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Joe Pickett #17
Vicious Circle
The plane circled in the dark. Joe Pickett could just make out down below a figure in the snow and timber, and then three other figures closing in. There was nothing he could do about it. And Joe knew that he might be their next target.
The Cates family had always been a bad lot. Game warden Joe Pickett had been able to strike a fierce blow against them when the life of his daughter April had been endangered, but he’d always wondered if there’d be a day of reckoning. He’s not wondering any longer. Joe knows they’re coming after him and his family now. He has his friend Nate by his side, but will that be enough this time? All he can do is prepare . . . and wait for them to make the first move.
The Cates family had always been a bad lot. Game warden Joe Pickett had been able to strike a fierce blow against them when the life of his daughter April had been endangered, but he’d always wondered if there’d be a day of reckoning. He’s not wondering any longer. Joe knows they’re coming after him and his family now. He has his friend Nate by his side, but will that be enough this time? All he can do is prepare . . . and wait for them to make the first move.
369 pages, Hardcover
First published March 21, 2017
4140 people are currently reading
4102 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Box
111 books7,231 followersC. J. Box is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of 24 novels including the Joe Pickett series. He won the Edgar Alan Poe Award for Best Novel (Blue Heaven, 2009) as well as the Anthony Award, Prix Calibre 38 (France), the Macavity Award, the Gumshoe Award, two Barry Awards, and the 2010 Mountains & Plains Independent Booksellers Association Award for fiction. He was recently awarded the 2016 Western Heritage Award for Literature by the National Cowboy Museum as well as the Spur Award for Best Contemporary Novel by the Western Writers of America in 2017. The novels have been translated into 27 languages.
Box is a Wyoming native and has worked as a ranch hand, surveyor, fishing guide, a small town newspaper reporter and editor, and he co-owns an international tourism marketing firm with his wife Laurie. They have three daughters. An avid outdoorsman, Box has hunted, fished, hiked, ridden, and skied throughout Wyoming and the Mountain West. He served on the Board of Directors for the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo. Box lives in Wyoming.
--from the author's website
Series:
* Joe Pickett
http://us.macmillan.com/author/cjbox
Box is a Wyoming native and has worked as a ranch hand, surveyor, fishing guide, a small town newspaper reporter and editor, and he co-owns an international tourism marketing firm with his wife Laurie. They have three daughters. An avid outdoorsman, Box has hunted, fished, hiked, ridden, and skied throughout Wyoming and the Mountain West. He served on the Board of Directors for the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo. Box lives in Wyoming.
--from the author's website
Series:
* Joe Pickett
http://us.macmillan.com/author/cjbox
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,469 reviews
June 8, 2020
This is my second read by C.J. Box. He writes action/crime fiction set in the modern day west. I spent nearly three years living in Cheyenne, Wyoming and traveled the state extensively. I believe most of Author Box’s books are set in Wyoming or nearby western locations and his stories have brought back memories of the picturesque prairies, mountains, and streams. Both books were written well. His pacing is fantastic. His prose is uncomplicated and a good fit with the backdrop of small Wyoming towns and ranches.
After reading a great of science fiction, this was a great break and return to simpler place and people of Wyoming. And while the action was thrilling, I find a calm in the descriptions of the Wyoming wildlife and landscapes.
This story follows Box’s main character in this series, Game Warden Joe Pickett. A sinister character from Joe’s past has returned, putting himself and his family in mortal peril. Box is at his best describing the Wyoming landscape and following the action as Pickett attempts to fend off his enemies. Box is a strong developer of characters and most are complex and unique. The good guys have flaws and fears and make mistakes. And just like reality, there are good cops and bad cops. This makes for very compelling and unpredictable action where I felt like any outcome was possible (other than the death of Pickett himself).
I’ve ended up reading two random Joe Pickett series books out of order. I appreciate that Box creates books that standup as individual stories, however, I do feel like readers would best be served by reading them in order. I will say that the book slowed down at around the ten percent mark as there was a great deal of setup for the final half of the story, which accelerated into a thrilling cat and mouse game which was heightened by Joe Pickett’s entire family being at risk.
Four stars for another unpretentious but exciting tale of a Wyoming Game Warden that must traverse twisty trails, motives, and actions to seek justice and keep his town and family safe.
After reading a great of science fiction, this was a great break and return to simpler place and people of Wyoming. And while the action was thrilling, I find a calm in the descriptions of the Wyoming wildlife and landscapes.
This story follows Box’s main character in this series, Game Warden Joe Pickett. A sinister character from Joe’s past has returned, putting himself and his family in mortal peril. Box is at his best describing the Wyoming landscape and following the action as Pickett attempts to fend off his enemies. Box is a strong developer of characters and most are complex and unique. The good guys have flaws and fears and make mistakes. And just like reality, there are good cops and bad cops. This makes for very compelling and unpredictable action where I felt like any outcome was possible (other than the death of Pickett himself).
I’ve ended up reading two random Joe Pickett series books out of order. I appreciate that Box creates books that standup as individual stories, however, I do feel like readers would best be served by reading them in order. I will say that the book slowed down at around the ten percent mark as there was a great deal of setup for the final half of the story, which accelerated into a thrilling cat and mouse game which was heightened by Joe Pickett’s entire family being at risk.
Four stars for another unpretentious but exciting tale of a Wyoming Game Warden that must traverse twisty trails, motives, and actions to seek justice and keep his town and family safe.
March 21, 2017
I read and really enjoy a wide range of mystery series, and C. J. Box’s Joe Pickett series is at the very top of my list. Each installment is outstanding and unique, and Vicious Circle (the 17th in the series) is no exception. I am not usually a fan of retribution stories so I was a little concerned that this book might not appeal to me as much as some of his others, but thankfully Vicious Circle is fast-paced, a page-turner, and does not get bogged down in the retribution story line. I read it in a day and a half and loved how the story unfolded.
Joe Pickett encountered the Cates family in his earlier book, Endangered, when Dallas Cates messed with Joe’s daughter April. The Cates family didn’t fare well in Endangered, and Dallas returns in Vicious Circle to exact revenge on Joe and his family. The book opens with Pickett and two others in a small airplane searching for a missing hunter. Right after the group thinks they have found the hunter below on the ground, they witness his shocking murder, and the pace of the book never slows down. There are plenty of surprises and clever twists and turns, and the usual characters make appearances including Marybeth’s mother Missy who is always trying to create more trouble for Joe and Marybeth. There is also a small plot line about some stealthy poachers that C.J. Box wraps up very nicely. Box continues to create credible, entertaining tales that are so much fun to read, and this addition is no exception. Pickett is a highly likeable, realistic protagonist, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the progression of his own story as the books continue.
