I can only say it was a super great read! All the characters were strong, fast moving story. Nate searching for the person who murdered his wife and Joe hired by the Governor to find his missing son in law leads on a quest to Battle Mountain…loved it.. thanks to the publisher, C.J. Box , who I can’t wait to read the next book, and NetGalley.!

Great characters, lots of suspense, great storyline, all you would expect from this author. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

C.J. Box has done it again with Battle Mountain, a gripping, character-driven thriller that showcases his mastery of suspense and setting. For those who love Joe Pickett, this latest novel feels like a fresh breath of mountain air, filled with his signature blend of atmospheric tension and raw human conflict. It’s a perfect read for fans who have followed Joe’s journey over the years and new readers looking for an adrenaline-fueled ride.

In Battle Mountain, Box pulls us deeper into the rugged Wyoming wilderness, a backdrop that has become nearly as much of a character as Joe himself. As always, Joe’s moral compass is tested against the unforgiving natural world and the complex individuals he encounters. What stands out here is how still fresh Joe feels—his integrity, vulnerability, and determination continue to resonate. Even after all these books, it’s clear that Joe’s struggle between personal life and his duty as a game warden is a well that still provides rich material for Box’s storytelling.

The plot itself is tightly woven, with a pacing that doesn’t let up. Joe is pulled into a case that involves high stakes, both personally and professionally, involving a mysterious death in a remote area. As with many of Box’s novels, the suspense builds slowly, but when it hits, it’s relentless. The plot twists feel earned, and the emotional payoff is just as rewarding as the plot’s resolution.

What’s even more impressive about Battle Mountain is how Box continues to evolve his characters. Joe’s family—his wife, Marybeth, and his daughters—remain at the heart of the narrative, with Joe’s sense of responsibility to them grounding his decisions. But Box also gives us new faces who leave their marks in surprising ways, expanding the emotional and thematic scope of the book.

As always, Box’s writing is impeccable, making the landscape come alive, with sweeping vistas, treacherous mountain paths, and the ever-present threat of nature’s power. But it’s his attention to character and the intricate moral dilemmas that really make Battle Mountain stand out. Box writes in a way that reminds readers of the fine line between right and wrong, often showing that the answer is anything but simple.

Fans of Joe Pickett will find plenty to love here. Battle Mountain is a thrilling reminder of why Joe’s journey continues to captivate readers—and why C.J. Box’s storytelling is as sharp as ever. If you’ve been following this series, you won’t want to miss this latest entry. It’s another home run that will have you turning the pages faster than you thought possible.

Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys gritty, suspense-filled thrillers with deeply human characters and a vivid sense of place. Joe Pickett fans will not be disappointed!

Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for this eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

That was such a good book. I couldn’t put it down. Once again.J. Box has done a wonderful job writing the next book in this series. It was a book full of suspense. I loved it and all of his characters. I highly recommend it. Thanks for letting me review this book.

Battle Mountain by C. J. Box-This book is a sort of continuation of the last few Joe Pickett books where Joe and Nate along with Geronimo Jones tangle with Axel Soledad, ruthless antigovernmental activist. Joe is tasked by the Governor to track down the Governor’s son-in-law, who has disappeared on Battle Mountain. Meanwhile Nate and Geronimo are searching for Soledad, to put stop to him once and for all, and their intel tells them to go to Battle Mountain. On top of this there’s a big meeting of Washington big wigs and arms dealers at a resort on the base of Battle Mountain. The scene is set and the fireworks aren’t far behind. Lots of blood, innocent or otherwise, will be shed before it’s over. I recommend this book and thank NetGalley for this ARC.

If you are a fan of this series, this story will be no exception. It’s full of the scenery and action everyone has come to love. To be honest, after 25 books though, this series has become a little boring to me. It seems to be more of the same each time. Some people enjoy that though, I just am ready to live on to other things.

