Cold Wind by C.J. Box is the 11th book in the “Joe Pickett” thriller series. Publisher: Putnam, March 2011
When Earl Alden is found dead, dangling from a wind turbine, it’s his wife, Missy, who is arrested. Unfortunately for Joe Pickett, Missy is his mother-in-law, a woman he dislikes heartily (and vice versa), and now he doesn’t know what to do—especially when the early signs point to her being guilty as sin.
But then things happen to make Joe wonder: Is Earl’s death what it appears to be? Is Missy being set up? He has the county attorney and sheriff on one side, his wife on the other, his estranged friend Nate on a lethal mission of his own, and some powerful interests breathing down his neck. Whichever way this goes…it’s not going to be good.
I always enjoy my visits with Joe Pickett. In this caper, his mother-in-law is arrested for the murder and Joe, being the lawman that he is, tries to do what’s right, so he’s investigates for both sides. Meanwhile his friend Nate is on the hunt and when this is over, no one will be truly satisfied. What a read! From his MIL’s arrest to the pain Nate suffers, I was riveted to this absorbing story. The author took me on a roller coaster ride that I didn’t want to get off and when it ended, my head was still spinning at the surprising twist and turns. The ending sets up the next book and I can’t wait to get back on this thrilling ride.