I have read C.J. Carmichael’s romance stories, enjoying each and every one. However, I had not read any of this series of mysteries. Bitter Truth stood well on its own without me having read the first book, Bitter Roots. Now I want to read it, of course. The Lost Trail community in Montana is like most small-towns there is the good, the bad and the hidden evil. I enjoyed reading the story immensely, trying to find the missing pieces along with Zak Waller.

The plot just flows bringing the reader into the story so that I was trying to figure it all out along with Zak Waller. I especially liked this character, one that is in a position that is often overlooked; usually only a supporting character. Several other important characters in this story that switches between subplots but nicely all tied together in the end. This is a mystery with a hint of romance, but I was surprised, not unhappily but surprised nonetheless as to how it all played out.

There are a lot of secrets in the town of Lost Trails, Montana. But when Lacy Stillman is discovered dead in her bed, Zak Waller, dispatcher for the local Sheriff’s Office, doesn’t believe Lacy died from natural causes like everyone is being told. He sets out to discover the truth and finds a lot more than he expected.

Zak’s friend Tiff Masterson has returned to Lost Trails after a breakup with her boyfriend. She is back living at home and helping her aunt take care of her mother. But it seems someone is trying to force Tiff to leave town again. A family secret is also revealed which surprises everyone in town.

I was fully engaged in this story as soon as I started reading it. There were a lot of twists and turns that took me by surprise. Even though this book can be read as a stand-alone, I would recommend reading Bitter Roots first. It will give you more of a background on all of the characters. If you enjoy a good mystery, I would recommend this book.

Bitter Truth by C.J. Carmichael, book two of the Bitter Roots Mysteries series. I really enjoyed this story. It had me thinking of what was happening the whole time I was reading it. Really pulled me in with the great characters from the previous book and the storyline. I can't wait to see what is up next in this series.