Trophy Hunt

Game Warden Joe Pickett investigates a series of bizarre animal mutilations in Wyoming's Bighorn Mountains. The gruesome discoveries escalate when human victims are found in similar conditions, leading Pickett to suspect these are not typical predator attacks. The case draws attention from multiple agencies and puts pressure on local law enforcement to find answers. Pickett must navigate bureaucratic tensions while racing to prevent more deaths, all while protecting his family from an unseen threat that seems to be circling closer to home. Local ranchers and residents grow increasingly fearful as theories range from cult activity to government conspiracies. When Pickett uncovers connections to past incidents across state lines, he realizes he's dealing with something far more complex than initially suspected. The novel explores themes of human nature and the blurred lines between predator and prey in both wilderness and civilization. Box's fourth Joe Pickett novel combines elements of traditional western values with modern criminal investigation, set against the raw backdrop of Wyoming's frontier landscape.

Readers found Trophy Hunt darker and more unsettling than previous Joe Pickett novels, with many noting the supernatural elements felt out of place in the series. Liked: - Fast-paced plotting and mounting tension - Joe Pickett's family dynamics continue to develop - Vivid Wyoming wilderness descriptions - Well-researched details about wildlife mutilations Disliked: - Supernatural/paranormal aspects clash with series' realism - Some found the ending unresolved and frustrating - Violence level higher than previous books - Multiple readers called the plot "far-fetched" Ratings: Goodreads: 3.96/5 (6,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (790+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (280+ ratings) "The unexplained elements felt forced into what's normally a grounded series," noted one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads user wrote: "Box excels at the procedural aspects but loses me with the X-Files turn."

The Midnight Line by Lee Child A former military policeman investigates a mystery in Wyoming's wilderness after finding a West Point class ring in a pawn shop.

The Highway by C.J. Box A long-haul truck driver preys on women along remote highways while two investigators race to stop him.

Iron Lake by William Kent Krueger A small-town sheriff uncovers corruption and murder in Minnesota's frozen north while investigating the death of a local judge.

Blue Heaven by C.J. Box Two children witness a murder in northern Idaho and must escape from ex-LAPD officers who will kill to keep their secrets.

Breaking Point by C.J. Box A man becomes the target of a federal manhunt in the Rocky Mountains after EPA agents push him past his limits.

🏆 C.J. Box based the horrific animal mutilations in Trophy Hunt on real-life cases that occurred in Wyoming, where similar unexplained cattle mutilations baffled ranchers and law enforcement. 🐻 The book is the fourth installment in the Joe Pickett series, which has now grown to over 20 novels and has sold millions of copies worldwide. 🌲 The author draws from his experience living in Wyoming to create authentic details about the landscape, wildlife, and rural culture that serve as the backbone of the story. 🔍 Trophy Hunt marked a departure from Box's usual style by incorporating elements of the supernatural and unexplained, though ultimately grounding the story in human motivations. 🏆 The novel won the Prix Calibre 38 Award (France) for Best Crime Novel, adding to C.J. Box's impressive collection of awards including the Edgar Award, Anthony Award, and Macavity Award.