Box, C.J. – IN PLAIN SIGHT

[LJ Roberts]

IN PLAIN SIGHT (Licensed Investigator-Wyoming-Cont) – Ex Box,
C.J. – 6^th in series
G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2006- Hardcover

Wyoming Game warden Joe Picket reports to a man with whom he does not get along in a town whose sheriff likes having the persona of a “Western Lawman” without having to bother with enforcing the law. The power in the town is the Scarlett family and matriarch Opal Scarlett is missing leaving the two of the sons literally fighting over ownership of the ranch and the town members forced to take sides. The greater threat is J.W. Keeley who blames Picket for the death of his brother, sister-in-law and daughter, and Keeley is out for revenge.

This is a story of conflict on multiple levels and is superbly done. It’s not just the conflict of the good guy against the bad guy, but Joe against his boss, doing what is right versus what is expedient, being who he is versus who others might like him to be, doing what is just versus what is legal. Even in the story, a character is advised not to underestimate Joe and that is exactly the way Box has conveyed him; as someone who is not powerful or successful, but rock solid and dependable as time. In addition to strong characters, Box creates excellent sense of place and knows how to build suspense. For me, this was an excellent book in a series I recommend reading in order.