In the Joe Pickett series, April, who was Joe Pickett's foster daughter, was tragically killed in a horrific murder and arson spree. This devastating event occurred six years prior to the storyline of the book Below Zero.
April's Connection to the Pickett Family
April was a foster daughter to Joe Pickett and his wife, a beloved member of their family. Her presence brought a unique dynamic to the Pickett household, and her loss left a profound and lasting impact on them, especially on Joe's oldest daughter, Sheridan, often referred to as Sherry.
The Tragic Events
April's life ended prematurely and violently. She was murdered during a spree that also involved arson. This incident is a foundational trauma for the Pickett family, influencing their lives and the emotional landscape of the series, even years after it occurred.
Impact and Subsequent Mentions
The profound effect of April's death is particularly highlighted in the novel Below Zero. The book begins with a seemingly innocuous phone message: "Tell Sherry April called." This message, referring to someone who had been dead for six years, deeply shakes Sheridan and the entire Pickett family. It serves as a catalyst, pulling them back into the mystery surrounding April's past and the circumstances of her death, demonstrating that some wounds never truly heal and that echoes of past tragedies can resurface unexpectedly.
Key Points Regarding April:
- Relationship: Joe Pickett's foster daughter.
- Fate: Killed in a horrific murder and arson spree.
- Timeline: Her death occurred six years before the events depicted in Below Zero.
- Significance: Her death and a mysterious phone call regarding her are central to the plot of Below Zero, showcasing the lingering impact of past traumas on the Pickett family.
April's story, though tragic and brief within the narrative's timeline, underscores themes of loss, the long shadow of past events, and the emotional resilience of the Pickett family in the face of profound sorrow.
