I needed to figure out a way to start reading series where I am not current or the series is finished but haven’t read them yet. So it’s a way to commit myself to read my backlist, particularly series.
I have been wanting to read the Joe Pickett series for awhile after reading the first one. The initial books I read in ebook format because the narrator David Chandler was in my head for another series. There is a similarity in the two author’s work with a law enforcement main character in a gorgeous natural area.
The Master Falconer by CJ Box Series: Joe Pickett #4.5
Published by Penguin Random House, GP Putnam's Sons on April 19, 2011
Genres: Mystery
Pages: 28
Format: eBook
Source: Library
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The West is not the way it’s portrayed in the movies. But when a man from the East brings trouble for Nate Romanowski and his friend Joe Pickett, a little frontier-style justice may be just what’s called for.
The Master Falconer is only available in ebook format and is a short novella. I like to read even these shorts to keep my view of all the details of a series. While nothing here affects the main story arcs, so far as I know, there is a great view into the character of Joe and Nate.
They are each often up against criminals and sometimes they have to bend the rules slightly to protect the innocent, or the natural world. Otherwise, they would just work within regular laws. But the innocent and the natural world can’t protect themselves and sometimes don’t survive the harsh realities of the criminal’s abuse. It’s a complex moral world and I enjoy these views into their choices.
Out of Range by CJ Box Narrator: David Chandler
Series: Joe Pickett #5
Published by Recorded Books on May 6, 2009
Genres: Mystery
Length: 9 hours, 11 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Library
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When a good friend and fellow warden kills himself, Joe Pickett is chosen to temporarily run his Teton district. But Jackson, Wyoming, is a far cry from Joe's hometown of Saddlestring—and it doesn't help that now Joe feels compelled to investigate the circumstances surrounding his friend's suicide. But as he comes closer to the truth, the more his own life spirals out of control—and he realizes if he isn't careful, he may be Jackson's next victim...
Out of Range is another great installment in the series. I don’t know if it is Wyoming but there is certainly a lot of disrespect for the law, even from law enforcement officers. The politics are horrifying. Joe is sent to cover the Jackson area when the warden there died. I hoped he could make good in a bigger area and get away from the nasty politics at home. Nope.
The politics were only worse in Jackson. The big outfitters and developers were all against him, as they had been with Will, the previous warden. Joe was busy with hunting season opening, but he also looked into Will’s death. The local sheriff held up giving him the keys to the warden’s cabin and truck and tried to keep him from information about Will’s death.
At home, Joe had been receiving hang up calls which only got worse after he left. Nate was watching out for his family though. Because of Joe being out of range, plus his cell phone got destroyed when the detractors blew up his truck, he often had difficulty reaching Mary Beth. I didn’t feel she was fair to Joe; he was in a lot of danger there too. She was having trouble handling everything and was clashing with their teen, Sheridan. I was with Sheridan on this one. I disliked the whole aspect of the tensions in their marriage even though it is a realistic one.
I was very worried for Joe and Nate with the people trying to hurt them. They managed to be smart and aware, so the bad guys were handled. One small change and it could have been so much worse though.
In Plain Sight by CJ Box Narrator: David Chandler
Series: Joe Pickett #6
Published by Recorded Books on December 16, 2008
Genres: Mystery, Thriller
Length: 8 hours, 23 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Library
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Ranch owner and matriarch Opal Scarlett has vanished under suspicious circumstances during a bitter struggle between her sons for control of her million-dollar empire. Joe Pickett is convinced one of them must have done her in. But when he becomes the victim of a series of wicked and increasingly violent pranks, Joe wonders if what's happening has less to do with Opal's disappearance than with the darkest chapters of his own past
Joe Pickett just can NOT catch a break. If he did and everything was sunshine and roses, it wouldn’t be an exciting story. Really this one confirmed for me the Wild West world where he lives. The political and good old boys do whatever they want. No wonder the evil guys have gone batshit. Although, both those sides are evil. The regular guys and those who care about others are just caught in the crossfire.
In Plain Sight has a released prisoner related to April coming into town to take down Joe Pickett. He blames Joe for April’s death. Luckily for him, Joe’s superiors have it in for him. The Scarlett family, who have a huge ranch, and both political and business clout, are in a feud with the matriarch gone missing. The evil guy, posing as Bill Munroe, goes to work for them, enjoying playing both sides. They don’t turn in Munroe, even when there is an arrest warrant for him, preferring to utilize him for their own purposes.
With multiple attacks on Joe’s home and livelihood, the family goes to live with his mother-in-law. Fortunately, Mary Beth is doing well in her business. Unfortunately, Sheridan is good friends with Julie Scarlett, the only grandchild of the missing Opal Scarlett. This puts Sheridan in danger from multiple sides. A severe storm and flooding bring things to a dangerous confrontation. The story ends so abruptly; I want to read the next one soon.
Narration:
David Chandler is a favorite narrator. He is totally the voice for the Cork O’Connor series by William Kent Krueger. I wasn’t sure I could listen to these because the voice is so much the other series to me. Now I am comfortable with him for these characters in this world. I seem to be able to enjoy him in multiple series without getting him stuck in my head as just one character. I was able to listen comfortably at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip HERE
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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I started this series last year and can’t wait to get back to it. Glad you’re making progress, Anne💜
I’m enjoying it and want to get back to it soon as the last one ended abruptly but I have to get in some ARCs first.
I read one of the later books in this series but do hope to go back to the beginning at some point. I am glad that these were solid reads for you.
Every one is solid. I hate to say I think some of the things are realistic because some of the people are horrible. I like the setting and I do like the main character. I really prefer to read a series in order for me.
New to me! I am intrigued now.
The series reminds me of Longmire as they both have tv versions but I like this better as the main character is a family man.