The Bitterroots

A Cassie Dewell Novel

By: C. J. Box

Narrated by: Christina Delaine

A riveting new novel from New York Times bestselling and Edgar Award-winning author C. J. Box.

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.

©2019 C. J. Box (P)2019 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

2019, Kirkus Reviews Best Books of the Year, Long-listed

"What happens when you combine an acclaimed a C.J. Box novel with a terrific narration? A stellar audiobook like this one, narrated by Christina Delaine." —AudioFile

"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

annoyed

The story was fast paced with many twist and turns. The main character annoyed a few times.

CJ box at his best

love this book, love the way it referred back to Cassie's work I'm the lizard King case.

Loved it

Box does it again! Cassie is a first rate investigator like her mentor coyt. Interesting characters and lots of twists and turns. Couldn't help but feel sorry for the oldest son but the others got their just rewards. The narrators staccato voice was grating at first but I eventually got wrapped up in the story and adjusted to it.

Bitter Taste

The ending needs major surgery. It almost seems that the author became bored with the book or needed to meet a deadline.
Not up to Box standards.
Evil women replacing dumber evil men is a battle that rings true.

Another C. J. Box engaging story

Great story along with a good performance by the reader. Really enjoyed, a recommended buy.

For A Change

I am a Joe Pickett fan. So I wanted to try a slight change of scenery. I enjoyed it very much. this is early in the series, but it has much potential for development. I will go back and read the earlier books of the series.

Great Story/Poor choice of narrator

I have little eyesight left. Therefore, listening to books is my only way to enjoy the art of a good story.
I believe the narrator's performance will make or break a book.
I noticed a change in the last two Cassie Dewell books.
I felt like I was listening to a person who had fluency issues while reading the story. At times she would slow down to a point that I'd thought she'd quit reading midword or midsentence. Overall her performance was terrible. The previous narrator for the two Cassie Dewell stories and all of the Joe Pickett series were perfect!

Good new character.

Good Book. The character was very believable. The family was scary. I would recommend the book.

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.