BookBingeJoe Pickett Books in Order
The short answer
C.J. Box · 26 books
- How many books?
- There are 26 books in the Joe Pickett series, published 2001–2026.
- Is it finished?
- No — it's ongoing, with book 27 on the way.
- Next book
- The Missing, due 23 February 2027.See all upcoming releases →
- Where to start
- Start with Open Season (2001).
About 9,500 pages — roughly 160 hours of reading
A principled Wyoming game warden keeps getting pulled into murders and conspiracies far bigger than poaching.
Here is the complete Joe Pickett reading order — all 26 books by C.J. Box, in the order you should read them:
Reading order
- Open SeasonWyoming game warden Joe Pickett investigates the deaths of local poachers, uncovering a conspiracy tied to an endangered species.2001300 pages
- Savage RunPickett investigates an explosion that kills a radical environmentalist, drawing him into a conspiracy involving genetically modified cattle.2002287 pages
- WinterkillWhen a standoff in the forest turns deadly, Pickett is caught between his duty and a shadowy cover-up.2003372 pages
- Trophy HuntMutilated animal remains lead Pickett to investigate what looks like a supernatural killer, but the truth is more chilling.2004352 pages
- Out of RangeSent to investigate his predecessor's apparent suicide in Jackson Hole, Pickett uncovers corruption tied to wealthy land developers.2005368 pages
- In Plain SightPickett investigates the disappearance of a rancher matriarch amid an old family feud with deadly consequences.2006320 pages
- Free FireA killer exploits a legal loophole in Yellowstone to kill without consequence, and Pickett is sent to stop him.2007366 pages
- Blood TrailA hunter is murdered and skinned like game, and Pickett must find the killer before the violence escalates.2008311 pages
- Below ZeroPickett discovers his presumed-dead foster daughter may still be alive, pulling his family into a dangerous reunion.2009342 pages
- Nowhere to RunWhile backpacking in the wilderness, Pickett encounters a family living off the grid who will do anything to keep their secret.2010356 pages
- Cold WindWhen his mother-in-law's husband is found dead atop a wind turbine, Pickett investigates a case entangled with his own complicated family.2011388 pages
- Force of NaturePickett's ally Nate Romanowski is targeted by enemies from his past, forcing Pickett to choose between loyalty and the law.2012400 pages
- Breaking PointA dispute between a rancher and a federal agency turns violent, and Pickett is caught in the middle of a manhunt.2013360 pages
- Stone ColdPickett goes undercover to investigate a reclusive billionaire suspected of murder in a remote Wyoming valley.2014400 pages
- EndangeredWhen his foster daughter is found badly beaten, Pickett hunts for the person responsible while facing threats to his own family.2015384 pages
- Off the GridPickett searches for Nate Romanowski, who has vanished after a mission gone wrong, in a case tied to terrorism.2016392 pages
- Vicious CircleOld enemies from Pickett's past resurface, threatening his family and forcing a violent reckoning.2017417 pages
- The DisappearedPickett investigates the disappearance of a British tourist at a remote guest ranch, uncovering dangerous secrets.2018403 pages
- Wolf PackPickett investigates a drone operator's death, uncovering a link to a cartel operating in Wyoming.2019384 pages
- Long RangeWhen a judge's wife is shot from a seemingly impossible distance, Pickett must find a killer capable of the improbable.2020368 pages
- Dark SkyGuiding a tech billionaire on a hunting trip, Pickett becomes the prey when the trip turns into a deadly chase.2021384 pages
- Shadows ReelPickett investigates a disturbing image found on a trail camera while Nate hunts the men who wronged him years ago.2022384 pages
- Storm WatchA blizzard strands Pickett with a killer as old grudges and new dangers collide.2023
- Three-Inch TeethA series of grizzly bear attacks may not be what they seem, pulling Pickett into a case with a human predator behind it.2024
- Battle MountainPickett faces a new threat that tests his family and his commitment to justice in the Wyoming wilderness.2025384 pages
- The CrossroadsPickett confronts a case that forces him to reckon with choices from throughout his career.2026
Good news: for this series, reading order and publication order are the same — just read straight down the list.
Upcoming: the next book, The Missing, releases on 23 February 2027. BookBinge Pro can notify you the day it drops.
On our lists: Long-running mystery series
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Get BookBingeFrequently asked questions
How many Joe Pickett books are there?
There are 26 books in the Joe Pickett series by C.J. Box, from Open Season (2001) to The Crossroads (2026). Book 27, The Missing, is due 23 February 2027. Together they run to about 9,500 pages.
Is the Joe Pickett series finished?
No. C.J. Box is still writing it: book 27, The Missing, is due 23 February 2027, following The Crossroads (2026).
What is the first Joe Pickett book?
Open Season (2001) is book one, at 300 pages. Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett investigates the deaths of local poachers, uncovering a conspiracy tied to an endangered species.
Should I read the Joe Pickett series in publication order?
Yes. For the Joe Pickett series, reading order and publication order are the same — Open Season (2001) through The Crossroads (2026).
How long does it take to read all Joe Pickett books?
About 9,500 pages across 26 books — roughly 160 hours at a page a minute. The longest is Vicious Circle (417 pages); the shortest is Savage Run (287 pages).