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Joe Pickett #11
Cold Wind
11 hrs and 16 mins
When Earl Alden is found dead, dangling from a wind turbine, it's his wife, Missy, who is arrested. Unfortunately for Joe Pickett, Missy is his mother-in- law, a woman he dislikes heartily, and now he doesn't know what to do-especially when the early signs point to her being guilty as sin.
But then things happen to make Joe wonder: Is Earl's death what it appears to be? Is Missy being set up? He has the county DA and sheriff on one side, his wife on the other, his estranged friend Nate on a lethal mission of his own, and some powerful interests breathing down his neck. Whichever way this goes . . . it's not going to be good.
When Earl Alden is found dead, dangling from a wind turbine, it's his wife, Missy, who is arrested. Unfortunately for Joe Pickett, Missy is his mother-in- law, a woman he dislikes heartily, and now he doesn't know what to do-especially when the early signs point to her being guilty as sin.
But then things happen to make Joe wonder: Is Earl's death what it appears to be? Is Missy being set up? He has the county DA and sheriff on one side, his wife on the other, his estranged friend Nate on a lethal mission of his own, and some powerful interests breathing down his neck. Whichever way this goes . . . it's not going to be good.
12 pages, Audiobook
First published March 22, 2011
3802 people are currently reading
4484 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Box
111 books7,234 followersC. J. Box is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of 24 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, two Barry Awards, and the 2010 Mountains & Plains Independent Booksellers Association Award for fiction. He was recently awarded the 2016 Western Heritage Award for Literature by the National Cowboy Museum as well as the Spur Award for Best Contemporary Novel by the Western Writers of America in 2017. The novels have been translated into 27 languages.
Box is a Wyoming native and has worked as a ranch hand, surveyor, fishing guide, a small town newspaper reporter and editor, and he co-owns an international tourism marketing firm with his wife Laurie. They have three daughters. 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. Box lives in Wyoming.
--from the author's website
Series:
* Joe Pickett
http://us.macmillan.com/author/cjbox
Box is a Wyoming native and has worked as a ranch hand, surveyor, fishing guide, a small town newspaper reporter and editor, and he co-owns an international tourism marketing firm with his wife Laurie. They have three daughters. 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. Box lives in Wyoming.
--from the author's website
Series:
* Joe Pickett
http://us.macmillan.com/author/cjbox
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,287 reviews
March 18, 2023
I love Box's thrillers! He always has a way to incorporate current hot topics into this Wyoming Game Warden's life!
Green initiatives for renewable energy projects and wind farms. A body was found strung up on a wind turbine and the suspect is no other but Joe Pickett's mother inlaw.
Missy's accused of killing her 5th husband a multi-millionaire developer Earl Alden. Her husbands are always richer than the last.
A parallel story is a hunt for Nate Romanowski, a falconer and a friend of Joe. The not-so-professional hitman misses his target and is now being hunted.
Whoa, what? The ending took me by surprise! I'm a huge fan of this series, and glad to have more books in the series to read. This is book 11 of 23 and can be read by itself for the mystery but to appreciate the characters it's best to begin with the first.
Green initiatives for renewable energy projects and wind farms. A body was found strung up on a wind turbine and the suspect is no other but Joe Pickett's mother inlaw.
Missy's accused of killing her 5th husband a multi-millionaire developer Earl Alden. Her husbands are always richer than the last.
A parallel story is a hunt for Nate Romanowski, a falconer and a friend of Joe. The not-so-professional hitman misses his target and is now being hunted.
Whoa, what? The ending took me by surprise! I'm a huge fan of this series, and glad to have more books in the series to read. This is book 11 of 23 and can be read by itself for the mystery but to appreciate the characters it's best to begin with the first.
June 3, 2024
This is only my second C J. Box book but this is quickly becoming one of my favorite series. Joe Picket, a game warden, starts his day like any other and things quickly go from bad to worse. A gun shot, a horse running without a rider and then he is father-in-laws dead body spinning on a wind turbine.
When his mother-in-law is arrested for the murder, Joe is put in a very compromising position. technically he cannot investigate the case because it would be a conflict of interest. The problem with that is that no one else is investigating it either. The Sherrif, who is trying to get re-elected and the D.A., think they have a lock on her conviction. The evidence is just a little to convenient for Joe, so covertly he uses some of his contacts to follow a hunch. There are many tentacles attached to the murdered millionaire, starting with crooked politicians, the mob, and then right on up to our Federal Government.
Nate, Joes friend, is an expert Falconier who is also an AWOL (classified unit), Special Forces Officer. He is unaware of it but is investigating another murder that has a direct connection to the case Joe is trying to get to the bottom of. Always one of my favorite characters, he adds excitement and the element of the unexpected. Nate has chosen to be bound by no laws but respects Joe and the way he conducts himself within his job and family life.
The ending has some unexpected twists and maybe some good ole hometown justice.