Battle Mountain is a part of the Joe Pickett Series. C. J. Box has written a lot of books in the past several years, but this is my first time to read his work. Battle Mountain follows Joe Pickett, a Wyoming game warden, as he tries to find the Governor’s missing son-in-law. The list of characters from previous Pickett books begin to appear as Axel Soledad (everyone’s common enemy) continues to destroy everything and everyone in his path.
Axel’s current target is a yearly gathering of powerful men in the defense industry. His goal is to kill as many as he can with his group of bitter vets and militia types. Box does a wonderful job of mixing the different storylines into one wonderful tapestry that culminates with a bang and leaves you wanting more. This may have been my first Box novel, but it will not be my last!

Long a favorite series of mine - this is the 25th installment - this one puts Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett in more of a background role, centering more on his falconer buddy Nate Romanowski. After Nate got married and had a daughter, he put his raptor talents up for sale in a legitimate business - aided by Sheridan Pickett, daughter of Joe and his wife Marybeth. But Nate's situation changed dramatically in the previous book (what happened I won't say to spoil things for those who haven't read it), and he turned the business over to Sheridan, his daughter Kestral over to Joe and Marybeth and once again headed off the grid.

Actually, Nate is out to find Axel Soledad, the man responsible for his troubles and return to the wild. As it turns out, Nate wasn't the only one hurt by the guy, though; his friend Geronimo Jones is also on the hunt. So, they team up, hoping to eliminate Alex outright - or at least render him incapable of harming anyone else.

As their quest gets under way, Joe's is just beginning; his old friend, once again the governor of Wyoming, calls him in to ask a favor. His son-in-law, it seems, went off on some kind of elk-hunting expedition and seems to have gone missing. To avoid worrying his daughter and aggravating his wife for recommending the excursion, the governor wants Joe to track him down on the Q.T.

The story follows both search efforts (mostly those of Nate and Geronimo), until - no surprise here - they begin to merge. Of course, everything takes place in remote places, where cell phone coverage is spotty at best and not watching where your feet are going can prove dangerous (as can some nasty folks with powerful weapons and no qualms at all about who they're pointed at). All told, it's an exciting adventure with a few edge-of-seat moments and an ending that promises fodder for the next installment - to which, of course, I'm looking forward. For now, I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy of this one.

This title is a sequel to 'Three-Inch Teeth' and features Game Warden Joe Pickett's long-time adversary Axel Soledad, along with Joe's fugitive friend and ally, master falconer Nate Romanowski. The characters and Rocky Mountain wilderness setting are familiar, although the storyline at times strains credulity, notably in its plot hinge, an under-secured mountain weekend hosting officials from the 'military-industrial complex', including the Secretary of Defense. Also more than a little over=the=top: the characterization of Soledad, who's a bit too deranged and unhinged to command the loyalty of his veteran guerrilla terrorist band. What's more, Nate's psychic/preternatural connection to his falcons is also somewhat of a leap, but not so much because of its unearned role in the plot so much as its lack of setup and reader preparation for its appearance.

Still the tale holds all the suspense of its scores of predecessors in Box's series, and this reviewer found the aspects of the story that touched on Ranger Pickett's family, as always,. the most compelling elements.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

"Battle Mountain" by C.J. Box is an exhilarating addition to his repertoire of gripping thrillers, blending the rugged beauty of the American West with a fast-paced, suspenseful narrative that is hard to put down. Box, known for his keen sense of place and masterful storytelling, delivers a novel that is evocative and thrilling.

The story is set in the remote wilderness of Battle Mountain, where the protagonist, Joe Pickett, a game warden, is tasked with investigating a series of mysterious disappearances and deaths. As Joe delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a conspiracy that reaches far beyond the mountain's rugged landscape. Box's ability to create a sense of urgency and tension is evident throughout the novel, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

Joe Pickett is a compelling protagonist, with a strong moral compass and an unyielding determination to seek justice. Box's portrayal of Joe is nuanced, highlighting his vulnerabilities and strengths, making him a relatable and sympathetic character. Joe's interactions with the diverse cast of characters add depth to the story, from the local residents to the enigmatic figures he encounters during his investigation.

