CJ Box is at the top of his game in his Joe Pickett series, featuring recent torn for the headlines news stories into this book keeps the story fresh. As always, I love to check in on Joe's family and although they aren't centerstage here, Joe and Nate are. I always recommend this series to my customers!

As a solid C.J.Box/Joe Pickett fan, I was excited to review this latest addition to the series. Adventure-suspense mysteries involving a Wyoming game warden, you question? Oh yes. In this 23rd!! in the series, Pickett continues to run into unexpected and exciting events in the course of his position, patrolling a huge territory in the Bighorn Mountains. As in the other installments, the essence of Wyoming becomes a character— developed by the difficult terrain, harsh weather, wide open spaces, and the fierce independence of its inhabitants. The series’ human characters are consistently believable and largely appealing. The themes in this one were based on current events including cryptocurrency, political strife and corruption, and marginal extremist groups. To me, parts were less realistic than usual, and especially the ending seemed a bit contrived, as well as rushed. Still, a good read by a great storyteller.

As his usual style, Box brings us another great novel. My only complaint is that this one felt shorter than expected. All the characters we love are included. Moving forward would love to see Mary Beth use her library skills to really partner with Joe to solve these crimes. Nice to read that Joe is still ruining vehicles, one of his signature moves! :) The pacing is fast, so clear your calendar so you can devour in one sitting. This is an author that is an automatic download for me, and hopefully you'll agree!

More shenanigans happen in Wyoming than I realized! Like every C.J. Box book I've read I learned something new in Storm Watch. I never learned anything about crypto-anything because it felt like a scam. Crypto-mining was a fascinating subject to learn about but more so how Box weaved crypto into the story. Storm Watch is a stunning display of Box's writing prowess and character development. The bad guys in Storm Watch are a **chef's kiss**. I've said it before and I'll say it again -- I would be the first in line for a Nate Romanowski standalone or series.

My sincere thanks to G.P. Putnum's Sons and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced c0py of Storm Watch!

Storm Watch by CJ Box is another great thriller with Joe Pickett! I think I held my breath more than once in this novel! I also had the chance to learn so much about crypto mining (not that I feel I have a good handle on it). As always there were conspiracy theories, seditious undertakings, and corruption. I always enjoy how all the events move together into one big maelstrom.

Joe Pickett starts off the story looking for an injured elk. From this singular incident, he finds a dead man and a building in the middle of nowhere! This leads to Joe needing help from his wife (who can find out almost anything) and his friend Nate (the falconer). From this point the story spreads out into a morass of people who are determined to change how the world is seen and requires even more help with a new friend Geronimo and Joe’s daughter Sheridan.

I enjoy learning about the elk and the falcons. I enjoy the “saltiness” of some of the characters. The conspiracies are so out of my knowledge base, but obviously have people who believe in many views about the government. I think what made me the maddest was the abuse of the elk by some of the “bad men.” I am not sure why that toasted me the most, but it did. The one item that made me laugh is how Joe upped his destruction of state vehicles.

Storm Watch will bring the reader on a fabulous journey. You may need a seatbelt. CJ Box’s newest book Storm Watch is a great read!!!

As usual, we get two stories. First is Joe's problem of elk hunters illegally shedding elk antlers; and Nate's story of bitcoin wannabes trying to talk him and Liv into joining their gang. And as usual, Box spins a good story that everyone should be reading.

A classic Joe Picket story with familiar characters, mystery and suspense in Wyoming. What I like most about this series is that the characters are so realistic and the author’s scenic descriptions are spot on.

ARC was provided by NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam/G.P. Putnam’s Sons in exchange for an honest review.

