Nate Romanowski has lost everything… his wife, his business, his self-respect, his belief in government. While Joe and Mary Beth Pickett agree to foster Nate’s young daughter and Sheridan Pickett takes over his falconry business, Nate goes off the grid to recharge and plan revenge against his nemesis Axel Soledad. Soledad and his anarchist buddies are planning an attack on a group of power brokers and high ranking politicians who meet each year at a lodge in Wyoming called Battle Mountain. (Apparently something similar to this really happens.) Nate tracks Soledad to this meeting point. Meanwhile, much to Joe’s apprehension, Wyoming Governor Rulon has a special assignment for Joe. Seems the governor’s son in law, an up and coming IT wizard and therefore, a soft, desk jokey has taken the governor’s challenge to shadow a well-known elk hunting guide in an effort to toughen up. The governor panics when his son in law and the hunting guide disappear in the wilderness. Joe is assigned to quietly find them. Coincidently (a little too so) and unknowingly, Joe and Nate are separately headed to the same destination, Battle Mountain where things are sure to ‘get western.’
Great book. Great story telling. Great suspense.
I was fortunate to attend C.J.’s book tour session at the St. Louis County Library where Box visits annually to promote his latest completed work. I think he said this was the sixteen time. I’m always amazed how loyal and intense his fans are. They call him out on every minute detail and encourage him to include more Nate Romanowski involvement. Decked out in his black cowboy hat and shiny boots, he takes it all in stride with his calm cowboy demeanor.

The campaign of destruction that Axel Soledad and Dallas Cates wreaked on Nate Romanowski and Joe Pickett left both men in tatters, especially Nate, who lost almost everything so Nate dropped off the grid with his falcons in tow to prepare for vengeance. When Joe gets a call from the governor asking for help finding his son-in-law, who has gone missing in the Sierra Madre mountain range, he enlists the help of a local, a rookie game warden named Susan Kany. As Nate and fellow falconer Geronimo Jones circle closer to their prey, Joe and Susan follow the nearly cold trail to Warm Springs. Little do Nate and Joe know that their separate journeys are about to converge . . . at Battle Mountain.

C. J. Box is a master at presenting the part of the country he covers in his books. This one starts out a little differently, focusing more on Nate and his quest for revenge along with Geronimo Jones who also seeks to get revenge against Axel Soledad before Joe Pickett is brought into the story. Then all the plot lines converge in an ending that had me reading late as I had to see how it ended! I had the pleasure of hearing C.J. Box at a local
bookstore and have been a fan ever since. It is better to read his books in order as one story does build on the last, but he gives enough backstory to know what is going on. I have had the opportunity by NetGalley to read a lot of the later ones and need to go back and read the ones I have missed. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for offering this book on NetGalley and granting my request to read it.

Another solid Joe Pickett novel from C.J. Box. This is a long-running series, and I jumped in somewhere in the middle of the run (but started with book 1). I binged most of the series during a hard stretch of my life in 2018-2019. So, because of that, these characters feel close to me. It's always a pleasure to revisit these characters every year to see how they're doing. But that's the thing about Box and his writing -- even the check-ins feel important. Some long-running series feel like they've run out of gas. They go through the same motions and you can feel the beats coming even before they happen because you've read and consumed so many of the stories before. There's a little of that here too, but the stories still feel as vital as they did in the beginning. Box isn't afraid to make hard choices (see the end of the last book), and I appreciate that we've grown along with Joe, and he doesn't seem to run in place. I'm with Joe until the end. I just hope the end isn't for a very very long time.

The Joe Pickett series NEVER gets old. Battle Mountain is number 25 and it just keeps getting better. Joe and Nate traveling separately through the Wyoming mountains find themselves deep in a life threatening quest. The beautiful Wyoming setting captures the imagination and paints a vivid background. The characters are so beautifully developed that they seem like old friends. Battle Mountain is captivating. I found myself holding my breath as Joe and Nate engaged in this gripping adventure.
I want to send my appreciation for this amazing series, to C.J. Box for creating such pleasurable reading experiences. Please keep them coming.
Thanks to Netgalley and publishers for the ARC of Battle Mountain.

