"C.J. Box hits another high mark in suspense..."

Wyoming's C.J. Box is known worldwide for his game warden Joe Pickett series. His stories read lightning-fast, but that's also the down side; the fun's over way to quick.

Last year, Box went off the grid and contributed Blue Heaven, a stand-alone thriller that widened his rep as master of suspense. Now say hello to Three Weeks To Say Goodbye (Minotaur Books, $24.95), a worst-case scenario for adoptive parents. For several years, Denver residents Jack and Melissa McGuane have tried unsuccessfully to have a baby. They finally decide to adopt. The past nine months with little Angelina have been a blessing. All that's about to change.

Jack gets a tearful call from the adoption agency. The biological father wants Angelina back. Seems he never signed the consent papers, as high school senior Garrett Moreland was out of the country. Garrett has never seen his daughter, plus he's a card carrying psycho. Jack and Melissa say no. Garrett's dad has other plans.

Judge Moreland has powerful connections and intends on using them to obtain his biological granddaughter. He gives the McGuanes three weeks before Angelina is whisked away. Garrett could care less about his daughter, but Judge Moreland has other shadowy plans.

Jack and Melissa work quickly by calling in their friends Cody, a local detective, and Brian, a well-connected businessman. But Garrett and his father always seem to be se veral steps ahead, whether legal or clandestine. Garrett plays a twisted intimidation game with Jack and Melissa, dangling his signature in front of them like a carrot. His connection with a local Hispanic gang also amps up the danger level.

The closer to Angelina's date, the messier things get. Cody is suspended and turns to the bottle. Brian won't return his calls. Jack begins to see a frightening connection between Judge Moreland and a local criminal. A business trip to Berlin places Jack in touch with another player whose motives are far different than the Denver tourist industry.

His job in jeopardy and Angelina's future in doubt, Jack must become a papa bear and fight back to save his beloved cub. Three Weeks To Say Goodbye turns primal with bloody repercussions. The endgame will connect every parent with outrage and a burning desire to pull the trigger on jus tice.

C.J. Box hits another high mark in suspense with Three Weeks To Say Goodbye. His writing is pure, homespun and high-speed, weaving good citizens against monsters disguised as good guys.

JC Patterson is a literary critic and is active in local theater productions.

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