Box's writing is vivid and descriptive, capturing the majesty and danger of the natural world. His descriptions of the mountain terrain, the wildlife, and the harsh weather conditions create an immersive reading experience. The setting is not just a backdrop but a character in itself, influencing the events and the characters' actions.

The plot of "Battle Mountain" is intricately woven, with twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end. Box's ability to craft a complex mystery while maintaining a steady pace is impressive. The suspense builds steadily, leading to a climax that is unexpected and satisfying.

This novel explores themes such as survival, justice, and the impact of human actions on the environment. Box's narrative delves into the ethical dilemmas faced by those who live and work in the wilderness, adding a layer of depth to the thrilling plot. The novel also addresses the tension between tradition and progress, as the characters navigate the challenges of modern life in a remote setting.

"Battle Mountain" by C.J. Box is a captivating and thought-provoking thriller that will appeal to fans of the genre and newcomers alike. With its well-drawn characters, atmospheric setting, and intricate plot, this novel is a testament to Box's talent as a storyteller. Whether you're a long-time fan of Joe Pickett or new to the series, "Battle Mountain" is a must-read that will leave you eagerly anticipating the next adventure.

Battle Mountain review

Nate Romanowski is on the warpath. After the explosive ending to Three Inch Teeth, CJ Box wastes no time getting to the action at the outset of his latest Joe Pickett adventure, and just as the name suggests, things get real western in Wyoming. As per usual, I will not give anything away here that could be considered spoilers for Battle Mountain, but if you’ve not read Three Inch Teeth, I’d advise you to stop reading now. The end of the previous novel sets up the entire events of this book, so to not reference it would be a disservice. Still reading? Let’s get into it then. When Axel Soledad and Dallas Cates murdered Liv Romanowski, Nate goes on the warpath, leaving Kestrel with Joe and Marybeth. Governor Rulon has asked Joe to help him locate a missing hunting guide and his son-in-law, who’ve disappeared on Battle Mountain while elk scouting. And is there a disappearance connected in any way to the arrival of a mysterious group of elites called the Centurions? This one is up there with my favorites in the series; it introduces a few new characters I hope we see again. An instant CJ Box classic as far as I’m concerned!

This book builds to a suspense and intrigue, only to have it wrapped up too quickly in the final chapters, leaving some key plot threads and character developments unresolved It’s as though C.J. Box was eager to close the book, and in doing so, sacrificed the depth and impact that could have made the resolution more rewarding. The quick wrap-up feels out of sync with the slow-burn tension that precedes it, leaving readers with a sense of disappointment, as if the story had more to offer but was abruptly cut short. Expect a lot more from C. J. Box

Thanks to NetGalley for advance copy

Joe Picket is the game warden and he comes in part way through the book, but mainly it’s Nate and his friend Geronimo who are hunting for Axel Soledad. Axel is from a previous book and someone they thought was dead. The governor gets involved in this book adding a wrinkle to the problem. Highly recommend!

Another tour de force by C.J. Box, as he catches the reader up in the exciting lives of Montana Game Warden Joe Pickett and his good friend Nate Romanowski. This book is non-stop action, with our lead characters once again encountering enemies who are not only looking to destroy them but to damage law and order in Montana and throughout the U.S.

I received an ARC for free and gave my honest opinion voluntarily.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Another amazing Joe Picket novel. I’ve loved this series and devoured it from the very first book. And years later it’s still one of my favorites.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an ARC to this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is book 25 in the Joe Pickett series, and amazingly, I still find this to be one of the best series around. This was one of the more action-packed books in the series as it brings a fitting conclusion of Nate Romanowski's quest to avenge the murder of his wife. I am very interested to see how and if Nate will come back to society going forward as well as see the next adventures 0f the Pickett family. I am hoping we will see some of the other members of the family again as they have been largely absent from the past few books. Regardless, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and is fitting that this will probably be my last book read this year. 5-stars!

