'In Plain Sight' brings missing matriarch into focus.
"In Plain Sight," by highly acclaimed crime fiction novelist C.J. Box, is the sixth in his popular series starring Joe Pickett, a hard-working game warden in Wyoming.

This time out, Pickett has a pair of tough problems to solve: Opal Scarlett, the wealthy matriarch of a prominent ranching family, has disappeared, and a twisted, cold-hearted serial killer has vengeance in mind.

Opal's three sons - Hank, Arlen and Wyatt - are fighting with each other over the ranch's vast holdings, but authorities aren't sure whether the nasty family head is dead or alive.
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Ex-con John Wayne Keeley feels that he has a score to settle with those responsible for the death of his sister-in-law and her daughter April. Keeley implements a clever plan to kill Wacey Hedeman, a former game warden who is now in prison, then sets his sights on Pickett.

Getting a job on the Scarlett ranch, Keeley institutes a reign of terror against Pickett and his family, adding additional stress to the game warden's already complicated life.

Pickett, ordered off the Scarlett disappearance by his short-sighted boss, obstinately decides to investigate further, unearthing useful information that leads to startling results.

Keeley's warped strategy for vengeance faces unexpected obstacles as the well-plotted tale races to an explosive conclusion.

Although astute mystery fans may figure out a small part of the plot in advance, it's fascinating to follow Pickett as he tries to protect his family, keep his job and stay alive.

Box has created an exceptionally good series of contemporary crime novels full of tense suspense and believable, emotional, well-crafted characters.

While this is a linear sequel to "Winterkill," it still works well for those haven't followed the others in the series.

Box's books are best read in chronological order to enjoy the full development of his characters; each is a solid police procedural set against the backdrop of beautiful, and at times desolate, Wyoming scenery.

By Ray Walsh for the Lansing State Journal. Ray Walsh, owner of East Lansing's Curious Book Shop, has reviewed crime novels and noir thrillers regularly since 1987.