Status
Available
Series
Genres
Collection
Publication
G.P. Putnam's Sons (2015), 432 pages
Description
Everything about the man is a mystery: the massive ranch in the remote Black Hills of Wyoming that nobody ever visits, the women who live with him, the secret philanthropies, the private airstrip, the sudden disappearances. And especially the persistent rumors that the man's wealth comes from killing people. Joe Pickett, still officially a game warden but now mostly a troubleshooter for the governor, is assigned to find out what the truth is, but he discovers a lot more than he'd bargained for. There are two other men living up at that ranch. One is a stone-cold killer who takes an instant dislike to Joe. The other is new--but Joe knows him all too well. The first man doesn't frighten Joe. The second is another story entirely.
User reviews
LibraryThing member Ronrose1
If you've read C. J. Box before, Breaking Point (A Joe Pickett Novel), you'll settle into this one just like into a fine used saddle. C. J. Box's characters, Joe Pickett and Nate Romanowski, bring you back to the fold in no time. If not, settle your Stetson on your head and get ready for an
Show More
exciting ride. Wyoming State Game Warden Joe Pickett is called in by the Governor to investigate and report on a wealthy rancher in a remote county. Wolfgang Templeton may have ties to the disappearance and possible murder of several shady financial magnates across the country. The cold snow and hot lead soon start flying. Well, if you know Joe, you know he will soon be waist deep in it and fighting his way out. Especially when he finds a connection to his friend Nate, who has been known to jump over the line between good and evil before. This is a great tale set in the snowy hills of Wyoming. It delivers a great ride. Book provided for review by Amazon Vine. Show Less
LibraryThing member kyurenka
The story starts with Nate Romanowski - a good sign, but why does Nate appear to be a hired killer!? When Joe is directed by the governor to investigate the man who just happens to be Nate's employer, the tension builds. Then there's the student in Sheridan's dorm who seems to like guns....
Another
Another
Show More
excellent C.J. Box! Show Less
LibraryThing member frogprof
Really kept my interest, although I wish I'd read earlier books in order to understand some of the cryptic comments about one of the characters. I've read one or two others in the series, and C.J. Box really gives a sense of the Wyoming countryside.
The protagonist is Joe Pickett, a game warden in
Pickett gets beat up, beats up a few other people, gets shot at, and is nearly blown up by a car bomb ... all in all, a good Liam Neeson movie-in-waiting!
The protagonist is Joe Pickett, a game warden in
Show More
the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming, and he manages (despite the admonitions of his boss and wife and pretty much everyone he knows) to get involved in actual police cases more often than is justified by his job description. This book describes the comings and goings of a very rich man to his ranch at the back of nowhere in the Black Hills where he's raised more than a little suspicion about the source of his wealth. Since Joe is acting as a troubleshooter for the state governor, he gets sent into another county [where he is decidedly unwelcome] to uncover the truth about the mysterious "philanthropist" who has so improved life for those who work for him, as well as for the nearby town in general.Pickett gets beat up, beats up a few other people, gets shot at, and is nearly blown up by a car bomb ... all in all, a good Liam Neeson movie-in-waiting!
Show Less
LibraryThing member jnwelch
Stone Cold by C.J. Box is another fun outing with Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett. He gets sent to a different game warden's territory to find out whether a local wealthy landowner is behind the assassinations of some rich, difficult to convict frauds, one of whom is reminiscent of Bernie Madoff.
"You've always had this ability to get into the middle of things. And when you do, you look at the situation in a clear-eyed way. At times it's annoyed me, and I just wish you'd gone on with your business. But it is a unique gift, and I recognize that. . . . Joe, you're my range rider - a seeker of truth. You're my man on the ground, like before. Only this time, you can't get directly involved in the situation and you need to be wary not to embarrass me."
Joe's honesty and integrity in the face of pressures to bend like everyone else are major aspects of his attractiveness as the main character in this series. His ability to unwisely annoy other people, his sometimes clumsy responses to problems in his family, and his occasional Stephanie Plum-like ineptness, help keep him from achieving only boring sainthood in the eyes of the reader. In this one, his friend, the complicated but deadly efficient Nate Romanowski, may be involved in the murders-for-hire. Joe also is trampling on the turf of a fellow game warden. Although he promises the Governor, the FBI, and most importantly, his wife, not to get directly involved, that of course is exactly what he's drawn into doing. Meanwhile, his adopted teen daughter April is swooning over a local rodeo champ who Joe suspects of being a rapist, and his college daughter Sheridan is worried about a darkly asocial student in her dorm who seems to have Columbine tendencies. These other stories are smoothly integrated, and one in particular leaves room for development in the next book.
