For Marty, From C.J. Box

Saturday afternoon C. J. Box autographed his latest book-Shadows Reel-"Rest in Peace" to undoubtedly his biggest fan, Marty Perue, who passed away just two days after she had finished reading her favorite Joe Pickett novel.

This past winter Marty had "RE-READ" all twenty-two Joe Pickett novels and was eager to read C. J.'s latest book. Her husband, Dick Perue, picked up "SHADOWS REEL" Monday, March 14th; Marty completed the book Friday, proclaiming that it was Chuck's best work as she placed it in the bookcase beside all the other autographed C. J. Box novels, and then asked Dick to have Chuck sign it. Two days later she passed away.

Keeping his promise, Dick took the book to the Saratoga Museum Saturday and had C. J. sign it while "Saratoga Sun" editor Josh Wood photographed the event. With that signing, one of life's great cycles had been completed.

More than 40 years ago Marty was signing paychecks for Chuck Box, who had been hired as a reporter and outdoor writer for "The Saratoga Sun" by then publisher Dick Perue and business manager Martha G. (Marty) Perue.

It was that job with the local weekly newspaper that helped launch Chuck's writing career under the name C. J. Box.