The hit A&E series “Longmire” is based on the character created by Craig Johnson in a series of novels about the modern-day west.

Walt Longmire is what Johnson calls a detective for the disenfranchised who is a little ‘over’-over age, over weight, and overly depressed.

I loved the first book in the series.  It’s titled “The Cold Dish,” and is filled with crisp writing, authentic dialogue, and wry humor.

It’s a surprisingly good first novel, one of the best I’ve read.  I can’t wait to dig into the seven others Johnson has written in the series.

It’s an impressive TV series as well.  The June 3rd premiere rated 4.1 million viewers, the biggest debut A&E has ever had for a scripted show.

I interviewed Craig Johnson from his home in Ucross, Wyoming, population 25.