I relished coming across a couple of shout-outs that Box threw in to his story including a reference to Diana Gabaldon and her Outlander series and a reference to the Broadway show Hamilton (his daughter Lucy is singing “My Shot”) which is an obsession in my own household.
I highly recommend Vicious Circle to anyone who likes a good mystery. Thanks to G. P. Putnam’s and Sons and NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Joe Pickett encountered the Cates family in his earlier book, Endangered, when Dallas Cates messed with Joe’s daughter April. The Cates family didn’t fare well in Endangered, and Dallas returns in Vicious Circle to exact revenge on Joe and his family. The book opens with Pickett and two others in a small airplane searching for a missing hunter. Right after the group thinks they have found the hunter below on the ground, they witness his shocking murder, and the pace of the book never slows down. There are plenty of surprises and clever twists and turns, and the usual characters make appearances including Marybeth’s mother Missy who is always trying to create more trouble for Joe and Marybeth. There is also a small plot line about some stealthy poachers that C.J. Box wraps up very nicely. Box continues to create credible, entertaining tales that are so much fun to read, and this addition is no exception. Pickett is a highly likeable, realistic protagonist, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the progression of his own story as the books continue.
I relished coming across a couple of shout-outs that Box threw in to his story including a reference to Diana Gabaldon and her Outlander series and a reference to the Broadway show Hamilton (his daughter Lucy is singing “My Shot”) which is an obsession in my own household.
I highly recommend Vicious Circle to anyone who likes a good mystery. Thanks to G. P. Putnam’s and Sons and NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 9, 2019
C.J. Box has hit his stride and is knocking these books out of the park!
The last few of his books have been great, but this one is the best of his I have read in a long time. So, when the book is better than books you already felt were pretty great – that is a very good thing!
Lots of action, corruption, revenge set all around the state of Wyoming: Big Horn Mountains, Jackson Hole, even the small town of Lusk gets featured. I grew up in Wyoming and went to Lusk for the 4th of July once. It is not a city I ever expected to see featured in a book.
Box takes me back with every book he writes. I hope if you get a chance to read these, you can picture the settings in your head! And, I hope you all get a chance to visit there someday, too!
If you are looking for a modern day western mystery series, you cannot go wrong with Joe Pickett. I still stand by my belief that this is much better than the Longmire series (although, those have started to improve somewhat as I have gone along). If you want to try this series out, I suggest starting at the beginning. I feel like there is way too much in this book related to previous stories to make this one enjoyable as a stand-alone.
The last few of his books have been great, but this one is the best of his I have read in a long time. So, when the book is better than books you already felt were pretty great – that is a very good thing!
Lots of action, corruption, revenge set all around the state of Wyoming: Big Horn Mountains, Jackson Hole, even the small town of Lusk gets featured. I grew up in Wyoming and went to Lusk for the 4th of July once. It is not a city I ever expected to see featured in a book.
Box takes me back with every book he writes. I hope if you get a chance to read these, you can picture the settings in your head! And, I hope you all get a chance to visit there someday, too!
If you are looking for a modern day western mystery series, you cannot go wrong with Joe Pickett. I still stand by my belief that this is much better than the Longmire series (although, those have started to improve somewhat as I have gone along). If you want to try this series out, I suggest starting at the beginning. I feel like there is way too much in this book related to previous stories to make this one enjoyable as a stand-alone.
October 11, 2023
In this 17th book in the 'Joe Pickett' series, the game warden is in the sights of an ex-convict out for revenge. The book can be read as a standalone.
*****
Joe Pickett is a Wyoming Game Warden who's very good at catching wrongdoers in his district, Twelve Sleep County, a sprawling region of forests, mountains, rivers, flora, and fauna.
Twelve Sleep County seems to be chock full of miscreants who have a grudge against Joe.....and are prone to target the warden AND his family: wife Marybeth and daughters Sheridan, April, and Lucy.
Joe is now in the sights of former rodeo star Dallas Cates, who just got out of prison.
Joe has a long history with the Cates family, all of whom are violent sociopaths. Joe's previous altercations with the Cates crew resulted in the death of Dallas's father and two brothers and the crippling of his (now imprisoned) mother....so Dallas is out for revenge.
Toward this end Dallas puts together a gang composed of himself, two ex-cons, and a meth-addicted woman. The gang saunters into Stockman's Bar for drinks and, while there, quietly discuss their heinous plans. Joe's acquaintance, Dave Farkus, happens to overhear the thugs and leaves a phone message warning Joe of a dire threat to his family. Farkus then goes on a hunting trip and ends up shot to death.....apparently by Dallas Cates and his buddies.
Moreover, the bartender at Stockman's, Wanda Stacy, disappears.
Dallas is arrested for Farkus's murder, and hires defense attorney Marcus Hand - a high-priced legal shark who rarely loses - to defend him.
In the courtroom, Hand accuses Undersheriff Lester Spivak of shenanigans with the evidence, and Cates is soon out of jail. With Cates on the loose, Joe and his family are in serious peril.
In an ironic touch, lawyer Hand's new wife is Joe's mother-in-law, Missy - a vain, self-centered golddigger with a nasty streak.
Missy hates Joe, and is constantly trying to get her daughter, Marybeth, to leave him. (Missy is so over-the-top that's she's almost a comic character.)
A lot of the book involves the unsavory behavior of Dallas and his co-horts, including his jailed mother Brenda.
There are some clever surprises as Joe susses out exactly what's going on, and tries to get justice for the gang's victims.
Joe's not all alone in his fight against the killers. The game warden gets some help from his notorious friend Nate Romanowski - a former special ops agent who's the cleverest, most capable, and toughest outdoorsman in the country. (Nate - who's a sort of 'Jack Reacher of the mountains' - is one of my favorite characters in the series. LOL)
In the midst of Joe's struggles with Dallas and his hooligans, some local poachers are targeting non-trophy animals. The hunters attack at random locations every few days, making it hard for the wildlife cops to catch them. In addition, Joe is approached by Wyoming's new governor, Colter Allen, who mentions Joe's 'special assignments' for the previous governor - and asks for similar favors. In Governor Allen's case, though, the requests are overtly self-serving and political. Will Joe comply? You'll have to read the book to find out.
The book has an interesting plot, but has less action and more talk than previous entries in the series - which makes the story feel a little slow. This isn't a major flaw though, and there IS plenty of excitement.
