Savage Run

Author: CJ Box
Genre: Mystery
Type: Large Print Hardcover
Pages: 288
Series: #2 in the Joe Pickett mystery series
Source: Local Public Library
Publisher: Center Point
First Published: 2003
Opening Lines: "On the third day of their honeymoon, infamous environmental activists Stewie Woods and his new bride, Annabel Bellotti, were spiking trees in the forest when a cow exploded and blew them up. Until then, their marriage had been happy."

Book Description from GoodReads: When a massive explosion occurs deep within the forests of Twelve Sleep County and a colorful environmental activist appears to have perished in the blast, clues lead to a deadly conspiracy.

My Rating: 3 stars

My Review: I enjoyed the first book in this popular mystery series, Open Season, a few weeks ago so following up with Savage Run, the second book in the series, was a no brainer.

Once again the story revolves around Joe Pickett, a Wyoming Fish and Game Warden who is a good guy with morals up the wazoo but isn't the toughest law enforcement officer you've ever seen. While his heart is in the right place, his decisions and skill with weapons are often questionable. I'm hoping Joe toughens up in future books. Keep the honest, nice guy persona but add some grit and lose the naïve, almost bumbling aspect. I want to be focused on the mystery instead of worrying Joe will blow a body part off with his own gun.

I give top marks for a unique story line - how can your interest not be piqued by death by exploding cow? This was a 'good but not wow' read with much of the mystery being replaced with a solid adventure as Joe tries to save the day. But it is a fast read that's a solid addition to the series and I enjoyed its unique setting and its environmental focus. I plan to keep on with this popular series.