AMAZING! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Battle Mountain is the best C.J. Box book yet and that’s saying lots since the Joe Pickett series is always full of non-stop action. This latest addition is a heart-stopping thriller with continual tension from page 1 to the exciting end.

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the opportunity to read this awesome ARC.

If you're into thrillers with a gritty, outdoorsy vibe, *Battle Mountain* by C.J. Box delivers big time. Game warden Joe Pickett is thrown into another high-stakes case, facing not just dangerous criminals but also the unforgiving wilderness and the tangled web of small-town secrets. The tension is palpable, and you’re constantly on edge as Joe methodically uncovers the truth.

Joe Pickett is the kind of protagonist who sticks with you. He’s tough yet grounded, the moral compass of the story, and someone who’ll do the right thing no matter the cost. Box’s writing shines as he blends Joe’s personal struggles with suspenseful twists and turns. The small-town setting isn’t just a backdrop—it’s alive with grudges, drama, and authenticity.

Bottom line? *Battle Mountain* is a page-turner packed with mystery, action, and a vividly described, rugged setting. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the series, this one’s worth picking up.

I have this series from the beginning and never been disappointed. This book meets all expectations. The plot is interesting and shifts the main character. I enjoy how the characters have developed throughout the series. Great book and I highly recommend it.

Joe and Nate are back after the heartbreak of "Three-Inch Teeth" and the latest installment , "Battle Mountain" takes us on a great adventure. What a book!

Do I love the writings of CJ Box? Yes. Do I love the character Joe Pickett (in the book, not the show) and will I continue to read the series? Yes. Do I even love the supporting cast of characters: Nate, Marybeth, Sheridan, and even Geronimo? Of course. Do I think that Battle Mountain was up to par with the rest of the series? Not completely. The plot was rushed. How did Mark get free? Sheridan was just able to nab a sheriff with questionable morals and he just moves when set free? It felt like parts were missing and there were none of the tense parts that mark the readability and addictiveness of earlier Pickett books. Also, Marybeth's "voice" was different. Besides these holes and others, Battle Mountain was ok.

C.J. at his best! This book had everything I love in a Box story. Writing was engaging and the characters were sharp in my mind. Well done!

It is always a pleasure to receive an ARC of a Joe Pickett novel and I immediately dive in with anticipatory glee. I have never read one I didn’t like and this one does not disappoint. Filled with the beauty of the West and characters that meld so well together, I found myself wanting to belong to this band of friends and join their posse in the fight against evil and injustice.

Does this one have a dramatic ending? Add it to your reading list for next year and you will have your answer. Don’t miss it!