Joe isn't very good with his gun, and as always attacks the problem with his wits and doggedness, rather than brawn and firepower. I was ready for more when this one ended, and look forward to the next chapter in his adventures.
Show More
Wyoming's Governor Rulon believes in Joe, and looks once more for him to get to the bottom of a tough problem:"You've always had this ability to get into the middle of things. And when you do, you look at the situation in a clear-eyed way. At times it's annoyed me, and I just wish you'd gone on with your business. But it is a unique gift, and I recognize that. . . . Joe, you're my range rider - a seeker of truth. You're my man on the ground, like before. Only this time, you can't get directly involved in the situation and you need to be wary not to embarrass me."
Joe's honesty and integrity in the face of pressures to bend like everyone else are major aspects of his attractiveness as the main character in this series. His ability to unwisely annoy other people, his sometimes clumsy responses to problems in his family, and his occasional Stephanie Plum-like ineptness, help keep him from achieving only boring sainthood in the eyes of the reader. In this one, his friend, the complicated but deadly efficient Nate Romanowski, may be involved in the murders-for-hire. Joe also is trampling on the turf of a fellow game warden. Although he promises the Governor, the FBI, and most importantly, his wife, not to get directly involved, that of course is exactly what he's drawn into doing. Meanwhile, his adopted teen daughter April is swooning over a local rodeo champ who Joe suspects of being a rapist, and his college daughter Sheridan is worried about a darkly asocial student in her dorm who seems to have Columbine tendencies. These other stories are smoothly integrated, and one in particular leaves room for development in the next book.
Joe isn't very good with his gun, and as always attacks the problem with his wits and doggedness, rather than brawn and firepower. I was ready for more when this one ended, and look forward to the next chapter in his adventures.
Show Less
LibraryThing member lauranav
I always enjoy CJ Box. A friend introduced me to the series in October, and I just keep moving on to the next. I love Game Warden Joe Pickett and his determination to do the right thing. He does his job, he does it well, and he just doesn't understand people who don't. This book puts him with
I also love that Nate Romanowski is back. He's in his own odd world and running into Joe is good for him. It always is. They take care of each other and that continues in this book.
This can stand alone. Each story is independent with characters that make sense in the novel, but who are richer for knowing more of their backstory if you have read other books in the series. This entry in the series is very satisfying!
Show More
another Game Warden in a very different district. Joe pays attention to details, always is looking to be sure the hunters have their licenses and are within their limits, and doesn't ever look at someone and think maybe he should just leave them alone. He is going to do his job. That doesn't work too well in a county used to a game warden who looks the other way and takes the safer, more prudent course. He promises to stay out of trouble, but it just isn't in his nature to back down or give up.I also love that Nate Romanowski is back. He's in his own odd world and running into Joe is good for him. It always is. They take care of each other and that continues in this book.
This can stand alone. Each story is independent with characters that make sense in the novel, but who are richer for knowing more of their backstory if you have read other books in the series. This entry in the series is very satisfying!
Show Less
LibraryThing member Ann_Louise
It's funny to me that one thing other Early Reivewers have mentioned as a positive - Nate Romanowski's featured role in this new C. J. Box novel in the Joe Pickett series - is a negative for me. He's been a non-favorite of mine for a couple of books now, and that impacted my opinion of this new
But the non-Nate parts? Those were up to Box's usual high standards, so this one is a mixed bag for me.
Show More
one. But the non-Nate parts? Those were up to Box's usual high standards, so this one is a mixed bag for me.
Show Less
LibraryThing member bbofje
This is the first novel I've read by C. J. Box, thanks to the Library Thing Early Review program. It will not be my last. Stone Cold is the 14th in a series about Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett. It's obviously great as a stand alone book, but I'm going to the library to find the first 13. The
Show More
wildlife and scenery descriptions were wonderfully accurate, and the surprises fed my murder mystery loving appetite. I'm definitely adding C. J. Box to my list of favorite authors. Show Less
LibraryThing member bwkramer
He has done it again. C.J. Box continues to pull new stories about a very solid charter base. Many of these lengthy series get stale over time, but the Joe Pickett novels continue to impress. If you are already a fan of Box definitely add this to your list. If you are not then pick this one up or
Show More
one of the earlier novels in the series and get started. Show Less
LibraryThing member mikedraper
Joe Pickett, game warden, is asked by the Gov. of Wyoming, Gov. Rolon, to investigate what is happening in Medicine Wheel, Wyoming.
