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Joe Pickett: A Mysterious Profile
The #1 New York Times–bestselling author shares the origin story of his infamous game warden character, Joe Pickett, as he investigates a local poachers attack.
Since his first appearance in Open Season, Wyoming gamekeeper Joe Pickett has solved all sorts of mysteries. But now his daughter, Sheridan, would like to solve the mystery that is her father . . .
The Pickett family is gathered around the table for Thanksgiving dinner when they’re interrupted by a telephone call. Poachers struck a nearby ranch, and a suspicious red truck was seen driving away. Before Joe leaves to investigate, Sheridan persuades him to let her tag along. After the two depart, Sheridan reveals her true she is writing a school essay about her father.
In this enlightening and heartwarming tale, Sheridan discovers the man behind the game warden, from his childhood, growing up with his parents and brother, to what motivated his career choice and more.
Don’t miss the Joe Pickett series now on Paramount+.
Praise for #1 New York Times–bestselling author C. J. Box and the Joe Pickett Mysteries
“One of today’s solid-gold, A-list, must-read writers.” —Lee Pace
“C. J. Box is a great storyteller.” —Tony Hillerman, Edgar Award–winning author of Dance Hall of the Dead
“Box has established a terrific cast of Western characters. . . . When it comes to western contemporary thrillers with intriguing characters, no one does it better than Box.” —The Columbus Dispatch
“Fans of this outstanding series will know better than to place their money against Joe.” —Kirkus Reviews
Since his first appearance in Open Season, Wyoming gamekeeper Joe Pickett has solved all sorts of mysteries. But now his daughter, Sheridan, would like to solve the mystery that is her father . . .
The Pickett family is gathered around the table for Thanksgiving dinner when they’re interrupted by a telephone call. Poachers struck a nearby ranch, and a suspicious red truck was seen driving away. Before Joe leaves to investigate, Sheridan persuades him to let her tag along. After the two depart, Sheridan reveals her true she is writing a school essay about her father.
In this enlightening and heartwarming tale, Sheridan discovers the man behind the game warden, from his childhood, growing up with his parents and brother, to what motivated his career choice and more.
Don’t miss the Joe Pickett series now on Paramount+.
Praise for #1 New York Times–bestselling author C. J. Box and the Joe Pickett Mysteries
“One of today’s solid-gold, A-list, must-read writers.” —Lee Pace
“C. J. Box is a great storyteller.” —Tony Hillerman, Edgar Award–winning author of Dance Hall of the Dead
“Box has established a terrific cast of Western characters. . . . When it comes to western contemporary thrillers with intriguing characters, no one does it better than Box.” —The Columbus Dispatch
“Fans of this outstanding series will know better than to place their money against Joe.” —Kirkus Reviews
37 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 6, 2024
407 people are currently reading
346 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Box
122 books7,305 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 82 reviews
April 28, 2024
By Sheridan Pickett
I don’t know how I missed this short story that should have been tucked in a couple of books ago, but it’s a short profile of Joe Pickett.
It’s Thanksgiving 2017 and Sheridan needed to do an essay and goes with Joe on one of his calls like she used to when she was younger. She peppers Joe with questions about his parents and his brother, how he became a game warden, and how he met Marybeth. Sheridan asked Joe about being shot and other misadventures as a game warden. It’s short, tells the story in a clear way and even though it didn’t tell me anything new, I really liked it. Five stars for this novella.
I don’t know how I missed this short story that should have been tucked in a couple of books ago, but it’s a short profile of Joe Pickett.
It’s Thanksgiving 2017 and Sheridan needed to do an essay and goes with Joe on one of his calls like she used to when she was younger. She peppers Joe with questions about his parents and his brother, how he became a game warden, and how he met Marybeth. Sheridan asked Joe about being shot and other misadventures as a game warden. It’s short, tells the story in a clear way and even though it didn’t tell me anything new, I really liked it. Five stars for this novella.
April 15, 2024
A real treat for Joe Pickett fans.
July 3, 2024
This is not one of the Joe Pickett novels; it’s more like a short story. Joe is called away from Thanksgiving dinner with his family to investigate a possible poaching. His daughter Sheridan, home from college, accompanies him and takes advantage of the down time to interview him about his earlier life for a class assignment.
