Publisher Description
Don’t miss the JOE PICKETT series—now streaming on Paramount+
Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett uncovers a conspiracy in this explosive novel in the #1 New York Times bestselling series.
When a massive blast rocks the forests of Twelve Sleep County, Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett is called to the scene to help investigate the death of a colorful environmental activist. The case is wrapped up quickly, explained as an environmental publicity stunt gone wrong, but Joe isn't convinced. He soon discovers clues that suggest a deadly conspiracy–one that will test his courage, his survival skills, and his determination to “do the right thing” despite all costs.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Box's second novel offers more graceful writing than his overhyped debut, Open Season (2001), along with a little humor and a more fluid plot line. Wyoming Game Warden Joe Picket is still fallible, his strong sense of duty, honor and justice again na vely running afoul of the greedy villains bent on misusing the exquisite, vividly described landscape. A pair of well-drawn, unconventional hit men, one a conscienceless killer, are murdering environmentalists. First, a powerful explosion blows up "infamous environmental activist" Stewie Woods and his new wife while they're sabotaging logging in the forest near Saddlestring, Pickett's headquarters. The sheriff thinks it was an accident, but Pickett is unsure. Then a proenvironment congressman, a writer, a lawyer and an animal-rights activist all die under questionable circumstances. When Pickett's wife, Marybeth, who grew up with Woods, receives mysterious phone calls from "Stewie," Pickett starts his own investigation. A spectacular chase through a treacherous, isolated canyon with a secret escape route is well paced and riveting. The suspense ratchets up another notch as Pickett and an unexpected ally confront the man who ordered the crimes. The author shows both sides of environmental issues the activists' insistence on a pristine natural habitat countered by the Westerners' view of the land as their livelihood and pulls no punches when describing how humans can brutalize one another. This fine follow-up reinforces Box's status as a first-class talent.
Customer Reviews
I like Joe.
I like Joe’s character- an Everyman who loves nature and his family and gets caught in the middle. And at least this one had a couple of people (besides his family ) who were nice. Saying that, some of the deaths were extremely disgusting. Some of the dialogue was just too over the top. I like their love but I do hate that MaryBeth was the only one who had to compromise so drastically in their relationship, but this book was written 20 years ago. The descriptions of the natural setting are spot on.
Another good one!
Another great read!
A little bit of history
The pattern in the story seems to repeat itself but fear not, the twists and the bit of history of the old west, does the trick. Looking forward to the next story.