When his mother-in-law is arrested for the murder, Joe is put in a very compromising position. technically he cannot investigate the case because it would be a conflict of interest. The problem with that is that no one else is investigating it either. The Sherrif, who is trying to get re-elected and the D.A., think they have a lock on her conviction. The evidence is just a little to convenient for Joe, so covertly he uses some of his contacts to follow a hunch. There are many tentacles attached to the murdered millionaire, starting with crooked politicians, the mob, and then right on up to our Federal Government.
Nate, Joes friend, is an expert Falconier who is also an AWOL (classified unit), Special Forces Officer. He is unaware of it but is investigating another murder that has a direct connection to the case Joe is trying to get to the bottom of. Always one of my favorite characters, he adds excitement and the element of the unexpected. Nate has chosen to be bound by no laws but respects Joe and the way he conducts himself within his job and family life.
The ending has some unexpected twists and maybe some good ole hometown justice.
January 11, 2022
Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett has headed out on a pre-dawn morning in late August to check antelope hunters. It had been a stressful twenty four hours. The day before he had taken his oldest daughter, Sheridan, to Laramie to start college. To add to the stress his mother-in-law, Missy, had been calling. Her husband, Earl Alden, was missing. He had set out on horseback in the morning and had not returned. Joe speculated he may have got on his horse and kept riding ... far away from Missy. Now out on patrol he spots a riderless horse. There are two hunters on the side of the road and they are pointing at something but it is not at the riderless horse. Joe looks to where they are pointing and he sees what appears to be a body hanging from a wind turbine. Joe races to the wind turbine and his fears are realized when the body turns out to be that of his father-in-law, Earl Alden.
Enroute to the wind turbine Joe had called dispatch to inform them of what he saw which resulted in Sheriff McLanahan and his deputies heading to the scene. Before he even arrives McLanahan tells him not to climb the tower and compromise the crime scene. Joe's response ... "How do you know it is a crime scene"? Joe had also been calling his wife, Marybeth, to let her know about Earl when he gets a call from her. Missy had called Marybeth in a panic. McLanahan was sending someone to the ranch. Not to inform her about Earl but to arrest her for murder.
Joe despises Missy but he can't believe a sixty year old woman shot Earl, drove him to the wind turbine, then hauled his body up a 250 foot tower and hung his body from one of the turbines blades. What did McLanahan know and when did he know it? Joe heads to Missy's ranch in time to see her being led out of the house in handcuffs. Joe finds himself caught in the middle. As a game warden he is part of law enforcement but Missy is his mother-in-law and Marybeth wants him to help her. Part of him would love to see her put in prison but if someone else killed Earl and framed Missy ...
There is another parallel story involving Nate Romanowski. A year ago Joe and Nate had a falling out. They had not seen each other since. Nate has been hiding out in the Hole-in-the-Wall Pass in Johnson County, Wyoming but has a bad feeling and is in the process of clearing out when disaster strikes. Someone close to him dies and Nate sets out to avenge the death. Joe and Nate meet again because they are both hunting for the same person. A common goal. The past is the past. The ending seems to indicate that Nate's past is about to catch up with him though.
As usual in these stories C.J. Box brings environmental issues and the government into the story. In this story it is wind farms, renewable energy, and skimming. Overall an enjoyable story that also gives the reader something to think about.
Enroute to the wind turbine Joe had called dispatch to inform them of what he saw which resulted in Sheriff McLanahan and his deputies heading to the scene. Before he even arrives McLanahan tells him not to climb the tower and compromise the crime scene. Joe's response ... "How do you know it is a crime scene"? Joe had also been calling his wife, Marybeth, to let her know about Earl when he gets a call from her. Missy had called Marybeth in a panic. McLanahan was sending someone to the ranch. Not to inform her about Earl but to arrest her for murder.
Joe despises Missy but he can't believe a sixty year old woman shot Earl, drove him to the wind turbine, then hauled his body up a 250 foot tower and hung his body from one of the turbines blades. What did McLanahan know and when did he know it? Joe heads to Missy's ranch in time to see her being led out of the house in handcuffs. Joe finds himself caught in the middle. As a game warden he is part of law enforcement but Missy is his mother-in-law and Marybeth wants him to help her. Part of him would love to see her put in prison but if someone else killed Earl and framed Missy ...
There is another parallel story involving Nate Romanowski. A year ago Joe and Nate had a falling out. They had not seen each other since. Nate has been hiding out in the Hole-in-the-Wall Pass in Johnson County, Wyoming but has a bad feeling and is in the process of clearing out when disaster strikes. Someone close to him dies and Nate sets out to avenge the death. Joe and Nate meet again because they are both hunting for the same person. A common goal. The past is the past. The ending seems to indicate that Nate's past is about to catch up with him though.
As usual in these stories C.J. Box brings environmental issues and the government into the story. In this story it is wind farms, renewable energy, and skimming. Overall an enjoyable story that also gives the reader something to think about.
