If you’ve ever found yourself discreetly setting aside a book halfway through because it failed to captivate you, it’s about time you embarked on a literary journey with C.J. Box, a true maestro of riveting storytelling. Let me assure you, his books are more than mere pages; they are literary quicksand – once you step in, you’re in for an exhilarating plunge into a world of suspense and intrigue.
C.J. Box, whose full name is Charles James Box Jr., is a distinguished New York Times bestselling author renowned for his gripping mystery novels. Born in the picturesque state of Wyoming in 1958, he grew up in a family with a deep love for the outdoors. He later pursued higher education at the University of Denver, where he earned a degree in Mass Communications.
After completing his college journey, Box took on diverse roles, working as a fishing guide and an editor for outdoor magazines. These experiences not only honed his writing skills but also enriched his understanding of the natural world.
With an impressive portfolio of over twenty books to his name, it can be daunting to know where to begin. This article is designed to be your guide, offering a comprehensive list of C.J. Box’s works in chronological order. By doing so, we aim to simplify the task for fans eager to immerse themselves in his captivating realm of crime and suspense.
Table of Contents
The Complete List of C. J. Box Books
| Sr. No. | Title | Publication Date | Print Length | Publisher | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Open Season (2001) | July 9, 2001 | 293 pages | Putnam Adult | |
| 2 | Blood Trail (2008) | May 20, 2008 | 320 pages | Putnam Adult | |
| 3 | Back of Beyond | May 1, 2018 | 416 pages | Minotaur Books; Media tie-in edition | |
| 4 | The Highway | July 30, 2013 | 400 pages | Minotaur Books | |
| 5 | Blue Heaven | January 8, 2008 | 352 pages | Minotaur Books | |
| 6 | Three Weeks to Say Goodbye | January 6, 2009 | 352 pages | Minotaur Books |
Joe Pickett Series
The Joe Pickett Series is a collection of crime thriller novels by C. J. Box that follows the life of Joe Pickett, a game warden in Wyoming. The series is known for its gripping storylines, well-developed characters, and vivid descriptions of the Wyoming landscape.
The series begins with “Open Season,” where Joe Pickett is introduced as a game warden in Twelve Sleep County, Wyoming. In this book, Joe investigates the death of a hunter, which leads him to uncover a conspiracy involving a wealthy businessman and a group of radical environmentalists.
The subsequent novels in the series, including “Savage Run,” “Winterkill,” and “Out of Range,” continue to follow Joe Pickett as he solves crimes and navigates the complex political landscape of Wyoming.
As the series progresses, Joe faces a range of challenges, from hunting down a ruthless killer in “Blood Trail” to protecting his family from a group of dangerous fugitives in “Nowhere to Run.” In “Cold Wind,” Joe is tasked with solving a murder that has ties to his own family history.
The series has received critical acclaim and has won several awards, including the Edgar Award and the Gumshoe Award. It has also been adapted into a television series by Paramount Network.
Here is a list of the Joe Pickett Series books in publication order:
Open Season (2001)
“Open Season” is the inaugural installment in C.J. Box’s Joe Pickett series. Set in Wyoming, it follows the life of Joe Pickett, a dedicated game warden. Pickett inadvertently stumbles upon a poaching operation targeting prized elk, leading him to uncover a web of corruption involving influential figures in his community. Joe faces grave dangers and moral dilemmas as he strives to enforce the law and protect the local wildlife.
This suspenseful thriller delves into themes like conservation, the collision of environmentalism with economic interests, and the unwavering determination of a principled law enforcement officer. Box skillfully weaves together elements of mystery, action, and outdoor adventure against the backdrop of Wyoming’s rugged wilderness, introducing readers to Joe Pickett and his captivating world in a compelling fashion.
Blood Trail (2008)
In C.J. Box’s “Blood Trail” (2008), the rugged Wyoming wilderness once again serves as the backdrop for Joe Pickett’s latest adventure. When a local outfitter is brutally murdered, game warden Joe Pickett is drawn into a web of intrigue and danger. As he investigates, he uncovers a complex web of illegal hunting, trophy kills, and the shadowy world of black-market wildlife trading.
The stakes escalate as Joe faces relentless adversaries who will stop at nothing to protect their illicit operations. With his survival skills and unwavering determination, Joe Pickett must navigate the treacherous terrain of both the natural wilderness and the criminal underworld to bring the killers to justice.
“Blood Trail” is a thrilling addition to the Joe Pickett series, blending suspense, outdoor adventure, and ethical dilemmas, all set against the stunning yet perilous Wyoming landscape.
- Savage Run (2002)
- Winterkill (2003)
- Trophy Hunt (2004)
- Out of Range (2005)
- In Plain Sight (2006)
- Free Fire (2007)
- Below Zero (2009)
- Nowhere to Run (2010)
- Cold Wind (2011)
- Force of Nature (2012)
- Breaking Point (2013)
- Stone Cold (2014)
- Endangered (2015)
- Off the Grid (2016)
- Vicious Circle (2017)
- The Disappeared (2018)
- Wolf Pack (2019)
- Long Range (2020)
- Dark Sky (2021)
- Shadows Reel (2022)
- Storm Watch (2023)
The Joe Pickett Series can be read in either publication order or chronological order, depending on the reader’s preference.
