Search Jump: Comments
    Chapter Index
    Back to Story
    Cover of [Joe Pickett 18] • The Disappeared
    MysteryThrillerTrue Crime

    [Joe Pickett 18] • The Disappeared

    by C.J., Box,
    In “The Disappeared,” the 18th installment of C.J. Box’s Joe Pickett series, the Wyoming game warden is drawn into a high-stakes investigation when a British tourist vanishes near a luxury ranch. As Pickett delves deeper, he uncovers a web of corporate intrigue, environmental conflict, and local secrets. The novel explores themes of justice, loyalty, and the clash between progress and tradition in the American West. Box’s signature blend of suspense and vivid wilderness storytelling drives this tightly plotted mystery, showcasing Pickett’s unwavering moral compass amid escalating dangers. The book reinforces the series’ reputation for authentic settings and complex, action-driven narratives.
    PreviousNext
    [Joe Pickett 18] • The Disappeared

    Chapter 4

    by C.J., Box,

    Joe Pick­ett, still agi­tat­ed after a tense meet­ing with Gov­er­nor Allen, dri­ves through Sad­dlestring on a harsh win­ter day, accom­pa­nied by his dog Daisy and a file labeled “Kate Shelford-Long­den.” The bleak weath­er mir­rors his mood as he arrives at the Twelve Sleep Coun­ty Library, where his wife Mary­beth works. The couple’s recent strug­gles weigh heav­i­ly on him, includ­ing the loss of their home to arson and the emo­tion­al toll of rebuild­ing their lives. Their tem­po­rary liv­ing sit­u­a­tion in a rent­ed con­do, along with the chal­lenges of board­ing Marybeth’s hors­es and adjust­ing to a small­er space, adds to their stress.

    Mary­beth and Joe dis­cuss Joe’s new assign­ment, which feels more like an ulti­ma­tum than an oppor­tu­ni­ty. The tim­ing is poor, giv­en their unsta­ble liv­ing con­di­tions and the lin­ger­ing trau­ma of los­ing their home and pos­ses­sions, includ­ing irre­place­able fam­i­ly memen­tos. Marybeth’s con­cern is pal­pa­ble, espe­cial­ly as Joe’s past assign­ments have strained their mar­riage. The con­ver­sa­tion shifts to their daugh­ter Sheri­dan, who works at Sil­ver Creek Ranch and has been vague about her future plans. Mary­beth sus­pects Sheri­dan may be involved with some­one, a pos­si­bil­i­ty that unset­tles Joe, who has always been pro­tec­tive of his daugh­ters.

    The chap­ter delves into the family’s strained dynam­ics, par­tic­u­lar­ly with Marybeth’s moth­er, Mis­sy, who has long dis­ap­proved of Joe and active­ly under­mines their mar­riage. Missy’s manip­u­la­tive behav­ior and wealth con­trast sharply with Joe’s mod­est career as a game war­den, rein­forc­ing his feel­ings of inad­e­qua­cy. Despite this, Mary­beth remains stead­fast in her sup­port for Joe, though the ten­sion with her moth­er lingers in the back­ground. The family’s resilience is test­ed as they nav­i­gate these per­son­al and pro­fes­sion­al chal­lenges.

    Joe’s work-relat­ed con­flicts extend to their tem­po­rary home, where a neigh­bor com­plains about the ani­mal car­cass­es in his truck, forc­ing him to com­pro­mise by cov­er­ing them. Amid these frus­tra­tions, the chap­ter high­lights small moments of relief, such as the return of their dog Tube after the fire, dubbed “The Res­ur­rec­tion of the Tube.” Yet, the over­ar­ch­ing sense of insta­bil­i­ty and unre­solved tensions—both with­in the fam­i­ly and with exter­nal forces—leaves Joe and Mary­beth grap­pling with an uncer­tain future. The chap­ter clos­es with Joe prepar­ing for his assign­ment in Sarato­ga, where he hopes to recon­nect with Sheri­dan and gain clar­i­ty on her life choic­es.

    Down­load PDF Sum­ma­ry

    FAQs

    • 1. What are the key personal and professional challenges Joe Pickett is facing at the beginning of this chapter?

      Answer:
      Joe is grappling with multiple challenges, both personal and professional. Professionally, he’s angry about his recent encounter with Governor Allen and his chief of staff, and he’s been given a secret assignment that feels more like an ultimatum than a choice. Personally, his family is still recovering from the arson that destroyed their home, resulting in the loss of irreplaceable family memorabilia and forcing them into a cramped rented condo. The living situation is further complicated by a neighbor’s complaints about his work-related animal carcasses. Additionally, Joe feels the sting of his downward mobility, a point his mother-in-law, Missy, has long emphasized, which adds emotional strain to his already difficult circumstances.

      2. How does the chapter illustrate the theme of resilience in the face of adversity, particularly through the characters of Joe and Marybeth?

