Open Season

Open Season is the first novel in the Joe Pickett series, which was later adapted into a hit Paramount TV show. The novel is about a game warden who investigates a murder in a remote Wyoming town, where gun ownership is common. Despite being unpopular and poorly paid, Joe must unravel the mystery and face challenges from corrupt officials and activists. The novel received critical acclaim and won several awards for its debut.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 04 January 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

C.J. Box's acclaimed debut novel, Open Season, is the first installment in the immensely popular Joe Pickett series, which has been adapted into the hit Paramount TV show Joe Pickett, currently streaming on Paramount UK. In the remote wilderness of Twelve Sleep, where elk graze in pine forests and cougars lurk in the mountains, gun ownership is a common practice. However, when Joe Pickett hears two distinct gunshots months before the hunting season, his duty as a game warden becomes to investigate. As a low-paid and poorly housed game warden, Joe is widely disliked by the locals. When the perpetrator of the shots, a well-known poacher, escapes without consequence, the community rejoices. But their happiness is short-lived when the poacher is found dead in the Picketts' backyard.

As Joe delves into investigating his first murder, he encounters a host of challenges. He must navigate the animosity of his grudge-holding neighbors, confront corrupt officials, and confront determined activists who are fighting against the illegal hunting practices in the area. As Joe unravels the mystery, he realizes that he is putting his life and the lives of his family at risk.

Open Season is a remarkable crime novel that has garnered critical acclaim. Lee Child, a renowned author in the genre, praised it as a "great crime novel." The New York Times described it as a "debut of riveting tensions," while Publishers Weekly praised Box's "near-word-perfect debut." Joe Pickett has been likened to a modern-day Gary Cooper, and Booklist praised his "square on target" approach throughout the novel.

In conclusion, Open Season is a must-read for fans of crime fiction. C.J. Box's debut novel is a gripping tale of mystery, suspense, and danger, set in the rugged wilderness of Wyoming. Joe Pickett is a relatable and compelling protagonist, and the novel's themes of corruption, activism, and family are deeply resonant. With its award-winning pedigree and exceptional writing, Open Season is a testament to Box's talent as a storyteller and a promising start to the Joe Pickett series.

Weight: 230g
Dimension: 128 x 198 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781837931842