If you’ve ever dreamed of diving into a world where the untamed wilderness meets pulse-pounding suspense, then the Joe Pickett series from C.J. Box Books is your next obsession. Picture this: a steadfast game warden named Joe Pickett, patrolling the vast, rugged landscapes of Wyoming, stumbling upon crimes that shake his small town to its core. From environmental conspiracies to family dramas intertwined with murder, this gripping collection has it all. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer wondering where to start, this guide will walk you through all the Joe Pickett books in order, complete with publication years and spoiler-free teasers to hook you right in.
Why read them in order? Well, Joe’s life evolves—his family grows, old enemies resurface, and the stakes get higher with each book. Starting from the beginning lets you fully appreciate the character development and recurring themes. Plus, with over two decades of storytelling, C.J. Box has crafted a series that’s not just about solving mysteries but also exploring the beauty and brutality of the American West. Ready to saddle up? Let’s dive in!
Who Is C.J. Box? A Quick Look at the Mastermind Behind Joe Pickett
Before we get to the books, let’s talk about the author. C.J. Box (that’s Charles James Box to his mom) is a New York Times bestselling writer hailing from Wyoming himself. He’s won accolades like the Edgar Award and draws from his real-life experiences as a ranch hand, fishing guide, and journalist to bring authenticity to his tales. Box isn’t just spinning yarns; he’s painting vivid pictures of conservation issues, small-town politics, and the clash between progress and tradition. If you love authors like Craig Johnson or Nevada Barr, Box’s blend of outdoor adventure and crime-solving will feel like home.
The Joe Pickett series kicked off in 2001 and has since spawned a hit TV adaptation (streaming on Paramount+), proving its enduring appeal. But nothing beats the books for the full immersion—trust me, once you start, you’ll be binge-reading faster than Joe can track a poacher.
List Of Joe Pickett Books In Order Of Release
| # | Title | Type | Publication Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Open Season | Novel | 2001 | Introduces Joe Pickett, Wyoming game warden, in Twelve Sleep. |
| 2 | Savage Run | Novel | 2002 | |
| 3 | Winterkill | Novel | 2003 | |
| 4 | Trophy Hunt | Novel | 2004 | |
| 4.5 | Dull Knife | Short Story/Novella | 2005 | Included in Shots Fired collection. |
| 5 | Out of Range | Novel | 2005 | |
| 6 | In Plain Sight | Novel | 2006 | |
| 7 | Free Fire | Novel | 2007 | |
| 8 | Blood Trail | Novel | 2008 | |
| 9 | Below Zero | Novel | 2009 | |
| 10 | Nowhere to Run | Novel | 2010 | |
| 11 | Cold Wind | Novel | 2011 | |
| 11.5 | The Master Falconer | Short Story/Novella | 2011 | Included in Shots Fired collection. |
| 12 | Force of Nature | Novel | 2012 | |
| 13 | Breaking Point | Novel | 2013 | |
| 14 | Stone Cold | Novel | 2014 | |
| 14.5 | Shots Fired: Stories from Joe Pickett Country | Collection | 2014 | Includes Dull Knife, The Master Falconer, and other stories. |
| 15 | Endangered | Novel | 2015 | |
| 15.5 | One-Car Bridge | Short Story/Novella | 2015 | Included in Shots Fired collection. |
| 15.5 | Pirates of Yellowstone | Short Story/Novella | 2015 | Included in Shots Fired collection. |
| 16 | Off the Grid | Novel | 2016 | |
| 17 | Vicious Circle | Novel | 2017 | |
| 17.5 | Honor & … | Short Story/Novella | 2017 | Collaboration with Sandra Brown, featuring Lee Coburn from Lethal. |
| 18 | The Disappeared | Novel | 2018 | |
| 19 | Wolf Pack | Novel | 2019 | |
| 20 | Long Range | Novel | 2020 | |
| 21 | Dark Sky | Novel | 2021 | |
| 22 | Shadows Reel | Novel | 2022 | |
| 22.5 | Precious Cargo | Short Story/Novella | 2022 | |
| 23 | Storm Watch | Novel | 2023 | |
| 24 | Three-Inch Teeth | Novel | 2024 | |
| 25 | Battle Mountain | Novel | 2025 | |
| 26 | The Crossroads | Novel | 2026 | Upcoming release, announced for February 24, 2026. |
Joe Pickett Books in Order: The Main Novels
Here’s the heart of it: the complete list of Joe Pickett novels in publication order. I’ve included a brief, non-spoiler summary for each to give you a taste without ruining the twists. As of August 2025, there are 25 published books, with one more on the horizon.
