Wyoming author C.J. Box attracted a massive turnout at the Laramie County Library in Cheyenne for his latest Joe Pickett novel, The Crossroads. A dedicated fan from Nebraska presented him with 30 books to sign during the event. The book debuted at No. 1 on The New York Times bestseller list, marking Box's sixth consecutive top spot.
On March 8, 2026, C.J. Box, a New York Times bestselling author from Saratoga, Wyoming, hosted a book signing at the Laramie County Library in Cheyenne to promote his new release, The Crossroads. The event filled the large event room to capacity, with attendees standing in the hallways and waiting up to three hours in line. Barnes & Noble provided 300 copies, which sold out completely, surprising Box with the turnout.
The highlight came at the end of the line, when Dianne Stoutenburg, a fan from Nebraska, approached with a grocery bag and backpack containing 30 Joe Pickett paperbacks. Stoutenburg explained that she followed Box's advice from a 2022 signing in Rawlins, where he encouraged her to bring her entire collection next time after noticing she had more books at home. Box signed all 30 using his preferred Uniball 207 pen, which he adopted on the recommendation of Michael Connelly, creator of The Lincoln Lawyer. He noted it produced the bold lines he favors for legibility.
This tour marked Box's busiest yet, with him signing 660 personalized copies in Phoenix and 400 in Denver. He used three pens over two days, leaving just one from his usual stock of 20. The Crossroads not only topped The New York Times list but also led Apple and Associated Press rankings. The novel begins with Joe Pickett shot in the head, raising high stakes for the character and drawing fan interest.
Stoutenburg, a former nurse in the Denver area, discovered Box through a coworker's recommendation during her bus commutes. Though she prefers speculative fiction, she became hooked and now collects all his works, favoring paperbacks for their portability. She also listens to his audiobooks while doing chores. Box expressed appreciation for such enthusiastic support, saying it makes the rigors of travel worthwhile.