Joe is recruited by again Govener Rulon to quietly find his missing son-in-law. Meanwhile, Nate and his friend Geronimo are on the search for Axel Solidad - the man who killed Nate's wife. Their quests ultimately cross and their missions intersect. Things get a little western back in Saddlestring with Mary Beth and Sheridan taking care of things, This is very much a sequel to Three Inch Teeth, picks up right where it left off. A non stop read. Episode 25 shines like silver. The chapter quotes are from the book The Peregrine by J,A, Baker - reading that now, It will be interesting to see where Nate goes from here- something has changed,

Thank you @putnambooks & @netgalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is number 25 in the Joe Pickett series, and honestly, this series just keeps getting better!

After the shocking murder of his wife, Nate Romanowski has been living off the grid for the past year. Now he’s ready for revenge, and he is joined by fellow falconer Geronimo Jones, who also bears a grudge against murderer Axel Soledad.

Meanwhile, Joe Pickett is searching for some missing men in the Sierra Madre mountains. As Nate and Geronimo move closer to their target, Joe is tracking a trail to Warm Springs, unaware that his journey will soon collide with Nate’s at Battle Mountain where Axel Soledad is planning a mass murder.

MY THOUGHTS: This expertly crafted series centers on Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett and features a cast of well-developed characters, each with captivating storylines and interconnected histories. The plots are intricate and thoughtfully constructed, often culminating in explosive conclusions. Although each book can be enjoyed as a standalone, I highly recommend starting with the first installment to fully appreciate the depth of the storylines and characters.

The Joe Pickett novels are a bit of a guilty pleasure for me. Joe's friend Nate operates under his own set of rules at the best of times, and these aren't the best of times. Nate is seeking righteous revenge and nobody better stand in his way. As usual, we get to enjoy some time with Joe's family and there's a lot of action. This series has been going for a long time and it's still good. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

I began reading CJ Box's Joe Pickett novels when he first started many years ago, the golden era for the series. For those who are more recently introduced to this series, this book is another high adrenaline, high octane thriller and you will not be disappointed in that regard.

I love the game warden slant that Joe Pickett gives and he is far and away my favorite character. I was happy to see Governor Rulon back, as I love the back and forth between him and Joe. Nate Romanowski I have mixed feelings about. I far prefer the books that center on Joe, and this one had way too little of Joe.

The last couple of books have become increasingly violent, and when at the big shootout at the end, each weapon was lovingly described in detail I had to roll my eyes. A bit too Tom Clancyesque for me. I'm sure there is an audience for this, but I'm sad to see one of my favorite series going this way.

Another thing, I don't mind hearing viewpoints different than my own, but this book felt like I was being hit over the head with the characters justification of why it was ok to kill people in the government. Very heavy handed. Box used to be more subtle. I don't read to be lectured.

Nevertheless, I mostly enjoyed the read and sped through it. I keep hoping we'll deviate a bit more to how the books used to be. If you haven't read the series I wouldn't start here. I'd go back to the beginning. The love I developed for the characters back then is what keeps me reading today. I can't dispute that Box writes a very readable, unputdownable series.

Thank you to NetGalley, CJ Box, and Putnam books for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for the ARC!

CJ Box never lets me down! Battle Mountain was full of all the things I love in a Joe Pickett novel- action, suspense, political intrigue, captivating characters and writing that brings you right into the story. Box writes so beautifully the scenery that you feel like you’re standing right there next to Joe and Nate. Battle Mountain was a great fast paced and fun adventure. I can’t wait for the next Box book!

These books are kind of the antidote to a beach book for me. They are the only Western thrillers I read, but they are consistent. This was entertaining and fast-paced. I appreciated how it all came together at the end. For me, this series is always hard to put down. Once I start reading, I always get so drawn into the story.

Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC of this book.

I always thought that working in the great outdoors would be peaceful and serene. C J Box’s Joe Pickett series has changed my mind completely. Although Battle Mountain focuses more on Joe’s friend Nate Romanowski, it maintains the flavor of the series bringing in the wonderful characters found in the other titles. Battle Mountain brings Joe, Nate, and Geronimo together seeking Axel Soledad who has been a threatening force in all of their lives. With a well-orchestrated plot, lots of action, political implications, and great characterization, the story takes on an old west atmosphere with revenge, ambushes, and gun battles. Will the good guys be able to come out on top in this one?