I'd recommend the book to readers who enjoy action thrillers, especially fans of the Joe Pickett series.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
May 18, 2017
I have read quite a few of C J Box's books and have become a firm fan. But this is my first encounter with Joe Pickett and, to be brutally honest, I found it to be a little boring; almost tedious.
Not what I have come to expect from Box. Will this put me off reading more from this author? Definitely not. I will even be tempted to read more from this series as I have enjoyed all his previous works that I have read.
Thank you to Head of Zeus via Netgalley for providing me with a digital copy of Vicious Circle for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Not what I have come to expect from Box. Will this put me off reading more from this author? Definitely not. I will even be tempted to read more from this series as I have enjoyed all his previous works that I have read.
Thank you to Head of Zeus via Netgalley for providing me with a digital copy of Vicious Circle for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
March 30, 2017
4.5 stars, actually - but good enough to err on the upside when half-stars aren't possible.
This is something like the 17th book about Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett, and since I've read most of them, by now I consider Joe a good friend. There's another reason I love the guy: As those who have read my past reviews most likely are tired of seeing, Joe and I share a surname. In fact, that's what got my attention in the beginning. This one, though, is extra-special for another reason: It was released in the United States on my birthday (March 21). How cool is that?
But of course, name- and birthday-sharing aren't automatic guarantees of loyalty to any series; great stories are. One thing that's kept me going is that over the years, is that it's been fun to watch Joe and his family grow. By this time, daughter Sheridan has graduated from the University of Wyoming, April is attending Northwest Community College, leaving only daughter Lucy still living at home. Joe's wife, Marybeth, is director of the Twelve Sleep County Library. Joe's job is going fine and all's right with the world.
Or not. At the opening, Joe is a reluctant passenger in a plane that's circling the mountains of Wyoming (way too close to the trees for Joe's comfort), looking for a hunter who's been reported missing. They spot what they think is him - along with three other humans - and the ending of that discovery isn't good. Back on the ground, Joe's also trying to track down a big poaching ring that's killing off elk, worrying about a blizzard that's about to hit and, worst of all, dealing with the realization that old enemy Dallas Cates (one-time boyfriend of April) has been released from jail. Because Joe was largely responsible for destroying the rest of the evil Cates family, he's concerned that Dallas's first order of business will be returning the favor.
When April's life is threatened, Joe knows for certain that he's right. But an attempt by local authorities to put Dallas back in jail goes south, leaving Joe and his family vulnerable once again. Toss into the mix appearances by Marybeth's totally irritating, gold-digging mother, Missy, and Joe's long-time friend, professional falconer and off-the-grid expert Nate Romanowski, and you've got the makings of another action-packed adventure.
So what motivated me to take this one down a half-notch from 5 stars? A few things needed a bit more fleshing out, IMHO; it's hard for me to believe Joe and his family - no matter how seasoned they are to misfortune and even the threat of personal danger - could have taken some of what happened to them so much in stride. Then too, Nate, while he still has his edge, just seemed a little too "normal" here; and, not as much activity happens in the great outdoors (which to me is one of the pluses of the series). The ending, too, seemed a bit abrupt (almost as if the allocated word count had been reached and there was no choice but to stop or go back and chop somewhere else). Still, it's close enough to perfect for horseshoes - and I'm already looking forward to the next one.
This is something like the 17th book about Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett, and since I've read most of them, by now I consider Joe a good friend. There's another reason I love the guy: As those who have read my past reviews most likely are tired of seeing, Joe and I share a surname. In fact, that's what got my attention in the beginning. This one, though, is extra-special for another reason: It was released in the United States on my birthday (March 21). How cool is that?
But of course, name- and birthday-sharing aren't automatic guarantees of loyalty to any series; great stories are. One thing that's kept me going is that over the years, is that it's been fun to watch Joe and his family grow. By this time, daughter Sheridan has graduated from the University of Wyoming, April is attending Northwest Community College, leaving only daughter Lucy still living at home. Joe's wife, Marybeth, is director of the Twelve Sleep County Library. Joe's job is going fine and all's right with the world.
Or not. At the opening, Joe is a reluctant passenger in a plane that's circling the mountains of Wyoming (way too close to the trees for Joe's comfort), looking for a hunter who's been reported missing. They spot what they think is him - along with three other humans - and the ending of that discovery isn't good. Back on the ground, Joe's also trying to track down a big poaching ring that's killing off elk, worrying about a blizzard that's about to hit and, worst of all, dealing with the realization that old enemy Dallas Cates (one-time boyfriend of April) has been released from jail. Because Joe was largely responsible for destroying the rest of the evil Cates family, he's concerned that Dallas's first order of business will be returning the favor.
When April's life is threatened, Joe knows for certain that he's right. But an attempt by local authorities to put Dallas back in jail goes south, leaving Joe and his family vulnerable once again. Toss into the mix appearances by Marybeth's totally irritating, gold-digging mother, Missy, and Joe's long-time friend, professional falconer and off-the-grid expert Nate Romanowski, and you've got the makings of another action-packed adventure.
So what motivated me to take this one down a half-notch from 5 stars? A few things needed a bit more fleshing out, IMHO; it's hard for me to believe Joe and his family - no matter how seasoned they are to misfortune and even the threat of personal danger - could have taken some of what happened to them so much in stride. Then too, Nate, while he still has his edge, just seemed a little too "normal" here; and, not as much activity happens in the great outdoors (which to me is one of the pluses of the series). The ending, too, seemed a bit abrupt (almost as if the allocated word count had been reached and there was no choice but to stop or go back and chop somewhere else). Still, it's close enough to perfect for horseshoes - and I'm already looking forward to the next one.
November 4, 2017
I had heard a lot about this author, thought about time I read this author..
Only read about Joe Pickett through a book of Lee Childs, with different authors and characters...
I think the character of Joe Pickett is great, a normal family man, who does and honest job to the best of his ability.
This book really come in three parts, first part starts the story and sets it into motion, second part a court case, and third part the best part the chase..
Although I liked the character, the family, the overall story is was a little slow and heavy going for a while, although some nice twists.
Wyoming Game Warden Joe Pickett is a character that has his flaws, stands for what he believes in and makes enemies on the way, here returns a nasty character in Dallas Cates, former rodeo champion, has been released from county jail, within weeks of two other violent offenders. Cates has one thing on his mind, to avenge the deaths of his father and two brothers, and leaving his mother a cripple, blamed on Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett. Now he’s out to get Joe and his family. As with most blood feuds the innocent get caught in the crossfire.
A 3.5 book, some good points, some good pace near the end, but a little slow and heavy for me..