February 16, 2025
Great backstory
I am a LONG TIME fan of C J Box and the "Joee Pickett" books. This short story is a fascinating look at Pickett's "backstory" and life philosophy as he is reminiscing with his daughter. Easily read in one sitting.
I am a LONG TIME fan of C J Box and the "Joee Pickett" books. This short story is a fascinating look at Pickett's "backstory" and life philosophy as he is reminiscing with his daughter. Easily read in one sitting.
February 16, 2024
I can’t believe I spent money buying a 10 minute “book” on Amazon. Guess it’s my fault for not reading the description closer - I thought it was a new novel. What a disappointment!
April 5, 2024
Joe pickett by C.J. Box is truly for fans. It is a very short story but it's not available anywhere else so if you are a fan go get it. I am a fan.
February 15, 2025
Really short story but a good one.
April 25, 2024
This was a very quick read, not bad overall especially for a Joe Pickett fan. The set up is Joe and Sheridan out on a call on Thanksgiving, and Sheridan asking Joe about how he got started as a game warden.
February 19, 2024
At only 62 pages, this is not a book or even a novella. There are 24 books and two TV seasons in the Joe Pickett series. This can be intimidating to new readers or viewers.
That's why I think the author using Sheridan to interview her Dad for a school assignment is a good way of introducing Joe Pickett and his family and friends to people who may be on the fence.
After reading this interview, they will say, "This is a character I want to get to know better."
That's why I think the author using Sheridan to interview her Dad for a school assignment is a good way of introducing Joe Pickett and his family and friends to people who may be on the fence.
After reading this interview, they will say, "This is a character I want to get to know better."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2024
*** MINOR SPOILERS ***
This short story is best read if you are familiar with the Joe Pickett series though it gives you a strong insight into Joe’s character that you see throughout the series. Joe is a game warden in Wyoming. He is married and has 3 children.
He is called out on a case on Thanksgiving day. His eldest daughter, Sheridan, asks if she can ride along so that she can ask him some questions for a college essay she needs to write. The answers are familiar to readers of the series but they show what a good man he is. I enjoyed reading it. There is a very moving moment at the end.
The story is told from Joe’s point of view. The pace of the story is good and the dialogue is realistic.
I plan on continuing reading this series. I gave the story 5 stars because I like the series. For someone unfamiliar with the series, it may seem too short.
CJ Box has won multiple awards for his writing.
The story is part of the Mysterious Profile series. It is the first I have read but it appears that each one gives information about different characters from an established series. I think if you buy one, you can get another for free.
This short story is best read if you are familiar with the Joe Pickett series though it gives you a strong insight into Joe’s character that you see throughout the series. Joe is a game warden in Wyoming. He is married and has 3 children.
He is called out on a case on Thanksgiving day. His eldest daughter, Sheridan, asks if she can ride along so that she can ask him some questions for a college essay she needs to write. The answers are familiar to readers of the series but they show what a good man he is. I enjoyed reading it. There is a very moving moment at the end.
The story is told from Joe’s point of view. The pace of the story is good and the dialogue is realistic.
I plan on continuing reading this series. I gave the story 5 stars because I like the series. For someone unfamiliar with the series, it may seem too short.
CJ Box has won multiple awards for his writing.
The story is part of the Mysterious Profile series. It is the first I have read but it appears that each one gives information about different characters from an established series. I think if you buy one, you can get another for free.
April 18, 2024
If you’re a Joe Pickett fan, this one’s a delight. Since his first appearance in “Open Season,” Wyoming gamekeeper Joe Pickett has solved all sorts of mysteries. But now his daughter, Sheridan, would like to solve the mystery that is her father. The Pickett family is gathered around the table for Thanksgiving dinner when they’re interrupted by a telephone call. Poachers struck a nearby ranch, and a suspicious red truck was seen driving away. Before Joe leaves to investigate, Sheridan persuades him to let her tag along. After the two depart, Sheridan reveals her true intention: she is writing a school essay about her father. In this enlightening and heartwarming tale, Sheridan discovers the man behind the game warden, from his childhood, growing up with his parents and brother, to what motivated his career choice and more. A good, short read.
