CJ Box retains his title as a premier crime writer in Joe Pickett's latest outing.

For his fans, introducing Joe is unnecessary. For those new to the series, Joe is a game warden in Wyoming, whose insistence on doing the right thing often gets him on the wrong side of his bosses and the outlaws he pursues.

This time, an unexplained death on the mountain sends him on the track of a group with a shady purpose.

Nate, the ex-special forces soldier with a hearty distaste for central government, is also back to form, thankfully.

The story is entertaining as always, and Joe remains real, as his ageing through the series is apparent. Definitely on a must read list for fans of the wilderness, law enforcement, and crime writing generally.

A welcome addition to an engaging series, yet it can easily be read as a standalone. Our protagonist, once again, has difficulty following orders/protocol, but his ways of dealing with his new case are much more interesting.

Joe Pickett is back. Somehow always finding trouble and ignoring orders. He discovers a body but is told to stand down and stay away from the case. Joe can’t help himself, he has to find out what is going on. The case leads him in unexpected directions. This is a good addition to the series and could be read as a stand alone. This is a fast paced book with plenty of suspense. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.