March 8, 2011
Can't say enough good things about C.J. Box! I've gotten to meet him a couple of times and have been so impressed by how gracious and generous he is with his time to all his fans. Cold Wind's issue (there is one in every book) is wind power, government subsidies, and "skimming". If you are disillusioned with capitalism and suspect that it's all about who you know, not what you know, this book is for you.
Best line ever in a book: "Nothing spells trouble like two drunk cowboys with a rocket launcher." Nate Romanowski and Joe Pickett have been on the outs since the last book, but a horrible event sends them moving toward each other again. Joe is also in the unenviable position of having to investigate in order to defend his snake-like mother-in-law, Missy. I don't want to give too much away, but this book is twistier than a sidewinder, and will grip you like a grizzly's claws. Just tryin' to get you in the mood- you'll enjoy this one if you're a C.J. Box fan, no doubt, and I'm sure it will win him a lot of new readers.
Best line ever in a book: "Nothing spells trouble like two drunk cowboys with a rocket launcher." Nate Romanowski and Joe Pickett have been on the outs since the last book, but a horrible event sends them moving toward each other again. Joe is also in the unenviable position of having to investigate in order to defend his snake-like mother-in-law, Missy. I don't want to give too much away, but this book is twistier than a sidewinder, and will grip you like a grizzly's claws. Just tryin' to get you in the mood- you'll enjoy this one if you're a C.J. Box fan, no doubt, and I'm sure it will win him a lot of new readers.
October 27, 2025
Simon and I are making our way slowly (we're reading it out loud together) through this amazing series.
We could not put it down! What an ending!
Quotes:
"Now tell me what I want to know or I'll twist your ear off. I've seen a couple of ears come off. They make a kind of popping sound, like when you break a chicken wing apart. You know that sound? I'd guess it's even worse from the inside, you know?" Yikes!
We laughed at this: "Camping is just nature's way of feeding mosquitoes."
We could not put it down! What an ending!
Quotes:
"Now tell me what I want to know or I'll twist your ear off. I've seen a couple of ears come off. They make a kind of popping sound, like when you break a chicken wing apart. You know that sound? I'd guess it's even worse from the inside, you know?" Yikes!
We laughed at this: "Camping is just nature's way of feeding mosquitoes."
December 23, 2024
This is a wonderful series, and this book is food for thought regarding the frantic push for "green energy" and all the slushie money that the government is throwing around to achieve an unrealistic goal. I loved seeing more of Nate but hated his story line. Joe is Joe and no one does better at peeling away the layers and coming up with the truth.
Joe's mother-in-law has made a career of "marrying up" and Missy is far from being Joe's favorite person. In fact, she might be tied with Sheriff Kyle Mcclannahan as Joe's least favorite person. But Joe loves his wife, Marybeth, and this is her mother who is suspected of murder, so Joe will do what Joe does best - dig deep and find the truth.
Missy's husband number 5, Earl Alden, is found hanging from his wind turbine in a particularly gruesome murder. Immediately Missy is arrested and charged. The speed of which gives Joe whiplash. But there is no denying the evidence pointing at her.
Joe's mother-in-law has made a career of "marrying up" and Missy is far from being Joe's favorite person. In fact, she might be tied with Sheriff Kyle Mcclannahan as Joe's least favorite person. But Joe loves his wife, Marybeth, and this is her mother who is suspected of murder, so Joe will do what Joe does best - dig deep and find the truth.
Missy's husband number 5, Earl Alden, is found hanging from his wind turbine in a particularly gruesome murder. Immediately Missy is arrested and charged. The speed of which gives Joe whiplash. But there is no denying the evidence pointing at her.
March 22, 2025
This is one of my favorite series. I read the books and watch the series on TV. I always enjoy Joe Pickett and his job with the wildlife department in his state. This book was a little different because it had a lot of history about wind turbines, at least the first 25 pages was about wind turbines. That did figure into the story but I was not really that interested. Once the real story got started the story was just as good as usual. Someone in the book did get murdered and hung from a wind turbine blade and Joe did figure out who the killer was. Very good story as usual.
May 4, 2011
First Sentence: He set out after breakfast on what would be his last day on earth.
Wyoming game warden, Joe Pickett, makes the very grim discovery of his mother-in-law, Missy’s, newest husband shot in the chest and his body being circulated like a whirligig toy from the blade of an electricity windmill. Missy is arrested for murder and asks Joe to help prove she is innocent. In spite of his dislike for her, he agrees due to his wife and daughters. Joe’s friend, Nate, has his own battles to fight after his lover is mistakenly killed in his place and revenge is his goal.
It is unfortunate that the book begins with a portent which is not only completely unnecessary, but reduces the impact and suspense of the first chapter. Fortunately, we quickly move on to detailed descriptions creating a strong sense of place and an intriguing contrast of nature versus technology as well as a strong sense of the man being described.
