Book Review: Out of Range (Joe Pickett 5) by CJ Box

4/5 stars. I read a lot of dark novels - Grimdark fantasy/sci-fi and dark thrillers, so Joe Pickett novels serve as a nice comfort read / palate cleanser in between those darker stories. I enjoy the mysteries, but also the normalcy of family and everyday living that these novels usually represent. This novel took an unexpected darker turn, both for Joe and for his family, that I am not sure I enjoyed. The mystery, the setting, the scenery were all good. This is not the first time Joe’s family has faced danger and adversity, but it is the first time they’ve done it separately, as Joe must leave home to cover another district, in Jackson Hole, for a fellow Game Warden who took his own life. The way Joe and Mary Beth handled their time apart disappointed me the most about this story and both characters, but still an overall satisfying mystery.


I find CJ Box to be a fluid writer and particularly enjoy his descriptions of Wyoming and the Grand Tetons. His dialogue and internal monologue exposition adds to the story, delving deeply into the personalities of the characters. In addition, David Chandler is the perfect narrator for this audiobook series, and I am always drawn into the story whether I am reading or listening. If you enjoy mysteries with unique settings, the Joe Pickett series is excellent and recommended.

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