What do you think?
Rate this book
Joe Pickett #2
Savage Run by C. J. Box (1-Mar-2011) Paperback
Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett uncovers a conspiracy in this explosive novel in the #1 New York Times bestselling series.
When a massive blast rocks the forests of Twelve Sleep County, Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett is called to the scene to help investigate the death of a colorful environmental activist. The case is wrapped up quickly, explained as an environmental publicity stunt gone wrong, but Joe isn't convinced. He soon discovers clues that suggest a deadly conspiracy–one that will test his courage, his survival skills, and his determination to “do the right thing” despite all costs.
When a massive blast rocks the forests of Twelve Sleep County, Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett is called to the scene to help investigate the death of a colorful environmental activist. The case is wrapped up quickly, explained as an environmental publicity stunt gone wrong, but Joe isn't convinced. He soon discovers clues that suggest a deadly conspiracy–one that will test his courage, his survival skills, and his determination to “do the right thing” despite all costs.
Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 2002
5533 people are currently reading
6235 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Box
111 books7,233 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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,141 reviews
June 22, 2020
First be foremost: I am very sensitive when it comes to violence against animals so some of this book was really sad and hard for me to read. The plot in this book was interesting especially Mary Beth’s past and Joe dealing with taking the moral high ground instead of the path with no backlash. I am really glad I started this Joe Pickett series and I actually grabbed Winterkill from the library today to this week.
My quick and simple overall: interesting read but if you are a huge animal lover like me, tread carefully.
My quick and simple overall: interesting read but if you are a huge animal lover like me, tread carefully.
October 19, 2018
These are just so much fun and thought provoking too.
C.J. (Cracker Jack?) Box delivers his second Joe Pickett novel in this 2002 publication and follows up on his first with some TASTY environmental thriller action.
For those readers who don’t know yet about the coolest thing this side of the Pecos, Box’s protagonist Pickett is a Wyoming game warden – patrolling the vast wide open spaces and confronting heavily armed perpetrators and wild critters alike. All on a shoestring budget with a small family to support. Box makes home life interesting by crafting Joe’s missus as a strong willed and independent minded woman but centered on family and has his daughters as head strong as their momma.
This time around we meet up with some environmental terrorists who wind up sideways of some equally destructive right wing ranchers. Actually, Box demonstrates what a great writer he is by connecting the dots and showing how either side of the extremist spectrum can be bad for the environment, while also showing that ironically both sides love the outdoors. In an impressively illustrative scene, Box shows us how complicated environmental issues can be. Mix in some historical precedents and this is a winner.
Box also explores a theme about which I am passionate. A hunter is someone who tracks and kills his prey and then harvests the meat and feeds his family. I have many friends and family who are hunters. A person who uses a high powered rifle to kill and then only takes a trophy is not a hunter – this person is an asshole. Box’s Pickett finds one of these and fights the good fight.
I’m going to read all of these.
C.J. (Cracker Jack?) Box delivers his second Joe Pickett novel in this 2002 publication and follows up on his first with some TASTY environmental thriller action.
For those readers who don’t know yet about the coolest thing this side of the Pecos, Box’s protagonist Pickett is a Wyoming game warden – patrolling the vast wide open spaces and confronting heavily armed perpetrators and wild critters alike. All on a shoestring budget with a small family to support. Box makes home life interesting by crafting Joe’s missus as a strong willed and independent minded woman but centered on family and has his daughters as head strong as their momma.
This time around we meet up with some environmental terrorists who wind up sideways of some equally destructive right wing ranchers. Actually, Box demonstrates what a great writer he is by connecting the dots and showing how either side of the extremist spectrum can be bad for the environment, while also showing that ironically both sides love the outdoors. In an impressively illustrative scene, Box shows us how complicated environmental issues can be. Mix in some historical precedents and this is a winner.
Box also explores a theme about which I am passionate. A hunter is someone who tracks and kills his prey and then harvests the meat and feeds his family. I have many friends and family who are hunters. A person who uses a high powered rifle to kill and then only takes a trophy is not a hunter – this person is an asshole. Box’s Pickett finds one of these and fights the good fight.
I’m going to read all of these.
August 16, 2023
Second book is a home run. From beginning to end, excellent.