Box creates his characters well, providing a backstory on each one to introduce them to new readers and reacquaint those who follow the series. Although Box’s secondary characters tend to be a bit stereotypical, he makes us realize that stereotypes exist because they real. These characters are nicely offset with Joe who is a man who believes in the letter of the law. However, Joe is not perfect and neither is his family which has normal family issues and problems. Joe believes in the truth, but there is an element of cynicism and mistrust which keeps him real.
His characters are enhanced by the dialogue which has good flow and distinction for each character. Box’s Wyoming Governor provides examples of this…”I need more yes-men,” he said. “I deserve more yes-men.” He grinned, “And fewer independent thinkers like you. Hell, I’m the governor.”… and later… Rulon said, …”What a way to go. I hope it doesn’t start a trend.” “Too much work,” Joe said. “Most criminals don’t want to work that hard.”
Box writes action sequences with plenty of tension and suspense which include the emotions associated with the events. In fact, the more impactful crime is one without violence and is based on current events. Still, I did enjoy the point where Joe’s friend, Nate, talks about the situation getting very Western. There are nice twisty motives and plenty of possible suspects.
The story is relevant as it involves the present economic recession, moving to sustainable energy sources and government subsidies, but not in a way that will age the book in the future. In fact, the some of those factors represent the story’s more upsetting crimes. There are some minor flaws; some of the legal elements seemed off to me and the final revelation was not completely unexpected. One of the story threads probably could have been omitted but it added balance to the story and keeps it from becoming too political.
“Cold Wind” is a very good balance of all those elements one looks for in a mystery but not in any way that seems formulaic. No; Mr. Box just know how to tell one really good story and, once again, caused me to stay up way too late to finish it.
COLD WIND (Lic Inv-Joe Pickett-Wyoming-Cont) – VG+
Box, C.J. – 12th in series
G.P. Putnam’s Sons, ©2011, ARC – Hardcover ISBN: 9780399157356
Wyoming game warden, Joe Pickett, makes the very grim discovery of his mother-in-law, Missy’s, newest husband shot in the chest and his body being circulated like a whirligig toy from the blade of an electricity windmill. Missy is arrested for murder and asks Joe to help prove she is innocent. In spite of his dislike for her, he agrees due to his wife and daughters. Joe’s friend, Nate, has his own battles to fight after his lover is mistakenly killed in his place and revenge is his goal.
It is unfortunate that the book begins with a portent which is not only completely unnecessary, but reduces the impact and suspense of the first chapter. Fortunately, we quickly move on to detailed descriptions creating a strong sense of place and an intriguing contrast of nature versus technology as well as a strong sense of the man being described.
Box creates his characters well, providing a backstory on each one to introduce them to new readers and reacquaint those who follow the series. Although Box’s secondary characters tend to be a bit stereotypical, he makes us realize that stereotypes exist because they real. These characters are nicely offset with Joe who is a man who believes in the letter of the law. However, Joe is not perfect and neither is his family which has normal family issues and problems. Joe believes in the truth, but there is an element of cynicism and mistrust which keeps him real.
His characters are enhanced by the dialogue which has good flow and distinction for each character. Box’s Wyoming Governor provides examples of this…”I need more yes-men,” he said. “I deserve more yes-men.” He grinned, “And fewer independent thinkers like you. Hell, I’m the governor.”… and later… Rulon said, …”What a way to go. I hope it doesn’t start a trend.” “Too much work,” Joe said. “Most criminals don’t want to work that hard.”
Box writes action sequences with plenty of tension and suspense which include the emotions associated with the events. In fact, the more impactful crime is one without violence and is based on current events. Still, I did enjoy the point where Joe’s friend, Nate, talks about the situation getting very Western. There are nice twisty motives and plenty of possible suspects.
The story is relevant as it involves the present economic recession, moving to sustainable energy sources and government subsidies, but not in a way that will age the book in the future. In fact, the some of those factors represent the story’s more upsetting crimes. There are some minor flaws; some of the legal elements seemed off to me and the final revelation was not completely unexpected. One of the story threads probably could have been omitted but it added balance to the story and keeps it from becoming too political.
“Cold Wind” is a very good balance of all those elements one looks for in a mystery but not in any way that seems formulaic. No; Mr. Box just know how to tell one really good story and, once again, caused me to stay up way too late to finish it.
COLD WIND (Lic Inv-Joe Pickett-Wyoming-Cont) – VG+
Box, C.J. – 12th in series
G.P. Putnam’s Sons, ©2011, ARC – Hardcover ISBN: 9780399157356
March 19, 2023
I love the Joe Pickett series...I'm reading them as fast as they become available...this one deals with his mother-in-law being accused of murdering her 5th husband, as well as a political commentary on encroaching government power and alternative energy development...Box is also spot on of the developing "crony capitalism" of this administration...feeling loads of kinship here!!! As usual, a great read!!!
August 28, 2024
Since I started reading the Joe Pickett series, I have tended to read them in groups of two (example #1 and #2, #3 and #4, etc.), while reading other books in between each set of two so that I could enjoy and savor this series. The reason for this approach is it usually only takes a couple of days to devour each of them and I find myself going through them way too fast.