Cassie Dewell/Cody Hoyt Series
Cassie Dewell is a former sheriff’s deputy from Montana who becomes a private investigator. She is the protagonist of a series of novels by C. J. Box, which began with “The Highway” in 2013. The series follows Cassie as she solves crimes and navigates the dangers of the American West.
Back of Beyond
Back of Beyond” is a gripping thriller by C.J. Box that takes readers on a high-stakes journey through the rugged wilderness of Montana and the darker corners of human nature.
The story follows Cody Hoyt, a skilled and flawed detective in the Montana Bureau of Investigations. When Cody investigates the suspicious death of his AA sponsor, he discovers a connection to a larger case involving a dangerous and enigmatic criminal known as the “Lizard King.” With the help of his troubled ex-partner, Cassie Dewell, Cody delves deeper into the mystery, uncovering a web of deception, murder, and secrets.
As they pursue the Lizard King through the vast and unforgiving Montana wilderness, Cody and Cassie confront personal demons and face constant danger. “Back of Beyond” is a tense and atmospheric thriller that explores themes of addiction, redemption, and the unpredictable nature of human behavior, all set against the backdrop of the breathtaking yet perilous Montana landscape.
The Highway
The Highway” by C.J. Box is a pulse-pounding thriller set in the desolate expanses of Montana. Detective Cody Hoyt is drawn into a haunting case when two sisters go missing along a remote highway. His relentless pursuit of the truth uncovers a series of unsolved disappearances, pointing to a cold-blooded serial killer known as the “Lizard King.”
As Cody grapples with his own personal demons, he reluctantly teams up with his estranged ex-partner, Cassie Dewell. Together, they race against time to stop the Lizard King’s reign of terror. The novel is a rollercoaster of tension and suspense, delving into themes of obsession, the complexity of family relationships, and the depths of human depravity.
C.J. Box crafts a chilling narrative that keeps readers gripped, leading to a heart-pounding climax that leaves them on the edge of their seats, contemplating the darkest corners of the human soul.
Other books in this series are:
The Cassie Dewell series is a thrilling and suspenseful look at crime in the American West. Cassie is a strong and capable protagonist who is unafraid to take on dangerous criminals. Fans of crime fiction and Westerns will enjoy this series.
Standalone Novels
C.J. Box, known primarily for his Joe Pickett series, has also penned several standalone novels that showcase his versatility as a writer.
C.J. Box’s standalone novels testify to his storytelling prowess, proving he can masterfully craft engaging narratives beyond his beloved Joe Pickett series. These books, while distinct from one another, share the common thread of Box’s signature suspense and keen sense of place.
Here’s a review of his standalone novels:
Blue Heaven
One of Box’s most highly regarded standalone novels is “Blue Heaven,” which won the Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best Novel in 2009. It is a standalone thriller by C.J. Box. The story is set in the small town of Blue Heaven, Idaho, where two children stumble upon a group of retired police officers engaged in criminal activities. When the children witness a murder, they find themselves in grave danger, and their discovery threatens to expose a dangerous secret.
The novel explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the complexities of small-town life as the children, their mother, and a local ex-cop become entangled in a web of crime and deception. “Blue Heaven” is a suspenseful and gripping tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats as they navigate the treacherous landscape of rural Idaho and the sinister forces at play.
Three Weeks to Say Goodbye
In C.J. Box’s gripping thriller, “Three Weeks to Say Goodbye,” Jack and Melissa McGuane find their lives shattered when a man named Garrett Moreland claims to be the biological father of their adopted daughter, Angelina. Their joy turns to fear as a desperate battle for custody ensues, threatening to tear their family apart.
With only three weeks to prove Angelina’s parentage and protect their child, the McGuanes are thrust into a high-stakes race against time. As they navigate the complexities of the legal system, they uncover dark secrets and face escalating threats. The novel explores themes of family bonds, trust, and the lengths parents will go to shield their loved ones from danger.
C.J. Box crafts a suspenseful and emotionally charged narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, culminating in a shocking revelation that will leave them breathless.
Shots Fired: Stories from Joe Pickett’s Country
The “Shots Fired” collection includes 10 short stories, each providing a unique glimpse into Joe Pickett’s world. The stories are set in various locations throughout Wyoming and feature a range of characters, from poachers and hunters to ranchers and law enforcement officials.
One of the standout stories in the collection is “Le Sauvage Noble,” which features Joe Pickett investigating the murder of a French hunting guide. The story is set in the remote wilderness of Wyoming and showcases CJ Box’s ability to create a vivid sense of place.
Overall, the “Shots Fired” collection is a must-read for CJ Box’s Joe Pickett series fans. The stories provide a deeper understanding of Joe Pickett’s character and offer a satisfying glimpse into his world.
Conclusion
In summary, C.J. Box’s compelling books, from the iconic Joe Pickett series to his standalone novels, have cemented his status as a master of modern American crime fiction. Through vivid characters and captivating landscapes, Box weaves thrilling mysteries that immerse readers in a world of suspense and morality.
Joe Pickett, the quintessential protagonist, embodies justice and the rugged spirit of the West. Box’s standalone novels showcase his versatility, exploring diverse themes and settings, always delivering gripping narratives.
As we eagerly anticipate each new release, C.J. Box’s writing continues to offer a window into the heart of the American frontier, where justice and nature collide. His stories leave an indelible mark, ensuring his place as a leading voice in contemporary literature. With every book, Box invites readers on unforgettable journeys into a world where suspense and authenticity reign supreme.
