff comes and asks him to accompany her on a basic search and rescue. According to the dust jacket, this search and rescue will lead to the reopening of the promised cold case.

So I will say that Johnson is quick to put the newest tale’s plot into motion. When one’s so deep into a series, one really doesn’t see the need for much characterization work, and that’s fine. Still, it took some extra effort to catch the rhythms of dialogue between Longmire and his daughter, which pulled me out of the story. For those who have enjoyed Longmire so far (and considering the series will be adapted for Netflix, there must be quite a few of you), I’ve no doubt The Longmire Defense will be a welcome addition. For those of us who are new to Longmire, I am intrigued enough by these opening pages to hunt down the first book, The Cold Dish.

No matter what the season brings, keep reading!

Read on, share on, and write on, my friends!