Now, I am on #11 “Cold Wind” and my interest with Joe, his family, and friends continues without missing a beat.
“Cold Wind” focuses mostly on Joe, Marybeth, and her mom, Missy, as well as a healthy dose of Nate Romanowski, who is still in hiding.
There are two major storylines.
The first involves Missy, who’s fifth husband, Earl, has been found dead and hanging from a wind turbine on his ranch. Missy is immediately arrested for his murder based on overwhelming evidence, which includes the murder weapon being found in her truck, the discovery that Earl was beginning divorce proceedings, as well as a witness who will testify that she hired him to kill Earl.
The second involves Nat and his girlfriend, Alisha Whiteplume, who are attacked while hiding out in Nate’s Hole in the Wall cave. Not only is Nate no longer safe, but the immediate concern is whether the men who found their location sent by his former military leaders who want him eliminated? Or are there others from Nate’s past who also want him dead? The bigger question is who sold him out. Only a few people including Joe and his wife who knows where he was…
Both Joe and Nate find themselves on personal missions that involve the lives of those they know and love. For Joe, as selfish and evil as his mother-in-law is, can she really be a cold-blooded killer or is someone performing the perfect frame job? He must find the truth, regardless of the outcome. For Nate, who is the person close to him who wants him dead and why? He is driven to find the person close to him who wants him dead, and more importantly, why.
It took me just over 24 hours to devour this book. It was that good, working on several levels all at once. This one was probably (at least for me) the most emotional one in the Joe Pickett series so far. I went through all of the emotions – surprise, shock, anger, frustration, and then again, shock at the ending. Box layered his storylines and murder mystery in masterful ways. Each character arc and angle were so well planned and thought out that I just couldn’t stop reading, from beginning to end. And his ending providing a double hit – a resolution that I did not see coming until it was too late (and I doubt most readers did either) and the proverbial train lights were shining brightly in my face, as well as a great cliffhanger that sets up serious trouble for Nate in the next book.
It was easy to see why I became so immersed in this novel, even more than some of the others in this great fiction series. The emotional payoffs are a culmination of the groundwork that Box has laid in all of the books preceding this one. The characters and storylines have built up over previous books to a point where tensions are high and Box uses Alden’s murder and the attack on Nate to light the emotional powder keg.
Box makes it personal and gut wrenching. Missy is so downright self-centered and uncaring of whatever anyone thinks, we as readers know she could be capable of murder. Nothing is beyond her ability to manipulate. How can Joe even be willing to assist her, except for the love of his wife to persuade him. All of the evil things that Missy has done up to this point (and there are way too many to list) are brought to the forefront as she faces a murder charge and Box brings all of that history together in a fast and overflowing literary boil.
On the other hand, we as readers, are also drawn to Nate and his unique circumstances. We hate someone attacking him and those close to him (especially since there are so few). We take it personal and want revenge for him. We are okay with Nate doing things that are unacceptable under the law but provide justice. He is the one that is allowed to step outside the bands of societal norms and structure because we need him to do the things that need to be done when evil is allowed to reign.
Box uses those storylines and character arcs centered around family to elevates his stories in a way that connects with readers hearts and make you want to come back for more and more. I tip my proverbial hat to Box for his ongoing ability to consistently meld together the best of both worlds and deliver a consistent winner each time out.
This series keeps growing on me in a lot of good ways. I am emotionally invested in Joe Pickett, his family, and friends. And especially Nate Romanowski. For me, it all starts with Box’s simple and straight-forward writing style. The storylines moved along at a smooth and steady pace. I am personally invested in the outcomes of both the characters and the mystery. And the ending in this particular book was quite simply – Wow! That’s how you deliver a winning and emotional climax that was almost impossible to see coming, let alone believe it. Again – Wow!
Overall, this was a 5-star rating for me. Each book just keeps building on the previous one and getting better and better… However, this one brought several storylines together and culminated in an incredible, thought-provoking ending that gave me chills. That gets 5-stars for me.
If you haven’t already, I strongly encourage you consider taking a chance on reading this series. It is so seriously worth it. Entertaining mystery at its best, along with memorable characters and settings...
And yes, I am starting the next the next one in the series as soon as I post this review…
Now, I am on #11 “Cold Wind” and my interest with Joe, his family, and friends continues without missing a beat.
“Cold Wind” focuses mostly on Joe, Marybeth, and her mom, Missy, as well as a healthy dose of Nate Romanowski, who is still in hiding.
There are two major storylines.
The first involves Missy, who’s fifth husband, Earl, has been found dead and hanging from a wind turbine on his ranch. Missy is immediately arrested for his murder based on overwhelming evidence, which includes the murder weapon being found in her truck, the discovery that Earl was beginning divorce proceedings, as well as a witness who will testify that she hired him to kill Earl.
