Shots Fired

by C. J. Box
Shots Fired cover
Good Books rating 3.17
Short Story Collections
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  • ID: 6359
  • Added: 2025-11-14
  • Updated: 2025-11-14
  • ISBN: 9780425275405
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published: 2015-05-05
  • Reviews: 3

Shots Fired is a thrilling compilation of ten suspenseful stories by C. J. Box, known for his rich storytelling and vivid sense of place. The collection includes three previously unpublished tales, each offering a glimpse into the dark deeds and impulses that lurk beneath the surface of Wyoming's landscapes. Among the stories are 'One-Car Bridge,' where Joe Pickett faces off against a menacing landowner, and 'Shots Fired,' where a routine investigation takes a deadly turn. Other tales, like 'Pirates of Yellowstone' and 'Le Sauvage Noble,' explore the consequences of being strangers in unfamiliar territory and the complexities of identity and savagery./n/nC. J. Box's mastery of suspense and character development shines through in each story, making Shots Fired a must-read for fans of crime and mystery. The collection is a testament to Box's ability to weave intricate plots with a deep understanding of human nature and the rugged beauty of the American West.

Reviews
Lesa's Book Critiques · Kevin · 2025-11-14
engaging 3.50

The collection features four tales involving Game Warden Joe Pickett and Nate Romanowski, with one particularly dark story set in Paris. The stories are varied and engaging, showcasing Box's versatility.

Kevin from Lesa's Book Critiques appreciates the variety in the collection, particularly the four tales featuring Game Warden Joe Pickett and Nate Romanowski. They highlight one story set in Paris as notably dark and intriguing. The reviewer finds the stories engaging and showcases Box's ability to craft compelling narratives across different settings and scenarios. They also mention that the collection is a good representation of Box's versatility as a writer.

Quick quotes

    Four of the tales feature Game Warden Joe Pickett and /or Nate Romanowski.

    One story is set overseas in Paris by way of South Dakota and is a very dark tale.

    The collection is a good representation of Box's versatility as a writer.

Kirkus Reviews · 2025-11-14
suspenseful 4.00

The heroine is praised for her mix of compassion and attitude, making the story suspenseful and engaging. The procedural elements are well-executed, and the setting is vividly portrayed.

Kirkus Reviews highlights the heroine's compelling mix of compassion and attitude, which drives the suspense and keeps readers engaged. The procedural aspects of the story are noted for their professional-grade execution, and the setting is vividly portrayed, adding depth to the narrative. They appreciate the way the story unfolds, making it a gripping read from start to finish. The reviewer also mentions that the heroine's character is well-developed and would be welcome in future stories to tie up loose ends.

Quick quotes

    A suspenseful, professional-grade north country procedural whose heroine, a deft mix of compassion and attitude, would be welcome to return and tie up the loose ends.

    The setting is vividly portrayed, adding depth to the narrative.

    The heroine's character is well-developed and compelling.

Book Munch · 2014-07-17
disappointing 2.00

The reviewer finds that short stories may not be Box's strongest form, as the collection shines a harsh light on his writing. They suggest that Box's strengths lie more in novel-length works.

The reviewer at Book Munch expresses that short stories may not be the ideal form for C.J. Box, as the collection highlights some weaknesses in his writing. They argue that Box's strengths are more evident in longer, novel-length works where he can fully develop his characters and plots. The reviewer finds that the short stories in this collection do not fully capture the brilliance that Box is known for in his novels. They suggest that readers who are fans of Box's novels might be disappointed by this collection.

Quick quotes

    Perhaps the worst thing about Shots Fired, though, is the harsh light it shines on Box's writing.

    Over the course of a novel, Box has it in him to create compelling narratives.

    Short stories don't seem to be a form that suits Box.

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