February 24, 2021
Love this series. Have read all the Joe Pickett books and can't tell you how I'm waiting for the next. Box is an exceptional writer and his character Joe and his family draw you right in. The story lines are great and sometimes I just in awe on how the twists and turns work out. Love Nat he is a wonderful character and hope Box keeps him around a long time. Joe is just the perfect hero who not only does what is necessary because he believes in the rightfulness of his job and protecting the wilderness but he is also funny and vulnerable. The girls and Mary Beth are just perfect. Not sure why Box put the mother in but she is a character and sometimes I wish she would get her due because she is just so malicious. Anyway you will love these books and you will love how Box describes the country and wilderness and the culture of the of American Northwest. I'm from NY but I have to tell you from reading these books, I would love to venture up to Montana and see this beautiful country. Was glad when I read that Box turned down a series of Joe Pickett because he didn't like the way it was being set up.
Good for you having values yourself. Read these books you will love them. Can't wait for the next.
Good for you having values yourself. Read these books you will love them. Can't wait for the next.
November 20, 2019
Another great book by C.J. Box. This book involves conflicts between environmental extremist and a group of "ranchers". A two-man assassination team (stock detective) was sent to eliminate those on the list.
I was on the edge of my seat towards the end of this when the group escaped from the cabin and found themselves at Savage Run (interesting legend about this involving Cheyenne Indians and Pawnee warriors). After finished reading, I gave it a 4 star because of the graphic description of how wolf pack hunts cow elks. I took a star out. I would have walked away if I was watching Nat Geo and came across a scene of big cats taking down baby water buffalo... but I can't do that to a good book even if I don't like that part of nature.
I was on the edge of my seat towards the end of this when the group escaped from the cabin and found themselves at Savage Run (interesting legend about this involving Cheyenne Indians and Pawnee warriors). After finished reading, I gave it a 4 star because of the graphic description of how wolf pack hunts cow elks. I took a star out. I would have walked away if I was watching Nat Geo and came across a scene of big cats taking down baby water buffalo... but I can't do that to a good book even if I don't like that part of nature.
September 25, 2024
Another great thriller from Box. Although, having our protagonist make the wrong decisions all the time is starting to get a little old. Hopefully this begins to change as the series progresses.
August 14, 2023
Buddy read with Simon. We started listening on the long flight from London, UK to Chicago, USA and the subsequent train rides to finally arrive at home. It kept us entertained the whole way!
June 21, 2024
Many unlikeable characters
If this had been the first C.J. Box book I read, there would have been no more. The victims are eco terrorists and environmental extremists. Generally speaking I don't support assassinations but I admit that I didn't shed a tear for the victims or for that matter, the killers or those who hired the killers either. I did not like or feel sympathy for any them. Joe Pickett and his family are pretty much the only sympathetic characters in this book despite Mr. Box's efforts to make the terrorists sympathetic.
If this had been the first C.J. Box book I read, there would have been no more. The victims are eco terrorists and environmental extremists. Generally speaking I don't support assassinations but I admit that I didn't shed a tear for the victims or for that matter, the killers or those who hired the killers either. I did not like or feel sympathy for any them. Joe Pickett and his family are pretty much the only sympathetic characters in this book despite Mr. Box's efforts to make the terrorists sympathetic.
November 12, 2019
Joe Pickett, the Wyoming game warden introduced in Open Season, returns in this novel that is about a war between the ranchers and the environmentalists. The story opens with environmental activist Stewie Woods and his new bride, Annabel Bellotti, spiking trees and apparently killed in a massive explosion. Initially it is not known what happened and Joe gets a call from the sheriff because it is assumed elk or other wildlife will have been killed. When they arrive at the scene they find evidence that humans may be victims in the explosion too. Most are quick to write it off as Stewie getting himself killed attempting some environmental terrorism stunt.
At first glance this would appear to be the story of the radical right vs. the liberal left and it is easy to see who the bad guys are. But there is more to the picture than meets the eye. It is not just a few wealthy ranchers going after a group that is just trying to save the forests and wildlife. Both love the outdoors. Both make decisions and take actions that can be bad for the environment. People are not right just because of their ideology.
Joe Pickett is an interesting protagonist. He lives and works in the vast openness of Wyoming. Usually remote and alone he most confront and deal with armed poachers. He is a family man, married with three daughters, he lives in a government supplied house on a small budget. His marksmanship is not great. In fact it is poor which leads to some interesting situations.
