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Winterkill (A Joe Pickett Novel) Hardcover – May 12, 2003

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 14,552 ratings

Award-winning writer C. J. Box returns with a vengeance in this thrilling new novel featuring Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett.

It's an hour away from darkness with a bitter winter storm raging when Joe Pickett finds himself deep in the forest edging Battle Mountain, shotgun in his left hand, his truck's steering wheel handcuffed to his right-and Lamar Gardiner's arrow-riddled corpse splayed against the tree in front of him.

Lamar's murder and the sudden onslaught of the snowstorm warns: Get off the mountain. But Joe knows this episode is far from over. Somewhere in the dense timber, a killer draws back his bowstring-with Joe as his prey.

Joe's pursuit of the killer through the rugged mountains that surround the snow-packed town of Saddlestring takes a horrifying turn when his beloved foster daughter is kidnapped. Now it's personal-and Joe will stop at nothing to get her back.

Steeped in the sharp cliffs and the brutal wilderness of the Wyoming landscape,
Winterkill is a masterful performance, darkly compelling and utterly unforgettable. C. J. Box places all the elements of a classic mystery in a setting where the dangerous beauty of one of America's last frontiers plays accomplice to the darkest of human motives.
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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett returns in this third adventure in C.J. Box's tough, tender, and engrossing series, which just keeps getting better. When a forest service supervisor is murdered right after a manic shooting spree that slaughtered a herd of elk, a mysterious stranger who trains falcons and carries an unusual weapon is arrested for the slaying. Then a special investigative team headed by a devious, vindictive woman arrives in Saddlestring, bent on a bloody confrontation with a group of government-hating survivalists camped out on federal land. Among then is Jeannie Keeley, who abandoned her daughter April three years earlier. Since then, April has become like a daughter to Joe and his wife Marybeth, and a sister to their own children. Now April is right in the middle of what promises to be the last stand for the ragged band of refugees from the firestorms of Waco, Ruby Ridge, and the Montana Freemen, and only Nate the falconer, who owes Joe his life for finding the real killer of the supervisor and freeing him from jail, may be able to save her before the Bighorn Mountains are covered in blood. A tense, taut thriller marked by lyrical renderings of the harsh, beautiful landscape, Winterkill's subtext, as in Box's previous novels, is the conflict between individual rights and freedoms and governmental power that continues to smolder in the towns and valleys of the American west. --Jane Adams

From Publishers Weekly

Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett runs into trouble again in Box's third fast-paced novel (after Open Season and Savage Run), which focuses on the conflict between parental custody and foster care, as well as the growth of "independent nation" cults. As usual, Pickett, though fallible, is the voice of reason and honesty amid a cacophony of greed and evil. During a horrendous blizzard, he finds the body of Lamar Gardiner, "the District Supervisor for the Twelve Sleep National Forest," pinned by arrows to a tree, near seven illegally shot elk. Sheriff "Bud" Barnum suspects a band of misfits, the Sovereign Citizens, which is camping in the forest, among them Jeannie Keeley, the birth mother of the Picketts' foster daughter, April. Pickett suspects locals killed the combative Gardiner. Soon, the little town of Saddlestring is swarming with press, as well as U.S. Forest Service bureaucrats, including the psychotic Melinda Strickland, and two vicious FBI agents. When Pickett learns of a plan to raid the encampment, he resolves to warn the Sovereigns, especially since Jeannie has April there. Box's description of the harsh yet splendid Wyoming landscape is vivid and memorable, his handling of complex social issues evenhanded and unsentimental. But most of his characters tend to be either two-dimensional villains or saints, and in each book the life of a member of Pickett's family is threatened. Box needs to develop more believable characters to realize his potential as an outstanding new talent.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Putnam Adult; First Edition (May 12, 2003)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 384 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0399150455
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0399150456
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 18 years and up
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.42 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.28 x 1.34 x 9.38 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 14,552 ratings

About the author

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C. J. Box
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C. J. Box is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of over twenty-two novels including the Joe Pickett series. He won the Edgar Alan Poe Award for Best Novel (Blue Heaven, 2009) as well as the Anthony Award, Prix Calibre 38 (France), the Macavity Award, the Gumshoe Award, the Barry Award (twice), the Western Heritage Award for Literature, and 2017 Spur Award for Best Contemporary Western. The novels have been translated into 27 languages. Open Season, Blue Heaven, Nowhere To Run, and The Highway have been optioned for film and television. Millions of copies of his novels have been sold in the U.S. alone.

