The Bitterroots

A Cassie Dewell Novel

By: C.J. Box

Narrated by: Christina Delaine

Investigator Cassie Dewel must work through deep roots without getting ensnared in #1 New York Times bestselling author C.J. Box's next searing novel of loyalty, lies, and lethal retribution.

The ties that bind can burn you.

Former sheriff’s investigator Cassie Dewell is trying to start her life over as in private practice. She’s her own boss and answers to no one, and that’s just the way she likes it after the past few tumultuous years. All that certainty changes when an old friend calls in a favor: she wants Cassie to help exonerate a man accused of assaulting a young woman from an influential family.

Against her own better judgment, Cassie agrees. But out by the Bitterroot Mountains of Montana, twisted family loyalty runs as deep as the ties to the land, and there's always something more to the story. The Kleinsassers have ruled this part of Montana for decades, and the Iron Cross Ranch is their stronghold. They want to see Blake Kleinsasser, the black sheep of the family, put away forever for the assault. As Cassie attempts to uncover the truth, she must fight against a family whose roots are tangled and deadly—as well as the ghosts of her own past that threaten to bring her down.

With The Bitterroots, master storyteller C. J. Box delivers another searing novel of loyalty, lies, and lethal retribution.

Critic reviews

Praise for The Bitterroots:

"Outstanding...Vividly etched characters and a realistic plot lift this outing, and the well-done Montana setting is a plus. Box remains at the top of his game." —Publishers Weekly

"Will render readers utterly immobilized until they've closed the book...Box has become the dominant mystery/thriller author of the mountain West." —Booklist

Praise for Paradise Valley:

"Thrilling plot, evocative setting, deep characterization; this book has them all." —Reviewing the Evidence

"[Box has] crafted fascinating characters and put them in riveting, challenging circumstances that test their mettle and threaten their worlds." —The Durango Herald

Praise for Badlands:

“Suspenseful—you can’t put it down.” —Library Journal (starred)

“Brilliant…the most effective of his thriller since his Edgar-winning Blue Heaven.” –Booklist (starred)

"A suspenseful, professional-grade north country procedural...The unrelenting cold makes this the perfect beach read.” –Kirkus Reviews

The Bitterroots

This series consists of five books ranging in length from nine to eleven hours of listening. Although not required to enjoy the mysteries, it's strongly suggested that you read them in order - sequential events will make more sense.

Plot. Back of Beyond features an alcoholic cop. The lead character, Cody, struggles through a boozy haze to rescue some kidnapped kids. His story continues through the first 1/3 of The Highway. Following through the remaining stories, Badlands, Paradise Valley, and Bitterroots, his partner, Cassie is featured as the lead character. Having a take-no-prisoners attitude, Cassie works her way through grizzly murders including those of a crazed truck driver's abuse of 'lot lizards', the truck stop prostitutes, to satisfying conclusions.

Liked. No explicit sex, no language inappropriate to the character or scene, nothing gratuitous. Good mysteries, albeit a bit grizzly at times. Narration is fine - there are three. No issues.

Not so hot. There are some eye-rolling instances of coincidence that will have you mutter, 'That's a stretch.', especially in Bitterroots.

 Good reads, a series to enjoy! Recommended for the murder mystery lover.

best book of series

Best book of series. Hoping for a follow up! Cj out did himself. In to the next.

Okay story except for one thread

I like the narration of this book. And the story is ok. Too much of it comes together/is explained at once via one character instead 9f Cassie figuring it out. And one thread of the mystery i found too convenient and not very believable. But it didn't ruin the mystery. There's a lot of complicated threads artfully woven together.

So Disappointed

Let me begin by stating the fact that I have never submitted a negative review before, and I love everything Audible has to offer! I love C.J. Box books and have read everything he's written... so I was looking forward to this 5th story in an excellent series.

It was a bit slow, repetitive and very predictable from the get go. However, the LOW of this read resides with the "narrator", who was slower than the disappointing story line. She spoke so slowly that I considered speeding up the sound track just to make it through and get to the last page. Very monotonous with no enthusiasm to flesh out the characters... so disappointing that I wish I had not wasted one of my coveted Audible Credits. I will not listen to any other books narrated by her... sorry!

Great story

Another triumph of intrigue and entertainment by CJ Box. Story and characters as gritty as ever in the righed hills of Montana.