Another interesting side story (statement) deals with a wealthy rancher who killed an elk for no other reason than to mount the head in his home. A true hunter kills to feed his family and others. Joe Pickett decides to go after his guy. He may be wealthy and well connected but there is a principle here. I am looking forward to reading other books in this series.
At first glance this would appear to be the story of the radical right vs. the liberal left and it is easy to see who the bad guys are. But there is more to the picture than meets the eye. It is not just a few wealthy ranchers going after a group that is just trying to save the forests and wildlife. Both love the outdoors. Both make decisions and take actions that can be bad for the environment. People are not right just because of their ideology.
Joe Pickett is an interesting protagonist. He lives and works in the vast openness of Wyoming. Usually remote and alone he most confront and deal with armed poachers. He is a family man, married with three daughters, he lives in a government supplied house on a small budget. His marksmanship is not great. In fact it is poor which leads to some interesting situations.
Another interesting side story (statement) deals with a wealthy rancher who killed an elk for no other reason than to mount the head in his home. A true hunter kills to feed his family and others. Joe Pickett decides to go after his guy. He may be wealthy and well connected but there is a principle here. I am looking forward to reading other books in this series.
October 18, 2012
I want to love these books because they came with such high recommendation. However, they are good but not wonderful! The main character is a fish and game warden, is very moral, and a bit too naive. I really hate to say it (because I should appreciate a moral, trusting character) but he was almost too good to be true. Oh, that is so sad to say. He is the kind of man who trusts in a handshake and expects that everyone will abide by the rules. I truly hope there are people like that still in the world though in what I've seen in my business world, it seems they are few and far between.
The story was interesting. A hired gun seems to be targeting environmentalists and Joe Pickett is chasing down the story. It begins with a famous tree hugger being blown up as he is walking through a cattle field (looking to do some eco-terrorism) and comes upon a cow strapped with C4. Joe gets called in to check out the scene and it becomes his quest to figure out what's going on in his neck of the woods. An interesting story, again, for some reason his simple nature actually rubs me a bit wrong - I just want him to be a bit tougher or less gullible - something I can't quite put my finger on.
The story was interesting. A hired gun seems to be targeting environmentalists and Joe Pickett is chasing down the story. It begins with a famous tree hugger being blown up as he is walking through a cattle field (looking to do some eco-terrorism) and comes upon a cow strapped with C4. Joe gets called in to check out the scene and it becomes his quest to figure out what's going on in his neck of the woods. An interesting story, again, for some reason his simple nature actually rubs me a bit wrong - I just want him to be a bit tougher or less gullible - something I can't quite put my finger on.
May 13, 2020
4.5 Stars for Savage Run: A Joe Pickett Novel (audiobook) by C. J. Box read by David Chandler. I’m really enjoying this series. It’s from an interesting perspective. A Game and Fish officer in Wyoming. Murder mysteries in a beautiful setting.
March 12, 2022
This is a more enjoyable read than the first entry. There’s something about a game warden hero who solves crimes & fights corruption that appeals to me. This is like a mystery-thriller tale out of a vintage back issue of Field And Streams magazine.
Recommended.
Recommended.
October 3, 2020
I am so impressed with this series! As one who has spent time out in the western states and has family there, I just love visiting and tagging along with Joe Pickett. Both books I have read so far do a great job of presenting the tension between history and modern environmentalism without pandering to either. This second title in the series has some great scenes where Joe is directly interacting with environmental activists and also some moments of great peril. Marybeth and Sheridan Pickett are given some time to grow as characters in this one. Looking forward to which way "straight-as-an-arrow" Joe is sent in 'Winterkill.'
December 22, 2025
Reread- great series about a Wyoming game warden and his family. Somehow, Joe Pickett always seems to end up in the middle of a homicide investigation. The series starts when Joe & his family are young and continue for about 20 years.
August 1, 2015
Joe Pickett is a family man and one of the few Game Wardens in Wyoming, he has a steady moral compass and is an intellegent, lawful man. In this second addition to the series Joe gets wrapped up in an environmental feud. After radicals set off an explosion in the deep woods, an investigation reveals that a cow and possibly two people were accidentally killed. Joe knows that there is more to it than that and goes back later to look into it further. When he is shot at with a long range rifle he knows his suspicions were correct and is now on foot and on the run in a heavily wooded, rugged terrain.