Box is a Wyoming native and has worked as a ranch hand, surveyor, fishing guide, a small town newspaper reporter and editor, and he owned an international tourism marketing firm with his wife Laurie. In 2008, Box was awarded the "BIG WYO" Award from the state tourism industry. An avid outdoorsman, Box has hunted, fished, hiked, ridden, and skied throughout Wyoming and the Mountain West. He served on the Board of Directors for the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo and is currently serving on the Wyoming Tourism Board. He lives in Wyoming.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
14,552 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the storyline engaging and entertaining. They appreciate the suspenseful plot and atmosphere, describing the book as exciting and gripping. The writing style is described as great, readable, and skillful. Readers praise the realistic characters and their development over time. The pacing and descriptions keep them hooked, making the book an enjoyable read. Overall, customers feel the book portrays a well-crafted story that keeps you hooked until the end.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

401 customers mention "Storyline"398 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the engaging storyline with its many twists and turns. They find the book entertaining, gripping, and impressed with the complexities of the plot. The characters feel realistic and the drama of the series is also appreciated.

"...A gripping story, with true-to-life characters that feels real...." Read more

"I have read the first 3 Joe Pickett books. This 3rd one has a good plot, but the ending went against the 'good person' persona of the main character...." Read more

"I really enjoyed this book, I’ve read several of these books. Always entertaining. The story will get to you. . ." Read more

"...the two books that came before it, but there was enough detail and backstory to keep from feeling like I was missing something...." Read more

164 customers mention "Suspenseful"149 positive15 negative

Customers enjoy the suspenseful and intriguing plot set in attractive outdoor settings. They appreciate the author's skill at creating atmosphere and suspense, as well as memorable characters like Nate. The book is described as an exciting adventure with plenty of action and thought-provoking dialogue.

"...It all works amazingly and keeps the reader entertained, enthralled, and feeling like they are right there amongst it all in Saddlestring." Read more

"I really enjoyed this book, I’ve read several of these books. Always entertaining. The story will get to you. . ." Read more

"...The characters in the large cast rang true, and the opposing agendas that swirl around events that Joe finds himself in the center of create an..." Read more

"...They’re always great and they don’t disappoint and they’re unusual and well written and so on Enjoy." Read more

118 customers mention "Writing style"114 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the writing style of the book. They find it readable and engaging with skillful narration. The book has nice descriptions of the Big Horn Mountain area. Readers appreciate the author's ability to craft mysteries that keep them hooked until the end. The dialogue is described as provoking, memorable, and snarky.

"Well written with realistic detail that produces a vivid setting of being in and around Twelve Sleep National Forest...." Read more

"...The writing grabbed my attention and held it all the way through the book...." Read more

"...’re always great and they don’t disappoint and they’re unusual and well written and so on Enjoy." Read more

"...Box is more than just a good storyteller. He's a great writer. I'm a fan of dark tales. But I have my limits...." Read more

109 customers mention "Character development"101 positive8 negative

Customers enjoy the character development. They find the characters believable, with the introduction and development of new ones. The books share characters and can be read in any order. While some readers appreciate the sympathetic portrayal of the fictional far right, others prefer a focus on fewer characters and one storyline.

"...A gripping story, with true-to-life characters that feels real...." Read more

"...The characters in the large cast rang true, and the opposing agendas that swirl around events that Joe finds himself in the center of create an..." Read more

"Joe Pickett is a good man. A family man and a hard working game warden. Honest to a fault...." Read more

"Love Joe Pickett! He is exactly what Nate says he is, an honest man. One we could all emulate and look up to." Read more

97 customers mention "Pacing"88 positive9 negative

Customers enjoy the book's pacing. They find it engaging and a fast read that doesn't get too heavy. Readers appreciate the author's ability to immerse them in the story, with good tension and descriptive writing. The novel touches on current topics and is an easy way for them to absorb information.