Another wonder Joe adventure by CJ. Lovely descriptions of the mountain scenery that put you right there in Wyoming. The author has a unique ability to bridge the new and old. Highly recommended.

Battle Mountain by CJ Box is a fast-paced, interesting thriller featuring our favorites, Joe Picket and Nate Romanowski. Joe is a Game Warden and Nate is a man always on the side of right, but not always on the side of the law. This time Governor Rulon has engaged Joe to find his son-in-law before his wife and daughter find out he’s missing. Mark Eisle had been bullied by his father-in-law to joining a elk-hunting guide as his assistant. Eisle worked with computers but that wasn’t good enough for the governor. Now he appeared to be missing, hopefully just out of touch. The story got very involved as we approach the climax from several different directions. It seems there is a group of radicals (or criminals depending on one’s perspective) planning an assault on a group of high-level defense people, both employed by the government and contractors. The leader was Alex Soledad who had killed Nate’s wife. Hence his involvement.

Eisle and Spike Rankin were just at the wrong place at the wrong time. Soledad’s crew didn’t take kindly to that and shot first, before asking questions. There was also a random FRI agent wandering through the entire story. Seemed he was investigating subversive groups like Soledad’s. Lots of violence, lots of being in the woods and hunting. Joe and Nate are getting older and sometimes their age shows. It is harder and harder sleeping on the ground and chasing these fools. It was a satisfying story. Oh, and it was nice to have a book not filled with “woke” nonsense. Thanks CJ Box!

I was invited to read Battle Mountain by Penguin Group Putnam. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #PenguinGroupPutnam #CJBox #BattleMountain

BATTLE MOUNTAIN is the twenty-fifth installment of Wyoming game warden Joe Picket and his master falconer friend Nate Romanowski. Nate, still reeling from a previous vicious attack on his family by Alex Soledad, is determined to hunt him down near Battle Mountain. At the same time, Joe heads out to track two hunters who have gone missing in the same area, a special mission for Governor Rulon.

Battle Mountain is less about Joe Pickett and more about Nate Romanowski and his vet friend Geronimo Jones. The search for Soledad is a rollercoaster of suspense, with mounting tension, and leading to a gratifying conclusion. It's an exhilarating read. CJ Box's immersive writing style transports readers into the towering mountains with panoramic views. The book is an outstanding and enriched read, especially after delving into the action-packed thrillers of the previous books, making the series a must-read for all outdoor thriller enthusiasts.

My thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the digital advance review copy. I want to give a special shoutout to CJ Box for crafting such an immersive series. As I eagerly await the next book in the series, I'm sure you'll be just as excited after reading this one. The anticipation for the next installment is part of what makes this series so engaging.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Net Galley for a free digital copy of “Battle Mountain”.
When you begin reading “ Battle Mountain” prepare yourself for wild ride into a story of a fiendish ( yes, I think the word “ fiendish” is appropriate) villain. Alex Soledad is his name , and he is a stone-cold killer, a maniacally focused hater of anyone in his way to disrupt and destroy American society. He is also a superb manipulator of people with legitimate anti- inside DC politicians
Battle Mountain is a mountain resort venue for a Davos - like gathering of the rich and powerful. It is Soledad’s target. But Soledad is being hunted by Nate Romanowski, whose wife Soledad murdered. As for Joe Picket, he has tasked to find the son of Wyoming governor, some where around , guess where-Battle Mountain. It is an exciting novel that winds itself into all out gun fight finish.
C.J. box is one of the few authors writing these days who turns out one great book after another. Years ago while on vacation in Canada, I picked up a pb copy of his first novel. Now, some 35 books later, the next one is on my list.
Cautions: not for anyone who is adverse to blood being shed.

Another gripping novel from C.J. Box! While Battle Mountain might be part of the Joe Pickett series, this book was all about Nate Romanowski. If you read Three-Inch Teeth, this shouldn’t come as a big surprise, because Nate Romanowski is out for vengeance for the killing of his wife. In this story, Nate did what does best - hunted his prey. The bodies kept falling and I was on the edge of my seat to find out what would happen next.

Meanwhile, Joe Pickett is helping the governor with a personal favor. A mystery that had me turning the pages and trying to figure out how and when Nate and Joe’s stories would come together. When it finally happened, I was not disappointed. Joe and Nate work so well together.