Storm Watch is another strong installment of the Joe Pickett series. In the course of his duties as game warden, Joe finds yet another dead body that he has to report to the ineffective sheriff of Twelve Step. What would seem to be an easy investigation is hampered by a big storm, a selfish rich guy whose ranch the body is found on, some militiamen, Joe's mother-in-law, the current governor, and the federal government. Yep, it's a lot and it. mostly works. Joe again works with Nate to figure out what's going on and solve the mystery. My only quibble is that Joe has turned more from the good guy game warden who wanders into trouble to a guy who goes looking for it. Storm Watch is still an entertaining read and I'll be happy to recommend it to readers. Thank you to Penguin Group, G.P. Putnam, and NetGalley for the advance copy in return for my honest opinion.

Wyoming Game Warden Joe Pickett is once again waist high in both snow and intrigue in Storm Watch.

While being snowed in here in southern California in March(!), I decided to stay in bed under multiple blankets and read a thriller. If my intention was to forget about the snow outside, it didn’t work as a snowstorm is raging in the book as well.

Joe finds a body during a snowstorm in an isolated building in a remote ranch. He has to leave the body behind to avoid getting trapped with no cell service or heat. When the local police return the next day, the building is locked, and the body is gone. Joe decides to low-key investigate despite being warned off by the governor. What he finds involves bitcoin mining, elk antler rustling, and a radical local terrorist organization all in remote Wyoming.

Storm Watch is another fun ride into a culture that seems foreign to me here in Southern California. It’s a must read for fans of the series. 4 stars!

Thanks to G.P. Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley for a digital review copy of the book.

I’m always excited when a New Joe Picket novel comes out.
I love the main characters and watching them grow in their life and relationships.
Storm Watch is a wonderful addition to this series. Certainly full of adventure and intriguing moments.
Though not my favorite Joe Pickett read, it was a solid read that kept me engaged.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Another fantastic book in this series! I love how each of the Joe Pickett books center on a controversal topic (Bitcoin and Insurrection in this case) and has different characters supporting the various stances. I never fail to learn something. CJ Box definitely has his leanings as you might expect from someone living in Wyoming, but he's not so far off to one side that you feel like it's been hammered down your throat. And above all he holds nature and wildlife above all else.

This one has all the old favorites making an appearance with plenty of action. There is just something about starting a new Joe Pickett book that I just feel myself relax and settle in. I don't what it is about Boxes style of writing but I am immediately transported into the story.

Many thanks to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for providing me with an copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

A Wyoming snowstorm is a storm like no other. Wind conditions blow the snow into a curtain that obscures just about everything, the roads become so hazardous that trucks tip over, and you certainly don't want to get caught unprepared outside. CJ Box describes several storms and their consequences so well that you might want to read this book in front of a fire.

Joe Pickett, the game warden around whom this series is built, is out on a simple task to find and euthanize an injured elk when the first storm of the book hits. He finds the elk, but he also finds an unexpected fatal situation on the ranch where the elk disappeared. What follows is a wild ride that includes radical insurrectionists, bitcoin mining, and political malfeasance. The book is stuffed full with reprobates from all walks of life, and Joe finds himself fighting them as well as the weather. There is some game warden business included, but it's not the major theme in this book and serves more to support the political message than as a plot of its own.

Nate Romanowski plays a large role in the book, as he has in the last few of the Joe Pickett series, and this has an impact on the violence level of the book. When Nate is involved, there is going to be much shooting going on and many killings. The direction that Nate's prominence in the plots has taken the series will either appeal to the reader, or not. For me, I prefer the earlier works that focused on Joe's work in the Wyoming wilderness and the wildlife that he encountered. I do appreciate the way that Box has brought technology into play in recent books, however, and I always start a new book wondering how he'll incorporate something new. Joe is relying more and more on his wife's researching capabilities and his daughter's support, making his investigations more of a family affair. The decidedly Western outlook of the books has not changed as Box continues to write beautifully about Wyoming.

This was a very fast read, especially as the action picks up in the latter half. Box does not beat the reader over the head with the plans that Joe follows, but rather makes it clear that there is a plan and then jumps into action mode to immerse the reader in the execution of the plan. This means that some pieces don't fit tightly together which, again, may be to the reader's liking, or not. In the end, the plot lines come together satisfyingly, if not a bit unbelievably.