Review: This was filled with the many tropes that bludgeon thriller literature. Former spec. ops guys hunting Dr. Evil. One is black and moves like a cat. The other a falconer with a pony tail whom can see through the eyes of his pet perrigrine falcon. I am not kidding. Joe Pickett is the only one worth following but he is too good to be true along with his perfect wife and smart (x50) daughter. Yawn.

This story line was lacking a good foundation to justify hunting someone for killing reasons. It is vague, but somehow, someone died blah, blah and maybe I missed the whole story in prior works. Still, it is as limp a reason as Ivy league college students toting guns with murder on their minds.

Joe is hiking around and hears a gun go BOOM in a canyon, and immedately knows that it is a .454 Casull. Really? I have shot all my life, been in tournaments around the country and I could not tell you, without guessing, what caliber is being shot. This must be like seeing the terrain through a Falcon's eyes kinda voodoo. The other annoying mis-representation, are that chukar fly in erratic patterns and are thus, hard to hit with a shotgun. No. I have been hunting chukar for 50 years and they generally fly straight, with little deviation. Why some people in Wyoming call them devil birds, is because of their ground agility. They can move rapidly up or down steep slopes.

I think Mr. Box is trying to sell novels based on his self-representation as a western kinda guy whom took people fishing. The idea that someone can see through a falcon's eyes when in a trance, moves this novel into the Fantasy genre.

I received this ARC for an honest review.

2.1/5

In Book 25 of C.J. Box's Joe Pickett series, Battle Mountain (G.P. Putnam's Sons 2025, falconer Nate Romanowski continues to suffer from the vengeful murder of his wife and threats to his daughter. He left daughter Kestrel with Pickett and goes off grid while he sets his lethal sights on everyone involved in his wife's murder and the ongoing threat to his family. The book opens with only one remaining, the ringleader Axel Soledad who also burned down the house of fellow falconer, Geronimo Jones. Jones tucked his family safely away and teamed up with Nate to find and end Soledad's reign of terror. While they implement their plan, Joe Pickett is tapped by the Wyoming Governor--as he sometimes is--to find the Governor's missing son-in-law, last seen on a hunting trip. Joe's search quickly becomes much more complicated than simply tracking down a lost hiker, soon involves the FBI and threats to multiple highly-placed government officials. No devoted Pickett series reader will be surprised to know the Romanowski and Pickett plots run smack into each other. The surprise is how, and what happens next.

An excellent read, maybe one of the best in the series. What it lacks in Joe's down home cleverness, it makes up for in Nate's ruthless focus on Western justice.

Joe Pickett and Nate Romanowski end up working together again in this latest Pickett series submission by C.J. Box. Governor Rulon is back in office, and, true to form, he once again recruits Joe for a 'quiet investigation' out of his own territory. The Governor's son-in-law, encouraged by Rulon to get out of his computer chair and go into the world, and his hunting partner are missing. And Rulon wants them found, and found fast-- before his wife and daughter learn they're unaccounted for. As usual, Joe faces the twin challenges of fulfilling his duty and being loyal to the governor. And, as usual, it all goes public and puts Joe in yet another tenuous position..

At the same time, Nate Romanowski and his fellow falconer Geronimo are on the hunt for Axel Soledad, who killed Nate's wife and burned down Geronimo's house. Their paths cross and Nate, Geronimo, and Joe are all working to not only find Rulon's son-in-law, but to prevent a major massacre of military-industrial leaders of the country.

Fans of the series will race through this one, eager to get to the ending, but then realize it will be a wait for the next adventure.

One of the best CJ Box books I have ever read! Even though Joe played a secondary role, the non-stop action had my heart in my stomach through most of the book. Sheridan is a total badass and now needs a story of her own. More please!!!