- Open Season (2001)
Joe Pickett, the new game warden in Twelve Sleep, Wyoming, faces his first big case when a local poacher turns up dead under mysterious circumstances, pulling him into a web of corruption and danger. - Savage Run (2002)
An environmental activist’s explosive death leads Joe on a high-stakes chase through the wilderness, uncovering a sinister plot that hits close to home. - Winterkill (2003)
Amid a brutal Wyoming winter, Joe investigates a massacre in the backcountry, testing his survival skills and moral compass. - Trophy Hunt (2004)
Mutilated animals and humans start appearing, forcing Joe to hunt a killer who’s playing a deadly game in the mountains. - Out of Range (2005)
Joe steps in for a fellow warden in a remote area, only to discover dark secrets and personal demons lurking in the shadows. - In Plain Sight (2006)
The disappearance of a powerful ranch matriarch sparks family feuds and violence, drawing Joe into a explosive conflict. - Free Fire (2007)
In Yellowstone National Park, Joe probes a series of murders tied to legal loopholes and hidden agendas. - Blood Trail (2008)
Hunters are being hunted with bows and arrows, leading Joe on a trail of vengeance and ethical dilemmas. - Below Zero (2009)
A chilling message from the past resurfaces, sending Joe and his family into a frozen nightmare of pursuit. - Nowhere to Run (2010)
In a desolate corner of Wyoming, Joe encounters rogue twins and government overreach in a fight for justice. - Cold Wind (2011)
Joe’s father-in-law is accused of murder, forcing him to navigate family loyalties and windy conspiracies. - Force of Nature (2012)
Joe’s friend Nate Romanowski’s past catches up, unleashing a storm of professional assassins and buried secrets. - Breaking Point (2013)
A landowner’s disappearance ignites tensions between locals and federal agents, pushing Joe to his limits. - Stone Cold (2014)
Joe investigates a wealthy recluse’s suspicious operations in the Black Hills, uncovering a world of hired killers. - Endangered (2015)
When Joe’s daughter is found injured, he races against time to protect his family from a vengeful threat. - Off the Grid (2016)
A radical group’s plot in the desert draws Joe into a high-tech showdown with national security implications. - Vicious Circle (2017)
The Cates family returns for revenge, turning Joe’s life into a cycle of danger and retribution. - The Disappeared (2018)
Missing British tourists in Wyoming lead Joe to a cover-up involving falconry and elite secrets. - Wolf Pack (2019)
A drone operator’s death exposes a drug cartel’s wolf-killing scheme, pitting Joe against ruthless operators. - Long Range (2020)
A judge’s wife is targeted by a sniper, sending Joe on a long-distance hunt for a skilled assassin. - Dark Sky (2021)
Joe guides a tech mogul on an elk hunt that turns deadly, blending wilderness survival with corporate intrigue. - Shadows Reel (2022)
A Nazi photo album surfaces, connecting past atrocities to present-day threats against Joe’s family. - Storm Watch (2023)
A professor’s gruesome death in a snowstorm uncovers academic rivalries and hidden agendas. - Three-Inch Teeth (2024)
A rogue grizzly bear rampage masks human malice, forcing Joe to confront wildlife and criminal chaos. - Battle Mountain (2025)
Joe tackles escalating tensions on a sacred Native American site, blending cultural clashes with mystery.
And keep an eye out for the upcoming book:
26. The Crossroads (2026)
Details are under wraps, but expect more heart-pounding action in true C.J. Box fashion.
Joe Pickett Novellas and Short Stories: Extra Bites of Adventure
While the main novels form the backbone, C.J. Box has sprinkled in some shorter tales for die-hard fans. These can be read standalone but often tie into the series timeline. Here’s a quick rundown in publication order:
- Dull Knife (2005) – A novella where Joe deals with a poaching ring and personal regrets.
- The Master Falconer (2006) – Joe crosses paths with a Saudi prince and a rare falcon, leading to cultural clashes.
- Shots Fired (2014) – A collection of short stories from Joe Pickett country, including tales like “The Master Falconer” (reprinted) and others exploring side characters.
- One-Car Bridge (2015) – Joe investigates a suspicious accident on a remote bridge.
- Pirates of Yellowstone (2015) – A lighthearted yet tense story involving park rangers and thieves.
- Honor & … (2017) – Focuses on themes of loyalty and frontier justice.
- Precious Cargo (2022) – Joe protects a valuable shipment amid Wyoming’s harsh elements.
Many of these are available in anthologies or as e-book singles—perfect for quick reads between novels.
FAQ
1. What is the correct order of Joe Pickett books by C.J. Box?
The Joe Pickett books should be read in their publication order to follow the timeline and character development smoothly.
2. Do you need to read the Joe Pickett series in order?
Yes, while each novel has its own mystery, reading them in order helps you understand recurring characters and long-term story arcs.
3. How many Joe Pickett books has C.J. Box written?
As of now, C.J. Box has written over 20 Joe Pickett books, with new releases continuing to expand the series.
4. What genre are the Joe Pickett books?
The Joe Pickett series blends crime, mystery, and suspense with elements of western and outdoor adventure set in Wyoming’s rugged wilderness.
5. Is there a TV show based on the Joe Pickett books?
Yes, the Joe Pickett TV series premiered in 2021, bringing C.J. Box’s iconic game warden and thrilling stories to the screen.
Why the Joe Pickett Series Stands Out (And Why You Should Start Now)
What makes this series so addictive? It’s the perfect mix of edge-of-your-seat thrills and real-world issues like wildlife conservation, gun rights, and rural life. Joe’s not a superhero; he’s a family man with flaws, making him relatable and root-worthy. Fans rave about the vivid settings—you’ll feel the crisp mountain air and hear the elk bugling. Plus, with the TV show bringing new viewers, now’s the ideal time to join the pack.
If you’re new, grab Open Season and prepare for a wild ride. Already caught up? Share your favorite book in the comments below—what twist shocked you the most? And if you’re hunting for similar reads, check out Box’s standalone novels or series like Cassie Dewell.
Happy reading, fellow adventurers! If this guide helped you navigate the Joe Pickett books in order, bookmark it for updates and spread the word. Who knows what mysteries await in the next installment?
