Open Season

by Linda Howard, C. J. Box
Open Season cover
Good Books rating 3.75
Mystery
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Format • £9.49
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  • ID: 2375
  • Added: 2025-10-13
  • Updated: 2025-11-14
  • ISBN: 9781837931859
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
  • Published: 2022-12-22
  • Formats: 10
  • Reviews: 4

Open Season, the award-winning debut novel by C.J. Box, introduces readers to Joe Pickett, a game warden in the rugged landscapes of Wyoming. When Joe hears gunshots months before hunting season begins, his investigation uncovers a poacher's body in his backyard, plunging him into his first murder case. As he navigates the complexities of the case, Joe faces off against grudge-holding neighbors, corrupt officials, and determined activists, all while risking the safety of his family. This gripping thriller has won multiple awards, including the Anthony, Gumshoe, Barry, and Macavity Awards for Best First Novel, and has been adapted into a hit TV show. With its vivid setting and compelling protagonist, Open Season is a must-read for fans of crime fiction.

Reviews
Cozy with Books · 2023-01-12
great 4.50

This book is a great start to a new series, with engaging protagonists and a solid mystery thriller plot. The pacing and character development make it a compelling read.

The reviewer found this book to be a great introduction to a new series, praising the protagonists and the overall mystery thriller plot. They appreciated the pacing and character development, making it a compelling read. The reviewer enjoyed the setting and the way the author built tension throughout the story. Overall, it's a strong start to a series that keeps readers engaged.

Quick quotes

    Overall, this was a great book and a good start to a new series.

    When it comes to mystery thrillers, the protagonists, if they are part of the story, are what make or break the book.

    The pacing is excellent, and the character development is well-done.

The Great Adventure · 2022-07-10
mixed 3.00

The author's writing is good, but the reviewer is unsure about continuing the series. The plot and characters are engaging, but some aspects fell short of expectations.

The reviewer appreciated the author's writing style and found the plot and characters engaging. However, they felt that some aspects of the book did not meet their expectations, making them uncertain about continuing with the series. The reviewer acknowledged the strengths of the novel but also noted areas where it could have been improved. Overall, it's a mixed but thoughtful review.

Quick quotes

    This book is the first of sixteen books on Joe Pickett, but I don't think I will continue the series.

    The author's writing was good, but not enough to keep me hooked.

    The plot and characters are engaging, but some aspects fell short of expectations.

All About Romance · 2017-10-07
enjoyable 3.50

The ending felt rushed and too easy, but the overall story was engaging. The character of Daisy was well-handled, staying out of trouble in the climax.

This reviewer found the book to be quite enjoyable overall, particularly praising the character development and the way the suspense and romance were blended. However, they felt that the ending wrapped up a bit too quickly and easily, which slightly detracted from the overall experience. They appreciated that Daisy, the protagonist, stayed out of trouble during the big finish, which added a layer of realism to the story.

Quick quotes

    Perfect.

    The ending wrapped up a little too quickly and easily, with Daisy staying out of trouble like a good little girl during the big finish.

    Overall, the story was engaging and well-crafted.

My Extensive Reading · 2012-06-05
engaging 4.00

The blend of romantic comedy and suspense was engaging but also left the reviewer troubled. The story kept them engrossed throughout.

This reviewer enjoyed the book a lot, especially the way it combined elements of romantic comedy and suspense. They found the blend of genres to be both entertaining and engrossing. However, this same blend also left them feeling a bit troubled, as the mix of genres created some inconsistencies in the narrative. Overall, they were kept engaged and enjoyed the listening experience, but the genre trouble was a notable aspect of their reading experience.

Quick quotes

    I enjoyed it a lot while listening; its blend of romantic comedy and suspense kept me engrossed.

    But that same blend also left me troubled.

    My overall impression was positive, despite the genre trouble.

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