April 1, 2024
quick and fun
Another fine if short installment from Mr. Box all about one of my favorite characters in contemporary fiction, Joe Pickett. I would love to meet Mr. Box because I think it would amount to meeting Joe Pickett- most authors put a bit of themselves into their characters and I’m guessing a lot of Box went into Pickett and I like the result. This review may now be longer than the story reviewed but read the original and everything else Box has written. You’re welcome.
Another fine if short installment from Mr. Box all about one of my favorite characters in contemporary fiction, Joe Pickett. I would love to meet Mr. Box because I think it would amount to meeting Joe Pickett- most authors put a bit of themselves into their characters and I’m guessing a lot of Box went into Pickett and I like the result. This review may now be longer than the story reviewed but read the original and everything else Box has written. You’re welcome.
March 26, 2024
"Joe Pickett: A Mysterious Profile" is not a novel, but it's just as good as one. This brief short story chronicles the origins of Joe as his eldest daughter Sheridan interviews him while riding out on a call. It's a fun little story that emphasizes the special relationship these two share and reminds us that Joe Pickett is both tried and true. C.J. Box does it again, and this quick read is well worth the time for fans of the Pickett series, both the novels and the television series alike.
February 7, 2025
About Joe Pickett
This "Joe Pickett -- A Mysterious Profile summarizes the main character developed by C.J.Box. By using his oldest daughter as an interviewer, Box is able to describe the personality and values he has created for use in his main character of his Joe Pickett series. Well done ! Good technique for all authors to take the time to create specific personalities for every book giving them backgrounds, personalities and values weaving them into plots. Basic writing!
This "Joe Pickett -- A Mysterious Profile summarizes the main character developed by C.J.Box. By using his oldest daughter as an interviewer, Box is able to describe the personality and values he has created for use in his main character of his Joe Pickett series. Well done ! Good technique for all authors to take the time to create specific personalities for every book giving them backgrounds, personalities and values weaving them into plots. Basic writing!
March 7, 2024
When Thanksgiving dinner is interrupted by a phone call, as most meals usually end in this fate, Joe gears up to head into the field.
Sheridan asks to ride along to keep him company, but she has an alternative motive.
Slatted with having an essay to write, Sheridan begins her interview of her dad, the man under the Wyoming game warden shield.
Sheridan asks to ride along to keep him company, but she has an alternative motive.
Slatted with having an essay to write, Sheridan begins her interview of her dad, the man under the Wyoming game warden shield.
April 2, 2024
This is really for Joe Pickett fans...only.
This is not a novel but an essay of sorts sharing some of the background in the life of Joe Pickett as Sheridan is working on a school project about a person she most admires: Sheridan chooses her Dad!
Very short but a lot of fun for Joe Pickett fans to catch up on some of those maybe forgotten details of the series.
This is not a novel but an essay of sorts sharing some of the background in the life of Joe Pickett as Sheridan is working on a school project about a person she most admires: Sheridan chooses her Dad!
Very short but a lot of fun for Joe Pickett fans to catch up on some of those maybe forgotten details of the series.
April 11, 2024
About a 60 pg novella . The premise being Sheridan is writing a college essay about someone she admires namely her dad. She is riding along with Joe to investigate an elk poaching duo of brothers. Shes asking questions for the essay & Joe is giving her background on his childhood & various cases. Really interesting.
April 13, 2024
Nice lil.quickie
I read this during commercial breaks on my favorite show. I was familiar with all the Joe Pickett history given in this story, except for some of the stuff on Joe's mother. It was nice having all the information in one spot, and rather chronologically.
He even "clamped" his Stetson on his head. Joe Pickett ALWAYS CLAMPS that hat...every time!
I read this during commercial breaks on my favorite show. I was familiar with all the Joe Pickett history given in this story, except for some of the stuff on Joe's mother. It was nice having all the information in one spot, and rather chronologically.
He even "clamped" his Stetson on his head. Joe Pickett ALWAYS CLAMPS that hat...every time!
April 16, 2024
While I love Joe Pickett, I don't like short stories. Guess I should have read the description first before I purchased it.
It's a quick read with just a little back story to Joe's beginnings...which incidentally could be found in the new Three Inch Teeth book.
