Nowhere to Run by C. J. Box - 5 stars

[Ellen]

Wyoming Game Warden Joe Pickett has spent the past year in small town Baggs, Wyoming, as a sort of punishment assignment for not respecting authority and playing by the rules. In one week he will be returning to Saddlestring, his family, and his former job but before he leaves he heads into the mountains to investigate reports of poaching and campsite break-ins. What he finds is more than he could have ever imagined; two men who call themselves the Grimm brothers who have obviously been living in the wild for quite a long time. Finding one of the brothers fishing, Joe asks to see his license which of course is non-existent. Grimm warns Joe to just ride away and forget he ever saw the brothers but Joe promises he will be back with the police. Thus begins a heart-stopping race to survive two murderous men who are exceptionally gifted at tracking their prey. Joe is not sure he will survive after several serious wounds nearly cripple him. Who are these men and what is their reason for attacking Joe?

This is probably my favorite of this series so far. I have always admired Joe and his determination to stick to the rule of law even when it endangers his life. This time he has met his match in more ways than one. With help from his longtime friend Nate, Joe must confront the Grimms but once he learns the reason for their isolationist living, Joe is hesitant to arrest the men. The ending is shocking and nearly heartbreaking. I really love this series.