Mystery & crime author CJ Box

CJ Box is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of 30 novels including the Joe Pickett and Cassie Dewell series. In Treasure State, (releases Sept 27, 2022) Box delivers an outstanding new Cassie Dewell crime novel. It's a tension-filled voyage through the breathtaking landscape of the Rocky Mountain region. Readers praise the natural beauty in Box’s books, and the realistic portrayal of the region and its people. For Box, telling stories is a way to share a slice of his world, conveniently packaged into an entertaining mystery.

“I never really think about the mystery element in the books,” Box said. “My focus is on the issues presented and the local culture and color.  The ‘mystery’ element binds it all together.”

Meet Box at the library

You can meet the author Tue, Sept 27 at 7pm in person here at the library, or tune in via Zoom to watch his visit from home. Round Table Bookstore will be on hand with copies of Box’s new book, and the author will sign after the conversation. Register to save your spot, in-person seats are almost filled.

Box is a Wyoming native who's worked as a ranch hand, surveyor, fishing guide, a small-town newspaper reporter and editor. An avid outdoorsman, Box has hunted, fished, hiked, ridden and skied throughout Wyoming and the Mountain West. He is the winner of the Anthony Award, the Macavity Award, the Gumshoe Award, the Barry Award and an Edgar® Award.

Read on for an interview with Box to learn more about his books and reading.

Interview with CJ Box

For readers who have not yet enjoyed your series, what's your elevator pitch/nutshell version of what to expect with Joe Pickett and Cassie Dewell?

Joe Pickett is a Wyoming game warden. His family consists of his wife MaryBeth and three daughters. In each novel, Joe confronts both contemporary issues and traditional mystery/thriller plots.

Cassie Dewell is a Montana private investigator and a former cop. She has a now thriving business and in Treasure State, she takes on two separate cases. In one, the mysterious author of a treasure hunt poem dares her to discover his identity. In another, she’s asked to locate a missing PI from Florida and a con man who has bilked multiple women out of their fortunes.

What do you like to read in your free time?

I read both fiction and nonfiction. My favorite authors are Thomas McGuane, Cormac McCarthy, Flannery O’Conner, Denise Mina, John Sanford, Michael Connelly and too many others to list here.

I’m currently reading Before the Fall by Noah Hawley and Napoleon by Andrew Roberts

Any library love you’d like to share? I love that Joe Pickett’s wife is a librarian!

Over the years, I’ve done many museum foundation fundraisers and I support public libraries. As a boy, I used to roam the stacks to find out where my book would be someday.

Your books are a blend of western and mystery. What drew you into writing a mystery series?

I never really think about the mystery element in the books. My focus is on the issues presented and the local culture and color. The “mystery” element binds it all together

Did you participate in adapting your work for television (Big Sky & Joe Pickett)?

I provided the source material, but I don’t get involved in writing the shows or on a day-to-day basis.