C. J. Box

Taking place a couple of years after, "Open Season", "Savage Run" is the second story about the too-honest-for-his-own-good man-of-few-words, devoted husband and father, Wyoming gamekeeper, Joe Pickett.

The book opens with a high profile eco-warrior falling prey to assassination by exploding cow. The blast takes place in a National Park Forest that is leased to cattle ranchers and Joe is called in to assist in the investigation before it is clear that either cattle or humans are involved.

What show more follows is a small range war in which two assassins target various prominent eco-campaigners. Despite the fact that these deaths are vicious, cold-blooded and designed to be humiliating, this remains a fairly low-key book. Perhaps this is a reflection of the character of Joe Pickett. He's a principled man who believes in doing his job honestly and competently and holding everyone equally to account, regardless of their wealth and influence but he is neither a campaigner nor an avenger. He just does what he needs to do.

What I liked most about this book was the irrepressible personality of the constantly-monologuing-but-still-dryly-amusing death-by-cow eco-warrior. His stamina stretched belief a little but his charisma compensated for that.

I also liked the way Joe's wife, Marybeth, who suffered such trauma in "Open Season" comes into her own and drives the plot along.

This series is turning into a slow-cook, gentle delight, with the plot being subordinate to an understanding of a way of life and the values that support it. show less

I don't read a detective book series for brilliant insights into our relationship with the larger cosmos. Joe Pickett would not have much patience with that, and the books are better for it.

Also, a cow is one thing, but you don't fuck with a man's dog. Or a woman's dog, Harvey. Just don't do it.

I keep waiting for CJ Box to start losing his edge as many other authors have done as their series get a little long in the tooth, but not Box. He keeps it fresh and exciting every time. Unbelievable how much trouble one Game Warden in Wyoming can find himself but when you throw in a highly unconventional governor who happens to appreciate Joe's ability to insinuate himself into trouble wherever he goes, and Joe's buddy Nate it's anyone's guess what the final body (and state vehicle) count show more will be. Most shocking in this book is the return of the most villainous character of the entire series, which I can't expand on without spoiling it for others. Already can't wait for the next book to come out to see what becomes of Nate, and if anything comes of the lie he told Joe at the end of the book. I recommend this book 100%, but start with book 1 and work your way through. You'll be glad you did. show less

I've enjoyed all the Joe Pickett novels...a REALLY nice guy who stumbles into all these bad situations and bad characters when all he really wants to do is catch poachers and go home at night to his family. And he's a lousy shot as well. At times Joe Pickett almost seems bewildered by the nasty people and corrupt bureaucrats around him. A refreshing change from the hard-core, know-it-all detectives and private eyes one encounters in this genre. I also enjoy his long-suffering wife and feisty show more kids! Loved the twists and turns in this book. show less