This is the 23rd book in the series. It can be read as a standalone, with the plot fully developed between its covers. However, knowledge of the characters and events from previous books will help provide context for some of the action. I'm interested to see where Box takes us in Pickett's 24th outing.

Excellent story. Love this series. There is so much suspense, surprises that will keep you interested until the end. Can't wait for the next one!

“Storm Watch,” by C.J. Box, G.P. Putnam's Sons, 368 pages, Feb. 28, 2023.

Wyoming Game Warden Joe Pickett is hunting for a wounded elk cow that was hit by a car. He knows that a snowstorm is coming. It has been a brutal winter.

Pickett finds the elk, but he also sees a vehicle parked in a remote area. The land is owned by Michael Thompson, a telecom billionaire. He then finds a body. The driver’s license in the man’s wallet identifies him as Zhang Wei. He is a University of Wyoming professor who has been missing. He was with the College of Engineering and Applied Science.

Since the storm is getting severe, Pickett heads for home, but calls Sheriff Scott Tibbs. Then his boss, Director Rick Ewig, tells him that Governor Colter Allen called to tell them to back off an investigation.

Meanwhile, Nate Romanowski owns a falconry company, Yarak Inc. One of Joe and Marybeth’s daughters, Sheridan, works for him. Geronimo Jones, another falconer, approaches Romanowski about cryptocurrency mining. Romanowski is then approached by Jason Demo, head of Keystoners, a group of local militant activists that is demanding that Wyoming secede from the union.

This is the 23rd in the character-driven series. Topics include crypto currency mining and air space over private land. The plot isn’t as good as others in the series and it gets bogged down in political issues.

In accordance with FTC guidelines, the advance reader's edition of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a review.

I LOVE Joe Pickett and his entire family & friend group. I was so excited to get to review CJ Box's newest book! And it did not disappoint! Each book gets better and better and you feel like you get to know each person just a tiny bit more. I am sad that I have to wait for a long time for the next book. I hope Joe Pickett never retires! Or we can have books about his kids or Nate Romanowski!

#StormWatch
#NetGalley

My first in this series and probably my last. Jumping in with book 23 wasn't a problem; it worked just fine as a stand alone. The problem was the tone and worldview. I had a hard time connecting with the main character, Joe Pickett. He was basically a good guy and was reasonably flawed. I just had a hard time connecting with him. The mystery was well done and interesting if a little too reliant on conspiracy theories. In the real world, I have little patience for conspiracy theories while in books, I love them or hate them depending on how the author handles them. In this case, it was too twisty and convoluted yet aspects were frighteningly believable.

I'm glad I tried the author as several bloggers whose opinions i trust and respect have recommended the books. But in this case, not a good match.

Storm Watch by C. J. Box is a very highly recommended crime thriller that is unputdownable. Wow! I have only read a couple C. J. Box novels, but have immediately became a life-long fan. Storm Watch is an excellent novel in every way!

As a snowstorm is rolling in, Wyoming Game Warden Joe Pickett is hunting down a wounded elk when he comes across a vehicle park on a remote mountainside. Upon further investigation he finds a professor's body sticking halfway out of a metal building. After putting the elk down, Joe manages to take pictures of the scene and finds the man's wallet before someone fires two shots at him. Joe hikes back to his truck and heads home, trying to beat the worst part of the snow.

He calls the crime in, which only results in little action. The county Sheriff Scott Tibbs later reports that there was no body, thus no crime scene. The governor Colter Allen orders Joe off the case. He later finds out the building is a remote high-tech facility. After this, Joe's friend Nate Romanowski is approached with an invitation to join a movement called Sovereign Nation. It seems there is more going on than Joe can easily avoid, especially when every crime he investigates seems to be tied to a bigger problem.

The characters were portrayed as realistic individuals with depth and unique characteristics. They are written as unique characters with individual personalities and reactions to events. Joe and Marybeth's daughter Sheridan plays a role in this novel and is very intelligent and likable. There are numerous characters in the narrative, but they are distinctive and easy to keep track of.

