Force of Nature - C. J. Box

Mr Box has created a very enjoyable series with a game warden - Joe Pickett who seems to always be in law enforcement (criminal) rather than fish and game, but that is okay, because then he is the outsider always tweaking the system, even though his job is within a related system.  Joe is likable and has a loving family that adds complexity to his decisions and life.

Nate Romanoski is his alter-ego, the man who is not restrained by the rules.  He lives in the forest, off the grid, out of site, doing Falconry and hiding from a past as a covert operative in a secret military group.  We know he has a deep secret that he keeps inside himself, but it is a secret with tentacles that could strike out at him at any time with deadly force.

These two make excellent foils and develop a deep respect and love for one another.  They are brothers of a sort, each being what the other isn't and in this book that love and respect gets the ultimate test as Nate's past catches up with all of them.  Many people die, lots of action, a fast pace, and a satisfying conclusion.

Nate must protect himself with the skills he learned in secret ops and Joe has to protect his family, but cannot desert his friend.  The two have parallel stories within the book since they are operating solo, but in the same context.

Set in Wyoming and Idaho, the stories are wonderful blend of both personality and place and this book is like a culmination of a series within the Pickett series.  I recommend it, but only if you have read some of the previous thrillers so that you have an understanding of the events and relationships that could not be fully developed within this book.  I do not think it is a stand alone book although some will pick it up and enjoy it as a first.