"...It all works amazingly and keeps the reader entertained, enthralled, and feeling like they are right there amongst it all in Saddlestring." Read more

"This series just keeps getting better and better...." Read more

"...The complex tale has many twists and turns that will keep you up...." Read more

"...Joe is smart and tough and very determined when he needs to be, but this winter is going to be a long one...." Read more

41 customers mention "Realism"41 positive0 negative

Customers find the book realistic and believable. They appreciate the detailed descriptions of nature and characters. The book is described as an intricate, clever read that keeps you hooked until the end. Readers mention it's close to home and well-represents issues between the west and bureaucrats.

"Well written with realistic detail that produces a vivid setting of being in and around Twelve Sleep National Forest...." Read more

"...reading the two books that came before it, but there was enough detail and backstory to keep from feeling like I was missing something...." Read more

"...The local politics in this series is true to life, hateful, and so depressing. A tragedy at the end had me in horrified tears...." Read more

"Just started the Joe Pickett series. Pretty close to home as I'm a lifelong hunter in the same region as the series...." Read more

40 customers mention "Sadness"20 positive20 negative

Customers have different views on the book's sadness. Some find it heartwarming and hard to put down, with emotional twists and turns. Others describe the story as sad, with a twist that makes you wonder where it's going to lead. The ending isn't happy for some readers, and they feel the message is repugnant or senseless.

"...The author does a good job describing those tensions. The actual adventures seem over-the-top. Kinda like watching Longmire...." Read more

"...The enemies, however, are plentiful and very evil. The local politics in this series is true to life, hateful, and so depressing...." Read more

"...I love the way Box describes his family, very real and affectionate but showing their warts...." Read more

"...The storyline takes a sad turn and you wonder where all this is going to lead. Just keep reading and you will get a jolt at the end of the book...." Read more

23 customers mention "Difficulty to put down"15 positive8 negative

Customers find the book engaging and hard to put down. They find it easy to read but enjoyable.

"...Impossible to put down once you start. C. J. Box really outdid himself this time...." Read more

"It was hard to read, and harder to put down...." Read more

"...This gripping stand-alone is easy to follow yet difficult to read due to emotions evoked...." Read more

"Full of intrigue and hard to put down. If you love the Joe Pickett Series then Winterkill (3rd in series) will satisfy...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2024
    Well written with realistic detail that produces a vivid setting of being in and around Twelve Sleep National Forest. A gripping story, with true-to-life characters that feels real. It all works amazingly and keeps the reader entertained, enthralled, and feeling like they are right there amongst it all in Saddlestring.
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2025
    I enjoyed the scenery of the action. As always the reading is enjoyable. There is a lot of killing in this plot s maybe is not my favorite , but the writing has still good quality.
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2024
    I really enjoyed this book, I’ve read several of these books. Always entertaining. The story will get to you. . .
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2023
    I jumped into WINTER KILL―book 3 of the Joe Pickett series―without reading the two books that came before it, but there was enough detail and backstory to keep from feeling like I was missing something. The writing grabbed my attention and held it all the way through the book. The characters in the large cast rang true, and the opposing agendas that swirl around events that Joe finds himself in the center of create an atmosphere of potential chaos that is barely contained throughout the story.

    Joe Picket is one of those men who value family and duty above all else. Staying true to both presents challenges, but he never wavers. There are plenty of conflicts in his line of work, especially with the powers that be. As much as his superiors want to reign him in, he will not sacrifice his integrity or his sense of right and wrong.