The narrative is detailed, complicated, intelligent, and interesting as Box keeps the tension high while adding more and more complications and new developments to the plot lines. The numerous complications include: murders, liars, poachers, falconry, politicians, bitcoin mining, extremists, bad weather, family, and more. The detailed setting places the action firmly in a specific place and time. There may be some suspension of disbelief required, but it was something I very willingly did when it occurred.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of G.P. Putnam's Sons via NetGalley.
The review will be published on Barnes & Noble, Edelweiss, Google Books, and Amazon.

It’s always great to be back in Saddlestring, Wyoming with Joe Pickett. This newest installment was action packed, had a constant sense of urgency and suspense and reminded me why CJ Box is my favorite mystery author.

This was a great book that kept me glued to the pages combining mystery with current issues like militant extremists, bitcoin & illegal hunting. Many of my favorite characters were all involved with helping Joe; Nate, Marybeth and even Sheridan and I was so glad to see Geronimo from the last book as well.

This series always has a strong sense of place. CJ Box’s writing makes the landscape come to life, and in this book, you could feel the intensity and conflict surrounding everyone.

Putnam Group provided a copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Number 23 in the Joe Pickett series, Storm Watch for me was like returning home. All the usual friends and family and a few shady characters, they're all here. Joe and Mary Beth and their girls, now young adults, and establishing their careers. Joe stumbles into a dead body while investigating a poaching crime. With his usual non-stop determination, Wyoming Game Warden Pickett sets off to find the killer and bring him to justice. First, Joe must overcome the political extremists, sheriff's office, mother-in-law, bent governor, and the dangerous winter storm, all attempting to stop Joe. Box's writing is seemless, and he keeps the tension fast-paced and suspenseful. Joe Pickett is now a successful Netflix series that will hopefully lead more readers to the excellent, exciting Joe Pickett books. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of Storm Watch. I am most grateful.

C. J. Box continues to excite readers with unique crime thrillers that are full of suspense and action. The twenty-third book in the series featuring Wyoming Game Warden Joe Pickett is set in late March and early April when snow storms are still bringing two or three feet of snow at a time to the town of Saddlestring and its surrounding countryside.

While Joe is hunting a wounded elk, he finds a vehicle on a remote mountainside on a large ranch. Then he finds a missing professor’s frozen and mutilated body. With a snowstorm hitting the area, Joe has to leave the body in place and notifies the local sheriff. Federal agents, local extremists, and Governor Colter Allen attempt to thwart Joe’s investigation.

Meanwhile, Joe’s friend Nate and Liv Romanowski are rebuilding their falconry company. Geronimo Jones has come to them with a business plan for expansion. Additionally, a local group of extremists approaches Nate. They want him to join them.

The characters are well defined. Readers get a good feel for Joe, his wife Marybeth, and Nate. Their characters have depth, and by this time in the series, they feel like well-known friends. Joe and Marybeth’s daughter Sheridan plays a much bigger role in this novel. The other supporting characters provide humor and conflict to enrich the reading experience. I enjoyed seeing how the characters responded to events and experienced changes in outlook.

The writing is fluid and descriptive which helps readers envision the scenes without disrupting or slowing the flow. There was a strong sense of place causing me to feel as though I was living the events alongside the characters. The dynamic plot has a tremendous amount of conflict that kept me engaged throughout. The suspense intensified as the story progressed. The final action scenes are somewhat over-the-top, but consistent with other books in the series. Themes include violence, extremism, murder, deception, assault, and much more. The author also incorporated some contemporary issues into the story line that added depth to the novel.

Overall, this was intriguing, entertaining, suspenseful, and had an action packed ending with compelling characters that kept me turning the pages as I sat on the edge of my seat. With exciting scenes and fascinating story lines that converge, this fantastic thriller felt authentic and timely. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Will one of the Pickett daughters get their own series?

PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons and C. J. Box provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for February 28, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.