This is a poor town in a beautiful area where a wealthy man, Wolfgang Templeton has built an estate, helped out locals and set up a little fiefdom in the town. He is a
Joe is to work with Special Agent Chuck Croom of the FBI and Joe's cover will be to work with the local game warden on a program to restock game.
Joe is supposed to observe and report back not to take action. Of course, Joe does, he stirs up the pot and sees what comes up.
The writing is crisp and there are a number of surprises.
There is an interesting subplot where Joe's daughter is an RA in a dorm on her campus and suspects one of the students might be out to take action against other students. She asks Joe for help on what she might do to foil a possible attack on the students.
Joe is a character who the reader will enjoy as a man, not perfect, but sincere. I found the other game warden to be a sympathetic character but with misguided acts.
This is a poor town in a beautiful area where a wealthy man, Wolfgang Templeton has built an estate, helped out locals and set up a little fiefdom in the town. He is a
Show More
suspect in a murder for hire operation.Joe is to work with Special Agent Chuck Croom of the FBI and Joe's cover will be to work with the local game warden on a program to restock game.
Joe is supposed to observe and report back not to take action. Of course, Joe does, he stirs up the pot and sees what comes up.
The writing is crisp and there are a number of surprises.
There is an interesting subplot where Joe's daughter is an RA in a dorm on her campus and suspects one of the students might be out to take action against other students. She asks Joe for help on what she might do to foil a possible attack on the students.
Joe is a character who the reader will enjoy as a man, not perfect, but sincere. I found the other game warden to be a sympathetic character but with misguided acts.
Show Less
LibraryThing member SharronA
The Joe Pickett stories just keep getting better! And Nate Romanowski, though not the main character, is by far the more intriguing. Joe is the "every man" we'd all like to be -- moral and predictably straight-laced. Nate always does what he believes is right, but his ethical framework for such
Box has not only created endearing and enduring characters, he has also found a way to set his stories in a wild and beautiful outdoor environment, creating vivid visual images. He even manages to sneak in some political and environmental issues, though never in a proselytizing way.
When this book arrived in the mail (through Library Thing Early Review program) I put every other book aside, even stopped in the middle of one I was reading, and gleefully started reading STONE COLD. Not many authors or characters can make me do that.
Show More
decisions is unique. Box has not only created endearing and enduring characters, he has also found a way to set his stories in a wild and beautiful outdoor environment, creating vivid visual images. He even manages to sneak in some political and environmental issues, though never in a proselytizing way.
When this book arrived in the mail (through Library Thing Early Review program) I put every other book aside, even stopped in the middle of one I was reading, and gleefully started reading STONE COLD. Not many authors or characters can make me do that.
Show Less
LibraryThing member mrdoan72
In joe pickett. Cj box has a solid character. The stories keep getting better and better. I would highly reccomend this latest book in the series. Great storyline as well
LibraryThing member takenby05
Stone Cold by C.J Box. This is my first time reading a Joe Pickett novel. Luckily you don't have to read all of the rest of his series to follow along in the book. I was only slightly confused at first but it really does go over things enough that you are not lost at all. So the story is about
This book was a page turner, I really did enjoy it and I will probably read others in the Joe Pickett Novel.
Show More
people from higher society that just disapper. not sure what happens to them since their bodies are never found. They are not just in higher circles but they are some pretty bad people. One of them abuse women pretty just because he can and has enough money to get out of trouble. Others steal from people and so on so the motto pretty much is they are being killed for the greater good. Joe Pickett gets involved because one the govenor wants him to find out if one of the pictures is one of Joe's old buddies and if soo what does he have to do with the disappearance of this people. Joe isn't to sure what to think him self so he goes to this little backwards town and of course I guess Joe is always getting into trouble. By the second day there he has been told at least 5 times to back off or there will be trouble, but off course Joe doesn't listen at all. This book was a page turner, I really did enjoy it and I will probably read others in the Joe Pickett Novel.
Show Less
LibraryThing member tomray
My first C J Box book came from Early Reviewers "Breaking Point" and has made me a fan of Joe Pickett ever since. I'm slowly working my way through the series. Once I start I can't put it down. Can't wait to find out what Missy and Nate are up to.
LibraryThing member Helenoel
C.J. Box has done it again with yet another Joe Pickett story that I could barely put down and finished in less than a day. Readers of the series will find several familiar characters- we see Nate and joe reconnect. Some of the bad guys get what they deserve, and we are left with Joe's family on
I received the book from the Library Thing Early Reviewers program and agreed to provide a review.
Show More
the edge of at least one more crisis - looks like there will have to be another book. I received the book from the Library Thing Early Reviewers program and agreed to provide a review.
