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Joe Pickett #18
The Disappeared
Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett has two cases to contend with, both of them lethal, in the electrifying new novel from the #1 New York Times-bestselling author.
Wyoming's new governor isn't sure what to make of Joe Pickett, but he has a job for him that is extremely delicate. A prominent female British executive never came home from the high-end guest ranch she was visiting, and the British Embassy is pressing hard. Pickett knows that happens sometimes--these ranches are stocked with handsome young cowboys, and "ranch romances" aren't uncommon. But no sign of her months after she vanished? That suggests something else.
At the same time, his friend Nate Romanowski has asked Joe to intervene with the feds on behalf of falconers who can no longer hunt with eagles even though their permits are in order. Who is blocking the falconers and why? The more he investigates both cases, the more someone wants him to go away. Is it because of the missing woman or because he's become Nate's advocate? Or are they somehow connected? The answers, when they come, will be even worse than he'd imagined.
Wyoming's new governor isn't sure what to make of Joe Pickett, but he has a job for him that is extremely delicate. A prominent female British executive never came home from the high-end guest ranch she was visiting, and the British Embassy is pressing hard. Pickett knows that happens sometimes--these ranches are stocked with handsome young cowboys, and "ranch romances" aren't uncommon. But no sign of her months after she vanished? That suggests something else.
At the same time, his friend Nate Romanowski has asked Joe to intervene with the feds on behalf of falconers who can no longer hunt with eagles even though their permits are in order. Who is blocking the falconers and why? The more he investigates both cases, the more someone wants him to go away. Is it because of the missing woman or because he's become Nate's advocate? Or are they somehow connected? The answers, when they come, will be even worse than he'd imagined.
12 pages, Audio CD
First published March 20, 2018
6557 people are currently reading
4750 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Box
122 books7,285 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 1,686 reviews
January 27, 2020
Joe Pickett is back, but he is away from home again. Off to southern Wyoming, near where some of Box’s previous Pickett novels have been set, to track down a mysterious disappearance in a town where things are not quite what they seem.
As I am from Wyoming originally, I always like to get back and see what Joe is up to. Often the locations are places I am familiar with. In this case he spends lots of time in Saratoga, Wyoming. That is not a place I ever spent much time, but I do remember going there when I was a kid and soaking in the hot springs. In fact, I am pretty sure it was the same pool that served as a setting for a scene in this book. So, that is very cool!
The Pickett series has been my favorite modern western mystery series (sorry, not sorry, Longmire!) Because of this, there have been many, many 5-star reads and it is difficult to not compare them to each other. When I make my comparisons, this one comes in at 4 stars. This is not a bad thing, it is just that it did not quite blow me away like some of the other 5-star ones I have read. So, for me, it seems only right to make a fair assessment based on my comparisons. For you, it may be a whole different experience!
However, despite not pulling in the full 5-stars, if you like the Joe Pickett series, this one does not disappoint. The usual gang is here along with some new faces and the expected riff raff that give Joe and his family/friends a whole lotta grief!
As I am from Wyoming originally, I always like to get back and see what Joe is up to. Often the locations are places I am familiar with. In this case he spends lots of time in Saratoga, Wyoming. That is not a place I ever spent much time, but I do remember going there when I was a kid and soaking in the hot springs. In fact, I am pretty sure it was the same pool that served as a setting for a scene in this book. So, that is very cool!
The Pickett series has been my favorite modern western mystery series (sorry, not sorry, Longmire!) Because of this, there have been many, many 5-star reads and it is difficult to not compare them to each other. When I make my comparisons, this one comes in at 4 stars. This is not a bad thing, it is just that it did not quite blow me away like some of the other 5-star ones I have read. So, for me, it seems only right to make a fair assessment based on my comparisons. For you, it may be a whole different experience!
However, despite not pulling in the full 5-stars, if you like the Joe Pickett series, this one does not disappoint. The usual gang is here along with some new faces and the expected riff raff that give Joe and his family/friends a whole lotta grief!
March 28, 2018
C.J. Box's latest Joe Pickett novel is a great addition to this outstanding series. Wyoming has a new, highly unpleasant governor who tasks Pickett with finding a missing British businesswomen. Meanwhile, Nate Romanowski drags Joe into another case on behalf of a group of falconers. The further Joe delves into both cases, the more he realizes that forces are at work to stop him from solving either case. Both mysteries were interesting and original, and the resolutions were satisfying. One of my favorite things about C.J. Box is that he integrates current events/policy issues into his novels informing readers about important issues while spinning a fabulous tale. The Disappeared tackles two such issues: a headline-grabbing, social media fueled item involving Wyoming dude ranches and an exception to wildlife protection policies granted to those operating clean energy businesses. I was fascinated to learn about both. All in all, The Disappeared is well worth the read!
April 3, 2018
I do not like them, Sam I am: Cliffhangers, I mean. Not even when they happen in a favorite series and, Lord willin' and the creek don't rise, I have every intention of reading the next one. But that aside, I quite enjoyed this one (as I expected I would).
As I've mentioned in other reviews, my interest in the series originated way back when because I share the surname of the central character, Joe Pickett, a Wyoming game warden. From that point on, though, I've kept reading simply because the books are so good - and this one's no exception despite the no-ending ending.
In recent previous books (for the record, this is the 18th), Joe served as a sort of covert investigator at the pleasure of the governor. But now, there's a new gov in town, and when he, too, asks for help - this time in finding a high-flying British company owner who's disappeared months ago from an upscale vacation ranch - Joe can't help but wonder if there's more to the story than meets his ears. When Joe learns that his eldest daughter, Sheridan, works at the ranch, though, he figures she might have some inside information and agrees to take on the assignment (not that he really had a choice in the matter). Compounding the issue is that the game warden for the territory in which the ranch is located has gone missing as well.