I have read quite a few books in this series and this one was not bad but I think the writing is better in the later books. It was nice to have a little more insight into Joe's personal life and how hard it was for he and Mary Beth, his wife, when he first took the job. I am looking forward to the newest release in this series, "Endangered ".
I have read quite a few books in this series and this one was not bad but I think the writing is better in the later books. It was nice to have a little more insight into Joe's personal life and how hard it was for he and Mary Beth, his wife, when he first took the job. I am looking forward to the newest release in this series, "Endangered ".
July 19, 2020
Joe Pickett is a great character and C.J. Box writes beautifully about the modern West. This is the second in the series and I am looking forward to many more, and maybe even a trip to Wyoming.
October 19, 2019
JOE PICKETT, YES YES YES.
I'm so excited that I'm still early in this series because I know that I still have a ton of these books to look forward to. I'm such a Pickett fangirl, even after only two books. I hope he stays as cool as he is now.
Joe Pickett is a Wyoming game warden, not super experienced, with a slowly growing reputation in his area. He's known for being inaccurate with his gun and for being a stickler for the rules. He doesn't do drama, he doesn't have baggage, he loves his family, he loves the job and the land.
When ten cows and two people end up dead under suspicious and weirdly violent circumstances, Joe ends up caught between a group of environmentalists and ranchers - or, more accurately: between hardcore ecoterrorist-type environmentalists and big-time, super-wealthy ranchers, the kind that have politicians and law enforcement in their back pocket. Joe's integrity and desire for the truth puts his life at risk and gets him into quite a bit of trouble, and he finds himself on the run through the mountain wilderness with two people he never imagined he would keep in his company.
Savage Run takes place about two years after Open Season. Joe's wife is doing well after what happened to her at the end of the first book (not gonna spoil what happened, but oh my gosh it was crazy), and his daughter Sheridan is too. Sheridan is now ten years old and is every bit as spunky in this book as she was in the first.
I've NEVER read any author that has a command over landscape and setting like CJ Box. He places Joe Pickett into crazy situations out on the land either on foot or on horseback that make me hold my breath out of fear for his life or in awe over his descriptions of the land. When I'm reading, I feel desperate to see the wilderness where Joe is climbing, hiking, hiding out, or catching the bad guys that might be shooting at him from the next mountain over.
This book was a neat chance to look at two different types of extremism with both the environmentalists and the ranchers. These Pickett books are really insightful for someone like me, an east-coaster, someone that doesn't live around huge expanses of land that need protecting like there are out west. I love the way the author includes the issues facing the environment and how people feel on either side, but he remains true to his thriller/modern western story. I feel like I'm learning just a little bit about life in the western US but I'm also super, super entertained.
This series is awesome. Gritty, intense, thrilling, fast-paced, unputdownable. I can't think of anything about it that I don't like. At all.
Audiobook Notes: I decided that I would continue this series on audio after I loved the first book so much. David Chandler IS Joe Pickett, and I can't imagine hearing him any other way. Not super-macho sounding, but just a regular guy, and I love that. He also did this really great, gravelly voice for the environmentalist Stewie Woods. It was so different than any of the other voices that he used, and I just loved it when it was one of Stewie's scenes. Not necessarily that Stewie was particularly pleasing to listen to, but because I knew immediately who was talking and because it stood-out to me so well. Long after I'm done with the audio, I can still remember what he sounded like. Well done!
I still have plans to continue listening to this series via audiobook.
Title: Savage Run by C.J. Box
Series: Joe Pickett #2
Narrated by: David Chandler
Publisher: Recorded Books
Length: 8 hours, 48 minutes, Unabridged
I'm so excited that I'm still early in this series because I know that I still have a ton of these books to look forward to. I'm such a Pickett fangirl, even after only two books. I hope he stays as cool as he is now.
Joe Pickett is a Wyoming game warden, not super experienced, with a slowly growing reputation in his area. He's known for being inaccurate with his gun and for being a stickler for the rules. He doesn't do drama, he doesn't have baggage, he loves his family, he loves the job and the land.
When ten cows and two people end up dead under suspicious and weirdly violent circumstances, Joe ends up caught between a group of environmentalists and ranchers - or, more accurately: between hardcore ecoterrorist-type environmentalists and big-time, super-wealthy ranchers, the kind that have politicians and law enforcement in their back pocket. Joe's integrity and desire for the truth puts his life at risk and gets him into quite a bit of trouble, and he finds himself on the run through the mountain wilderness with two people he never imagined he would keep in his company.