I was disappointed to say the least.
It's a quick read with just a little back story to Joe's beginnings...which incidentally could be found in the new Three Inch Teeth book.
I was disappointed to say the least.
August 21, 2024
I didn’t finish it! Part way through a page opened up asking if I liked it or not. Said I could have a free book. Wanted my email address. Would not let me continue reading until I gave it my email address.
Pissed me off! That’s a bunch of crap!!! So I deleted the dam book!!! Never finished it.
Pissed me off! That’s a bunch of crap!!! So I deleted the dam book!!! Never finished it.
February 20, 2025
This is a very short story that gives you some insights into the character and background of Joe Pickett, a Wyoming game warden, who is the hero in a series of books written by C.J. Box. The story attempts to explain some of the conflicts and choices that make up this flawed very human character, and it does so quite well despite being very succinct.
January 11, 2026
Way too short
I have read most all the books wrong this author . and I really look forward to any new book I find . this book was so short that I read it in a few minutes. That was why I was disappointed. I obviously wasn't aware of the shortness of this style I probably wouldn't have purchased it .the
I have read most all the books wrong this author . and I really look forward to any new book I find . this book was so short that I read it in a few minutes. That was why I was disappointed. I obviously wasn't aware of the shortness of this style I probably wouldn't have purchased it .the
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March 14, 2024Feels like family
Loved knowing a little more background on my favorite Wyoming family. I am watching the daughters grow up and ride along with Joe every time he leaves home or office.
Loved knowing a little more background on my favorite Wyoming family. I am watching the daughters grow up and ride along with Joe every time he leaves home or office.
March 16, 2024
Any book written by C. J. Box is a great book!
I have never been disappointed by a book or short story written by C.J.Box! I saw this was a short story but I had to have it! It was was one of the best stories I’ve ever read! I highly recommend it to everyone!
I have never been disappointed by a book or short story written by C.J.Box! I saw this was a short story but I had to have it! It was was one of the best stories I’ve ever read! I highly recommend it to everyone!
March 31, 2024
Father/daughter relationship
Great update on characters from a series of books I loved… liked the TV show too!! But guess there wasn’t enough of us that did , for it to be renewed!!!
Great update on characters from a series of books I loved… liked the TV show too!! But guess there wasn’t enough of us that did , for it to be renewed!!!
March 31, 2024
hard review
Good short story and therein lies the problem. This was a Very short story that bundles together what you know if you’ve read all the author’s books. So, no surprises. So, I wouldn’t recommend actually paying money for hardly more than an essay.
Good short story and therein lies the problem. This was a Very short story that bundles together what you know if you’ve read all the author’s books. So, no surprises. So, I wouldn’t recommend actually paying money for hardly more than an essay.
April 5, 2024
C.J. Box and “A Mysterious Profile”
This short story was a pleasurable read. It sheds a light on the way Joe Pickett thinks and acts in all of C.J. Box’s books that feature Joe Pickett. An easy read. I’m
This short story was a pleasurable read. It sheds a light on the way Joe Pickett thinks and acts in all of C.J. Box’s books that feature Joe Pickett. An easy read. I’m
April 11, 2024
The Real Joe Pickett
I have enjoyed C.J. Box for many years and have not been disappointed. I am a big fan of Joe Pickett and have enjoyed the stand alone books. Keep writing, you are a real treasure. Thanks
I have enjoyed C.J. Box for many years and have not been disappointed. I am a big fan of Joe Pickett and have enjoyed the stand alone books. Keep writing, you are a real treasure. Thanks
May 29, 2024
We love Joe!!!
And his family. He’s so true to who he is. We’ve read all his books. The bad guys are getting “badder”! But still, Joe rarely cusses!! He leaves that up to the scoundrels!! Way to go Joe! A good example to his family!
And his family. He’s so true to who he is. We’ve read all his books. The bad guys are getting “badder”! But still, Joe rarely cusses!! He leaves that up to the scoundrels!! Way to go Joe! A good example to his family!
June 30, 2024
This is a quick short story from Joe's point of view. Joe's daughter, Sheridan, goes with him on a call. She begins asking him questions about his parents and brother for a college project. This short story helped me get my fix since I have been missing Joe
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews