JUST ANOTHER GAL FROM CASPER: WHAT I’M READING RIGHT NOW EDITION…
I’ve only recently begun reading CJ Box’s books, but he’s becoming one of my go-to authors. Of course, most people wisened up to how good he is a long time ago — the man’s been putting out great stories for over 20 years.
His latest Joe Pickett novel, Three-Inch Teeth, starts out with a bang — or rather, a bear. If I wasn’t convinced before that I don’t want a surprise encounter with a grizzly (I was), I’m even more sure that I’d prefer never tangling with one up close. (I dreamed about a bear last night, which I’ve never done before, so I can only assume it’s because of Box’s vivid description.)
As if a lethal, on-the-loose grizzly isn’t enough of a challenge, this dude named Dallas Cates has just been sprung from the pen, and Joe’s name is on the list of folks he blames for family loss and his incarceration. Nate Romanowski’s on that same list, so both men are in for one hell of a time.
I’m only a quarter into this book (hey, it was just released, and this gal’s gotta go to work!) and there’s already a body count (two down…maybe three? I’m anxious to know if “maybe three” actually survives…). It’s a good mix of action and character development/interaction, and I can’t wait to finish!
Reading Joe Pickett books is the perfect companion for watching Yellowstone (four seasons in now — definitely more on that in a future column). Joe Pickett restores my faith in humanity. I mean, he’s such a good guy. He’s imperfect, but always follows his heart and does what he feels is right, which generally doesn’t include killing people or beating the crap outta them because his manhood or sense of control’s been threatened. I am all for anti-heroes; I just prefer it when they operate from a place of reason, instead of toxicity — male or otherwise. (And while I understand that both Yellowstone and CJ Box books are full of characters, not people, I stand by my faith in humanity comment.)
It’s also interesting to see how the author weaves hunting realities into his stories — for instance, Corner Crossing (crossing from public land to public land w/out stepping on the surface of private land — a current hot-button issue). Details like this really add depth and color whether you’re a huntsman (huntsperson?) or, like me, know absolutely nothing about hunting. And of course, reading the descriptions of sometimes real, sometimes made-up Wyoming places is always fun and satisfying.
Can’t wait to sink your teeth into Three-Inch Teeth? Stop into Wind City Books for a copy of CJ Box’s newest. Then next Wednesday, March 6th, bring it to Frontier Brewing as they join forces with Wind City Books to host a book signing with the New York Times best-selling author himself! If you’ve ever wondered about Box’s story and character inspiration, or writing process, or just wanna sit back, relax and sip a beer, now’s your chance. For more information, visit windcitybooks.com.