    I will definitely be reading more of this series, and I was thrilled to find out that there is now a Joe Pickett series. Excellent storytelling and excellent characters you want to spend time with!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2024
    I’m gonna have to break down and buy the $200 set of all of CJ boxes books I just eat them like candy went to the other got a couple more stacked up on my Kindle. They’re always great and they don’t disappoint and they’re unusual and well written and so on Enjoy.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2024
    I have read the first 3 Joe Pickett books. This 3rd one has a good plot, but the ending went against the 'good person' persona of the main character. Logically it did not make sense and took away from my overall rating.
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2019
    This series just keeps getting better and better. I am so attached to Joe Pickett that I have to force myself to read other things; when I finish one, I often just want to move right into the next. It is, however, annoying that there is always a couple of chapters for the next installment in the series immediately following the book I'm reading on my Kindle. I always skip these because I hate to start something that I'm not going to continue right away. Also, I'd rather the book I'm reading be longer instead of using multiple pages (that I paid for, incidentally!) to show chapters of a book I haven't bought or planned to read yet. Note to Kindle: Don't do that!

    This outing takes place in Twelve Sleep during a particularly hard Wyoming winter. It reminded me of one of my favorites: Winter Prey, an old Lucas Davenport outing by John Sandford (Aside: you should read it!!), which took place in Wisconsin, I think. Anyway, our hero here, Game Warden Joe Pickett, always too honest for his own good, ends up making a pretty good friend this time, which I really liked. There are references to Waco and other Federal screw-ups, which made the issues this time feel even more real. The enemies, however, are plentiful and very evil. The local politics in this series is true to life, hateful, and so depressing. A tragedy at the end had me in horrified tears. C.J. Box pulls no punches. I can't stop thinking about it! Again, if you decide to read this series, be sure to start with #1, Open Season.
    6 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2023
    Joe Pickett and his family are confronted by the threat of the return of foster daughter April’s biological mother to Saddlespring. Initially uncertain of what she wants and hoping she doesn’t want to reclaim the daughter she abandoned 5 years earlier, they soon learn their worst fears are realized. Meanwhile, a hateful US Forest Service official has arrived in town to investigate the death of another Forest Service employee but she seems more intent on blaming a group of antigovernment families who has also arrived in town than conducting an effective investigation. It turns out that, by coincidence, April’s mother has been traveling with the antigovernment families which is how she arrived back in Saddlespring. One terrible unforeseen consequence follows another but Joe found an unexpected ally in a local falconer who was briefly a suspect in the first murder case. The complex tale has many twists and turns that will keep you up. Without revealing any spoilers, let me just say this is entry in the Joe Pickett series is highly recommended.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Annamaria
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great suspense
    Reviewed in Canada on August 7, 2021
    Love the whole Joe Pickett series. So many layers, each captivating, intriguing, and leaving you wanting more.
  • Abhishek Kumar
    4.0 out of 5 stars very good
    Reviewed in India on January 21, 2019
    One of the finest book written by the author with a very nice plot and characters .Recommended to the thriller lovers .
  • C.Jam
    5.0 out of 5 stars Addictive
    Reviewed in Germany on February 15, 2018
    Started reading CJ Box Joe Pickett series about a month ago and sadly I am now like a heroin Junkie waiting for book 18 to arrive on my Kindle.

    They have been awesome. this series is only comparable to the Jack Reacher series.

    Please Keep them coming Mr Box. (Don't leave out Nate or any of the regular characters whatever you do)
  • Brent Towns
    5.0 out of 5 stars Certainly the best!!
    Reviewed in Australia on August 26, 2018
    Fantastic read which opens with you in the thick of the action and never lets you go. Also this is the book where we first meet Nate Romanowski, Joe Pickett's long term, and mysterious friend.
    It's winter and after the murder of Lamar Gardiner, Joe is forced to defend his actions, butt heads with rogue agents, and find his foster daughter who has disappeared.
    It's a well-written story which keeps you turning pages as you ride along with Joe to get to the bottom of yet another murder.
    But all is not as it seems and things don't become clear until towards the end of the story.
    It took me a couple of days to get through it, only because of interruptions. Not the first book I've read by Box, but certainly the best.
    No problems with recommending this amazing story.
  • Dominique Jauneau
    5.0 out of 5 stars Super!
    Reviewed in France on May 18, 2015
    Excellent comme toujours avec Joe Pickett ,l'anti héros qui tire comme un pied, mais reste calme en toutes circonstances , j'adore