Show Less
LibraryThing member JudithBoyle
This is just the second book by C. J. Box that I have read. However, It is well worth reading. He really keeps me interested throughout the story. I'll be looking forward to other books by this author.
LibraryThing member kellyslist
I always look forward to a new Joe Pickett book. Box is pretty consistent with the quality of the series all along and this one doesn't disappoint. If fact, this one turns out to be one of the better ones. Joe has another secret assignment for the governor and of course, gets into more than he
Show More
bargained for. It was a quick read without any extracurricular distractions to bog down the story. Show Less
LibraryThing member she_climber
I keep waiting for CJ Box to start losing his edge as many other authors have done as their series get a little long in the tooth, but not Box. He keeps it fresh and exciting every time. Unbelievable how much trouble one Game Warden in Wyoming can find himself but when you throw in a highly
Show More
unconventional governor who happens to appreciate Joe's ability to insinuate himself into trouble wherever he goes, and Joe's buddy Nate it's anyone's guess what the final body (and state vehicle) count will be. Most shocking in this book is the return of the most villainous character of the entire series, which I can't expand on without spoiling it for others. Already can't wait for the next book to come out to see what becomes of Nate, and if anything comes of the lie he told Joe at the end of the book. I recommend this book 100%, but start with book 1 and work your way through. You'll be glad you did. Show Less
LibraryThing member julie.billing
Another great Box. Glad to see some Coon and Nate back - although he's getting a little out of the box for my tastes. Well written and suspenseful as always. Looking forward to the next one.
LibraryThing member buffalogr
Another great Joe Pickett novel. This time, Joe's tagged by the Governor to investigate corruption in another county. If it were the South, I'd call him Boxx Hogg! Of course, the governor gets more than he bargained for. Fast moving plot with familiar characters. There was a little sub plot that
Show More
kept daughter, Sheridan, in the series. Missy returns, evil as ever. Nate plays a large role and suffers for it. Can't wait for the next in the series to find out what happens to him. Show Less
LibraryThing member Carol420
It had been a couple of years since I had read anything in this series, so I had forgotten that I wasn't always wild about every book in it. I found this one tedious and at times irritating... but in all fairness to the author it may have been the reader, (I listen to the audio version), and not
Show More
the writing. Compared to most of the previous books...I'd have to say that it's just okay. I will certainly continue with the series. Show Less
LibraryThing member repb
Okay. I'm amazed why this book is popular. Absolutely amazed! Box is a good writer, but this plot, characters, believability are, in my opinion, terrible. Not to speak of the morbid violence. Is this what the American public really want to read? God help us. Now - all that said - this is the first
Show More
book of Box that I have read. I plan to read another and see if my thoughts are similar. I hope not. Show Less
LibraryThing member jamespurcell
Can a high end murder for hire ring with pretensions of "doing some good" exist and thrive in the boondocks of Wyoming? Can the governor's "range rider" find out and bring them to justice? To respond to those two questions; Mr Box, always a good story teller, writes a fast moving story that is
Show More
exciting to read and hard to put down. Is there any doubt that in the process, Joe Pickett will wreck another truck. I doubt it, but borrowing money from the feds is a new wrinkle. Is there another needful waif for Marybeth to rescue, stay tuned as hopefully this enjoyable series continues. Show Less
LibraryThing member Hardboiled
Having read the entire series I am always looking forward to the next Joe Picket installment. Stone Cold does not disappoint. Fast moving plot with familiar characters. Box continues to keep the series ever developing and interesting. A good, comfortable read that keeps drawing me back.
LibraryThing member zmagic69
I have seen this author's books many times but never read one, thinking how can a book about a game warden in Wyoming be interesting? A friend gave me a copy of this book, so I read it.
Starting with the 14th book in a series is never ideal, but the author does a fine job f supplying just enough
The story especially the outcome is very predictable, but the book is written well enough to make the finishing of the book worth it.
It of course leaves something hanging at the end to propel the reader to read the next book in the series.
Starting with the 14th book in a series is never ideal, but the author does a fine job f supplying just enough
Show More
detail to get the reader caught up, regarding the main characters.The story especially the outcome is very predictable, but the book is written well enough to make the finishing of the book worth it.
It of course leaves something hanging at the end to propel the reader to read the next book in the series.
Show Less
LibraryThing member lewilliams
I enjoyed this book. I thought the beginning was slow but the story did pick up after the first 1/4. Would like to see more of Nate Romanowski.
Language
Original language
English
Physical description
7.5 inches
ISBN
0425272826 / 9780425272824