      Answer:
      The chapter highlights resilience through several examples. Despite the destruction of their home and loss of sentimental items, Joe and Marybeth adapt to their new living situation, even though it feels like a step backward. Marybeth continues her demanding job as library director, balancing budget sheets and professional responsibilities, while Joe fulfills his game warden duties despite neighbor complaints. Their ability to find small joys—like the return of their dog, Tube, and Lucy’s success in her school play—shows their capacity to endure hardship. Their mutual support during Joe’s uncertain assignment further underscores their resilience as they navigate both personal and professional storms together.

      3. Analyze the significance of the setting in this chapter. How does the winter landscape reflect Joe’s emotional state?

      Answer:
      The harsh winter setting mirrors Joe’s turbulent emotions. The “rare overcast day” with icy streets and razor-sharp drifts evokes a sense of desolation and tension, paralleling Joe’s anger after his meeting with Governor Allen. The imagery of cattle huddling together for warmth contrasts with Joe’s isolation in his professional struggles. The “loose dog” with a severed deer leg adds an unsettling, almost predatory tone, hinting at the unresolved threats in Joe’s life—both from external forces (like the governor) and internal doubts about his career and family stability. The bleak weather thus amplifies the chapter’s mood of unease and resilience.

      4. How does the chapter foreshadow potential conflicts or developments in Joe’s secret assignment and family dynamics?

      Answer:
      The chapter subtly sets up future tensions. Joe’s assignment to Saratoga hints at a reunion with his daughter Sheridan, whose mysterious plans (possibly involving a romantic relationship) could become a subplot. Marybeth’s comment about Sheridan “keeping things close to the vest” suggests familial secrecy, which may clash with Joe’s investigative role. Additionally, the governor’s forceful ultimatum implies political friction that could escalate, especially given Joe’s distrust of him. Meanwhile, Missy’s lingering influence and Joe’s resentment over their living situation foreshadow ongoing family strife, particularly if Missy interferes further in their marriage or Sheridan’s choices.

      5. Evaluate the role of secondary characters like Missy Vankueren and Dulcie Schalk in shaping the narrative. How do they influence Joe and Marybeth’s lives?

      Answer:
      Missy Vankueren serves as a persistent antagonist, embodying Joe’s insecurities about his career and social standing. Her disdain for him and manipulative efforts to undermine his marriage add emotional tension, reinforcing the theme of familial strain. In contrast, Dulcie Schalk, as Marybeth’s friend and the horses’ caretaker, represents a supportive network that helps the family cope with displacement. While Missy’s actions exacerbate stress, Dulcie’s assistance (boarding the horses) provides practical relief. Together, these characters highlight the duality of external influences—some destructive, others nurturing—on the Picketts’ resilience.

    Quotes

    • 1. “It was the worst of January: a rare overcast day with a steady twenty-miles-per-hour wind out of the north. Cattle in the meadows near town crowded together into black Angus gangs. A sheen of ice covered the streets, and the wind sculpted what was left of the last blizzard into razor-sharp drifts that clung to lawns and open spaces.”

      This vivid description sets the bleak, oppressive mood of the chapter, mirroring Joe’s emotional state after his tense encounter with Governor Allen. The harsh winter imagery symbolizes the challenges facing Joe and his family.

      2. “The painful fact was that so much of their history had burned up. Boxes of artwork from Sheridan’s grade school years, April’s scrapbooks about rodeo and travel, Lucy’s dancing costumes—things that could never be replicated.”

      This quote highlights the profound loss Joe’s family has suffered from the arson fire, emphasizing the irreplaceable nature of personal history and memories. It underscores the emotional weight they carry throughout the chapter.

      3. “It rankled Joe, too, that his downward trajectory had long been predicted by Marybeth’s mother, Missy Vankueren. Missy despised Joe as much as she pined for Marybeth, whom she was convinced had married beneath her.”

      This reveals a key tension in Joe’s life - his strained relationship with his mother-in-law and her constant undermining of his self-worth. It shows how professional setbacks compound personal insecurities.

      4. “Sheridan was the oldest and had paved the way for her younger sisters, showing them how to be independent and to think for themselves. Of the three, Joe had probably spent the most time with her when she was growing up, because she was interested in his job and loved to ride along when he was in the field.”

      This passage provides important insight into Joe’s relationship with his daughter Sheridan, showing their special bond and setting up the later discussion about her uncertain future. It reveals Joe’s pride in his children’s independence.

      5. “It wasn’t an offer,” Joe said. “It was an ultimatum.”

      This terse exchange captures the central conflict of the chapter - Joe being forced into an unwanted assignment. The blunt phrasing reflects both the power dynamic with his superiors and the strain this will put on his family life.

    Quotes

    1. “It was the worst of January: a rare overcast day with a steady twenty-miles-per-hour wind out of the north. Cattle in the meadows near town crowded together into black Angus gangs. A sheen of ice covered the streets, and the wind sculpted what was left of the last blizzard into razor-sharp drifts that clung to lawns and open spaces.”

    This vivid description sets the bleak, oppressive mood of the chapter, mirroring Joe’s emotional state after his tense encounter with Governor Allen. The harsh winter imagery symbolizes the challenges facing Joe and his family.

