Don't miss CJ Box's latest thriller, The Crossroads, where Joe's daughters investigate the attempted murder of their father... Available to order now.

The first in the gripping, highly-acclaimed Joe Pickett series.

There's nothing unusual about the sound of a gunshot in Twelve Sleep. In remotest Wyoming, everyone owns a gun. But when Joe Pickett hears two sharp cracks ring out months before hunting season, it's his job to investigate.

As game warden, dad-of-two Joe is not only badly paid, he's also deeply unpopular. So when a well-known poacher, who is the source of the shots, gets off scot-free, the locals are delighted. Until that same poacher is found dead - right in Joe's own backyard.

Joe's first real murder case pulls him into a tangled mess of small-town secrets, corrupt officials, and simmering grudges. And as he edges closer to the answers, he begins to understand just how much he stands to lose.

Read the first book in the series that has hooked readers everywhere, perfect for fans of James Lee Burke, Tony Hillerman and Michael Connelly.

Winner of the highly-coveted Anthony, Gumshoe, Barry, and Macavity Awards for Best First Novel.

Why readers love the Joe Pickett series...

'A great crime novel.' Lee Child
'A muscular first novel.' New York Times
'Nearly word-perfect debut.' Booklist
'Action all the way in this latest Joe Pickett outing.' 5* Reader review
'As soon as you start to read you don't want to stop.' 5* Reader review
'Just wish they were a bit longer as I hate getting to the end.' 5* Reader review
'Brilliant. Atmosphere, tension and great cast of characters.' 5* Reader review
'The Joe Pickett books never disappoint me. I have read every one of them.' 5* Reader review