Vicious Circle

Just finished Vicious Circle by C.J. Box. I love Joe Pickett and his family and Nate. Joe is a game warden in Wyoming. He is married with three daughters. A former adversary from his and his family’s past is threatening all of them. People are dying and Joe’s family are targets. And, to make bad worse, his mother-in-law is back.
Joe’s former boss, the former governor has said that Joe just bumbles around until things explode. And he does manage to get into some awkward situations. His friend, Nate (former special forces type) shows up to help. Nate is pretty awesome but he does take a few shortcuts to get things done.
Took me a long time to figure out who was behind everything pulling the strings. Several surprises I didn’t see coming.
I really enjoyed this book, but I am prejudiced. I like all the Pickett books. But, this one is really pretty good. Enough is said without rehashing everything that happened before to explain the plot.
As I was finishing this book it suddenly occurred to me that I didn’t catch any of the glaring errors in proofreading that I see in a lot of books. I really appreciate that.

Another excellent novel by C. J. Box. His fans will love it, and those readers who don’t know him will be searching for his earlier work.

This is my second book by C.J. Box. He writes action/crime fiction set in the current day west. I spent nearly three years living in Cheyenne, Wyoming and traveled the state extensively. I believe most of Author Box’s books are set in Wyoming or nearby western locations and his stories have brought back memories of the picturesque prairies, mountains, and streams. Both books were written well. His pacing is fantastic. His prose is uncomplicated and a good fit with the backdrop of small Wyoming towns and ranches.

After reading a great of science fiction, this was a great break and return to simpler place and people of Wyoming. And while the action was thrilling, I find a calm in the descriptions of the Wyoming wildlife and landscapes.

This story follows Box’s main character in this series, Game Warden Joe Pickett. A sinister character from Joe’s past has returned, putting himself and his family in mortal peril. Box is at his best describing the Wyoming landscape and following the action as Pickett attempts to fend off his enemies. Box is a strong developer of characters and most are complex and unique. The good guys have flaws and fears and make mistakes. And just like reality, there are good cops and bad cops. This makes for very compelling and unpredictable action where I felt like any outcome was possible (other than the death of Pickett himself).

I’ve ended up reading two random Joe Pickett series books out of order. I appreciate that Box creates books that standup as individual stories, however, I do feel like readers would best be served by reading them in order. I will say that the book slowed down at around the ten percent mark as there was a great deal of setup for the final half of the story, which accelerated into a thrilling cat and mouse game which was heightened by Joe Pickett’s entire family being at risk.

Four stars for another unpretentious but exciting tale of a Wyoming Game Warden that must traverse twisty trails, motives, and actions to seek justice and keep his town and family safe.

Since Box moved into right wing revenge fantasy I’m no longer a fan, to say the least. Or, more generously, I’m no longer his target audience. Same thing I guess.

Have loved everything C.J. Box has written. Excellent story teller with great characters.

C J Box continues to entertain with imaginative plots and a wholesome hero who never gives up and a surprise twist.