The audio version narrated by George Guidall was my second reading of this utterly fantastic novel which kicked off not only a great series by Johnson but also what I hear is a pretty good television rendition. Whether you read it or listen to it, it's a fantastic book. While a book that features a good mystery will nearly always sell well, a book that has unique and strongly-written characters makes for a best-selling series. And that is why these books are so popular. Walt Longmire, erstwhile sheriff of Absaroka County in the far outposts of Wyoming, is a strong character (with an even stronger sense of humor....something you need if you're the sheriff of a sparsely populated part of the country). An equally strong supporting cast of characters makes every book in the series delightful. But don't categorize these books as "cozy mysteries." There are some pretty disturbing issues that are woven in here with not-so-easily answered moral questions. You get to think and laugh in turns throughout these books. Not a western other than they take place in present day Wyoming, but with strong flavors of the west. Read them. You won't be disappointed. I promise.