    2. “The painful fact was that so much of their history had burned up. Boxes of artwork from Sheridan’s grade school years, April’s scrapbooks about rodeo and travel, Lucy’s dancing costumes—things that could never be replicated.”

    This quote highlights the profound loss Joe’s family has suffered from the arson fire, emphasizing the irreplaceable nature of personal history and memories. It underscores the emotional weight they carry throughout the chapter.

    3. “It rankled Joe, too, that his downward trajectory had long been predicted by Marybeth’s mother, Missy Vankueren. Missy despised Joe as much as she pined for Marybeth, whom she was convinced had married beneath her.”

    This reveals a key tension in Joe’s life - his strained relationship with his mother-in-law and her constant undermining of his self-worth. It shows how professional setbacks compound personal insecurities.

    4. “Sheridan was the oldest and had paved the way for her younger sisters, showing them how to be independent and to think for themselves. Of the three, Joe had probably spent the most time with her when she was growing up, because she was interested in his job and loved to ride along when he was in the field.”

    This passage provides important insight into Joe’s relationship with his daughter Sheridan, showing their special bond and setting up the later discussion about her uncertain future. It reveals Joe’s pride in his children’s independence.

    5. “It wasn’t an offer,” Joe said. “It was an ultimatum.”

    This terse exchange captures the central conflict of the chapter - Joe being forced into an unwanted assignment. The blunt phrasing reflects both the power dynamic with his superiors and the strain this will put on his family life.

    FAQs

    1. What are the key personal and professional challenges Joe Pickett is facing at the beginning of this chapter?

    Answer:
    Joe is grappling with multiple challenges, both personal and professional. Professionally, he’s angry about his recent encounter with Governor Allen and his chief of staff, and he’s been given a secret assignment that feels more like an ultimatum than a choice. Personally, his family is still recovering from the arson that destroyed their home, resulting in the loss of irreplaceable family memorabilia and forcing them into a cramped rented condo. The living situation is further complicated by a neighbor’s complaints about his work-related animal carcasses. Additionally, Joe feels the sting of his downward mobility, a point his mother-in-law, Missy, has long emphasized, which adds emotional strain to his already difficult circumstances.

    2. How does the chapter illustrate the theme of resilience in the face of adversity, particularly through the characters of Joe and Marybeth?

    Answer:
    The chapter highlights resilience through several examples. Despite the destruction of their home and loss of sentimental items, Joe and Marybeth adapt to their new living situation, even though it feels like a step backward. Marybeth continues her demanding job as library director, balancing budget sheets and professional responsibilities, while Joe fulfills his game warden duties despite neighbor complaints. Their ability to find small joys—like the return of their dog, Tube, and Lucy’s success in her school play—shows their capacity to endure hardship. Their mutual support during Joe’s uncertain assignment further underscores their resilience as they navigate both personal and professional storms together.

    3. Analyze the significance of the setting in this chapter. How does the winter landscape reflect Joe’s emotional state?

    Answer:
    The harsh winter setting mirrors Joe’s turbulent emotions. The “rare overcast day” with icy streets and razor-sharp drifts evokes a sense of desolation and tension, paralleling Joe’s anger after his meeting with Governor Allen. The imagery of cattle huddling together for warmth contrasts with Joe’s isolation in his professional struggles. The “loose dog” with a severed deer leg adds an unsettling, almost predatory tone, hinting at the unresolved threats in Joe’s life—both from external forces (like the governor) and internal doubts about his career and family stability. The bleak weather thus amplifies the chapter’s mood of unease and resilience.

    4. How does the chapter foreshadow potential conflicts or developments in Joe’s secret assignment and family dynamics?

    Answer:
    The chapter subtly sets up future tensions. Joe’s assignment to Saratoga hints at a reunion with his daughter Sheridan, whose mysterious plans (possibly involving a romantic relationship) could become a subplot. Marybeth’s comment about Sheridan “keeping things close to the vest” suggests familial secrecy, which may clash with Joe’s investigative role. Additionally, the governor’s forceful ultimatum implies political friction that could escalate, especially given Joe’s distrust of him. Meanwhile, Missy’s lingering influence and Joe’s resentment over their living situation foreshadow ongoing family strife, particularly if Missy interferes further in their marriage or Sheridan’s choices.

    5. Evaluate the role of secondary characters like Missy Vankueren and Dulcie Schalk in shaping the narrative. How do they influence Joe and Marybeth’s lives?

    Answer:
    Missy Vankueren serves as a persistent antagonist, embodying Joe’s insecurities about his career and social standing. Her disdain for him and manipulative efforts to undermine his marriage add emotional tension, reinforcing the theme of familial strain. In contrast, Dulcie Schalk, as Marybeth’s friend and the horses’ caretaker, represents a supportive network that helps the family cope with displacement. While Missy’s actions exacerbate stress, Dulcie’s assistance (boarding the horses) provides practical relief. Together, these characters highlight the duality of external influences—some destructive, others nurturing—on the Picketts’ resilience.

    Note