Out of Range

Game Warden Joe Pickett travels to Jackson Hole, Wyoming to help investigate the death of his friend and fellow warden Will Jensen. The official ruling is suicide, but Pickett has doubts and begins looking into Jensen's last days. During his investigation, Pickett becomes entangled in the complex politics and social dynamics of Jackson Hole, where wealthy newcomers clash with longtime residents. He discovers connections between Jensen's death and local land disputes, development plans, and environmental conflicts. The case forces Pickett to navigate dangerous territory as he faces resistance from law enforcement, encounters hostile locals, and tries to uncover the truth while staying alive. His family remains back in Saddlestring, adding personal strain as he operates alone in unfamiliar territory. The novel explores themes of changing Western landscapes and the collision between preservation and progress, while examining how money and power can corrupt even the most pristine places.

Readers praise Box's detailed descriptions of Wyoming wilderness and hunting culture in Out of Range. Many note the book maintains tension while exploring deeper themes about marriage and relationships. The realistic portrayal of game wardens and law enforcement procedures draws particular appreciation from reviewers. Readers liked: - Complex moral dilemmas faced by Joe Pickett - Strong sense of place and atmosphere - Technical accuracy about hunting and firearms - Character development of supporting cast Readers disliked: - Slower pace compared to other books in series - Less action than previous installments - Some found the marital conflict subplot repetitive Ratings: Goodreads: 4.16/5 (12,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (1,200+ ratings) Common review quotes: "Box captures the isolation and beauty of Wyoming perfectly" - Goodreads "The domestic tension adds depth to Joe's character" - Amazon "Not as fast-paced as earlier books but more emotionally complex" - BookBrowse

The Cold Dish by Craig Johnson A Wyoming sheriff investigates a murder tied to a long-ago crime, blending Western landscapes with complex characters and Native American culture.

Iron Lake by William Kent Krueger A former sheriff in Minnesota's North Woods searches for a missing boy while confronting local corruption and tribal politics.

Open Season by C.J. Box The first Joe Pickett novel follows a Wyoming game warden who discovers a murdered outfitter on his woodpile, leading to an investigation of environmental terrorism.

Breaking Point by Jefferson Bass A forensic anthropologist works with law enforcement to solve murders in the Smoky Mountains while navigating bureaucratic obstacles.

The Royal Wulff Murders by Keith McCafferty A Montana fishing guide becomes entangled in a murder investigation when he discovers a body in the Madison River with a Royal Wulff trout fly stuck in his lip.

🏔️ Author C.J. Box based much of the book's Teton wilderness setting on his own experiences as a hunting guide in Wyoming. 🦌 The novel explores the controversial practice of "shooter bulls" - domestically raised elk released into the wild specifically for wealthy hunters to shoot. 🏆 "Out of Range" is the fifth book in the Joe Pickett series, which has won multiple awards including the Edgar Allan Poe Award and the Anthony Award. 🔎 The protagonist Joe Pickett's character was partly inspired by a real-life Wyoming game warden who helped Box with research for the series. 🌲 The book delves into the complex relationship between conservation officers and hunting outfitters, drawing from actual conflicts that occur in Western states' wilderness areas.