Longmire fans in the Mountain West have a reason to celebrate. Author Craig Johnson, creator of the bestselling series, is hitting the road with actor A. Bone Martinez for a ten‑stop “Have Courage” tour that promotes the upcoming short‑story collection slated for release on November 3.
Tour kickoff and Arizona stop
The tour launches on November 2 in Scottsdale, Arizona, at a local bookstore. Johnson will introduce the new story, “Have Courage,” while Martinez, who portrayed Jacob Nighthorse on the television adaptation, will share memories from the show and read a foreword he penned for the collection.
Wyoming leg highlights
After the Arizona opening, the duo heads to Wyoming, a state that has embraced the Longmire brand since the series debuted on A&E in 2012. The Wyoming stretch begins in Cheyenne at Barnes & Noble on November 17, moves to the University of Wyoming in Laramie on November 18, and continues to Casper’s Wind City Books on November 19.
Fans in Buffalo (Durant) can meet the authors at the Occidental on November 19, followed by a stop at Sheridan Stationery on November 20. Each venue promises a mix of book signings, Q&A sessions, and anecdotes from the television production.
Why the tour matters to local readers
Longmire Days, the annual fan gathering, has become a cultural touchstone for Wyoming communities, drawing visitors from across the region and supporting local businesses. By bringing the author and a beloved cast member directly to hometown bookstores, the tour reinforces the series’ roots in small‑town America and offers residents a chance to engage with the storytelling that celebrates Western life.
Johnson’s “Have Courage” short‑story collection continues the tradition of holiday‑inspired tales featuring Sheriff Walt Longmire of Absaroka County. The stories blend quirky mysteries—a dog repeatedly escaping an animal shelter, a deputy’s daring diversion during a hostage standoff, a vanished baby Jesus from a nativity scene—with heartfelt moments, such as Longmire caring for a 150‑year‑old sourdough starter while tracking a clever seven‑year‑old suspect.
Community response
Local readers have expressed enthusiasm on social media, noting that the tour provides a rare opportunity to meet the creator behind the books and the actor who helped bring the characters to life. A. Bone Martinez posted that while he isn’t a “road dog” like Johnson, he looks forward to sharing the experience with fans.
Longmire Days organizer Glenn Woods highlighted the tour’s role in boosting tourism and supporting independent bookstores, which serve as cultural hubs in smaller towns.
How to attend
All events are free and open to the public, though attendees are encouraged to arrive early for sign‑ups. Detailed dates and locations are listed on the official Longmire Days Facebook page and on LongmireDays.com.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of the novels, the television series, or simply enjoy a good mystery set against the backdrop of the American West, the “Have Courage” tour offers a unique chance to connect with the creators and celebrate a beloved piece of Wyoming‑inspired storytelling.
Original reporting: K2 Radio (Casper) — read the source article.
