C.J. Box’s latest Joe Pickett novel wades into the territory of abhorrent Nazi secrets paving a violent path for some unpalatable characters on a mission to contain those secrets.
The Pickett family is getting ready to host their thanksgiving dinner when a brutal murder shakes up their quiet town once again. Joe Pickett’s tenacious nature to step out of his employment boundaries as Game Warden to investigate the murder pays off when Marybeth Pickett receives an anonymous donation of a Nazi memorabilia with photographs exposing a hidden conspiracy. Meanwhile, Nate Romanowski is hot on the trail of the man who attacked his wife and child and took his falcons from the events of the previous book.
C.J. Box maintains the admirably relatable approach to writing Joe Pickett and his family. As Game Warden, Joe is not neither a spy nor an assassin; he has undoubtedly matured from his previous experiences but still retains the very human element that has made Joe Pickett an iconic and charming protagonist. Arguably the bigger star of this thriller is Marybeth as she plays the most prominent role in solving the murderous mystery, an unexpected but welcoming change.
While Joe and his wife take up the cerebral aspect of the thriller, Nate’s hunt for his nemesis takes care of the action as he closes in on his nemesis who has a diabolical plan to cause chaos and unrest throughout the country by utilizing political rallies and divisions.
Shadows Reel is a character-driven narrative with a simmering pace that develops the story gradually through character interactions, leading to a realistic final showdown that wraps up the plot neatly.
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Barrington Books
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