Although I believe from looking at reviews this is regarded as one of his weakest books.
Only read about Joe Pickett through a book of Lee Childs, with different authors and characters...
I think the character of Joe Pickett is great, a normal family man, who does and honest job to the best of his ability.
This book really come in three parts, first part starts the story and sets it into motion, second part a court case, and third part the best part the chase..
Although I liked the character, the family, the overall story is was a little slow and heavy going for a while, although some nice twists.
Wyoming Game Warden Joe Pickett is a character that has his flaws, stands for what he believes in and makes enemies on the way, here returns a nasty character in Dallas Cates, former rodeo champion, has been released from county jail, within weeks of two other violent offenders. Cates has one thing on his mind, to avenge the deaths of his father and two brothers, and leaving his mother a cripple, blamed on Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett. Now he’s out to get Joe and his family. As with most blood feuds the innocent get caught in the crossfire.
A 3.5 book, some good points, some good pace near the end, but a little slow and heavy for me..
Although I believe from looking at reviews this is regarded as one of his weakest books.
June 8, 2022
It's a Joe Pickett mystery by C.J. Box so of course it's five stars. Outstanding.
February 24, 2022
3.5 stars
Dallas Cates is back in the 17th book in the Joe Pickett series. In Endangered Joe tangled with the Cates family. Dallas's father and two brothers were killed and his mother is serving a life sentence in prison but they could only get Dallas on minor charges. Now he is out of prison and apparently looking for revenge against Joe ... and his family.
Dave Farkus is sitting in Stockman's Bar drinking red beer and trying to impress bartender Wanda Stacy with his stories when Dallas walks in along with two men and a woman in a hoodie. Due to certain acoustics Dave is able to hear snatches of the conversation Dallas is having. He can only hear parts of what they are saying but it is enough to make him call Joe to leave a message warning him.
Dave was leaving the next morning on a hunting trip with a buddy. Later the buddy called in to report that Dave was missing from the camp. A search and rescue operation was started and Dave's body was found. He had been shot to death. Forensic evidence is gathered (blood, bullets, shell casings). When Dallas is pulled over during a traffic stop a rifle is found in his car and there is blood. It seems to link him to Dave's murder and Dallas is arrested. It is almost too good. Too easy. And it is. Dallas's attorney is Marcus Hand, a high priced media lawyer, who promptly shows that the evidence was planted by Undersheriff Lester Spivak. The charges against Dallas are dismissed.
The threat to Joe and his family is renewed. There doesn't seem to be anything that can be done to stop Dallas. Things get so bad that Joe's family move out of the house seeking a safe place away from Dallas. At the same time Joe is wondering how it is that Dallas could afford a high priced lawyer like Marcus Hand. He is an unemployed ex-con. Where did he get the money to hire Hand?
It was interesting to read how Joe figured out everything and who was running the show. It may take a little time but Joe and Marybeth are pretty smart. They make a good team. The Pickett family had been staying in Jackson Hole when trying to avoid Dallas. I had to laugh when they were returning to Saddlestring in the early hours and Joe's daughter, Lucy, sang showtunes to keep everyone awake. Loudly. Much to the annoyance of April was driving.
Dallas Cates is back in the 17th book in the Joe Pickett series. In Endangered Joe tangled with the Cates family. Dallas's father and two brothers were killed and his mother is serving a life sentence in prison but they could only get Dallas on minor charges. Now he is out of prison and apparently looking for revenge against Joe ... and his family.
Dave Farkus is sitting in Stockman's Bar drinking red beer and trying to impress bartender Wanda Stacy with his stories when Dallas walks in along with two men and a woman in a hoodie. Due to certain acoustics Dave is able to hear snatches of the conversation Dallas is having. He can only hear parts of what they are saying but it is enough to make him call Joe to leave a message warning him.
Dave was leaving the next morning on a hunting trip with a buddy. Later the buddy called in to report that Dave was missing from the camp. A search and rescue operation was started and Dave's body was found. He had been shot to death. Forensic evidence is gathered (blood, bullets, shell casings). When Dallas is pulled over during a traffic stop a rifle is found in his car and there is blood. It seems to link him to Dave's murder and Dallas is arrested. It is almost too good. Too easy. And it is. Dallas's attorney is Marcus Hand, a high priced media lawyer, who promptly shows that the evidence was planted by Undersheriff Lester Spivak. The charges against Dallas are dismissed.
The threat to Joe and his family is renewed. There doesn't seem to be anything that can be done to stop Dallas. Things get so bad that Joe's family move out of the house seeking a safe place away from Dallas. At the same time Joe is wondering how it is that Dallas could afford a high priced lawyer like Marcus Hand. He is an unemployed ex-con. Where did he get the money to hire Hand?
It was interesting to read how Joe figured out everything and who was running the show. It may take a little time but Joe and Marybeth are pretty smart. They make a good team. The Pickett family had been staying in Jackson Hole when trying to avoid Dallas. I had to laugh when they were returning to Saddlestring in the early hours and Joe's daughter, Lucy, sang showtunes to keep everyone awake. Loudly. Much to the annoyance of April was driving.
March 27, 2017
Wyoming Game Warden Joe Pickett has been in a lot of dangerous and threatening situations before, but none have been as perilous for him and his family as their encounters with the evil and twisted Cates clan. (The history of those confrontations is detailed in “Endangered” the 15th book in the series.) At the conclusion of that book, Joe gets a measure of justice against the Cates for the abduction and beating of his daughter April. But that justice came at a high price for the Cates family. In “Vicious Circle,” Dallas Cates has just been released from prison and is determined to get revenge on Joe and his family. With the help of several depraved minions, Dallas’s attacks on the Picketts grow every more violent and terrifying. Law enforcement in Saddlestring, Wyoming know the Cates are bad characters, yet Dallas cleverly manages to be several steps ahead of any legitimate reason to be arrested. Even when he does get arrested, there is a stunning outcome to that arrest. A great deal of damage is done to the Pickett family before Joe, aided by his good friend Nate Romanowski, is able to bring the vicious cycle of violence and revenge to a close.
Over the course of this series, the reader comes to understand Joe’s absolute commitment to do the right thing and also protect his family. As he tells Dallas Cates mother Brenda, “You’ve got to know by now that when it comes to protecting my family, I’ll do anything it takes. Anything, Brenda.” Yet there is a part of Joe that understands why the Cates family is seeking revenge, and that causes him a great deal of internal conflict. Although reviewers often write that a particular author’s most recent book is his best, that is especially true in “Vicious Circle.” Because C.J. Box is so skillful at bringing readers new to the series up to date on events in previous books while also reminding long time readers what’s gone before, “Vicious Circle” could be read as a stand-alone. However, I would recommend newcomers to this series read “Endangered” first for the back-story of the destructive relationship between the Pickett and Cates families. Better yet, start at the beginning of this outstanding series and discover why C.J. Box is in the top tier of crime fiction authors.
Thank you to Penguin Putnam and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
Over the course of this series, the reader comes to understand Joe’s absolute commitment to do the right thing and also protect his family. As he tells Dallas Cates mother Brenda, “You’ve got to know by now that when it comes to protecting my family, I’ll do anything it takes. Anything, Brenda.” Yet there is a part of Joe that understands why the Cates family is seeking revenge, and that causes him a great deal of internal conflict. Although reviewers often write that a particular author’s most recent book is his best, that is especially true in “Vicious Circle.” Because C.J. Box is so skillful at bringing readers new to the series up to date on events in previous books while also reminding long time readers what’s gone before, “Vicious Circle” could be read as a stand-alone. However, I would recommend newcomers to this series read “Endangered” first for the back-story of the destructive relationship between the Pickett and Cates families. Better yet, start at the beginning of this outstanding series and discover why C.J. Box is in the top tier of crime fiction authors.
Thank you to Penguin Putnam and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
March 29, 2017
What's up with that ending? Felt like Box just said, "I'm done" and chopped it short. I was definitely expecting a bit more.
September 22, 2024
5 Stars for Vicious Circle: Joe Pickett, Book 17 (audiobook) by C. J. Box read by David Chandler.
Joe Pickett has another run in with the Cates family. Things get a little western as Nate steps in to help Joe and his family. Hopefully this is the last showdown with this crazy family.
Joe Pickett has another run in with the Cates family. Things get a little western as Nate steps in to help Joe and his family. Hopefully this is the last showdown with this crazy family.
April 20, 2017
Brilliant! As always....I love this series.
My View:
I’ll keep this review brief as you all know how much I love this author and in particular this series. This is another outstanding episode in the life of game warden Joe Pickett, the narrative just keeps setting darker and more intense as the series goes on. This is a clear your diary, order dinner to be delivered, read in one night kind of book…you will not be disappointed!
I’ll add one additional thought – the Wanda Stacy event raised my blood pressure several notches…very, very, dark AND I loved that Nate Romanowski was called on to help Joe out. Nate is a character that forces you to ask yourself “what would you do in his situation?” Decisions are not always easy or clear cut…
My View:
I’ll keep this review brief as you all know how much I love this author and in particular this series. This is another outstanding episode in the life of game warden Joe Pickett, the narrative just keeps setting darker and more intense as the series goes on. This is a clear your diary, order dinner to be delivered, read in one night kind of book…you will not be disappointed!
I’ll add one additional thought – the Wanda Stacy event raised my blood pressure several notches…very, very, dark AND I loved that Nate Romanowski was called on to help Joe out. Nate is a character that forces you to ask yourself “what would you do in his situation?” Decisions are not always easy or clear cut…
January 18, 2020
I just love this series. IMHO C.J. Box is one of the better current authors of crime mystery, similar to the likes of Lee Child, Craig Johnson, Robert Crais.
July 15, 2022
I haven't read or listened to a bad C.J. Box book. Love the narrator, one of the best male voices for female characters in the business.
While most of the Joe Pickett books can be read out of order (I started out of order) because Box does a great job bringing the reader up-to-speed on the characters you need to know in the current story, I would suggest that a familiarity with the Cates family -- particularly in the book ENDANGERED -- would be helpful.
While most of the Joe Pickett books can be read out of order (I started out of order) because Box does a great job bringing the reader up-to-speed on the characters you need to know in the current story, I would suggest that a familiarity with the Cates family -- particularly in the book ENDANGERED -- would be helpful.
June 12, 2020
Vicious Circle was an awesome addition to the Joe Pickett series where once again we find ourselves in a plot with the Cates family again. The vengefulness in this one against Joe’s family is hyped up even more so and boy, was it tense. This was an enthralling reading adventure for sure!
October 18, 2017
Although only 207 miles as the crow flies from Saddlestring, it had taken 360 vehicle miles to get there (Jackson Hole) … driving east to west across a state knuckled with north-to-south mountain ranges and rivers slowed things down … Twice he had to slow down for elk to cross the highway in his headlights, and he’s almost hit a black bear loping across the road to Togwotee Pass.
Dallas Cates, former rodeo champion, has been released from county jail, within weeks of two other violent offenders. Cates has one thing on his mind, to avenge the deaths of his father and two brothers, and leaving his mother a cripple, blamed on Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett. Now he’s out to get Joe and his family. As with most blood feuds the innocent get caught in the crossfire.
Fans of the Joe Pickett series will not be disappointed. There are cameos of characters from the earlier books: flamboyant defense attorney Marcus Hand; Joe’s mother-in-law Missy, now on to her sixth husband. A new state governor who is brusque and overbearing. After a slow start the action picks up as Joe’s friend, Nate Romanowski steps from the shadows and almost off the page.
For readers unfamiliar with CJ Box’s books, there is action and suspense a plenty; brutal killings but not overly graphic, each character depicted by their obvious physical appearance, leaving the rest to the reader’s imagination. But expect to smell snow, feel the chill wind, hear aspens whispering among the pines, the calls of hawks, absorb the landscape change in colour through the windscreen or from horseback.
Dallas Cates, former rodeo champion, has been released from county jail, within weeks of two other violent offenders. Cates has one thing on his mind, to avenge the deaths of his father and two brothers, and leaving his mother a cripple, blamed on Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett. Now he’s out to get Joe and his family. As with most blood feuds the innocent get caught in the crossfire.
Fans of the Joe Pickett series will not be disappointed. There are cameos of characters from the earlier books: flamboyant defense attorney Marcus Hand; Joe’s mother-in-law Missy, now on to her sixth husband. A new state governor who is brusque and overbearing. After a slow start the action picks up as Joe’s friend, Nate Romanowski steps from the shadows and almost off the page.
For readers unfamiliar with CJ Box’s books, there is action and suspense a plenty; brutal killings but not overly graphic, each character depicted by their obvious physical appearance, leaving the rest to the reader’s imagination. But expect to smell snow, feel the chill wind, hear aspens whispering among the pines, the calls of hawks, absorb the landscape change in colour through the windscreen or from horseback.