As if all that weren't enough, Joe is contacted by his old friend, top-notch falconer Nate Romanowski, who for the most part has shed his ne'er-do-well activities of the past and is playing nice with the powers-that-be. But Nate still doesn't trust the feds - he's especially wary of an enormous, government-subsidized wind turbine farm that's under construction not far from the ranch. For the moment, though, he's looking for Joe's help with lifting a ban on falconers who have permits to hunt with eagles but are not allowed to do so. Something untoward is going on, Nate insists, and he wants Joe to find out what it is and who's behind it.
Joe gets a hearty welcome from local law enforcement, but from others, not so much; almost immediately, he has a run-in with a couple of shady characters, and not long thereafter, his hotel room is ransacked and the file on the missing British woman does a disappearing act. Joe's curiosity is further piqued when he notices missing files at the former game warden's cabin; who would have taken them and why?
Everything that's happening is puzzling, and Joe is grateful for help from his back-home wife, Marybeth; she's a librarian and handles research tasks with ease. Daughter Sheridan also proves her mettle, earning newfound respect from dear old dad. One of the strengths of this series for me, in fact, has been watching the changes in the family as the daughters grow up and move out.
As the complexity and possible connections among the various cases increase, Joe has his work cut out for him. Whether or not he's up to the task I'll leave to other readers to learn for themselves; but I will note that staying warm in the sub-zero temperatures of the Wyoming winter in far from the least of Joe's problems. To that end, perhaps he should pull a page from the books of other characters, who I suspect may be getting retainers (and maybe a new jacket every year or so) from outdoor apparel manufacturer Carhartt. If they're not, they should; the brand got mentioned no less than eight times throughout the book.
As I've mentioned in other reviews, my interest in the series originated way back when because I share the surname of the central character, Joe Pickett, a Wyoming game warden. From that point on, though, I've kept reading simply because the books are so good - and this one's no exception despite the no-ending ending.
In recent previous books (for the record, this is the 18th), Joe served as a sort of covert investigator at the pleasure of the governor. But now, there's a new gov in town, and when he, too, asks for help - this time in finding a high-flying British company owner who's disappeared months ago from an upscale vacation ranch - Joe can't help but wonder if there's more to the story than meets his ears. When Joe learns that his eldest daughter, Sheridan, works at the ranch, though, he figures she might have some inside information and agrees to take on the assignment (not that he really had a choice in the matter). Compounding the issue is that the game warden for the territory in which the ranch is located has gone missing as well.
As if all that weren't enough, Joe is contacted by his old friend, top-notch falconer Nate Romanowski, who for the most part has shed his ne'er-do-well activities of the past and is playing nice with the powers-that-be. But Nate still doesn't trust the feds - he's especially wary of an enormous, government-subsidized wind turbine farm that's under construction not far from the ranch. For the moment, though, he's looking for Joe's help with lifting a ban on falconers who have permits to hunt with eagles but are not allowed to do so. Something untoward is going on, Nate insists, and he wants Joe to find out what it is and who's behind it.
Joe gets a hearty welcome from local law enforcement, but from others, not so much; almost immediately, he has a run-in with a couple of shady characters, and not long thereafter, his hotel room is ransacked and the file on the missing British woman does a disappearing act. Joe's curiosity is further piqued when he notices missing files at the former game warden's cabin; who would have taken them and why?
Everything that's happening is puzzling, and Joe is grateful for help from his back-home wife, Marybeth; she's a librarian and handles research tasks with ease. Daughter Sheridan also proves her mettle, earning newfound respect from dear old dad. One of the strengths of this series for me, in fact, has been watching the changes in the family as the daughters grow up and move out.
As the complexity and possible connections among the various cases increase, Joe has his work cut out for him. Whether or not he's up to the task I'll leave to other readers to learn for themselves; but I will note that staying warm in the sub-zero temperatures of the Wyoming winter in far from the least of Joe's problems. To that end, perhaps he should pull a page from the books of other characters, who I suspect may be getting retainers (and maybe a new jacket every year or so) from outdoor apparel manufacturer Carhartt. If they're not, they should; the brand got mentioned no less than eight times throughout the book.
April 16, 2024
Users and Losers
I have truly enjoyed every Joe Pickett book I have read, but this book gave me the feeling that it was less a story and more of filling you in on the Pickett family and Nate Romanowski. That Picketts lost their state house to arson in the last book and they’re still living in less than optimal conditions. Lucy is the only daughter still at home and she’s shining bright in theater. Joe was called by the new Governor to do the same job he did for the old Governor only he likes the new guy a lot less.
Joe has been sent to an area where fortuitously his daughter Sheridan is working as one of the head wranglers on a very exclusive dude ranch. Joe is to find out why a young British woman disappeared after leaving that ranch, and look into why the local game warden just up and left at the same time. The area has expensive resources to include a giant wind farm that actually sends power all the way to California.
Nate was in the story too with a friend who was trying to get a permit to hunt with golden eagles and was denied. Nate sees some kind of conspiracy, but Joe thinks Nate always sees conspiracies.
I found myself educated as I always do by C. J. Box excellent research into every aspect of his stories. Sometimes like this story I knew a little but not the scope of the damage wind farms cause to wildlife and that they are exempt from that damage even though wind power is more expensive than any other form of renewable energy. Just my own soap box I needed to stand on for moment. Five stars as always for the writing.
I have truly enjoyed every Joe Pickett book I have read, but this book gave me the feeling that it was less a story and more of filling you in on the Pickett family and Nate Romanowski. That Picketts lost their state house to arson in the last book and they’re still living in less than optimal conditions. Lucy is the only daughter still at home and she’s shining bright in theater. Joe was called by the new Governor to do the same job he did for the old Governor only he likes the new guy a lot less.
Joe has been sent to an area where fortuitously his daughter Sheridan is working as one of the head wranglers on a very exclusive dude ranch. Joe is to find out why a young British woman disappeared after leaving that ranch, and look into why the local game warden just up and left at the same time. The area has expensive resources to include a giant wind farm that actually sends power all the way to California.