Savage Run takes place about two years after Open Season. Joe's wife is doing well after what happened to her at the end of the first book (not gonna spoil what happened, but oh my gosh it was crazy), and his daughter Sheridan is too. Sheridan is now ten years old and is every bit as spunky in this book as she was in the first.
I've NEVER read any author that has a command over landscape and setting like CJ Box. He places Joe Pickett into crazy situations out on the land either on foot or on horseback that make me hold my breath out of fear for his life or in awe over his descriptions of the land. When I'm reading, I feel desperate to see the wilderness where Joe is climbing, hiking, hiding out, or catching the bad guys that might be shooting at him from the next mountain over.
This book was a neat chance to look at two different types of extremism with both the environmentalists and the ranchers. These Pickett books are really insightful for someone like me, an east-coaster, someone that doesn't live around huge expanses of land that need protecting like there are out west. I love the way the author includes the issues facing the environment and how people feel on either side, but he remains true to his thriller/modern western story. I feel like I'm learning just a little bit about life in the western US but I'm also super, super entertained.
This series is awesome. Gritty, intense, thrilling, fast-paced, unputdownable. I can't think of anything about it that I don't like. At all.
Audiobook Notes: I decided that I would continue this series on audio after I loved the first book so much. David Chandler IS Joe Pickett, and I can't imagine hearing him any other way. Not super-macho sounding, but just a regular guy, and I love that. He also did this really great, gravelly voice for the environmentalist Stewie Woods. It was so different than any of the other voices that he used, and I just loved it when it was one of Stewie's scenes. Not necessarily that Stewie was particularly pleasing to listen to, but because I knew immediately who was talking and because it stood-out to me so well. Long after I'm done with the audio, I can still remember what he sounded like. Well done!
I still have plans to continue listening to this series via audiobook.
Title: Savage Run by C.J. Box
Series: Joe Pickett #2
Narrated by: David Chandler
Publisher: Recorded Books
Length: 8 hours, 48 minutes, Unabridged
March 23, 2023
3 stars
Savage Run is the second story in the Joe Pickett, game warden, series. For the most part this series is a family friendly story with little to no violence - unless exploding cows are a problem. Pickett is a happily married father who loves his family very much. He is also truthful to a fault and does his job by the book which often gets him in trouble, not only with his own bosses, but with government agencies as a whole.
I have not read C.J. Box before this series and I picked it up because there is also a TV series based on these books, that I would very much like to watch, but I always want to read the books first. So late as I am to the series, I will read on for a few more books ensuring I have read before I watch.
Savage Run is the second story in the Joe Pickett, game warden, series. For the most part this series is a family friendly story with little to no violence - unless exploding cows are a problem. Pickett is a happily married father who loves his family very much. He is also truthful to a fault and does his job by the book which often gets him in trouble, not only with his own bosses, but with government agencies as a whole.
I have not read C.J. Box before this series and I picked it up because there is also a TV series based on these books, that I would very much like to watch, but I always want to read the books first. So late as I am to the series, I will read on for a few more books ensuring I have read before I watch.
September 5, 2023
I was very pleased to find that the second book of this series continues the long-standing tradition of excellence in this series - well, if you can consider one book to be a tradition. I guess part of the reason I enjoy this series is that I spent a bit of time in the mountains in my younger days, and even climbed to the top of the highest peak in Yosemite park (13 thousand plus feet). And I've spent a little time in Yellowstone, which is close to where these stories take place. So now that I'm a bit old for all that, it's nice to be able to read about it and remember some of the good times.
This book starts off with a bang - quite a big one, actually. The very first paragraph starts with this:
I wish I could say no animals were harmed in this story, but unfortunately, that would be far from the truth. There were some pretty evil people in this story, and their crimes against animals were as bad as their crimes against humans. Maybe worse, because at least most of the humans they targeted were done so for a reason that they believed in, whereas the animals did nothing to deserve their fate.
Somehow, Joe Pickett, a lowly game warden, again comes up against evil killers, and of course, he still has problems keeping possession of his guns. Sometimes I think the books would be more satisfying if he was some sort of strong hero like Jack Reacher, but then I realize I like that he uses his brain instead of relying on brawn or weapons. But sometimes, his brain seems to get him in trouble in the first place, so it's a double-edged sword.
This book starts off with a bang - quite a big one, actually. The very first paragraph starts with this:
On the third day of their honeymoon, infamous environmental activist Stewie Woods and his new bride, Annabel Bellotti, were spiking trees in the forest when a cow exploded and blew them up. Until then, their marriage had been happy.
I wish I could say no animals were harmed in this story, but unfortunately, that would be far from the truth. There were some pretty evil people in this story, and their crimes against animals were as bad as their crimes against humans. Maybe worse, because at least most of the humans they targeted were done so for a reason that they believed in, whereas the animals did nothing to deserve their fate.
Somehow, Joe Pickett, a lowly game warden, again comes up against evil killers, and of course, he still has problems keeping possession of his guns. Sometimes I think the books would be more satisfying if he was some sort of strong hero like Jack Reacher, but then I realize I like that he uses his brain instead of relying on brawn or weapons. But sometimes, his brain seems to get him in trouble in the first place, so it's a double-edged sword.
February 28, 2017
Savage Run perhaps is not as good as the first book. It is still a very satisfying thriller in the Joe Pickett series.
Joe Pickett is a Wyoming game ward charged with overseeing the Big Horn Mountains in the northern part of the state. Mary Beth, Joe's wife, is a beautiful woman. As their 10 year daughter, Sheridan, observes of her mother: "Mom, you're a hottie." Mary Beth, went to college to become a lawyer. But she fell in love with Joe and they live the austere life on game warden's wages. This is an insecurity that bothers Joe knowing that she could have a live a life at a much higher of standard living if she decided not marry Joe. However, Joe loves his work and family and Mary Beth loves Joe. He counts himself very lucky.
The story starts of with Joe getting a call about an explosion in the forest. It turns out that explosives were attached to cow and was detonated. It also appears there were a couple of victims killed by the explosion but there are not enough of evidence to for sure to tell who or how many might have died. Joe is happy to let the law enforcement authorities handle the case. Joe doesn't have the best relationship with the Sheriff because of what happened in Book 1. But something is bothering Joe about what happened. Something is just not quite right about this bizarre event.
The story progresses and it becomes revealed there are assassins killing environmental extremists. The author does a pretty good job portraying the views of environmental extremists and the ranchers and oil/mining interests who want to exploit the natural resource of the public-owned in the America mountain West. In short, both sides of this heated argument have positive points and negative points and both are flawed to some extent. There are a couple parts that are a little over dramatic at times but doesn't detract from story much. To make things a little more interesting Joe finds out that Mary Beth used to hang out with a couple of the eco-terrorist types in college.
One of the things I love about these books is the back drop of the wild country in and around Yellowstone National Park. It doesn't hurt the Joe Pickett is a fly fisherman. All of the characters are pretty well developed and are easy to connect with as I listened to this story. Mr. Box also throws in a little western history to keep things interesting.
I listened to the audio book and the narrator does a good job with the story. The style is somewhat akin to a National Geographic TV show narration. He does a good job with characters though and makes the story easy to listen to.
C. J. Box is becoming one of my "go-to" authors for when I want to read good suspense thriller set in the wilderness of the American West. They are well written and I find the stories hard to resist. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
Joe Pickett is a Wyoming game ward charged with overseeing the Big Horn Mountains in the northern part of the state. Mary Beth, Joe's wife, is a beautiful woman. As their 10 year daughter, Sheridan, observes of her mother: "Mom, you're a hottie." Mary Beth, went to college to become a lawyer. But she fell in love with Joe and they live the austere life on game warden's wages. This is an insecurity that bothers Joe knowing that she could have a live a life at a much higher of standard living if she decided not marry Joe. However, Joe loves his work and family and Mary Beth loves Joe. He counts himself very lucky.
The story starts of with Joe getting a call about an explosion in the forest. It turns out that explosives were attached to cow and was detonated. It also appears there were a couple of victims killed by the explosion but there are not enough of evidence to for sure to tell who or how many might have died. Joe is happy to let the law enforcement authorities handle the case. Joe doesn't have the best relationship with the Sheriff because of what happened in Book 1. But something is bothering Joe about what happened. Something is just not quite right about this bizarre event.
