books similar to joe pickett series

2 min read 01-02-2025

For readers captivated by C.J. Box's Joe Pickett series, the blend of Wyoming's rugged beauty, its complex wildlife, and the gritty realities of small-town crime creates a unique and compelling experience. If you're looking for more books that capture that same essence, you're in luck! This list explores series and standalone novels that offer similar themes, settings, and captivating characters.

Sharing the Wyoming Landscape:

Several authors successfully capture the spirit of Wyoming's vast landscapes and the challenges faced by those who call it home. These books often feature strong protagonists navigating both the natural world and the often-unforgiving human element:

Similar Settings and Atmosphere:

The Longmire Series by Craig Johnson: Set in Absaroka County, Wyoming, Walt Longmire, a grizzled sheriff, deals with murder investigations, personal struggles, and the challenges of life in a remote area. Like Joe Pickett, Longmire is deeply connected to the land and its people, making for a compelling exploration of rural life and the intricacies of human nature. The series is known for its atmospheric descriptions and nuanced characters.
The Winnebago County Series by David Housewright: Though not set in Wyoming, this series featuring the quirky detective, Virgil Flowers, shares a similar small-town mystery feel. Housewright masterfully crafts engaging plots centered around flawed characters against stunning backdrops, offering a comparable sense of place and intimate storytelling.

Focusing on Wildlife and Conservation:

While not always central to the plot, the interaction with wildlife and the challenges of conservation are recurring elements in the Joe Pickett books. These titles offer similar thematic explorations:

Books by Nevada Barr: Barr’s Anna Pigeon series features a park ranger investigating crimes within national parks, creating a captivating blend of mystery and environmental awareness. The settings, while not Wyoming specifically, evoke the wildness and beauty of natural landscapes.

Similar Crime and Mystery Elements:

The heart of the Joe Pickett books lies in the compelling mysteries and the realistic portrayal of crime in rural settings. These series offer a comparable level of suspense and character development:

The Dublin Murder Squad series by Tana French: While geographically distant, French’s series shares a focus on character-driven mysteries within a specific community. The intricate plots and exploration of complex relationships echo the intimate feel of the Joe Pickett novels. Though the setting is urban rather than rural, the focus on deep character development and atmospheric storytelling creates a similar engaging reading experience.

Beyond the Series: Standalone Novels to Explore:

For readers who appreciate standalone novels with similar themes, the following options offer a compelling narrative experience:

"Winterkill" by Craig Johnson: While part of the Longmire series, this book’s self-contained narrative makes it an excellent starting point or an enjoyable read alongside the Pickett series.

Finding Your Next Read:

The key to finding books similar to the Joe Pickett series lies in identifying what aspects resonate most with you. Whether it's the Wyoming setting, the focus on wildlife, the small-town crime, or the strong character-driven narrative, the options above offer a diverse selection of captivating reads. Happy reading!