The second involves Nat and his girlfriend, Alisha Whiteplume, who are attacked while hiding out in Nate’s Hole in the Wall cave. Not only is Nate no longer safe, but the immediate concern is whether the men who found their location sent by his former military leaders who want him eliminated? Or are there others from Nate’s past who also want him dead? The bigger question is who sold him out. Only a few people including Joe and his wife who knows where he was…
Both Joe and Nate find themselves on personal missions that involve the lives of those they know and love. For Joe, as selfish and evil as his mother-in-law is, can she really be a cold-blooded killer or is someone performing the perfect frame job? He must find the truth, regardless of the outcome. For Nate, who is the person close to him who wants him dead and why? He is driven to find the person close to him who wants him dead, and more importantly, why.
It took me just over 24 hours to devour this book. It was that good, working on several levels all at once. This one was probably (at least for me) the most emotional one in the Joe Pickett series so far. I went through all of the emotions – surprise, shock, anger, frustration, and then again, shock at the ending. Box layered his storylines and murder mystery in masterful ways. Each character arc and angle were so well planned and thought out that I just couldn’t stop reading, from beginning to end. And his ending providing a double hit – a resolution that I did not see coming until it was too late (and I doubt most readers did either) and the proverbial train lights were shining brightly in my face, as well as a great cliffhanger that sets up serious trouble for Nate in the next book.
It was easy to see why I became so immersed in this novel, even more than some of the others in this great fiction series. The emotional payoffs are a culmination of the groundwork that Box has laid in all of the books preceding this one. The characters and storylines have built up over previous books to a point where tensions are high and Box uses Alden’s murder and the attack on Nate to light the emotional powder keg.
Box makes it personal and gut wrenching. Missy is so downright self-centered and uncaring of whatever anyone thinks, we as readers know she could be capable of murder. Nothing is beyond her ability to manipulate. How can Joe even be willing to assist her, except for the love of his wife to persuade him. All of the evil things that Missy has done up to this point (and there are way too many to list) are brought to the forefront as she faces a murder charge and Box brings all of that history together in a fast and overflowing literary boil.
On the other hand, we as readers, are also drawn to Nate and his unique circumstances. We hate someone attacking him and those close to him (especially since there are so few). We take it personal and want revenge for him. We are okay with Nate doing things that are unacceptable under the law but provide justice. He is the one that is allowed to step outside the bands of societal norms and structure because we need him to do the things that need to be done when evil is allowed to reign.
Box uses those storylines and character arcs centered around family to elevates his stories in a way that connects with readers hearts and make you want to come back for more and more. I tip my proverbial hat to Box for his ongoing ability to consistently meld together the best of both worlds and deliver a consistent winner each time out.
This series keeps growing on me in a lot of good ways. I am emotionally invested in Joe Pickett, his family, and friends. And especially Nate Romanowski. For me, it all starts with Box’s simple and straight-forward writing style. The storylines moved along at a smooth and steady pace. I am personally invested in the outcomes of both the characters and the mystery. And the ending in this particular book was quite simply – Wow! That’s how you deliver a winning and emotional climax that was almost impossible to see coming, let alone believe it. Again – Wow!
Overall, this was a 5-star rating for me. Each book just keeps building on the previous one and getting better and better… However, this one brought several storylines together and culminated in an incredible, thought-provoking ending that gave me chills. That gets 5-stars for me.
If you haven’t already, I strongly encourage you consider taking a chance on reading this series. It is so seriously worth it. Entertaining mystery at its best, along with memorable characters and settings...
And yes, I am starting the next the next one in the series as soon as I post this review…
December 25, 2020
Not quite a four for me, but the series still very entertaining.
Pros: discusses the political myth that fossil fuels can totally be replaced
Things don't entirely go Missy's way
Con: Evil Missy survives physically and economically
Pros: discusses the political myth that fossil fuels can totally be replaced
Things don't entirely go Missy's way
Con: Evil Missy survives physically and economically
January 23, 2025
A double barrel of crazy good! Cold Wind is the best Pickett novel so far.
First plotline: Joe's current father-in-law, Earl Arden, is found hung from a wind turbine paddle with a giant shotgun blast through his stomach. The family is shocked when Mary Beth's mother is arrested. Who killed him, and why? Does his much-decried green energy scheme have anything to do with it?
Second plotline: Nate's been hinting at a past in black ops, and a probable bounty on his head from a variety of enemies - possibly our own government; maybe former teammates. Trouble lands at his doorstep when his hideout of the last few months is blown up with a rocket launcher.
Either of these storylines would've made a good book, but getting both in one novel was a treat. Plus, the Nate storyline ended on a cliffhanger! Onward I go to Force of Nature.
First plotline: Joe's current father-in-law, Earl Arden, is found hung from a wind turbine paddle with a giant shotgun blast through his stomach. The family is shocked when Mary Beth's mother is arrested. Who killed him, and why? Does his much-decried green energy scheme have anything to do with it?