The story progresses and it becomes revealed there are assassins killing environmental extremists. The author does a pretty good job portraying the views of environmental extremists and the ranchers and oil/mining interests who want to exploit the natural resource of the public-owned in the America mountain West. In short, both sides of this heated argument have positive points and negative points and both are flawed to some extent. There are a couple parts that are a little over dramatic at times but doesn't detract from story much. To make things a little more interesting Joe finds out that Mary Beth used to hang out with a couple of the eco-terrorist types in college.
One of the things I love about these books is the back drop of the wild country in and around Yellowstone National Park. It doesn't hurt the Joe Pickett is a fly fisherman. All of the characters are pretty well developed and are easy to connect with as I listened to this story. Mr. Box also throws in a little western history to keep things interesting.
I listened to the audio book and the narrator does a good job with the story. The style is somewhat akin to a National Geographic TV show narration. He does a good job with characters though and makes the story easy to listen to.
C. J. Box is becoming one of my "go-to" authors for when I want to read good suspense thriller set in the wilderness of the American West. They are well written and I find the stories hard to resist. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
June 14, 2022
A bit on an odd duck of a book.
Joe Pickett is doing his job, when he finds that an elk was shot out of season. The trail leads him to the usual arrogant rich guy. Meanwhile, there are some environmental terrorists running around causing trouble, and an old time stock detective taking care of business.
There's a theme here about how the law doesn't seem to apply to much of anybody. I wound up rooting for the stock detective, as he was the most honest person in the whole book. Pickett was mostly ineffectual and petty.
Joe Pickett is doing his job, when he finds that an elk was shot out of season. The trail leads him to the usual arrogant rich guy. Meanwhile, there are some environmental terrorists running around causing trouble, and an old time stock detective taking care of business.
There's a theme here about how the law doesn't seem to apply to much of anybody. I wound up rooting for the stock detective, as he was the most honest person in the whole book. Pickett was mostly ineffectual and petty.
October 7, 2020
This second story in the series is even better than the first. This book gets a bit away from the mystery and is more of a story of survival out in the wilderness. This seems like the kind of tale that Joe will be telling young game wardens new to the field when he is old and ready for retirement. Looking forward to reading the next in the series!
January 11, 2016
3.5★ for book 2 in what has become my favorite Man Lit series. #nohasslereading
January 9, 2026
WOW!! I was on the edge of my seat for most of part 3 of this novel!! An excellent second outing with the morally driven game warden, Joe Pickett. Pickett is called in on a case that appeared to be open and shut involving the death of an environmental activist, but after speaking to a wealthy and well-connected rancher about the details he comes away from the interview greatly troubled. The reader is clued in early about a conspiracy to kill environmental activists through the actions of two stock detectives. One of them, Charlie Tibbs, gave me the chills. He was a killer who loves his job way too much. Anyway, Joe starts nosing around and finds himself in the crosshairs as well. It soon becomes a taut tale of hunter and prey.
I am quite sensitive to harm to animals and there were a couple of times I didn't want the words to paint quite so clear of an image for me.
I am quite sensitive to harm to animals and there were a couple of times I didn't want the words to paint quite so clear of an image for me.
March 16, 2023
I am not as impressed with volume two of the Joe Pickett series as I was the first, but it's still a fun read. It's refreshing to read about a detective who's not really a detective, and who is not super skilled. Joe readily admits he is not the best shot, not the best tracker, not the best connected. What he does have is integrity and determination, and that's what drives this series.
I will definitely continue on to number three at some point.
I will definitely continue on to number three at some point.
August 4, 2018
SAVAGE RUN is the second book in C.J. Box’s Warden Joe Pickett mystery series set in Saddlestring, Wyoming.
There are several good features of these books: they are relatively short (under 300 pages), feature characters and settings that are unusual (wide-open countryside, cowboys and other rural residents) and are relatively suspenseful.
There are problematic aspects of the books as well. Joe Pickett is VERY taciturn and shockingly inept when it comes to the political aspects of his job. He is stubborn and doesn’t seem to make great decisions. He often puts himself in danger by following leads by himself without any back up.
He doesn't appreciate the unwritten rules which maintain the power structures in his state.
SAVAGE RUN was interesting because the plot was basically about the fight between environmentalists and ranchers in the 1990s. The body count is larger than the previous book but this serves to raise the stakes of what and who are involved. In the end Joe is lucky to have survived his showdown with some “tree huggers” and their opponents.