If you’re a fan of this series, you won’t be disappointed with this one!

This book, the 25th book in the Joe Pickett series, was very well written and shows what a good author can do. All the scenes and characters are well depicted and the reader never has to wonder what actually happened. The book starts out mostly about Nate Romanaski but then transitions into being about Joe Pickett and his trip to southern Wyoming to help the governor with a special task. There are lots of things going on in this book but it was easy to keep up with all of it. This is a series that shouldn’t be missed by mystery/thriller lovers but I think it would be best to start the series with book #. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

Wow. So, after the last book in this series I was pretty ticked off at Mr. Box. Not sure I’ve really gotten over that but I had to see where the story went.
Part of it I expected. There’s a lot happening in this book. There’s a central theme and we get several viewpoints because everyone is separated. Joe is out of town, MaryBeth is holding down the fort, the bad guy is doing his thing and Nate is hunting down the bad guy.
It’s a busy book but it all works well and makes sense. The story was very well written and suspenseful. The description of the surroundings make it easy to picture.
This is an excellent series and I recommend it to others a lot.
I did receive this book as a free ARC and am leaving this review voluntarily.

A plan which could change the nation's trajectory

When an experienced elk-hunting guide and his newly hired assistant set out on a scouting hike in the Wyoming mountains one day, they expect to return to their vehicle in a few hours. When neither has been seen or heard from for more than 24 hours, people in their lives get concerned. One such person is the new assistant's father-in-law, who just happens to be the governor of the state of Wyoming. Since it was the governor's idea for his son-in-law to take the job in the first place, he has every reason to want the men found quickly and discreetly (i.e., before the disappearance is made public and his wife and daughter find out) and reaches out to the man he likes to task with just this type of sub rosa task...game warden Joe Pickett. As Joe reluctantly heads to the area where the men were last seen, other events have been set in motion which may be headed in his direction as well, Joe's friend and master falconer, Nate Romanowski, who along with Joe was targeted for death by the criminal Axel Soledad, has removed himself from civilization as he mourns the death of his wife at Soledad's hands and focuses on his bonds with his birds and nature. He is also hunting Axel, but has as yet been frustratingly unsuccessful. When fellow falconer Geronimo Jones, like Nate with a background in military special operations, tracks him down and asks him to join forces to eliminate Axel together, Nate agrees. The path to Axel may lead through embittered former veterans who have been contacted by Axel and asked to join his (unknown) cause. All roads seem to lead to a high end dude ranch near Battle Mountain which is about to host the annual weeklong gathering of a group known as The Centurions, whose members are a Who's Who of highly placed members of the military, defense industry, and other movers and shakers. Will Axel's plans be uncovered and stopped in time, and will he at last be brought to justice?
In Battle Mountain, the 25th entry in the series featuring Joe Pickett, main character Joe is manipulated into undertaking a search for two missing men without letting the local game warden or local law enforcement know exactly what he is doing or why. He finds that the situation is more serious than what he expected, and is right back where his wife feared he would be....jeopardizing his safety and doing unwise things. His grieving friend Nate along with the imposing Geronimo join forces to hunt down and eliminate a man whose eradication from the planet would be nothing but a positive, and utilize their unique skill sets to track their quarry. Like Joe,they find themselves in the midst of a rapidly developing scenario that they did not anticipate. As the saying goes, "No battle plan ever survives contact with the enemy", and all three men (and Axel Soledad) will discover the truth behind that observation. My attention was grabbed from the early pages and didn't waver until the end in this novel of suspense whose various plot lines are carefully woven together. The characters are well-defined, the pacing is non-stop, and the rugged setting and falconry lore are added benefits. Readers of the series will find plenty of surprises mixed in with the familiar characters, while those who haven't read the earlier books can read this as a standalone without problem. Fans of Stephen Hunter, William Kent Kruger and John Sandford should be sure to give this mystery a try....they won't regret it (and will likely have a new author to follow). Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam/G. P. Putnam's Sons for allowing me early access to another of author C. J. Box's entertaining series.

A big draw of Battle Mountain by C. J. Box is anticipating Nate and Joe coming together to get the criminals. When they finally reach the climatic end readers are not disappointed.