Joe Pickett: A Mysterious Profile

By C. J. Box

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 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.
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

• Language: English
• Publisher: MysteriousPress.com Open Road
• Release date: Feb 6, 2024
• ISBN: 9781504094290

C. J. Box

C. J. Box is the award-winning creator of the Joe Pickett series. Born in Wyoming, he worked as a reporter, surveyor, ranch hand, and fishing guide before he began writing fiction. In Open Season (2001), Box introduced Joe Pickett, a Wyoming game warden and expert outdoorsman who fights corruption on the plains. The novel was a success, winning the Gumshoe Award and spawning an ongoing series that has now stretched to twelve novels, including Force of Nature (2012) and the Edgar Award–winning Blue Heaven (2009). Box co-owns a tourism marketing firm with his wife, Laurie, and in 2008 won the BIG WYO award for his efforts to bring visitors to his home state. Box is a former member of the Board of Directors for the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo. A lover of the outdoors, he has traveled across the American West on foot, horse, and skis. He lives in Wyoming with his family. 

Book preview

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Joe Pickett

A Mysterious Profile

C. J. Box

Joe Pickett

Saddlestring, Wyoming

2017

When the official landline telephone rang in the middle of Thanksgiving dinner at the state-owned warden station that was also their home, everyone at the table moaned except Joe Pickett.

Don’t answer it, April said through a mouthful as she glared at him. Just don’t answer it.

All three of their girls were at the table. Both Sheridan and April were home on college break and Lucy was in her senior year at Saddlestring High School. Marybeth had been working since before dawn on the meal and she raised a wary eyebrow at Joe while sipping from a glass of wine.

The raised eyebrow asked him, So what are you going to do?

Maybe it’s nothing, he said.

It’s never nothing, Marybeth responded.

"It is hunting season," Joe said, removing the napkin from his lap and pushing back from the table.

"It’s always effing hunting season," April said.

No, it’s not, Sheridan said. The seasons run from mid-August through the end of January.

She said ‘effing,’ Lucy pointed out with a not-so-innocent glint in her eye. April glared at her. Marybeth looked away so she