Savage Run: A Joe Pickett Novel

Instead of the cowboys against the farmers (Oklahoma!,) it's the gentleman ranchers against the environmentalists! It's a good story, and Box's descriptions of the wild country in Wyoming are marvelous. This is not really a mystery, since we know who the bad guys are and it isn't hard to guess who is behind their killing spree. As a result, the plot seems thin, too slow and stretching beyond the limits of credibility at times. I read this after reading Force of Nature, book #12, which I liked better but also suffered from some of the same plot defects. I like the protagonist Joe Pickett, but he can't possibly be so naive as he sometimes says or acts. The environmental activist, Stewie Woods, is a more multi-dimensional and believable character than Joe Pickett. Toward the end, too many rabbits are pulled out of the hat to make the denouement fully satisfying.

David Chandler adds a lot to the pleasure of listening, his narration and portrayal of characters are terrific.

I intent to continue this really good series. The narrator did a really good job keeping interested in the story.

I almost never listen to a book more than once, but that is because there are only 24 hours in a day and so many books. I would listen to this one again in a few years.

The plot was a bit of a stretch, but it was seldom dull.

I found the performance to be very good.

With all the twists, there wasn't a particular point that moved me.

If you love the outdoors, like to hunt, fish, hike, or just enjoy the challenges of nature, you will enjoy this book if you like mysteries.

exciting, suspenseful, and bloody!

David does a great job reading, that allows you to relax and really get into the characters!

I thought the book was well written and well preformed. There was some bloody details involving animals that seemed sensationalized. I think the book would have been just as strong without those parts. The ending left me cold. I could think of half a dozen ways to end the story that might have made our hero more of a hero. I do like the character of Joe Picket, he is humble and understated. He reminds me a little of the Jim Chee character in the famous Tony Hillerman books.

cj keeps you guessing and waiting in anticipation for what will happen next. very entertaining form beginning to end i cant wait to enjoy all of his books.

Yes, Box is one of us and has been here, done this.

It mostly kept me on the edge of my driver's seat (I listen while driving to work).

This is one of my favorite series, just hope Box and come closer to an output like Sandford has in Prey books. Listen to them all, none disappoint in the least. It would be good to listen to them in order, but doesn't hurt not to. Also try the Walt Longmire series by Craig Johnson and Hackberry Holland by the great James Lee Burke - all of which appeal to me as the mains are my age.

Good story though occasionally contrived and bordering on credulity. Characters could be more effectively portrayed.

I would change the narrator. David Chandler's characterization of females is frustrating. Some fairly strong females personnas sound like petulant, whining post-adolescents - all with little variation among their voices. Similarly, too many of the older male voices of middle-aged male characters sound - in octave, tone and emotional expression, like high school kids.

Yes, if somewhat frustrating due to reader's limitations.