If you're anything like me, you've been swept away by mysteries set against the breathtaking backdrop of America's National Parks. After reading Nevada Barr's Track of the Cat, my search for more books exploring the great outdoors led me to the “Joe Pickett” series by C.J. Box. Not only did Free Fire journey through Yellowstone National Park (one of my dream destinations 😊), but it also looks at the family connection (or lack of) between Joe and his father. 

Free Fire, the seventh installment in the Joe Pickett series, follows Joe Picket, the game warden of Twelve Sleep County, Wyoming. Joe is committed to justice and protecting the wilderness and the wildlife who live in it.  In this story, Joe is investigating the disappearance of an environmental activist who was last seen in Yellowstone National Park. While attempting to solve the case, he must also confront the ghosts of his past, including his relationship with his abusive alcoholic father.

One of the most interesting parts of Free Fire is the author’s ability to capture the natural beauty and deadly force of Yellowstone. From the extremely hot bubbling geysers to the rough terrain, the park itself becomes a character, adding depth to the story.  Though the book contained breathtaking scenery and nonstop action, it was Joe's reconnection with his father, George, that really stuck with me. Throughout Free Fire, I saw Joe struggling with unresolved issues from his past, mainly his troubled relationship with his father and the death of his older brother, Victor. As Joe and his father cross paths in Yellowstone, old wounds resurface, leading to moments of tension, self-reflection, and reconciliation.

Throughout Free Fire the author gives us a look into George's past, shedding light on the events that made him into the man he is today. He is unstable and unpredictable and haunted by his own demons, including a history of alcoholism and violence. As we learn of George's past, the author shows us how alcoholism can impact the lives of the individual and their families. We also see how grief doesn't just go away with time. Though they are not in a good place, there are several moments between George and Joe that lead us to believe that there will be healing and forgiveness between the two. As Joe struggles with the challenges of being a game warden, husband, and father, and struggles to come to terms with his father's flaws, he discovers that forgiveness is not easy but needed in order to find peace and closure.

As I followed Joe’s investigation through the wilds of Yellowstone National Park, I found myself engulfed in the story, quickly turning pages to find out what really happened to the missing environmental activist and if Joe and George would eventually reconcile. The author’s talented storytelling and attention to detail kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end.

Whether you're a fan of mysteries, family dramas, or just someone looking for your next “good read”, C.J. Box's Free Fire won’t disappoint!