Second plotline: Nate's been hinting at a past in black ops, and a probable bounty on his head from a variety of enemies - possibly our own government; maybe former teammates. Trouble lands at his doorstep when his hideout of the last few months is blown up with a rocket launcher.
Either of these storylines would've made a good book, but getting both in one novel was a treat. Plus, the Nate storyline ended on a cliffhanger! Onward I go to Force of Nature.
February 1, 2024
Solid story, but for some reason I had trouble with my attention span while reading this one. Maybe it dragged a little bit? Or, maybe it’s because of what I have going on in my life right now with work and all. Either way, I would recommend this one along with every other Joe Pickett book that I’ve read up to this point (though “Trophy Hunt” is my least favorite).
June 26, 2019
Comfort reading - another installment to a legendary series.
Reading C.J. Box at this point in the series is like putting on a favorite pair of jeans. Half the time I don't even care what Joe Pickett does anymore. I just appreciate having some time to hang out with the guy.
Reading C.J. Box at this point in the series is like putting on a favorite pair of jeans. Half the time I don't even care what Joe Pickett does anymore. I just appreciate having some time to hang out with the guy.
March 28, 2023
In Cold Wind Joe finds himself investigating the murder of his mothers in law ex husband. Missy is accused of the murder and Joe does not believe that she did it. There one hell of a twist that I did not see coming. For the fans of these series Nate makes and appearance as well.
August 10, 2021
This is probably the best Joe Pickett novel yet and that's saying something, considering that it's the eleventh in the series.
June 22, 2022
A little less action-packed than I prefer for mystery/thriller, but the overall story was all right.
November 17, 2021
Box got back on track with this one. The bad guy in this one was truly evil and way to close to Joe. In the end, Joe seems to have won. Nate looks like things are about to get very dark and dangerous. It’s going to be interesting.
The way Box portrays government is spot on in today’s climate. He taught us all a few things about renewable energy too. Great entry in a great series.
The way Box portrays government is spot on in today’s climate. He taught us all a few things about renewable energy too. Great entry in a great series.
November 6, 2020
4.5 Stars for Cold Wind; Joe Pickett Series, Book 11 (audiobook) by C. J. Box read by David Chandler. Another great story about Joe Pickett the Wyoming Game warden.
December 30, 2025
Ooh, this darker look at Missy was FUN! This one got a bit crazy, reminded me of Texas with the wind farms.
4 Stars
4 Stars
June 18, 2020
I am a huge C.J. Box fan and normally love his Joe Pickett books. This one, however, did not appeal. Disclaimer: I listened to the book and the reader may have had something to do with my assessment. It doesn't have the depth of character I'm used to, and Joe acted so out of character that I really couldn't figure out his motivation. He was supposed to be investigating to please his wife, but the relationship between her and Joe was not convincing in this book.
The wind power background felt a bit like Box was preaching. And the action was mainly Joe running around interviewing people. Actually, the only part of the book that really held my interest was the portion dealing with Nate Romanowski. That's where most of the character-consistent action took place.
C.J. Box not at his best is still better than most. I just didn't feel this was up to par.
The wind power background felt a bit like Box was preaching. And the action was mainly Joe running around interviewing people. Actually, the only part of the book that really held my interest was the portion dealing with Nate Romanowski. That's where most of the character-consistent action took place.
C.J. Box not at his best is still better than most. I just didn't feel this was up to par.
July 21, 2021
Earl is found dead hanging from a wind turbine. How on earth did he get up there?
October 11, 2023
This is truly the best series I’m currently reading. And every book is better than the last.
April 18, 2018
Actually Three and a half stars. Eleventh installment in Joe Pickett series starts off very promising with a murder in the family and a hit on Nate Romanowski. Unfortunately, the denouement is a little too pat and unsatisfying. I wanted justice to be served. Last scene sets up next book nicely, though.
January 21, 2021
I can honestly say I was completely stunned with the ending
September 28, 2017
Wyoming game warden, Joe Pickett identifies the body found hanging from a wind turbine as that of Earl Auden, wealthy rancher and landowner, husband of his formidable mother-in-law, Missy. She is the prime suspect, the murder weapon, a Winchester, found in her vehicle, is sufficient grounds for Sheriff McLanahan (with a view to his re-election prospects) to have her arrested and charged. But is she being framed? The key witness, former husband, Bud Longbrake Senior, has gone to ground.
The Earl was Missy’s fifth husband. She’d traded up with each one after her first (and Marybeth’s realtor father) died young in a car wreck. After a five month mourning period, Missy married a doctor the day his divorce papers were finalised, then an Arizona developer and U.S. Congressman who was later convicted of fraud, then rancher Bud Longbrake. The Earl was her greatest triumph…
Missy is released on bail but the trial is brought forward to accommodate Judge Hewitt’s hunting schedule. Missy’s defence lawyer, the flamboyant Marcus Hand and his team from Jackson Hole, are working to cast “reasonable doubt” to have the case dismissed. But Joe’s wife, Marybeth, wants her name cleared for hers and their daughters’ sake. She also wants him to contact his friend, Nate Romanowski, holed up in a cave in a canyon. The two men have not spoken in a year after parting on sour terms.