April 13, 2024
Unfinished Business
Joe Pickett received a phone message from Dave Farkus, a guy he had more than a couple wild adventures with that he wished they could have avoided, but Dave was a nice old fellow even if he was always looking for an angle on everything. Dave‘s message said that he heard a group of people in a bar talking about doing terrible things to Joe’s family and it wouldn’t have felt right not warning him, even if they were just talking. It was a borrowed phone and he could hear the woman take it back.
Joe packed his family off to his mother-in-law’s place that was a gated community, (since she was on husband number six) and Joe and the two dogs stayed at their state owned home.
Dallas Cates is out of prison and seems to have money to burn and two men and a woman no one seems to know partying around town with him. When Dave Farkus turns up missing from his hunting camp, Joe and a couple other spotters went up in an aircraft over the area Dave was most likely to be in. When they saw a lone man with three others closing in on him it wasn’t hard to tell by using Forward Looking Infrared equipment they were witnessing a man being murder. Dave Farkus was found murdered in those exact coordinates by Joe, Sheriff Reed and his deputies. When people started coming after Joe’s family where they shouldn’t have been able to find them, things were about to get western.
Thanks again C. J. Box for keeping us entertained with some of the best writing out there on range or the mountains. Five stars.
Joe Pickett received a phone message from Dave Farkus, a guy he had more than a couple wild adventures with that he wished they could have avoided, but Dave was a nice old fellow even if he was always looking for an angle on everything. Dave‘s message said that he heard a group of people in a bar talking about doing terrible things to Joe’s family and it wouldn’t have felt right not warning him, even if they were just talking. It was a borrowed phone and he could hear the woman take it back.
Joe packed his family off to his mother-in-law’s place that was a gated community, (since she was on husband number six) and Joe and the two dogs stayed at their state owned home.
Dallas Cates is out of prison and seems to have money to burn and two men and a woman no one seems to know partying around town with him. When Dave Farkus turns up missing from his hunting camp, Joe and a couple other spotters went up in an aircraft over the area Dave was most likely to be in. When they saw a lone man with three others closing in on him it wasn’t hard to tell by using Forward Looking Infrared equipment they were witnessing a man being murder. Dave Farkus was found murdered in those exact coordinates by Joe, Sheriff Reed and his deputies. When people started coming after Joe’s family where they shouldn’t have been able to find them, things were about to get western.
Thanks again C. J. Box for keeping us entertained with some of the best writing out there on range or the mountains. Five stars.
March 12, 2017
It's always great to spend some time with Joe Pickett and his family and friends. And this one promises to be an exciting ride: the Cates family, who Joe had a run-in with a couple of books back, has returned to get their revenge. But it's really kind of a dull book, all-in-all. What should have been an epic battle gets resolved all too easily. It almost seems like these last couple of Pickett books have been phoned-in rather than really developed and that's a shame, because Joe Pickett is one of the best mystery novel protagonists ever created. Maybe Box is running out of things to say? Box's diehard fans will want to read this one anyway.
April 5, 2017
This is my first book by C.J. Box, loved it. Fast pace thriller taken place in Wyoming. I find myself avoiding mystery books with plot in large cities like Los Angeles or NYC. Looking forward to read more by this author.
February 7, 2025
In C.J. Box’s seventeenth Joe Pickett novel - “Vicious Circle” - the game warden in the county of Twelve Sleep, Wyoming, is facing another serious challenge. Not only a challenge for him, but also for his family. The ones he loves and closest to him.
The book starts off, Dave Farkus, a local hunter that’s crossed paths with Joe Pickett several times, has gone missing from his elk camp. While searching for him in a Cessna flown a couple volunteer of the Wing Civil Air Patrol, Joe witnesses three human images converge on another individual, and shoot him down.
Unfortunately, due to the snow and distance, he cannot identify the attackers, so the next morning Joe is part of a rescue/recovery expedition back to the location to investigate. Once they reach the scene, they discover the shot ridden body of Dave Farkus, leaving Joe to ask why would three people hunt down an unemployed and heavy drinking local resident? It makes no sense.
At the same time, Dallas Cates, has been spotted back in town. Apparently, he’s been released from the penitentiary where he was serving a sentence that Joe was a material part of his incarceration. Dallas was a previous rodeo champion who became involved with Joe’s family when dating April, Ruth and Marybeth’s adopted daughter. April ran off with Dallas and traveled the rodeo circuit with him, until their relationship fell apart, he dumped her, leaving her to be grabbed and beaten by another man.
This was followed by Dallas Cates family going to war with Joe. The Cates family has always felt disrespected and treated like lowlifes in their community. That came to a head when Dallas’ father and two brothers were killed while attacking Joe and kidnapping Nate’s girlfriend. Now, the surviving Cates members are Dallas, and his mom, Brenda, is serving a life sentence for her part in the criminal activities.
While trying to find who killed Farkus and why, the other issue facing Joe, and his family, is worrying about why Dallas is back in town. Is Dallas seeking a day of reckoning for his family? If so, how does Joe protect his wife and three daughters? Will he need to seek Nate’s help when his friend is trying to leave his violent past behind…
It doesn’t take long for Joe to find out when his attackers come for his daughters, for his house, and his wife. Joe has never faced such a fearless and committed enemy, and it may be too late before he realizes how strategical their plan for revenge is. This time, Joe and members of his family may not survive…
This was another winner from C.J. Box. It involved plotlines that were laid in previous books and brought back in an overwhelming tsunami of emotional conflict. The Cates against the Pickets has turned into the modern-day version of the Hatfields and McCoys. There’s no lack of plotting, character, and family elements in this one. Even though this is Joe’s fight, the multiple storylines involving Sheridan, April, Lucy, and Marybeth elevate the risk and drama facing everyone. The outcome is strengthened by having his family spend lead time on the stage. Joe needs Marybeth’s intelligence, research, and analysis, as well as Nate’s military and physical prowess to balance his own strengths. We, as readers, are also blessed to experience the growth of their daughters into adulthood as they head off down separate independent paths. Seeing them face unexpected attacks and adversity brings them together as family and unites them in the same purpose.
C.J. Box certainly through in everything but the kitchen sink in this one. I’m not sure that he could have thrown much more adversity and physical adversity at them. We thought we understood the Cates family and their vendetta before, but this time C.J. Box put together a structured plotline that was layered in complexity and execution that was creative and pushed our emotional buttons in the highest way possible, demonstrating what a master storyteller he really is.
