How to Read Joe Pickett Books in Order in 2025

The Joe Pickett series by C.J. Box has captivated readers for over two decades, offering a compelling blend of crime thriller and western wilderness. Centered on Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett, the novels explore themes of corruption, conservation, and the rugged beauty of rural America. With deep character development, real-world moral dilemmas, and high-stakes action, the Joe Pickett books have become a staple for fans of suspense, nature, and deeply personal heroism.

If you're starting your journey through this world, it's useful to follow the Joe Pickett book order, doing so ensures you catch long-running story arcs, evolving relationships, and the full evolution of Joe Pickett himself. This guide not only lays out all the books by C.J. Box in the series, but also covers how many Joe Pickett books there are, the new Joe Pickett book, and even other books like the Joe Pickett series.

Joe Pickett Books Reading Order (C.J. Box Joe Pickett Series)

Here is a complete guide to the Joe Pickett book series, laid out in reading order (by publication), along with a short description for each novel.

Open Season (2001)

Joe Pickett is introduced as a Wyoming game warden who stumbles into a dangerous conspiracy involving poachers and murder. This debut novel sets the tone for the entire series, combining wilderness survival with political intrigue.

Savage Run (2002)

In Savage Run, Pickett investigates a violent explosion in the forest and uncovers environmental extremism and a high-stakes power struggle.

Winterkill (2003)

This installment follows Joe as he delves into a chilling murder in the snowy wilderness, uncovering dark secrets and facing both human and animal threats.

Trophy Hunt (2004)

When a high-profile hunter targets a prized grizzly, Pickett must balance political pressures, personal values, and his duty to protect wildlife.

Out of Range (2005)

This book forces Pickett into a heart-pounding rescue mission involving his family, radical environmentalists, and the harsh terrain of Wyoming.

In Plain Sight (2006)

A wealthy British executive goes missing, and Pickett navigates betrayal, corruption, and hidden motives as he searches for the truth.

Free Fire (2007)

A vendetta against Pickett triggers a violent confrontation, plunging him into a personal battle within Wyoming's rugged terrain.

Blood Trail (2008)

An assassin's presence in the wilderness brings mortality to the front lines, and Pickett must pursue a deadly target through treacherous landscapes.

Below Zero (2009)

Battling sub-zero temperatures, Pickett faces a conspiracy that's as cold as the Wyoming winter, and as dangerous as it is deceptive.

Nowhere to Run (2010)

This novel pushes Pickett into hiding while he tries to uncover who wants him dead, with few places left to hide in the wilderness.

Cold Wind (2011)

A series of unexplained deaths in a remote town forces Pickett to confront both natural threats and human evil.

Force of Nature (2012)

A kidnapping leads Pickett into the depths of Wyoming's forests, where nature and crime collide in unexpected ways.

Breaking Point (2013)

Pickett is tested both personally and professionally when an old friend resurfaces and alliances are pushed to the limit.

Stone Cold (2014)

In Stone Cold, Pickett investigates a chilling murder linked to real estate and greed, and he must navigate complex loyalties and betrayals.

Endangered (2015)

Environmental activism turns perilous, and Pickett must balance his responsibilities as a warden with the threats posed by activists and criminals.

Off the Grid (2016)

Pickett faces a rogue militia in this thriller, survival isn't just about the wilderness, but about dealing with a deeply dangerous ideology.

Vicious Circle (2017)

In this book, Pickett becomes entangled in a plot that leads him to revisit past enemies and hidden conspiracies.

The Disappeared (2018)

When activists vanish high in the mountains, Pickett's investigation reveals more than just missing persons, he encounters political corruption.

Wolf Pack (2019)

This novel combines wildlife themes with crime, Pickett faces a murderous "pack" threat, testing both his physical and moral endurance.

Long Range (2020)

A sniper attacks spark a deadly game of distance and precision, with Pickett racing to identify a threat before it's too late.

Dark Sky (2021)

Following a catastrophic industrial incident, Pickett uncovers a conspiracy that endangers both the land and its people.

Shadows Reel (2022)

Pickett is drawn into a sinister plot involving wildlife, ranchers, and deeply hidden secrets in Wyoming's high country.

Storm Watch (2023)

Natural disasters meet human malice when Pickett must deal with extreme weather, power struggles, and desperate adversaries.

Three-Inch Teeth (2024)

This book raises the stakes with personal vendettas, Pickett must confront dangerous enemies who know him intimately.

Battle Mountain (2025) --- New Joe Pickett Book

In the 25th novel, Pickett is called into high-stakes action around Battle Mountain, Wyoming. Political power players and terrorists converge, and Pickett must protect not just the land, but his own family legacy.

Do You Need to Read Joe Pickett Books in Order?

Yes, for the full experience, it,s highly recommended to follow the Joe Pickett book order in publication sequence. The series is deeply serialized: many plots, character developments, and conspiracies build from earlier books, and C.J. Box rewards long-time readers with recurring characters and escalating stakes.

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However, some novels can be dipped into standalone, especially if you love wilderness thrillers and don't mind missing references to past events. Still, most fans agree that starting with Open Season gives the best introduction to Joe Pickett's world. As one Reddit commenter put it:

"I get that it's surely best to start with #1... it's definitely better having knowledge of all the past references to previous books."

Which Are the Best Joe Pickett Books?

Determining the best Joe Pickett books depends on what you love most: wilderness, crime, or character-driven drama. Here are a few fan and critic favorites:

• Open Season --- a classic for introducing Joe Pickett's moral backbone and setting up the moral conflicts.

• Wolf Pack --- praised for its blend of nature and high-intensity crime.

• Dark Sky --- complex and modern, with environmental and industrial conspiracy.

• Battle Mountain --- the newest (2025) book, many readers call it a major series milestone given its geopolitical scale.

How Many Joe Pickett Books Are There?

As of early 2025, there are 25 books in the main Joe Pickett series.

That said, C.J. Box has published additional short stories and novellas related to Joe Pickett, plus other novels in different series.

Books Like Joe Pickett / Similar Series

If you enjoy the Joe Pickett series, you might also really like:

• Walt Longmire Series by Craig Johnson --- Another law-enforcer in the rural West, with a thoughtful, character-driven style.

• Mike Bowditch Series by Paul Doiron --- Features a Maine game warden dealing with crime and wilderness.

• Cody Hoyt / Cassie Dewell Series (also by C.J. Box) --- For fans who want to dive deeper into Box's universe from different characters.

Conclusion

The C.J. Box Joe Pickett series stands out in the thriller landscape for its unique mix of crime, wilderness, and deeply human characters. Following the Joe Pickett books in order gives readers the richest experience --- character development, recurring conspiracies, and emotional payoff all build as you progress.

Whether you're starting with Open Season or looking forward to the new Joe Pickett book (Battle Mountain, 2025), you're in for a thrilling ride through the mountains, moral dilemmas, and action-packed investigations. And if you love that combination of nature and crime, there are several other series out there that can scratch the same itch.