The Crossroads

Joe Pickett, Book 26

By: C.J. Box

Narrated by: David Chandler

Game warden Joe Pickett fights for his life as his daughters try to uncover who shot him and left him for dead in this riveting new novel from #1 New York Times bestseller C. J. Box.

Marybeth Pickett gets the call she has always dreaded: her husband Joe is in critical condition with a gunshot wound to the head.

Joe was found in his pickup at Antler Creek Junction, a crossroads connecting three ranches. Each road leading to a dangerous family. Each family with a different bone to pick with the local game warden. Marybeth and the new sheriff assume that Joe was ambushed by one of the families, but they have no idea which one since Joe didn't say where he was going or why.

With Joe unconscious and fighting for his life with Marybeth at his side, Sheridan, April, and Lucy split up and investigate each of the families to uncover the truth of what happened to their father, before it's too late.

©2026 C.J. Box (P)2026 Recorded Books

Outstanding

Some of my favorite authors have lost their edge as they've gotten older or invited co-writers into their process. But this author has maintained consistency and this is yet another winner. It was so good

Daughters to the rescue

Joe finally gets caught by evil gunfire. Now his capable and mature daughters have to use everything they have learned, from their dad, to solve the case and make evil pay.
You will never guess who shoots the killer.
Another great story. One of my favorites.

I love the Joe Pickett series!

I have loved all but one of the Joe Pickett series and am already finished with the newest one.

Next generation

Another good story from the Pickett family. The girls are stepping up and helping out.

Good story. Narrator challenged.

Enjoyed Joe’s 3 daughters working together to solve case. Glad to hear Nate was nearby even in a minor role in the story. Liked Cassie Dewell’s cameo and waiting for her next book. Have heard and appreciated many of David Chandler’s narration work before. But in this book, it was difficult to differentiate characters when their voice and intonations sound alike.