Joe Pickett Books in Order books in order

Complete reading order for C.J. Box's Joe Pickett series featuring a Wyoming game warden who solves crimes while protecting wildlife and navigating the modern American West across 24+ novels.

Joe Pickett Books in Order

# Title Published Author Buy on Amazon
1 Open Season 2001 C.J. Box Buy
2 Savage Run 2002 C.J. Box Buy
3 Winterkill 2003 C.J. Box Buy
4 Trophy Hunt 2004 C.J. Box Buy
5 Out of Range 2005 C.J. Box Buy
6 In Plain Sight 2006 C.J. Box Buy
7 Free Fire 2007 C.J. Box Buy
8 Blood Trail 2008 C.J. Box Buy
9 Below Zero 2009 C.J. Box Buy
10 Nowhere to Run 2010 C.J. Box Buy
11 Cold Wind 2011 C.J. Box Buy
12 Force of Nature 2012 C.J. Box Buy
13 Breaking Point 2013 C.J. Box Buy
14 Stone Cold 2014 C.J. Box Buy
15 Endangered 2015 C.J. Box Buy
16 Off the Grid 2016 C.J. Box Buy
17 Vicious Circle 2017 C.J. Box Buy
18 The Disappeared 2018 C.J. Box Buy
19 Wolf Pack 2019 C.J. Box Buy
20 Long Range 2020 C.J. Box Buy
21 Dark Sky 2021 C.J. Box Buy
22 Shadows Reel 2022 C.J. Box Buy
23 Storm Watch 2023 C.J. Box Buy
24 Three-Inch Teeth 2024 C.J. Box Buy

About the Author

C.J. Box is a Wyoming native and New York Times bestselling author known for his authentic portrayals of the modern American West. The Joe Pickett series has earned him the Edgar Award, Anthony Award, and numerous other honors while spawning a Paramount+ television adaptation.

The Joe Pickett series follows a Wyoming game warden who repeatedly finds himself investigating serious crimes while trying to do his job protecting wildlife. Created by C.J. Box, the series captures the beauty and conflicts of the modern American West through 24+ novels that have made it one of the most popular mystery series in contemporary fiction.

Joe Pickett is a dedicated but often underpaid game warden working in Wyoming’s Twelve Sleep County. Unlike typical detectives, he doesn’t seek out major crimes—they find him. His commitment to doing what’s right, regardless of political pressure or personal cost, repeatedly puts him in the path of murderers, conspirators, and powerful interests that would prefer he look the other way.

What distinguishes the series is its authentic portrayal of the modern West. Box, himself a Wyoming native and outdoorsman, captures the landscape, culture, and contemporary conflicts with remarkable accuracy. Issues like energy development, environmental activism, federal land management, and the clash between old and new ways of life form the backdrop for Joe’s investigations.

The series chronicles Joe’s family as his three daughters—Sheridan, April, and Lucy—grow from young children in the first book to adults actively involved in investigations by the latest novels. His wife Marybeth, initially a librarian and later a successful businesswoman, is a strong partner who often provides crucial insights. This family element adds emotional depth rarely found in crime fiction.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Joe Pickett books are there?

There are currently 24 Joe Pickett novels, starting with Open Season in 2001 and continuing through Three-Inch Teeth in 2024. C.J. Box releases a new Joe Pickett novel annually, with book 26 scheduled for 2026.

Do the Joe Pickett books need to be read in order?

Yes, reading in order is recommended. While each book contains a complete mystery, the series features ongoing character development, particularly Joe’s daughters growing from young children to adults, and recurring storylines that build on previous books.

What makes the Joe Pickett series unique?

The series blends crime fiction with modern Western themes, featuring a game warden protagonist instead of a typical detective. It explores contemporary issues in the American West—energy development, environmental conflicts, federal land disputes—while delivering compelling mysteries.

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