Nate was in the story too with a friend who was trying to get a permit to hunt with golden eagles and was denied. Nate sees some kind of conspiracy, but Joe thinks Nate always sees conspiracies.
I found myself educated as I always do by C. J. Box excellent research into every aspect of his stories. Sometimes like this story I knew a little but not the scope of the damage wind farms cause to wildlife and that they are exempt from that damage even though wind power is more expensive than any other form of renewable energy. Just my own soap box I needed to stand on for moment. Five stars as always for the writing.
December 28, 2019
This was my first Joe Pickett novel and will definitely not be my last. Neither will it be my last novel by author C.J. Box. I found this to be entertaining and a real page turner. The descriptions of the landscape play well into the mystery involving a wind farm, a missing British executive, and related conspiracies involving a missing game warden and mysterious comings and goings and smells other than wood coming from the lumber mill.
Some of the reviewers were more familiar with this series and weren't as pleased with this book. Many recommended starting at the beginning of the Joe Pickett mysteries from the beginning. I will do this too.
Some of the reviewers were more familiar with this series and weren't as pleased with this book. Many recommended starting at the beginning of the Joe Pickett mysteries from the beginning. I will do this too.
April 2, 2018
One of the worst endings that I've ever had the displeasure of reading.
Separate plots coming to a head at the end but only one gets a half-hearted attempt in the ending, leaving the others open. While I'm ok with an author leaving things open for the reader's imagination, there is an obvious lack of information given to the reader to allow for that. In other words, you can read enough to know the plot and put this one down; reading to the end might be an exercise in frustration for some.
Separate plots coming to a head at the end but only one gets a half-hearted attempt in the ending, leaving the others open. While I'm ok with an author leaving things open for the reader's imagination, there is an obvious lack of information given to the reader to allow for that. In other words, you can read enough to know the plot and put this one down; reading to the end might be an exercise in frustration for some.
February 19, 2020
4 Stars for The Disappeared: Joe Pickett #18 (audiobook) by C. J. Box read by David Chandler. I really enjoyed this story. It’s my first book by this author and I’m planning on reading more of this series. The narration was good too.
March 8, 2018
First Sentence: Wylie Frye was used to smelling of smoke and that was long before he became a criminal of sorts.
Wyoming’s new governor wants Game Warder Joe Pickett to find a wealthy CEO and Englishwoman who disappeared after staying at the dude ranch where Joe’s daughter, Sheridan, works. Joe’s friend, master falconer Nate Romanowski, want Joe to find out why the falconers can no longer hunt with eagles in spite of having valid permits. Joe wants to know why the Game Warden seems to have disappeared from the area where the ranch is located. And who is working hard to make Joe go away?
Box is very good at creating a sense of place, and a sense of cold—“Twilight in the mountains brought a special kind of cold. It crept out from the darkness of the lodgepole pine forest where it had spent the daylight hours and it slithered across the top of the snow to sting every inch of exposed human skin. Sounds became sharper and the snow itself became a different texture that squeaked like nails on a chalkboard with every footfall.” His description of what it’s like to drive during the winter in the mountains conveys some of the dangers involved. And most of us don’t think about the risks inherent with snowmobiling. There is fascinating information about the use of predator birds for protecting flocks and endangered birds, as well as killing animal predators, and all the political machinations involved. The relationship of falconry to Shakespeare is a nice touch.
The perspective Joe has on how his relationship has changed with his now-grown daughter is one with which most can identify in some way. For those who have followed the series, it is particularly poignant. The contrast of Joe and Nate is always interesting. They truly are light and dark. Lance, Sheridan’s boyfriend, is someone of whom I hope we see more.
There’s a lot in this book, almost too much. The threads do come together but awkwardly. There isn’t the cohesion one finds in Box’ previous books, and even the humor and suspense are less apparent. The motive is rather weak and far-fetched, particularly when we learn who is behind everything, and the ending rather abrupt. One dearly hopes Box isn’t getting tired of his series.
“The Disappeared” is not Box’s strongest book, but it’s still better than a very good book by other authors. There is an excellent twist and a good “Western” ending.
THE DISAPPEARED (Lic Invest-Joe Pickett-Wyoming-Contemp) - Good
Box, C.J. – 18th in series
G.P. Putnam’s Sons – Mar 2018
Wyoming’s new governor wants Game Warder Joe Pickett to find a wealthy CEO and Englishwoman who disappeared after staying at the dude ranch where Joe’s daughter, Sheridan, works. Joe’s friend, master falconer Nate Romanowski, want Joe to find out why the falconers can no longer hunt with eagles in spite of having valid permits. Joe wants to know why the Game Warden seems to have disappeared from the area where the ranch is located. And who is working hard to make Joe go away?
Box is very good at creating a sense of place, and a sense of cold—“Twilight in the mountains brought a special kind of cold. It crept out from the darkness of the lodgepole pine forest where it had spent the daylight hours and it slithered across the top of the snow to sting every inch of exposed human skin. Sounds became sharper and the snow itself became a different texture that squeaked like nails on a chalkboard with every footfall.” His description of what it’s like to drive during the winter in the mountains conveys some of the dangers involved. And most of us don’t think about the risks inherent with snowmobiling. There is fascinating information about the use of predator birds for protecting flocks and endangered birds, as well as killing animal predators, and all the political machinations involved. The relationship of falconry to Shakespeare is a nice touch.
The perspective Joe has on how his relationship has changed with his now-grown daughter is one with which most can identify in some way. For those who have followed the series, it is particularly poignant. The contrast of Joe and Nate is always interesting. They truly are light and dark. Lance, Sheridan’s boyfriend, is someone of whom I hope we see more.
There’s a lot in this book, almost too much. The threads do come together but awkwardly. There isn’t the cohesion one finds in Box’ previous books, and even the humor and suspense are less apparent. The motive is rather weak and far-fetched, particularly when we learn who is behind everything, and the ending rather abrupt. One dearly hopes Box isn’t getting tired of his series.
“The Disappeared” is not Box’s strongest book, but it’s still better than a very good book by other authors. There is an excellent twist and a good “Western” ending.
THE DISAPPEARED (Lic Invest-Joe Pickett-Wyoming-Contemp) - Good
Box, C.J. – 18th in series
G.P. Putnam’s Sons – Mar 2018
June 17, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed this installment but really hating the new governor and his right hand man. Looking forward to getting Wolf Pack soon when I get to the store. Loving this series so much!
May 2, 2021
These books are a huge pleasure of mine - I won't say guilty pleasure, because I refuse to be guilty about anything I read. Nonetheless, they are like a bit of cotton candy, tasty but without much substance. This is the 18th in the series of books centered around Joe Pickett, erstwhile Wyoming Game Warden and man who has destroyed more state cars than anyone in fiction or reality.
Box has a formula for the Pickett stories - Joe is in the doghouse with his agency brass and is dispatched by the Governor to handle some problem that really has nothing to do with being a game warden, but which needs a man of discretion and integrity to deal with it. Shit goes badly wrong. Joe blows up a house or destroys a truck, or both, some bad guy or another ends up dead, and a conspiracy at the highest levels of business or government is uncovered, Joe is again persona non grata and he fears that his family will starve. His mother in law, a truly awful person, tries to get his wife to leave him.
Before the Trump administration, these huge conspiracies felt a whole lot more fictional. But, I digress.
Anyway, this one follows the formula. There's a new governor, as Governor Rulon has lost the election to a fancy pants ivy league rich guy Republican who looks the part of Governor, but has the grasping heart of any one of the Trumps, which is to say, he likes money and doesn't much care where it comes from. There's also a missing British woman who was vacationing at the very exclusive, very expensive, very five-star vacation ranch, a game warden who has just up and disappeared, and a puzzling situation with Nate Romanowski, master falconer. Joe is instructed to find out what happened to Kate, the missing woman, without making too many waves.
Joe makes waves. It ends predictably, which is to say badly.
I don't think that it would really be possible to pick this series up on book 18 and make a lot of sense out of the various characters and plot lines without the backstory of the preceding 17 installments. Nonetheless, it's a solid entry into the series, and an afternoon with Joe Pickett is always good fun.
Box has a formula for the Pickett stories - Joe is in the doghouse with his agency brass and is dispatched by the Governor to handle some problem that really has nothing to do with being a game warden, but which needs a man of discretion and integrity to deal with it. Shit goes badly wrong. Joe blows up a house or destroys a truck, or both, some bad guy or another ends up dead, and a conspiracy at the highest levels of business or government is uncovered, Joe is again persona non grata and he fears that his family will starve. His mother in law, a truly awful person, tries to get his wife to leave him.
Before the Trump administration, these huge conspiracies felt a whole lot more fictional. But, I digress.
Anyway, this one follows the formula. There's a new governor, as Governor Rulon has lost the election to a fancy pants ivy league rich guy Republican who looks the part of Governor, but has the grasping heart of any one of the Trumps, which is to say, he likes money and doesn't much care where it comes from. There's also a missing British woman who was vacationing at the very exclusive, very expensive, very five-star vacation ranch, a game warden who has just up and disappeared, and a puzzling situation with Nate Romanowski, master falconer. Joe is instructed to find out what happened to Kate, the missing woman, without making too many waves.
Joe makes waves. It ends predictably, which is to say badly.
I don't think that it would really be possible to pick this series up on book 18 and make a lot of sense out of the various characters and plot lines without the backstory of the preceding 17 installments. Nonetheless, it's a solid entry into the series, and an afternoon with Joe Pickett is always good fun.
March 30, 2018
Having read most books by CJ Box, I can't really get my head around the Grand Canyon size literary gap between his absolutely riveting 4 book "Highway Quartet" and the evolution of the Joe Picket series. I like Joe, Nate and Joe's family but the slow pace and Southern Wyoming winter atmospherics thinned the action of the plot. Very disappointing.
March 8, 2022
In the 18th book in the series Joe Pickett is asked to be the "range rider" for the new governor of Wyoming, Colter Allen. He isn't a very likable guy but Joe doesn't feel he has much choice in the matter. Allen is the governor now and Joe is a state employee.
A British woman, Kate Shelford-Longden, had spent a week at a high end guest ranch. She had left to drive to Denver to catch a flight home but never got to the airport. Somewhere between Saratoga, Wyoming and Denver she disappeared without a trace. Allen is getting a lot of pressure from the British. He had the DCI investigating but pulled them off. Why? And why does he want a game warden to head the investigation?
The game warden in Saratoga has also disappeared. He apparently quit but no one knows what happened to him. Could he and Kate Shelford-Longden be together? When Joe arrives in Saratoga he contacts the DCI agent who had been in charge of the case but he is reluctant to discuss it. Everyone seems to think that Kate is still alive but what happened and where is she?
At the same time Joe's friend, Nate Romanowski, calls him and wants him to help a fellow falconer. Why is it that falconers can no longer hunt with eagles in spite of having valid permits? Nate believes it is a conspiracy and that you have to look no further than the Federal government.
In this story Joe's daughter, Sheridan, shines and plays a big role. If you are a reader of the series you have seen her grow from a seven year old to a now twenty-three year old young adult. She is tough and smart. She has the same qualities as her father and mother. I would be interested to see if C.J. Box were to write a novel with Sheridan as the protagonist. Until then I am looking forward to reading the next novel in the series, Wolf Pack.
A British woman, Kate Shelford-Longden, had spent a week at a high end guest ranch. She had left to drive to Denver to catch a flight home but never got to the airport. Somewhere between Saratoga, Wyoming and Denver she disappeared without a trace. Allen is getting a lot of pressure from the British. He had the DCI investigating but pulled them off. Why? And why does he want a game warden to head the investigation?
The game warden in Saratoga has also disappeared. He apparently quit but no one knows what happened to him. Could he and Kate Shelford-Longden be together? When Joe arrives in Saratoga he contacts the DCI agent who had been in charge of the case but he is reluctant to discuss it. Everyone seems to think that Kate is still alive but what happened and where is she?
At the same time Joe's friend, Nate Romanowski, calls him and wants him to help a fellow falconer. Why is it that falconers can no longer hunt with eagles in spite of having valid permits? Nate believes it is a conspiracy and that you have to look no further than the Federal government.
In this story Joe's daughter, Sheridan, shines and plays a big role. If you are a reader of the series you have seen her grow from a seven year old to a now twenty-three year old young adult. She is tough and smart. She has the same qualities as her father and mother. I would be interested to see if C.J. Box were to write a novel with Sheridan as the protagonist. Until then I am looking forward to reading the next novel in the series, Wolf Pack.
February 28, 2024
I really enjoy that we get to see Joe's kids grow up as the series progresses, and that in doing so they start to become more established characters in the narrative. I really enjoy Sheridan and I'm so glad we got to see her more in this book.
The plot felt a little hit and miss at times, but I still enjoyed it overall.
The plot felt a little hit and miss at times, but I still enjoyed it overall.
April 11, 2018
4.5 Stars
A great mystery! If you are looking for a change from big city mystery setting give this series a try. Wyoming game warden, Joe Pickett solving a missing person case with his long time cohort master falconer Nate Romanowski, former special forces (a unique personality type of guy). The dynamic between the two is addicting and makes me want to read the next book now.
A great mystery! If you are looking for a change from big city mystery setting give this series a try. Wyoming game warden, Joe Pickett solving a missing person case with his long time cohort master falconer Nate Romanowski, former special forces (a unique personality type of guy). The dynamic between the two is addicting and makes me want to read the next book now.
July 14, 2022
This is the 18th Joe Pickett novel I have read, and everyone has gotten five stars. I am always sad when a Pickett novel ends, but am happy that there are more to read, but now there are only four left. Message to C.J. Box: please continue to write Pickett novels.
September 7, 2025
There's a new governor, who is using Joe Pickett in his unofficial duty as troubleshooter. A British muckety muck has disappeared. Sure, Native Americans are disappearing a terrifying rate, but they don't get talked about at cocktail parties.
February 11, 2025
In C.J. Box’s eighteenth Joe Pickett novel - “The Disappeared” - the game warden in the county of Twelve Sleep, Wyoming, is being sent on another mission. This time it’s under the direction of the new Governor, Colter Allen, who’s not giving Joe any chance to say no. Joe is temporarily being sent to Saratoga, where the district game warden suddenly left his job under mysterious circumstances and no one knows where he went.
Joe’s assignment involves finding a missing woman. Not just any woman. This one is a prominent female executive of a multi-million-dollar advertising agency who went missing while driving back to the Denver airport after spending a week at the high-end Silver Creek Guest Ranch. The British Embassy is pushing the Governor hard who is struggling with the negative publicity. Time to send in Joe and hope for a better outcome than what the state police provided. There’s no one like Joe who can find himself not welcomed in a small Wyoming town, and make enemies faster than a sprinter can run.
One benefit of the assignment for Joe is that he can spend some time with his oldest daughter, Sheridan, who happens to work at Silver Creek following her graduation from college. Joe’s wife, Marybeth, is insistent that Sheridan is seeing someone, and this will give Joe the opportunity to find out who it is. However, Joe is not excited to find out if that may be true.
If that wasn’t enough, Joe has another problem. His close friend and protector, Nate Romanowski has reached out to him, meeting him in Saratoga to ask for help. Nate is representing another master falconer, and they need Joe’s help to intervene with the Federal Agency on their behalf as falconers to reinstate their rights to hunt with eagles. Someone is blocking their rights and they want to know who and why that is. More specifically, they want Joe to speak to Governor Allen and seek his help in the matter. Nate is even willing to help Joe find out what happened to the missing woman in trade for his support. After all, Nate reminds Joe that “You owe me one”.
Joe has had challenges before, but not one like these…
There was a lot to enjoy with this book in the “Joe Pickett” series. It had a well-structured and delivered mystery, and teamed Joe up with his daughter, Sheridan, and Nate again. It’s been a while since Joe has spent quality time with Sheridan, as well as working side by side with Nate. Both of those relationships provide strong moments of connection and love, in different but important ways. With the last book focusing on the Pickett family being under attack and hitting a high emotional level, this was the right type of book to follow the prior one. This was a great example of how C.J. Box switches things up book to book, never repeating the same story, but always finding ways to provide serious conflict, character development, and relationship growth.
For me, this was another enjoyable winner from C.J. Box, who took elements and situations set-up in prior books and uses them to set-up new challenges and storylines for Joe, his family, and Nate. Nate’s been off screen a bit as he transitions into his new life of business entrepreneur, so it’s nice to see him back on screen. Joe and Nate have really turned their unique relationship into a classic, much like the Spenser and Hawk partnership in the Robert B. Parker novels. Much like Hawk does for Spenser, Nate does the things that need to be done outside the rules of legal law for Joe. Don’t we all wish that we had that kind of best friend who will always have our back and do the things that our morality holds us back from? Joe and Nate have achieved that special literary status in my book.
As a father, I also love experiencing Joe and Sheridan’s special relationship as father and daughter. Their closeness and unity shines through no matter what is going on in their lives or struggles they’re going through. There were several experiences in the earlier books that contributed to Sheridan’s growth and maturity as a young woman and strengthened her independence. Yet, Joe is her mentor and father beyond all else. They have a special bond that is built on love, trust, and respect. I love their honesty with each other. I love how Joe treats her as an adult, and even though it crushes him to see her have relationships, he allows her own space to do so. It’s a really tough to watch that happen as a father, seeing your daughter build a personal relationship with another male. But it also, part of the rites of parenthood. Still, I can fell you, Joe. It’s a bittersweet feeling.
C.J. Box hits the three key elements – plotting, character, and setting – like the masterful writer that he is. Then he adds in his secret sauce – family – and you have a recipe for an enjoyable and entertaining read. The Pickett family and their blood brother, Nate, are the very heart of what makes this series such a dang addictive reading experience. You, as the reader, are immediately immersed in Joe’s family life and they become your family, making their challenges and conflicts yours. We all want to be part of a family, and there’s no better family that exemplifies the qualities that we desire - loyalty, love, and commitment to doing what’s right - than the Pickett’s.
And I must add that C.J. Box finds an especially devious way to add a layered twist here that I didn’t see coming. All I will say it is that involves one of Joe’s endless enemies, one of the most sneaky and conniving ones of all. Box certainly pulled that twist off in a spectacular and devious manner. He also left more open plotlines and a killer cliffhanger at the end of this one than he usually does, leaving even more angst for his readers at the end. He must really want us to hang around for the next book, which is obvious at this point.
Overall, this was a solid 4-star rating for me, which continues to be consistent in my reviews of every book in this series, which is becoming one of my all-time favorites. I have given no lower than a 4 to 4.5-star rating, and for good reason. Each book continues to build on the previous as I have become fully committed to the saga of the Pickett family.
I hope you consider taking a chance on reading this series if you haven’t already. It is worth it. Entertaining mystery at its best and I’ve already started reading the next one in the series, proving that you simply cannot put them down. Find out for yourself…
Joe’s assignment involves finding a missing woman. Not just any woman. This one is a prominent female executive of a multi-million-dollar advertising agency who went missing while driving back to the Denver airport after spending a week at the high-end Silver Creek Guest Ranch. The British Embassy is pushing the Governor hard who is struggling with the negative publicity. Time to send in Joe and hope for a better outcome than what the state police provided. There’s no one like Joe who can find himself not welcomed in a small Wyoming town, and make enemies faster than a sprinter can run.
One benefit of the assignment for Joe is that he can spend some time with his oldest daughter, Sheridan, who happens to work at Silver Creek following her graduation from college. Joe’s wife, Marybeth, is insistent that Sheridan is seeing someone, and this will give Joe the opportunity to find out who it is. However, Joe is not excited to find out if that may be true.
If that wasn’t enough, Joe has another problem. His close friend and protector, Nate Romanowski has reached out to him, meeting him in Saratoga to ask for help. Nate is representing another master falconer, and they need Joe’s help to intervene with the Federal Agency on their behalf as falconers to reinstate their rights to hunt with eagles. Someone is blocking their rights and they want to know who and why that is. More specifically, they want Joe to speak to Governor Allen and seek his help in the matter. Nate is even willing to help Joe find out what happened to the missing woman in trade for his support. After all, Nate reminds Joe that “You owe me one”.
Joe has had challenges before, but not one like these…
There was a lot to enjoy with this book in the “Joe Pickett” series. It had a well-structured and delivered mystery, and teamed Joe up with his daughter, Sheridan, and Nate again. It’s been a while since Joe has spent quality time with Sheridan, as well as working side by side with Nate. Both of those relationships provide strong moments of connection and love, in different but important ways. With the last book focusing on the Pickett family being under attack and hitting a high emotional level, this was the right type of book to follow the prior one. This was a great example of how C.J. Box switches things up book to book, never repeating the same story, but always finding ways to provide serious conflict, character development, and relationship growth.
For me, this was another enjoyable winner from C.J. Box, who took elements and situations set-up in prior books and uses them to set-up new challenges and storylines for Joe, his family, and Nate. Nate’s been off screen a bit as he transitions into his new life of business entrepreneur, so it’s nice to see him back on screen. Joe and Nate have really turned their unique relationship into a classic, much like the Spenser and Hawk partnership in the Robert B. Parker novels. Much like Hawk does for Spenser, Nate does the things that need to be done outside the rules of legal law for Joe. Don’t we all wish that we had that kind of best friend who will always have our back and do the things that our morality holds us back from? Joe and Nate have achieved that special literary status in my book.
As a father, I also love experiencing Joe and Sheridan’s special relationship as father and daughter. Their closeness and unity shines through no matter what is going on in their lives or struggles they’re going through. There were several experiences in the earlier books that contributed to Sheridan’s growth and maturity as a young woman and strengthened her independence. Yet, Joe is her mentor and father beyond all else. They have a special bond that is built on love, trust, and respect. I love their honesty with each other. I love how Joe treats her as an adult, and even though it crushes him to see her have relationships, he allows her own space to do so. It’s a really tough to watch that happen as a father, seeing your daughter build a personal relationship with another male. But it also, part of the rites of parenthood. Still, I can fell you, Joe. It’s a bittersweet feeling.
C.J. Box hits the three key elements – plotting, character, and setting – like the masterful writer that he is. Then he adds in his secret sauce – family – and you have a recipe for an enjoyable and entertaining read. The Pickett family and their blood brother, Nate, are the very heart of what makes this series such a dang addictive reading experience. You, as the reader, are immediately immersed in Joe’s family life and they become your family, making their challenges and conflicts yours. We all want to be part of a family, and there’s no better family that exemplifies the qualities that we desire - loyalty, love, and commitment to doing what’s right - than the Pickett’s.
And I must add that C.J. Box finds an especially devious way to add a layered twist here that I didn’t see coming. All I will say it is that involves one of Joe’s endless enemies, one of the most sneaky and conniving ones of all. Box certainly pulled that twist off in a spectacular and devious manner. He also left more open plotlines and a killer cliffhanger at the end of this one than he usually does, leaving even more angst for his readers at the end. He must really want us to hang around for the next book, which is obvious at this point.
Overall, this was a solid 4-star rating for me, which continues to be consistent in my reviews of every book in this series, which is becoming one of my all-time favorites. I have given no lower than a 4 to 4.5-star rating, and for good reason. Each book continues to build on the previous as I have become fully committed to the saga of the Pickett family.
I hope you consider taking a chance on reading this series if you haven’t already. It is worth it. Entertaining mystery at its best and I’ve already started reading the next one in the series, proving that you simply cannot put them down. Find out for yourself…
February 1, 2020
Ahh. Getting to read a new book about Joe Pickett and his family is like visiting with favorite old friends. (And we mustn't forget Nate!) It's been an interesting journey seeing Sheridan grow up from a 7-year old to a young woman of 23, who reminds me so much of her dad. I highly recommend this series!!!
February 19, 2020
The Disappeared is typical of C.J. Box's work, well written, a clever plot, interesting characters and a great pace. Box is, in my opinion, one of the finest mystery writers of our times, approaching the standard of James Lee Burke. I believe the fact that his stories are set in the rural mountains of Wyoming with his hero being a Game and Fish Warden has kept in in relative anonymity. It is my considered opinion that, were his stories set in New York City, Chicago or even New Iberia, Louisiana, he would be far more popular.
Joe Pickett, Box's Game and Fish Warden, has been tasked by the newly elected and very slimy Governor to find a well known Englishwoman who has disappeared after spending a week at an extremely opulent dude ranch. Simultaneously, a massive wind farm is being created to supply electricity to Californians. Coincidentally, Joe's oldest daughter, Sheridan, is working as a wrangler at the aforementioned dude ranch.
A particularly interesting group of characters populates the story ranging from a few crusty old geezers typical of the area, to a particularly obnoxious English tabloid writer to the handsome head horse wrangler at the dude ranch (could he be Sheridan's lover interest?) to Joe's long time friend, the ex CIA(?) and falconer agent Nate Romanowski. As is typical of Box, the characters are both vivid and thoroughly believable.
As you would assume, I rather strongly recommend the book to anyone enjoying a great mystery/thriller but, if you have not read any of the Joe Pickett books, you would be well served by starting, if not at the beginning of the series, with a much earlier book.
Upon reflection, I have changed my rating from four to five stars.
The End
Joe Pickett, Box's Game and Fish Warden, has been tasked by the newly elected and very slimy Governor to find a well known Englishwoman who has disappeared after spending a week at an extremely opulent dude ranch. Simultaneously, a massive wind farm is being created to supply electricity to Californians. Coincidentally, Joe's oldest daughter, Sheridan, is working as a wrangler at the aforementioned dude ranch.
A particularly interesting group of characters populates the story ranging from a few crusty old geezers typical of the area, to a particularly obnoxious English tabloid writer to the handsome head horse wrangler at the dude ranch (could he be Sheridan's lover interest?) to Joe's long time friend, the ex CIA(?) and falconer agent Nate Romanowski. As is typical of Box, the characters are both vivid and thoroughly believable.
As you would assume, I rather strongly recommend the book to anyone enjoying a great mystery/thriller but, if you have not read any of the Joe Pickett books, you would be well served by starting, if not at the beginning of the series, with a much earlier book.
Upon reflection, I have changed my rating from four to five stars.
The End
March 29, 2018
CJ Box is probably my #1 favorite author. I have loved every single one of his books and as soon as they come out, I read them immediately. And too fast.
"The Disappeared" is no different. The continued story of WY Game Warden Joe Pickett and his family and, of course, Nate Romanowski, is still as interesting, funny, and heartwarming as the very first one in the series. I hope Mr. Box is around for a very long time and continues this beloved Pickett saga.
Just wish he wrote a little bit faster . . . . ;o)
"The Disappeared" is no different. The continued story of WY Game Warden Joe Pickett and his family and, of course, Nate Romanowski, is still as interesting, funny, and heartwarming as the very first one in the series. I hope Mr. Box is around for a very long time and continues this beloved Pickett saga.
Just wish he wrote a little bit faster . . . . ;o)
July 29, 2018
This story took me by surprise. When reading in the beginning of the book my mind was thinking
something intirely different.
A highly known English woman gone missing from the Guest Ranch.
Files were missing from an office.
The Game Warden supposed to be retiring.
A witness, remembering a license plate number and the smell from the furnace.
All of these events flowed as the author draws the reader into the everchanging landscapes of Wyoming.
something intirely different.
A highly known English woman gone missing from the Guest Ranch.
Files were missing from an office.
The Game Warden supposed to be retiring.
A witness, remembering a license plate number and the smell from the furnace.
All of these events flowed as the author draws the reader into the everchanging landscapes of Wyoming.
July 13, 2018
Joe is once again assigned to help the governor on special projects. However, this time it’s a new governor who is a slimeball. His principal assignment is to find a missing English tourist who disappeared after leaving an exclusive dude ranch months ago. Joe goes south to the Colorado border during winter and immediately things go south.
Plus there’s something shady going on in a nearby town with a smelter furnace. As usual it’s a fast paced plot that has you turning the pages. Some dots connected, some not as daughter Sheridan and friend Nate assist Joe.
Not everything is resolved at the end either. We will have to wait for Book#19 to resolve Joe’s future.
Plus there’s something shady going on in a nearby town with a smelter furnace. As usual it’s a fast paced plot that has you turning the pages. Some dots connected, some not as daughter Sheridan and friend Nate assist Joe.
Not everything is resolved at the end either. We will have to wait for Book#19 to resolve Joe’s future.
