As The Crow Flies summary

The Beginning of a Mystery

In As The Crow Flies by Craig Johnson, we are once again thrown into the world of Sheriff Walt Longmire in the rural town of Absaroka County, Wyoming. This time, the story starts with Walt and his best friend Henry Standing Bear, also known as 'the Cheyenne Nation', on a quest to find a new wedding location for Walt's daughter, Cady, after the original venue is destroyed in a flood. While exploring the nearby Crow Indian Reservation, they witness a young woman falling off a cliff.

Walt and Henry quickly find themselves embroiled in the mystery surrounding the woman's death. They soon learn that the woman was a member of the Crow tribe, and her death is initially ruled as a suicide. However, Walt's instincts tell him otherwise. His suspicions are confirmed when he finds a note in the woman's car, indicating she was planning to leave her abusive boyfriend.

A Twisted Investigation

As the investigation deepens, Walt and Henry uncover a web of lies, deceit, and betrayal within the Crow community. They meet with resistance from tribal police, who are protective of their own jurisdiction, and a group of vigilante warriors who enforce their own brand of justice. Despite the obstacles, Walt continues to dig deeper, determined to find the truth behind the young woman's death.

Walt's daughter, Cady, a lawyer, joins the investigation, providing legal insight and a fresh perspective. Together, they discover that the victim's abusive boyfriend is involved in illegal activities, and the woman's death was not a suicide but a murder staged to look like one. This revelation only deepens the mystery and adds more suspects to the list.

The Unraveling of the Truth

As the story progresses, the investigation takes a darker turn. Walt and his team are faced with escalating violence and threats, and they realize that the case is more complex and dangerous than they initially thought. They also uncover a long-standing land dispute between the Crow and Cheyenne tribes, adding a historical layer to the present-day conflict.

In a thrilling climax, the true culprit is revealed, and the motive behind the murder is exposed. The resolution of the case brings justice for the victim and closure for her family. However, it also leaves Walt and his team with a sense of somber reflection on the harsh realities faced by the Native American communities in their jurisdiction.

The Aftermath and Reflection

In the aftermath of the case, Walt and Henry continue their quest to find a new wedding location for Cady. The events of the investigation have brought them closer to the Crow people, and they find a beautiful and culturally significant spot for the wedding. The story ends with the promise of a brighter future for Cady and her fiancé, but the shadows of the case still linger in Walt's mind.

As As The Crow Flies concludes, we are left with a deep appreciation for the rich culture and history of the Native American tribes in the region. The novel not only entertains with its gripping mystery but also sheds light on the social and legal challenges faced by these communities, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.