The Missing

"C.J. Box owns the modern American frontier.” —Jack Carr, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Cry Havoc

“Raining here, but I’ve got a cup of hot tea and a Joe Pickett novel, so who has it better than me?” —Stephen King

When two children and their nanny vanish without a trace from an elk camp, Governor Rulon sends Joe Pickett to Afton, Wyoming, to investigate.

Still reeling from the after-effects of a near-fatal gunshot wound, Joe joins a state and federal task force and teams up with local game warden Roger McEniry to search camps and hunting parties—but Star Valley is a tight-knit community that doesn't give up its secrets easily.

Joe and Roger are stymied by powerful local elders who seem intent on steering the investigation, and even the children’s own mother appears ready to accept the worst. Suspicion soon falls on two dangerous misfits with motive, means and opportunity, but Joe may be the only one left who believes the children are still alive.

Back in Saddlestring, Sheridan Pickett and Sheriff Sondergard uncover an elk-poaching case that points to something darker. As the two investigations advance, Joe is pulled towards a reckoning with people who will do anything to keep the truth buried.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs