The publisher posted an offer on social media: To enter a random draw for a free copy of C.J. Box's new novel, Endangered, simply tell us your favorite novel in the Joe Pickett series. I was lucky enough to win with my reference to Open Season, which was the first book in the series. Now that I've finished Endangered, I'm thinking of changing my vote.
Mr. Box mentioned in an interview that he wrote that first Joe Pickett novel so that he could tell a tale of a protagonist in a mystery novel who was a happily married family man the type of guy who is common in real life but rare in the world of fictional sleuths. This deviation from the norm perhaps it is a return to the norm? is one of the things I love about the series, in addition to the rural setting in some of the most beautiful country in North America. On the other hand, while I enjoy the counter-balance that Nate Romanowski has brought to the series since his introduction, I'm also frustrated when the plot succumbs to the easy temptation to let Nate take care of it. I bring this up because that's NOT the case in this novel; Romanowski's role in this book is limited. Most of the novel involves Joe Pickett having to resolve his own issue. In addition, the main focus on this book is on family ties, both the yin and the yang of family dynamics. It's almost as though Mr. Box ASKED me what to feature and what not to, and then went out and wrote his tale based on my preferences! (NOTE: For the record, I have never met nor corresponded with him.)
Regular readers are aware of the Pickett's adopted daughter, April. They would certainly guess that if any of the Pickett daughters would run off to wander the pro rodeo circuit with professional bull rider Dallas Cates, it would be April. And if any of Joe's daughters would ever be found unconscious, beaten along the side of the road, the first guess would also be April. The book centers on whether April will survive, and on who is responsible for this violent crime (as well as for another act of violence which will not be divulged in this review to prevent spoilers.) Oh, and there's one additional crime of violence that is a part of the plot a lek (breeding colony) of endangered grouse has been wiped out, courtesy of an anonymous person or persons who brought their shotgun to the site. This event hovers around the book, as well occasionally brushing tangentially against the plot and occasionally intersecting with it.
There are many themes that run throughout the book that cannot be discussed in a review without divulging far too much of the plot. Endangered is one of the few books that I have read that I would eagerly take part in a concluding panel discussion to thrash out.
I very recently praised Betty Webb's Desert Rage as being my favorite read of 2015 to date. Sorry Ms. Webb, but C.J. Box has equally caught my fancy if I had to vote for my favorite book read in 2015, it would be a tie at this point.
RATING: 5 stars.
DISCLOSURE: As stated, this book was provided free of charge by the publisher in a random draw, without condition. This prompt and favorable review is entirely voluntary.
Mr. Box mentioned in an interview that he wrote that first Joe Pickett novel so that he could tell a tale of a protagonist in a mystery novel who was a happily married family man the type of guy who is common in real life but rare in the world of fictional sleuths. This deviation from the norm perhaps it is a return to the norm? is one of the things I love about the series, in addition to the rural setting in some of the most beautiful country in North America. On the other hand, while I enjoy the counter-balance that Nate Romanowski has brought to the series since his introduction, I'm also frustrated when the plot succumbs to the easy temptation to let Nate take care of it. I bring this up because that's NOT the case in this novel; Romanowski's role in this book is limited. Most of the novel involves Joe Pickett having to resolve his own issue. In addition, the main focus on this book is on family ties, both the yin and the yang of family dynamics. It's almost as though Mr. Box ASKED me what to feature and what not to, and then went out and wrote his tale based on my preferences! (NOTE: For the record, I have never met nor corresponded with him.)
Regular readers are aware of the Pickett's adopted daughter, April. They would certainly guess that if any of the Pickett daughters would run off to wander the pro rodeo circuit with professional bull rider Dallas Cates, it would be April. And if any of Joe's daughters would ever be found unconscious, beaten along the side of the road, the first guess would also be April. The book centers on whether April will survive, and on who is responsible for this violent crime (as well as for another act of violence which will not be divulged in this review to prevent spoilers.) Oh, and there's one additional crime of violence that is a part of the plot a lek (breeding colony) of endangered grouse has been wiped out, courtesy of an anonymous person or persons who brought their shotgun to the site. This event hovers around the book, as well occasionally brushing tangentially against the plot and occasionally intersecting with it.
There are many themes that run throughout the book that cannot be discussed in a review without divulging far too much of the plot. Endangered is one of the few books that I have read that I would eagerly take part in a concluding panel discussion to thrash out.
I very recently praised Betty Webb's Desert Rage as being my favorite read of 2015 to date. Sorry Ms. Webb, but C.J. Box has equally caught my fancy if I had to vote for my favorite book read in 2015, it would be a tie at this point.
RATING: 5 stars.
DISCLOSURE: As stated, this book was provided free of charge by the publisher in a random draw, without condition. This prompt and favorable review is entirely voluntary.
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