On the Shelves...

by Glenda Smith

Breaking Point by C.J.Box

This is the thirteenth in a series about Joe Pickett, an ageing game warden in Wyoming, who is part cowboy and detective in addition to being a government employee. Joe is well-liked in his community and is a man of sense and integrity, but he has often run foul of his administrative bosses and has been demoted in the past. In this book he is being offered a desk job by a new boss, who thinks his independent spirit can be both tamed and useful in handling other game wardens.

The plot of this novel concerns the murder of two Environmental Protection Agency workers as they attempt to deliver a notice on a local man. The basis of the plot is based on real events where landowners were persecuted and prosecuted unfairly by the EPA. Joe has doubts about his neighbour’s guilt, but understands his provocation, and joins a manhunt to try to stop things getting out of control.

Box takes his time with the narrative and description and creates plenty of tension and suspense. He obviously knows and loves Wyoming, and puts us in the landscape through Joe’s eyes. This is a most enjoyable reading experience.

All books reviewed are from the CWA library on a separate shelf in the library so they are easy to find plus the reviews are in a folder. Also have a look in the street library.