‘Vicious Circle’ by C.J. Box

Published by Head of Zeus,
21 March 2017.
ISBN: 978-1-78497-313-1 (HB)
ISBN: 978-1-78497-314-8 (TPB)

When Wyoming Game Warden Joe Pickett hears that Dallas Cates is out of prison, he knows that there will be trouble, not least for him and his family. Years before Joe had been responsible for the deaths of Dallas's two brothers and father and for causing his mother serious injury. He had actually done everyone a favour as the whole family were corrupt and terrorised their neighbourhood.

His fears are compounded when a friend of his a Dave Farkus, who told Joe he overheard Dallas talking about Joe and his family, is found murdered. He is sure Dallas is responsible and is convinced he is out for revenge.

When April one of Joe's three daughters narrowly escapes a serious attack, he moves them and his wife to a supposedly safe house, but how safe is it? And who is the deranged tattooed girl who tried to kill April? Joe is sure Dallas is behind her assault.

Cates is arrested for the murder of  Dave Farkus but thanks to a clever defence lawyer and dubious evidence is freed. Now Joe's troubles really begin, Dallas is relentless in his determination to seek revenge, but is he acting alone? Joe has the feeling that there is someone else giving all the instructions, someone who seems to have an awful lot of money. How else could Dallas have paid the top lawyer to defend him? He has no money of his own. It is now a real game of cat and mouse, Joe must try and anticipate every move Dallas is likely to make to keep his family safe, with some very close shaves.

It transpires that not every member of the police force can be trusted either. So Joe enlists the help of a good friend of his and together they must try and bring Dallas Cates to justice, leading to an exciting ending.

I really enjoyed this book, it grips from beginning to end. Joe's fears for his family are almost palpable so well described are they.

I also found the detailed descriptions of the wild terrain of Wyoming brought the scenery vividly to life.I have read one of C.J.Box's books before but this is the first time I have met Joe Pickett and look forward to reading more about him.A great read.

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Reviewer: Tricia Chappell

C J Box is a Wyoming native and has worked as a ranch hand, surveyor, fishing guide, a small town newspaper reporter and editor, and he owned an international tourism marketing firm with his wife Laurie. In 2008, Box was awarded the "BIG WYO" Award from the state tourism industry. An avid outdoorsman, Box has hunted, fished, hiked, ridden, and skied throughout Wyoming and the Mountain West. He served on the Board of Directors for the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo. They have three daughters. He lives in Wyoming

Tricia Chappell. I have a great love of books and reading, especially crime and thrillers. I play the occasional game of golf  (when I am not reading). My great love is cruising especially to far flung places, when there are long days at sea for plenty more reading! I am really enjoying reviewing books and have found lots of great new authors.