Excellent series! Terrific writer.
Another excellent addition to the Joe Pickett series. I have to admit, halfway through I scanned the rest of the book looking for Nate Romanowski's name! He's definitely my favorite among the continuing characters.
As with other books in the series, BREAKING POINT makes a compelling case in favor of environmentalism, and a strong case against ineffective/corrupt government bureaucracy. These aren't the most subtle points of the story, but whether you agree or disagree with Box' political views, the people carry the story. The characters are distinctively written, easy to understand (though not always easy to admire), and bring the story to life in a way that seems chillingly real, or at least possible.
I had only one criticism of the storyline. Without giving spoilers: The main character chose a difficult and high-risk solution to a problem when a much simpler and almost foolproof, low-risk solution was available. I wondered why, as I read about his decision, and also wondered why none of the other characters suggested it. Soon I realized this implausible choice was necessary to get to the rest of the story.
One of the most rewarding things about following a series is that the continuing characters and locations become familiar. A one-sentence reference to a past event, or to a person not in the present story, evokes a memory of another whole book. In this way, each book gets better and richer with the accumulated history of the series.
As with other books in the series, BREAKING POINT makes a compelling case in favor of environmentalism, and a strong case against ineffective/corrupt government bureaucracy. These aren't the most subtle points of the story, but whether you agree or disagree with Box' political views, the people carry the story. The characters are distinctively written, easy to understand (though not always easy to admire), and bring the story to life in a way that seems chillingly real, or at least possible.
I had only one criticism of the storyline. Without giving spoilers: The main character chose a difficult and high-risk solution to a problem when a much simpler and almost foolproof, low-risk solution was available. I wondered why, as I read about his decision, and also wondered why none of the other characters suggested it. Soon I realized this implausible choice was necessary to get to the rest of the story.
One of the most rewarding things about following a series is that the continuing characters and locations become familiar. A one-sentence reference to a past event, or to a person not in the present story, evokes a memory of another whole book. In this way, each book gets better and richer with the accumulated history of the series.
Another good outing from Box and his Joe Pickett series. This time, Joe gets involved with the EPA and a manhunt for a supposed killer of two EPA agents. The agents had been sent to serve a compliance order on a local contractor who was set to build his retirement home but had received an order from the EPA to cease construction because the house was on protected wetlands. But where was the water in these supposed wetlands? The agents end up shot to death and the contractor, Butch Roberson, is on the run. The EPA sends out a task force to bring him in and Joe is ordered to guide them because he was the last to see Butch. There are a lot of unknowns in this venture. Why does the EPA regional chief seem to have a motive for getting Butch and will go so far as to try to kill him using a drone missile?! Did Butch really kill the agents? A lot of action in this one as Joe tries to get to Butch before he is killed by the EPA or former sheriff McLanahan. This includes fighting through a forest fire and another venture into Savage Run, the foreboding canyon from an earlier novel. There is also an unexpected twist at the end of the novel. Another high recommendation.
Joe Pickett always liked Butch Robersonâa hardworking local business-owner whose daughter is friends with his own. Little does he know that when Butch says he is heading into the mountains to scout elk, he is actually going on the run.
Two EPA employees have been murdered, and all signs point to Butch as the killer. Soon, Joe hears of the land Butch and his wife had bought to retire onâuntil they are told the EPA declared it a wetlandâand the penalties they charged Butch until the family was torn apart by debt. Finally, it seems, the man just cracked.
Two EPA employees have been murdered, and all signs point to Butch as the killer. Soon, Joe hears of the land Butch and his wife had bought to retire onâuntil they are told the EPA declared it a wetlandâand the penalties they charged Butch until the family was torn apart by debt. Finally, it seems, the man just cracked.
I read all C.J.Box's books and this one was his best! It is based on a true story of the EPA's abuse of power and you'll find it hard to put down. I was a little amazed at the ending and do hope there is a sequel to this book, even though that's is not really Box's style. 5 Stars!
one of my favorite on-going series!
Non stop tension and wonderfully complex plot with Joe front and center and the high ruggeed Wyoming mountains playing a huge role also. Could not put it down. Barely stopped for meals. And a WOW ending. Sorry no details as I don't want to spoil your anticipation.
wow, this book is really good I am working to ge through the whole series and I haven't been disappointed yet!!
After a small detour in the last book, Box goes back to evil government forces trying to stick it to the hard-working little guy. It's certainly action-packed and I loved the description of the terrain during the chase, but this time around too much of it is just flat-out unbelievable. An EPA dude having access to a drone with Hellfire missles? Yeah...no. The fire built up a lot of tension but having seen how fast those things move, Box had Joe and crew way too close to it for survival. I thought Nate's appearance at the end was unnecessary, as though Box felt he had to check that square. Not my favorite in the series, but still read it through in one sitting, and I did not see the ending coming so that was an interesting surprise. Did laugh at the end, Joe gets his lower-number badge back, but then quits his job - can't blame him.
C. J. Box has delivered a great story again. Joe Pickett was checking "guzzlers" and fence lines along Federal Game Land when he noticed the barbed wire had been cut. He was looking for the person who had done it and found Butch. Butch is the father of his daughter's BFF. He told Butch to fix the wire and returned to his truck. He heard on his radio that two EPA agents were missing Going back to return his horse to his home, he heard that Butch was the suspect. He went to Butch's home. The police were there and had found where dirt had recently dug in the back yard. Digging there unearthed the bodies of the two agents. Then all He'll broke loose. Every law enforcement agency soon was there. Even the Governor showed up. What was going on? Read the book.
Loved it - one of my favorite writers.
I love the series with Joe Pickett and this was one of the best! Fast paced from start to finish. Looking forward to his next book!
I've enjoyed all the Joe Pickett books and look forward for more to come. C.J. Box writes a good story that will keep you turning pages. I enjoy PBS as well and usually try to keep about a four book backup so I don't run out of reading material. I tell most of the people that I know are readers about PBS. Reading shuts me down everyday, a couple or more chapters and then the book slaps me in the face and I can go right to sleep. Thanks PBS
Finished this C.J. Box book in record time, this literally being a firestorm that you can't put down!! I find that a lot in his series about Joe Pickett Game Warden. Joe has a knack for getting himself into the middle of things, outside of his normal duties as a game warden, which mostly is never good. I have been reading his novels in order and mowing them down quickly. Most involve his good friend Nate Romanowski who adds a nice twist to things. This involves an odd circumstance as head scratching things happen to a local Butch Roberson and his family, Feds come in and Roberson goes on the run, seemlingly deserting his wife and daughter in the process, after two murders are pinned to him. Joe quickly becomes involved as things move forward and he rushes to dig into matters on his own, only to be ordered to assist the Feds against his better judgement. From there this literally turns into a firestorm as there is a ton of collateral damage along the way. Make sure once you get to the end read the afterword and acknowledgments, I am sure it will make your blood boil as it did mine! Can't wait to see's whats up next for Joe Pickett!