Overall I enjoyed the book but I’m not convinced that these mysteries will be able to keep my attention to finish out the entire series.
Rating: 3.5 Stars.
There are several good features of these books: they are relatively short (under 300 pages), feature characters and settings that are unusual (wide-open countryside, cowboys and other rural residents) and are relatively suspenseful.
There are problematic aspects of the books as well. Joe Pickett is VERY taciturn and shockingly inept when it comes to the political aspects of his job. He is stubborn and doesn’t seem to make great decisions. He often puts himself in danger by following leads by himself without any back up.
He doesn't appreciate the unwritten rules which maintain the power structures in his state.
SAVAGE RUN was interesting because the plot was basically about the fight between environmentalists and ranchers in the 1990s. The body count is larger than the previous book but this serves to raise the stakes of what and who are involved. In the end Joe is lucky to have survived his showdown with some “tree huggers” and their opponents.
Overall I enjoyed the book but I’m not convinced that these mysteries will be able to keep my attention to finish out the entire series.
Rating: 3.5 Stars.
April 6, 2023
Personally I feel this is much interesting than Open Season. 👍. Looking forward for the 3rd book.
April 2, 2017
I enjoyed it as much the second time as I did the first time and will probably read it again!
April 21, 2014
Book # 2 in the Joe Pickett series starts with the death of an infamous environmentalist. A fire-spotter has noted the explosion, and the Sheriff, expecting some sort of poaching of elk, calls on the Wyoming Game Warden to join him in investigating. The bloody scene of destruction is not what they were expecting and the Sheriff seems particularly angry that Pickett is involved. “But,” Pickett reminds him, “YOU called me to join you.” The case is closed fairly quickly, but Joe isn’t satisfied, and several other deaths among environmentalists increase his suspicions.
I love the Joe Pickett character. He’s an honest-to-God “good guy” – highly principled, and deliberating carefully before acting. However, he does have a tendency to overreach and not consider the political ramifications of his black-and-white thinking. I guess I’d have to say that he is naïve and hasn’t matured into the kind of warden he certainly is capable of becoming – yet. Those missteps are what make the plots of these books so interesting, and make Joe such a likeable character.
Box also is skilled at crafting a fast-paced page-turner. In this novel he moves back and forth between Joe, the killers, and Joe’s wife, Marybeth, giving the reader short vignettes that slowly reveal the big picture. This kind of structure also helps build suspense.
And this book has one of the best opening lines – ever: On the third day of their honeymoon, infamous environmental activist Stewie Woods and his new bride, Annabel Bellotti, were spiking trees in the forest when a cow exploded and blew them up. Until then, their marriage had been happy.
I’ll definitely keep reading this series.
I love the Joe Pickett character. He’s an honest-to-God “good guy” – highly principled, and deliberating carefully before acting. However, he does have a tendency to overreach and not consider the political ramifications of his black-and-white thinking. I guess I’d have to say that he is naïve and hasn’t matured into the kind of warden he certainly is capable of becoming – yet. Those missteps are what make the plots of these books so interesting, and make Joe such a likeable character.
Box also is skilled at crafting a fast-paced page-turner. In this novel he moves back and forth between Joe, the killers, and Joe’s wife, Marybeth, giving the reader short vignettes that slowly reveal the big picture. This kind of structure also helps build suspense.
And this book has one of the best opening lines – ever: On the third day of their honeymoon, infamous environmental activist Stewie Woods and his new bride, Annabel Bellotti, were spiking trees in the forest when a cow exploded and blew them up. Until then, their marriage had been happy.
I’ll definitely keep reading this series.
February 7, 2021
This book starts with bang, and well it ends with one as well.
This instalment of the Joe Pickett series has way more action then we saw in the first book and it really never lets up.
Even though these books were written in the 90's the environmental issues covered are still really relevant to day. I really like the fact that Box manages to address these issues in a non preachy way.
These books are great little mysteries and certainly an entertaining way to spend an afternoon.
This instalment of the Joe Pickett series has way more action then we saw in the first book and it really never lets up.
Even though these books were written in the 90's the environmental issues covered are still really relevant to day. I really like the fact that Box manages to address these issues in a non preachy way.
These books are great little mysteries and certainly an entertaining way to spend an afternoon.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,141 reviews