Get to Know Best-Selling Mystery Author C.J. Box

By Elizabeth Ruen, Publications Associate

Known for his mystery novels featuring Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett, an unlikely hero set out to do the right thing, author C.J. Box has been met with critical acclaim, best-selling lists, and awards since his first novel was published in 2001. Eleven novels later and another one in the works, Box shows no signs of slowing down.

Box is just over a month away from releasing his twelfth novel, “Nowhere to Run.” This latest addition to the Joe Pickett series, promises to be an intense and thrilling adventure that follows Joe as he investigates strange happenings in the surrounding mountains. Reports of camps looted, tents slashed, elk butchered and a missing Olympic runner send Joe into uncharted territory where he faces his most terrifying adventure yet. Library Journal wrote, “Box’s series is the gold standard, but never has he written a novel as harrowing as Nowhere to Run.” If you can’t wait until April 6 to be drawn into the mystery, visit www.cjbox.net to read the first chapter.

Critical acclaim is not new to Box. His first novel, “Open Season,” won the Anthony Award for Best First Mystery Novel. Since then, Box has added several more awards to his name including the Prix Calibre 38, the Macavity Award, the Gumshoe Award and the Barry Award. “Blue Heaven,” Box’s first stand-alone novel, won an Edgar Award for Best Novel and has been optioned for film.

Many of Box’s novels have appeared on the New York Times Best Seller List and are available for check out at the Rapid City Public Library including the Joe Pickett novels “Below Zero,” “Blood Trail,” and “Free Fire,” as well as the stand alone novels “Blue Heaven” and “Three Weeks to Say Goodbye.”

Behind the books, the author has his own story as a Wyoming native who has worked as a ranch hand, surveyor, fishing guide, reporter and editor. He co-owns an international tourism marketing firm with his wife Laurie and is an avid outdoorsman who hunts, fishes, rides, hikes and skies throughout Wyoming and the west. Similar to Joe Pickett, Box has three daughters.

The Rapid City Library Foundation is offering an opportunity for a personal glimpse into Box’s work and life at its annual author dinner on Saturday, March 27. Box is the featured author at the event and will be spending the evening signing books, talking to guests and giving an author talk.

The Foundation’s Author Dinner will start at 6 p.m. with a social hour and book signing at the library featuring the music of James and Callan Van Nuys, followed by a 7 p.m. dinner and author talk at The Dahl Arts Center. Tickets are $50 per person or $300 for a reserved table for 6. Seating is limited. You may buy tickets today at the downtown library’s business office, call 394-4171 to reserve tickets, or visit www.rapidcitylibrary.org to download an RSVP card to print and mail in or fill out an online form.