Reluctantly Joe sets out to review the evidence. By talking to Auden’s neighbours, the dirt-poor Lee family, he learns that Earl Auden had made more enemies than friends through his dealings and land acquisitions. Nate has enemies of his own, with the widow of a man he killed wanting revenge, and uses two wannabe cowboys to do the dirty work. These two themes weave and mesh as Nate sets out to find the man who betrayed him.
Ultimately “Cold Wind” is about manipulation; of a jury, not to seek justice for the victim, but to get an acquittal. It’s about individuals manipulating limited liability company laws to set up dummy companies and sell them off, and criminal elements exploiting loopholes in the government’s tax relief and investment strategies to meet unrealistic renewable energy targets that will fracture communities while failing to deliver power at an affordable price.
”Think about it,” Smith said. “Let’s say you are an entrepreneur or you just came into some cash. What makes more sense - to put the money in a bank and declare the income so it can be taxed, or to ‘invest’ it in the ownership of a company with all the benefits … expense accounts, travel, tax credits …”
CJ Box writes with a passion for Wyoming; the landscapes and open skies. He allows the reader to sense the rustle of the aspens, moose and antelope wandering across the blacktop, the chill waters of mountain streams. Here the men wear Stetsons and carry hunting rifles, the women on the Shoshone reservation try to steer the kids away from drugs, the rich live in guarded enclaves and celebrities throng to mountain resorts while the townsfolk of Saddlestring struggle from day-to-day. The characters are well-formed, from honest family-man Joe to the disreputable Sheriff, to the saturnine Nate.
Well recommended.
The Earl was Missy’s fifth husband. She’d traded up with each one after her first (and Marybeth’s realtor father) died young in a car wreck. After a five month mourning period, Missy married a doctor the day his divorce papers were finalised, then an Arizona developer and U.S. Congressman who was later convicted of fraud, then rancher Bud Longbrake. The Earl was her greatest triumph…
Missy is released on bail but the trial is brought forward to accommodate Judge Hewitt’s hunting schedule. Missy’s defence lawyer, the flamboyant Marcus Hand and his team from Jackson Hole, are working to cast “reasonable doubt” to have the case dismissed. But Joe’s wife, Marybeth, wants her name cleared for hers and their daughters’ sake. She also wants him to contact his friend, Nate Romanowski, holed up in a cave in a canyon. The two men have not spoken in a year after parting on sour terms.
Reluctantly Joe sets out to review the evidence. By talking to Auden’s neighbours, the dirt-poor Lee family, he learns that Earl Auden had made more enemies than friends through his dealings and land acquisitions. Nate has enemies of his own, with the widow of a man he killed wanting revenge, and uses two wannabe cowboys to do the dirty work. These two themes weave and mesh as Nate sets out to find the man who betrayed him.
Ultimately “Cold Wind” is about manipulation; of a jury, not to seek justice for the victim, but to get an acquittal. It’s about individuals manipulating limited liability company laws to set up dummy companies and sell them off, and criminal elements exploiting loopholes in the government’s tax relief and investment strategies to meet unrealistic renewable energy targets that will fracture communities while failing to deliver power at an affordable price.
”Think about it,” Smith said. “Let’s say you are an entrepreneur or you just came into some cash. What makes more sense - to put the money in a bank and declare the income so it can be taxed, or to ‘invest’ it in the ownership of a company with all the benefits … expense accounts, travel, tax credits …”
CJ Box writes with a passion for Wyoming; the landscapes and open skies. He allows the reader to sense the rustle of the aspens, moose and antelope wandering across the blacktop, the chill waters of mountain streams. Here the men wear Stetsons and carry hunting rifles, the women on the Shoshone reservation try to steer the kids away from drugs, the rich live in guarded enclaves and celebrities throng to mountain resorts while the townsfolk of Saddlestring struggle from day-to-day. The characters are well-formed, from honest family-man Joe to the disreputable Sheriff, to the saturnine Nate.
Well recommended.
August 26, 2012
The more of C J Box I read the less I like his work. He's a mediocre writer and his Joe Pickett character is mostly just irritating. This book had little action or plot and a lot of right-wing propaganda.
May 12, 2013
Not nearly as entertaining as I expected. I thought I would always be able to count on this author. ):
A very large part of the story had an agenda. One I even know a little about and believe to be true. But still.....
Disappointed.
A very large part of the story had an agenda. One I even know a little about and believe to be true. But still.....
Disappointed.
May 4, 2018
Another good book in the Joe Pickett series. I really liked how he had two different story lines going at the same time, one involving Joe and the other Nate, and how the two stories came together in the end. The ending was also very good, including the set up for the next book.
November 15, 2025
Abs0lutely loved this one!
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