I even enjoyed the return of other previous characters, including Marcus Hand, the lawyer who represented Marybeth’s mother, Missy, in a previous book., and Missy herself, who serves to be in a pain in Joe’s backside every chance she gets. Missy serves the role of spoiler and annoyer to the highest level. Every time she goes down, she bounces right back up in an even better situation than she was in prior. She’s also had more husbands than parents have children, including second marriages. C.J. Box has created one of the most spoiled, self-centered, and entertaining mothers-in-law in the fiction world, and I can’t help but love it.
Overall, this was a strong 4.5-star rating for me, which has been consistent in my reviews of the books in this series that is becoming one of my all-time favorites. I have given no lower than a 4-star rating, and for good reason. Each book continues to build on the previous as I have become fully committed to the Picket family and their blood brother, Nate Romanowski.
I hope you consider taking a chance on reading this series if you haven’t already. It is worth it. Entertaining mystery at its best and I’ve already started reading the next one in the series, proving that you simply cannot put them down. Find out for yourself…
The book starts off, Dave Farkus, a local hunter that’s crossed paths with Joe Pickett several times, has gone missing from his elk camp. While searching for him in a Cessna flown a couple volunteer of the Wing Civil Air Patrol, Joe witnesses three human images converge on another individual, and shoot him down.
Unfortunately, due to the snow and distance, he cannot identify the attackers, so the next morning Joe is part of a rescue/recovery expedition back to the location to investigate. Once they reach the scene, they discover the shot ridden body of Dave Farkus, leaving Joe to ask why would three people hunt down an unemployed and heavy drinking local resident? It makes no sense.
At the same time, Dallas Cates, has been spotted back in town. Apparently, he’s been released from the penitentiary where he was serving a sentence that Joe was a material part of his incarceration. Dallas was a previous rodeo champion who became involved with Joe’s family when dating April, Ruth and Marybeth’s adopted daughter. April ran off with Dallas and traveled the rodeo circuit with him, until their relationship fell apart, he dumped her, leaving her to be grabbed and beaten by another man.
This was followed by Dallas Cates family going to war with Joe. The Cates family has always felt disrespected and treated like lowlifes in their community. That came to a head when Dallas’ father and two brothers were killed while attacking Joe and kidnapping Nate’s girlfriend. Now, the surviving Cates members are Dallas, and his mom, Brenda, is serving a life sentence for her part in the criminal activities.
While trying to find who killed Farkus and why, the other issue facing Joe, and his family, is worrying about why Dallas is back in town. Is Dallas seeking a day of reckoning for his family? If so, how does Joe protect his wife and three daughters? Will he need to seek Nate’s help when his friend is trying to leave his violent past behind…
It doesn’t take long for Joe to find out when his attackers come for his daughters, for his house, and his wife. Joe has never faced such a fearless and committed enemy, and it may be too late before he realizes how strategical their plan for revenge is. This time, Joe and members of his family may not survive…
This was another winner from C.J. Box. It involved plotlines that were laid in previous books and brought back in an overwhelming tsunami of emotional conflict. The Cates against the Pickets has turned into the modern-day version of the Hatfields and McCoys. There’s no lack of plotting, character, and family elements in this one. Even though this is Joe’s fight, the multiple storylines involving Sheridan, April, Lucy, and Marybeth elevate the risk and drama facing everyone. The outcome is strengthened by having his family spend lead time on the stage. Joe needs Marybeth’s intelligence, research, and analysis, as well as Nate’s military and physical prowess to balance his own strengths. We, as readers, are also blessed to experience the growth of their daughters into adulthood as they head off down separate independent paths. Seeing them face unexpected attacks and adversity brings them together as family and unites them in the same purpose.
C.J. Box certainly through in everything but the kitchen sink in this one. I’m not sure that he could have thrown much more adversity and physical adversity at them. We thought we understood the Cates family and their vendetta before, but this time C.J. Box put together a structured plotline that was layered in complexity and execution that was creative and pushed our emotional buttons in the highest way possible, demonstrating what a master storyteller he really is.
I even enjoyed the return of other previous characters, including Marcus Hand, the lawyer who represented Marybeth’s mother, Missy, in a previous book., and Missy herself, who serves to be in a pain in Joe’s backside every chance she gets. Missy serves the role of spoiler and annoyer to the highest level. Every time she goes down, she bounces right back up in an even better situation than she was in prior. She’s also had more husbands than parents have children, including second marriages. C.J. Box has created one of the most spoiled, self-centered, and entertaining mothers-in-law in the fiction world, and I can’t help but love it.
Overall, this was a strong 4.5-star rating for me, which has been consistent in my reviews of the books in this series that is becoming one of my all-time favorites. I have given no lower than a 4-star rating, and for good reason. Each book continues to build on the previous as I have become fully committed to the Picket family and their blood brother, Nate Romanowski.
I hope you consider taking a chance on reading this series if you haven’t already. It is worth it. Entertaining mystery at its best and I’ve already started reading the next one in the series, proving that you simply cannot put them down. Find out for yourself…
March 24, 2024
I'm out of accolades for this series - it's simply a stunning series that continues to get better and better. Intensity, characterizations, plot lines, twists & turns...it's fantastic! Highly recommended but read in order from book one!
April 27, 2017
What a *vicious disappointment* from one of my favorite authors. Usually, I can count on C.J. Box to provide intense plot lines with interesting characters and a pulse-driving narrative. This one slumped, however. I was fairly engaged until the incident with the "ax woman" attempting to enter Missy's home and Lucy cowering in fear and tearful in response behind the door. I was SCREAMING AT THE KINDLE, "SPRAY THAT B*TCH WITH YOUR PEPPER SPRAY, DAMMIT!!!" Box had meticulously pointed out to us that both daughters carried pepper spray to defend themselves against Dallas in case he appeared and yet this plot point was not utilized at a time that would have been PERFECT to do so!! Besides which, the other daughter April was also in the house. They could have tag teamed the interloper!! BESIDES which, April was also packing a gun!!! They could have shot the intruder. None of this was explored...no reference in the narrative to these two points. Very, very sloppy editing. Secondly, when Nate is up the tree and the crooked sheriff Spivak catches him up there and orders him to come down within earshot of Dallas and his cronies who are seemingly only a few yards away and they don't hear him???? Spivak is yelling. And since he IS in cohoots with Dallas and crew wouldn't he have alerted them by saying "lookey here, guess who's up this tree guys???" (or something along those lines)? I was shocked. When I read that passage and Nate comes down the tree, weapon-less, I just knew he would be killed. So to find out a few chapters later that he bushwhacked Spivak left me with my mouth open. How did Dallas et al not know about this and be ready to greet Nate at the bottom of the tree along with Spivak? Unreal.
The last third of the book felt very rushed. I felt cheated as a loyal follower of Box. This was not his best.
The last third of the book felt very rushed. I felt cheated as a loyal follower of Box. This was not his best.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2017
Disappointed
I love the books by C. J. Box and have read all of them. This book was not one of his best books. You had to know Joe Picket to "get the book". Joe was not in the mountains or wilderness with snow or rivers that gushed. It was too much talking. The reviews indicated that Nate was in the book and he was. But very little.
I love the books by C. J. Box and have read all of them. This book was not one of his best books. You had to know Joe Picket to "get the book". Joe was not in the mountains or wilderness with snow or rivers that gushed. It was too much talking. The reviews indicated that Nate was in the book and he was. But very little.
September 18, 2022
One of my favorite Pickett books to date, finally wrapping up a great storyline. It was a straightforward thriller, satisfying but sad in the end as his family suffered terrible loss, some of which can be rebuilt.
Box introduced a possible new “governor” story that has potential, but in the end it was Joe with help from Marybeth and Nate, as we’ve come to look forward to, expect and enjoy.
Box introduced a possible new “governor” story that has potential, but in the end it was Joe with help from Marybeth and Nate, as we’ve come to look forward to, expect and enjoy.
June 12, 2017
If you feel like getting out of the urban jungle and into the countryside with your crime reading, then CJ Box should be near the very top of your to-read list. He's won the Edgar Award for his outstanding standalone Blue Heaven, but the spine of his terrific authorial oeuvre is his long-running series starring Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett.
Pickett is the inverse of many standard crime heroes, and not just because he lives and works in the wide open landscapes of Wyoming rather than hunting killers down a big city's mean streets. He's a happily married family man, who isn't particularly ambitious or driven. He's a bit of a Boy Scout, you could say, in the way he acts - always trying to 'do the right thing'. He also isn't tortured by events from his past (though as we progress through the series - Vicious Circle is the seventeenth Pickett book - there have been plenty of tough times and dark events added to Pickett's resume).
And he's not particularly capable, physically. A modern cowboy, but not an action man. Just a fairly ordinary, but honourable, guy trying to do his job and live a life he loves, as best he can. Messing up plenty along the way, but always keeping going, trying to do the right thing.
That's what makes him so special, and not at all ordinary, in the world of crime fiction.
In Vicious Circle, troubles from Pickett's past do rear their ugly head. First, there's the not-particularly-wanted return of his abrasive, condescending mother-in-law Missy. A woman who when she's not improving her bank balance, husband by rich husband, is determined to undermine Pickett and ensure her daughter Marybeth knows how much better she could have done, with anyone.
But worse than that, Dallas Cates is back in town. Former rodeo star, and former boyfriend of Pickett's middle daughter Ruby. An abusive, entitled man used to getting what he wants, and still seething about what happened to his family the last time he duelled with Joe Pickett. Revenge burns.
This is an enjoyable read in an excellent series, an instalment that's full of action, with Pickett and those he loves under extreme danger from some particularly vicious people. There's some real moments of vulnerability for the Pickett family, and Box ratchets up the tension in a way that tugs at the emotions. Long-time fans will enjoy the ongoing arcs for characters we've come to know and love, as well as the return of Nate Romanowski, Pickett's falcon-training best friend.
A best friend who more than makes up for Pickett's relative lack of talent when it comes to guns and violence, who has Boy Scout outdoors skills, but less Boy Scout in his moral code.
Engaging, and enjoyable. A very good read in a superb series.
Pickett is the inverse of many standard crime heroes, and not just because he lives and works in the wide open landscapes of Wyoming rather than hunting killers down a big city's mean streets. He's a happily married family man, who isn't particularly ambitious or driven. He's a bit of a Boy Scout, you could say, in the way he acts - always trying to 'do the right thing'. He also isn't tortured by events from his past (though as we progress through the series - Vicious Circle is the seventeenth Pickett book - there have been plenty of tough times and dark events added to Pickett's resume).
And he's not particularly capable, physically. A modern cowboy, but not an action man. Just a fairly ordinary, but honourable, guy trying to do his job and live a life he loves, as best he can. Messing up plenty along the way, but always keeping going, trying to do the right thing.
That's what makes him so special, and not at all ordinary, in the world of crime fiction.
In Vicious Circle, troubles from Pickett's past do rear their ugly head. First, there's the not-particularly-wanted return of his abrasive, condescending mother-in-law Missy. A woman who when she's not improving her bank balance, husband by rich husband, is determined to undermine Pickett and ensure her daughter Marybeth knows how much better she could have done, with anyone.
But worse than that, Dallas Cates is back in town. Former rodeo star, and former boyfriend of Pickett's middle daughter Ruby. An abusive, entitled man used to getting what he wants, and still seething about what happened to his family the last time he duelled with Joe Pickett. Revenge burns.
This is an enjoyable read in an excellent series, an instalment that's full of action, with Pickett and those he loves under extreme danger from some particularly vicious people. There's some real moments of vulnerability for the Pickett family, and Box ratchets up the tension in a way that tugs at the emotions. Long-time fans will enjoy the ongoing arcs for characters we've come to know and love, as well as the return of Nate Romanowski, Pickett's falcon-training best friend.
A best friend who more than makes up for Pickett's relative lack of talent when it comes to guns and violence, who has Boy Scout outdoors skills, but less Boy Scout in his moral code.
Engaging, and enjoyable. A very good read in a superb series.
October 7, 2023
Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett is again pushed into a role far beyond his basic role in remote but beautiful Wyoming.
Family involvement ... including his daughter April .. with a career criminal family , the Cates.. pulls the story along . The reader never fully knows what the Cates are capable of and how complex they can be in this seemingly ideal rural community.
Joe Romansky, a friend from other novels works along with Joe to define, investigate and solve Vicious Circle's various elements.
As you hope. good will win out but at some points reader may be concerned about the final resolution of the details.
Family involvement ... including his daughter April .. with a career criminal family , the Cates.. pulls the story along . The reader never fully knows what the Cates are capable of and how complex they can be in this seemingly ideal rural community.
Joe Romansky, a friend from other novels works along with Joe to define, investigate and solve Vicious Circle's various elements.
As you hope. good will win out but at some points reader may be concerned about the final resolution of the details.
May 1, 2021
This was one of those books that you start, and then really can't put down until the last page is read. The Cates/Pickett feud comes to a bitter, bitter end. There was one really good twist that surprised me. A terrific entry in the series.
July 19, 2021
The novels of C J Box are addictive
December 18, 2023
Another excellent five star read in the series!
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