An Obvious Fact by Craig Johnson, a Mysterious Review.

Review: Henry Standing Bear, Sheriff Walt Longmire's long-time friend, plans to participate in the world's largest motorcycle race, a race he had won many years ago. It is held annually in Sturgis, South Dakota, just over the state line from Hulett, Wyoming. Opting for a short vacation himself, Walt has decided to accompany Henry. When they arrive, local Police Chief William "Nutter Butter" Nutter of Hulett asks for Walt's help in an investigation involving an accident in which a young biker was thrown from his motorcycle leaving him in the ICU of the hospital fighting for his life, in An Obvious Fact
On the surface the accident seems to be just that — an accident. But every time Walt goes back to the scene he finds another piece of evidence that gives him more reason to doubt the obvious. The injured boy is B-way Torres, a member of the Tre Tre Nomads biker gang. This seems to confirm Walt's suspicion that this definitely not an accident, that a rival gang member could be involved. There are plenty of gangs participating in the race, including The Hell's Angels, Sons of Silence, Outlaws, and more. It isn't long before they establish what they believe to be a reason for what now seems to be a clear hit and run: drugs. Walt, Henry and Nutter Butter find themselves surrounded by scores of bad-guys and they are definitely out-numbered.

An Obvious Fact is a most entertaining entry in this long-running series. In addition to the camaraderie shared by Walt and Henry, they are joined by Vic Moretti, Walt's undersheriff, who arrives to lend her intellect and reasoning (and sarcastic banter) to the mix. There is a nice balance of humor and tension in the story and the nod to Sherlock Holmes is an added treat. Separate from the untold number of bikers present, there are undercover ATF agents, neo-Nazi wannabes, gun-runners, and an obsessive millionaire to add diversity to the cast of suspects. This series never disappoints and this latest entry is highly recommended.

Special thanks to guest reviewer Betty of The Betz Review for contributing her review of An Obvious Fact.

Acknowledgment: Penguin Group provided a copy of An Obvious Fact for this review.

The Highwayman
Viking (Hardcover), May 2016
ISBN-13: 9780735220898; ISBN-10: 0735220891

An Obvious Fact

A Walt Longmire Mystery by Craig Johnson