Open Season by C J. Box, 4 stars - corrected

[NancyJ]

This book was on my TBR a very long time, and was recommended to me by many people including the members of team Dandelions. I’m glad I read it in 2024 because one of my themes was wild animals and endangered species. In this story, the main character’s daughter finds a cute animal in the wood pile, but doesn’t tell her dad. It’s a fictional animal similar to real life black footed ferrets (they look like meerkats). The MC is a game warden in Wyoming, where laws about endangered species are hated for the draconian impacts they can have on a local community. I liked that the author presented two sides of the story, with examples of how the laws are enforced. As a blue state liberal, it’s good for me to get another perspective. I’m not sure if Wyoming hunters would agree that the book is even handed though, because the author made some of them look pretty bad. I’ll continue to read this series with my husband (who sometimes dreamed about becoming a forest ranger).

I realize that I left out the whole murder mystery plot - just in case any of you like that sort of thing. 😁

[Olivermagnus]

I really like this series. I've already pre-ordered #25 Battle Mountain and am anxiously awaiting it. The last book ended in a cliffhanger.

In my opinion, this series shouldn't be read out of order. So many things change and various characters are sometimes killed off. There are lots of continuing characters and storylines that move in and out of different books. How can you resist a book who has a character described as an "outlaw falconer"?

I usually listen to the audio versions narrated by David Chandler. He does an excellent job.

[Ellen]

Absolutely one of my all-time favorite series!

[NancyJ]

Thank you both for encouraging me to start it! Audible has books 1-22 free right now in the audible plus catalog. They don’t have the .5 books though, such as The Master Falconer, which might be the outlaw’s back story.

[Booknblues]

There were 2 seasons of Joe Pickett on Paramount + which I really enjoyed and would have watched more.

The first season featured the black footed ferrets.

I think about picking up this series, but have been hesitant.