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. But I’ve become totally comfortable with the narrator’s Joe Pickett voices.
The Disappeared by CJ Box Narrator: David Chandler
Series: Joe Pickett #18
Published by Recorded Books on March 27, 2018
Genres: Mystery
Length: 11 hours, 14 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Library
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Wyoming's new governor isn't sure what to make of Joe Pickett, but he has a job for him that is extremely delicate. A prominent female British executive never came home from the high-end guest ranch she was visiting, and the British Embassy is pressing hard. Pickett knows that happens sometimes--these ranches are stocked with handsome young cowboys, and "ranch romances" aren't uncommon. But no sign of her months after she vanished? That suggests something else.
At the same time, his friend Nate Romanowski has asked Joe to intervene with the feds on behalf of falconers who can no longer hunt with eagles even though their permits are in order. Who is blocking the falconers and why? The more he investigates both cases, the more someone wants him to go away. Is it because of the missing woman or because he's become Nate's advocate? Or are they somehow connected? The answers, when they come, will be even worse than he'd imagined.
As suspected, I don’t like the new governor. HIs assistant is also on my shit list. Apparently, the governor lost his own money and now is in the pocket of two rich donors. He sends Joe to a different district to find a British tourist who went missing a couple of months ago and no one has found. She was staying at the ranch where Sheridan works so it’s a great opportunity to see her.
At the same time, Nate is running his falconry business. However, he and some of his friends are finding that even though they have eagle permits they aren’t being allowed to hunt with them. Between Joe and Nate, they seem to learn the most interesting things. I loved them working together again in The Disappeared.
It continues to be frustrating to see so much corruption in government but considering the current situation it’s no longer surprising. I was glad to see Joe and Sherry have some time together. The two of them both have high standards with support for the rule of law.
I was thrilled our team didn’t get injured or killed. The opposition certainly wasn’t against murder. I can’t help wondering what will be next.
Wolf Pack by CJ Box Narrator: David Chandler
Series: Joe Pickett #19
Published by Recorded Books on March 12, 2019
Genres: Mystery
Length: 9 hours, 51 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Library
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When Joe tries to lay down the rules for the drone operator, he is asked by the FBI and the DOJ to stand down, which only makes him more suspicious. Joe discovers that the man is in the witness relocation program, as he is in possession of knowledge about dangerous people. Soon, Joe comes across a pack of four killers working on behalf of the Sinaloa cartel to find the man in the WITSEC program--and Joe realizes his actions might expose the man.
Teaming up with a female game warden (based on a real person, one of the few female game wardens at work in Wyoming today) to confront these assassins, Joe finds himself their prey--along with Lucy and her boyfriend.
Well, Joe is still a game warden and Nate is still his friend. Joe is investigating some people using a drone to chase animals to death. He is working with a female game warden whose district abuts his district. There are also unattended game traps. The violators turn out to be those where Lucy’s boyfriend lives. They laugh off his plans to ticket them.
The FBI from DC come knocking at the female game warden first to shut down the investigation. Then Joe’s FBI friend, Chuck gives him a warning and eventually the law enforcement all meets to discuss the problem. But not before Nate notices 4 Hispanic newcomers to the area who look like killers to him. And Nate knows killers.
Joe, with Nate and Mary Beth’s help figure it all out. When he has his suspicions confirmed, he’s off and running because of course, Lucy has gone out to her boyfriend’s house. The consequences are brutal and some of the good guys don’t make it.
Long Range by CJ Box Narrator: David Chandler
Series: Joe Pickett #20
Published by Recorded Books on March 3, 2020
Genres: Mystery, Thriller
Length: 10 hours, 35 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Library
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When Joe Pickett is asked to join the rescue efforts for the victim of a startling grizzly attack, he reluctantly leaves his district behind. One survivor of the grizzly's rampage tells a bizarre story, but just as Joe begins to suspect the attack is not what it seems, he is brought home by an emergency on his own turf. Someone has targeted a prominent local judge, shooting at him from a seemingly impossible distance. While the judge was not hit, his wife is severely wounded, and it is up to Joe to find answers--and the shooter.
The search for the would-be assassin becomes personal when Joe's best friend, Nate Romanowski --just as he's adjusting to the arrival of his first child--falls under suspicion for the crime. It's a race against the clock as Joe tries to clear Nate's name and identify the real shooter, all while deciphering the grizzly encounter. Beset by threats both man-made and natural, the two men must go to great lengths to keep their loved ones safe
4.5 hearts
As usual, Joe and Nate can’t catch a break. But they both have excellent wives who support them and make things work out in the end. The new sheriff is a political asshole. He has no idea how to conduct an investigation and when Nate is framed, he jumps to arrest him and close the case.
Joe and Mary Beth do excellent work to find the real killer and are supported well by their allies. I wish Joe was a bit better with guns. Meanwhile Nate is in jail and cartel dude is threatening Nate and his family. Nate and Joe are constantly in dangerous situations. Really, some of the feds will never leave Nate alone, I think.
I found the action of catching the real killers exciting. The final showdown was not quite believable though. I was worried sick for Nate and his family and their showdown was terrifying. I love these characters and their good intentions and brave actions, even when it is hard to believe how many scumbags and corrupt government officials are there.
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 normally listen at 1.50x speed instead I went to 1.75x speed which worked well.
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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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
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These sound so suspenseful and still have the wild beauty of Wyoming going for them. Yay for getting to the series again.
yes I’m going to finish the last 5 next month with SIAM. With these Sunday series I’m afraid people maybe tune out after the first ones when there are so many books they haven’t read.
Sounds like some intense moments and a great group of friends. I’ll have to check this series out sometime.
It’s a long series but I’m getting through it. I picked too many long series for my Sunday series. But they are the ones I put off – because they are so long!
This is a series that’s on my wishlist and the books look great but I have so many series going that I’m hesitant to start it. Hopefully I’ll be able to pick up the first book soon.
yes I find it really difficult because there are too many series with 20+ books I want to read. But I’m really enjoying this series even though it is not quite realistic in some ways.
Oooo government corruption. A tale as old as time.
It’s quite the theme these days.
Sounds like another great series! And I know what you’re saying about sometimes a narrator’s voice just makes you think of a certain character or characters because of listening to them. Like I think it is Shane East that I have trouble listening to, because he was Hardin in the After series for me, and that series is one so stuck in my mind it’s hard to hear him as anyone else. Great reviews!
oooo I LOVE Shane East. But I don’t know the series you mentioned. I can’t do audio for Mercy Thompson series because all I hear is Charley Davidson. It’s a great narrator but I can’t get past it.