April 5, 2018
#18 in the Joe Pickett series. Author Box has served up an above average entry in this 2018 addition to the WY game warden series. Joe is his usual dependable, hard working character and this time out has substantial help from daughter Sheridan and friend Nate Romanowski, and interesting new characters Bartender Kim Miler and lumber mill owner Jeb Pryor. I don't know that author Box had Donald Trump in mind when writing about new Governor Colter Allen, but I couldn't get Trump out of my mind while reading about Allen. A rewarding addition to a fine series.
Wyoming's new governor, Colter Allen, orders game warden Joe Pickett, who did many special investigations for the previous governor, to find out what happened to the CEO of a high-profile British advertising agency, Kate Shelford-Longden, who has gone missing after vacationing at the Silver Creek Ranch outside Saratoga. Given suspiciously few resources and very little time, Joe is happy to accept the help of both his 23-year-old daughter, Sheridan, who works as a wrangler at the ranch, and comrade Nate Romanowski, who predictably approaches the case from beyond the law's boundaries. Meanwhile, the lethal Gaylen Kessel, the head security agent for the wind energy company that has taken over the region, makes trouble.
Wyoming's new governor, Colter Allen, orders game warden Joe Pickett, who did many special investigations for the previous governor, to find out what happened to the CEO of a high-profile British advertising agency, Kate Shelford-Longden, who has gone missing after vacationing at the Silver Creek Ranch outside Saratoga. Given suspiciously few resources and very little time, Joe is happy to accept the help of both his 23-year-old daughter, Sheridan, who works as a wrangler at the ranch, and comrade Nate Romanowski, who predictably approaches the case from beyond the law's boundaries. Meanwhile, the lethal Gaylen Kessel, the head security agent for the wind energy company that has taken over the region, makes trouble.
November 15, 2020
I love the writing of C J Box, and particularly the Joe Pickett series. I was drawn to this 18th in the series by the description which included this: ‘…a rich English woman visiting a high-end guest ranch has gone missing…’. One of the reasons for this author’s appeal – for me – is his wonderfully descriptive settings of the Wyoming background to his novels, a place I am unlikely ever to visit and very far from my home. To find him including a British character hooked me immediately.
The story finds Joe Pickett sent to investigate the missing woman, in a district three hundred miles away from his home and in the depths of a freezing cold winter. The author’s words convey the cold so well that the reader almost feels the chill. The plot is – as ever – gripping, and the likeable character of Joe Pickett remains constant throughout. What surprised me was Mr Box’s portrayal of the British characters as so thoroughly un-likeable. I sincerely hope he doesn’t view all of us like this!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Four and a half stars awarded. Would I read it again? As with all of this author’s work, I would.
The story finds Joe Pickett sent to investigate the missing woman, in a district three hundred miles away from his home and in the depths of a freezing cold winter. The author’s words convey the cold so well that the reader almost feels the chill. The plot is – as ever – gripping, and the likeable character of Joe Pickett remains constant throughout. What surprised me was Mr Box’s portrayal of the British characters as so thoroughly un-likeable. I sincerely hope he doesn’t view all of us like this!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Four and a half stars awarded. Would I read it again? As with all of this author’s work, I would.
Read
April 6, 2018I was afraid this was going to turn out to be another of those serial killer stories that I seem to be getting lately and I’m so glad it didn’t. Ostensibly the case concerns the disappearance of a British woman vacationing at posh resort. But that becomes less important than other considerations. Along the way we learn a lot about wind farms and golden eagles, proving once again that when it comes to the environment, nothing is black and white. Green energy sounds great, but isn’t there a problem with wind farms being allowed to take (i.e. kill) golden eagles when, as far as the rest of the population is concerned, they are an endangered and protected species? Sheridan Pickett comes out well in this book. Maybe she will have her own series one day!
April 3, 2018
There has to be a follow up soon!
I've enjoyed all the Joe Pickett books. This one is a little different. As you read his books, his family gets older and who is involved changes. The oldest daughter works at a high end guest ranch having finished college and not ready to make a decision on a career. There are a variety of occurrences that gives you a feeling there may be a conspiracy going on. I'm anxious for a follow up since much was not resolved. I have an idea on what could happen, but I've been fooled before.
I've enjoyed all the Joe Pickett books. This one is a little different. As you read his books, his family gets older and who is involved changes. The oldest daughter works at a high end guest ranch having finished college and not ready to make a decision on a career. There are a variety of occurrences that gives you a feeling there may be a conspiracy going on. I'm anxious for a follow up since much was not resolved. I have an idea on what could happen, but I've been fooled before.
May 1, 2019
Great page turner, Joe teams up w/ Nate to find a lost Brit lady, and of course things get complicated. I love Nate's sense of justice, reminds me of Joe Pike who sometimes helps out Elvis Cole, but that is a different author. This books ends however, in a bit of a cliff-hanger, so I am more than ready for Joe Pickett #19!
April 23, 2018
Another adventure for Joe Pickett as he tangles with the new Governor and one of his major backers, while he searches for a missing British glamorous businesswoman
March 7, 2022
Joe gets involved in locating a missing British citizen who has disappeared. But it is a mission intended to fail. Wind farms killing birds are also addressed in this book. Joe's oldest daughter plays a major part in this book as she works at an enhanced dude ranch. This is book 18 of the Joe PIckett series. 3 more to read.
April 17, 2024
Three high profile British women have disappeared from a dude ranch where Joe Pickett's daughter Sheridan is working. The new governor sends in Game Warden Joe Pickett to find out if there's a connection between their disappearance and the illegal, senseless killing of Bald and Golden Eagles. Joe and Nate work together again in a race against time to find a missing woman who may be a kidnapping victim. But something's not right...why did the new governor send Joe in instead of law enforcement? Why did the local game warden up and disappear? Who ramsacked Joe's motel room stealing a folder of possible suspects? And who is this cowboy occupying so much of Sheridan's time and heart? I thoroughly enjoyed yet another Joe Pickett novel and can't wait for more! My only fear is catching up in this series and being left to wait on C.J. Box to write more! Highly recommended!!
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