How many times can a man's family be imperiled? In the case of Wyoming game and fish warden Joe Pickett, a whole lot, as every previous volume of this series (most recently last year's Out of Range) has jeopardized at least one member of his clan. In this gripping and thoughtful book, however, the danger gets closer still, when Pickett's wife and kids are threatened. Family concerns are at the root of every plot strand, as Pickett investigates the disappearance of local ranching matriarch Opal Scarlett - and whether it's due to a murderous outcome of the endless feud between her sons Hank and Arlen. It's a feud that encompasses the next generation, too, as Joe's daughter Sheridan's close friendship with Julie - daughter of Hank, niece of Arlen - may put her in the middle. And all the while, another shadowy individual has designs on Joe and his family, blaming them for the loss of his own family.

Thanks to the exploration of rich conflicts and relentless suspense, C.J. Box shows how his hotheaded protagonist makes choices that affect all and forever change the dynamics of family.
By Sarah Weinman