The BItterroots was such a great read!

In this story, we find Cassie, a former sheriff's investigator trying to start a new life in private practice. However, this idyllic setting changes when an old friend asks for a favor.

This is the type of book you will start and not be able to put down until you finish. a great read!

I read this book without reading the first 3 in the series. There were probably a few references to the previous books but they were woven into the current book well enough not to notice. I read this book in two days! It had some nasty characters and some good twists in the plot. I most definitely will read more.

Another engrossing novel by C.J.Box .I was drawn in to this well written multi layered novel.an interesting exciting story line really enjoyed.#netgalley#st.martinsbooks

just an ok book for me. Not really getting into this series like i do the pickett books. will try to reread this book at some point in the future. maybe she will grow on me. overall story was ok, just not connecting with the character for some reason.

I had not read any C. J. Box books before going into this, but a librarian friend recommended Box based on my enjoyment of the Longmire novels by Craig Johnson. And I'm glad she did.

<em>The Bitterroots</em> is either the fourth book in the Cassie Dewell series or the fifth book in the Highway Quartet series ... or both. I can't quite figure out what Goodreads is trying to tell me. However, it was somewhat apparent through the course of the book that private investigator Cassie Dewell had a history - that she'd previously been involved in other cases that readers had access to. Sometimes this was pretty strong as we're led to believe that at least one of these cases might be coming back to haunt her. But despite this, author Box does a great job of providing us with a story that is solid and complete with these hints of previous stories.

Cassie Dewell is a former cop turned P.I. As a single parent, she is also trying to find a way to spend more time with her teenage son when an old friend contacts her and asks for a favor. The friend, Rachel Mitchell, is a defense attorney with Mitchell-Estrella law firm. Rachel's latest client is Blake Kleinsasser who’s been accused of molesting and sexually assaulting the fifteen-year-old daughter of his younger brother. As a former police office, Cassie doesn't like defense attorneys too much and the evidence against Kleinsasser is overwhelming and Cassie just wants the pedophile put away. Mitchell convinces Cassie that if Cassie can verify all the evidence then Kleinsasser will be urged to take a plea deal instead of defending his claims of innocence.

Early on Cassie is warned that the Kleinsasser family is highly dysfunctional and control nearly all of the town. She also learns that Blake, the eldest son who stood to inherit the most, was disowned by the family when he left for the East Coast to make his own fortune. That the family isn't happy about his return visit would be putting it mildly. That they don't trust his reappearance would be closer to the truth.

Even though Cassie is looking to confirm the evidence and allegations in order to put Blake away for the rest of his life, her investigation appears to rattle some of the locals and soon she is a target for the Kleinsasser-controlled police and some unidentified attackers. Against her own instincts and wishes, Cassie begins to feel that Blake may have been set up.

I love the character of Cassie. She's knowledgeable and strong but also a worried parent, trying to balance of life with her dangerous career and looking after a teen boy (that alone can be a challenge!). Character can really make a difference in a mystery like this and Cassie is one of the better ones I've come across!

The supporting characters mostly stand out, unique (I had some trouble remembering which Kleinsasser's were which) and came across as real people and not just stock characters for a book.

The story moves along swiftly with the mystery unfolding at just the right speed to keep the reader interested and in the know. There's plenty of action and danger and there are some twists and turns along the way, which is always fun in a book of this sort.

There was one moment of the investigation that changed things for Cassie late in the story, which was suggested or hinted at early on. But the suggestion (and bit of evidence) was obvious enough for me, even then, to want to pursue that line of research. I felt that someone with Cassie's abilities would have, or should have, jumped onto that line of investigation. But of course, if she had, the book would have been over much sooner. Still, it did detract just enough for me

Overall, I really enjoyed this and would look forward to another C. J. Box book.

Looking for a good book? Bitterroots by C. J. Box is a delightful Cassie Dewell mystery that is quick to read, with a strong central character, and a mostly well-developed mystery.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

What a terrific new C.J. Box novel! While he never disappoints, this one seemed to have a really rugged Western flavor. Cassie Dewell is a strong and believable character, and the plot was exciting and intelligent. Will recommend!

C.J. Box’s latest novel THE BITTERROOTS tells a dark story of an evil case of rape of a 15 year old set in Bitterroot County. Is the law corrupt, indifferent, or just incompetent? Can there be a fair hearing? Dark and suspenseful book that takes you an a walk on the seedy side of life. Highly recommended.

Cassie Dewell is once again the star of Box’s 5th Highway Series book. Cassie has left behind her life as a cop and is now earning a living as a PI. She is called upon to investigate the rape of a teen girl by her uncle. The case takes her to a remote, rural and unfriendly area in Montana where she is met with hostility and way more than she bargained for.

Whether it be this series or his Joe Pickett series, Box consistently writes excellent mysteries with fabulous local color and outstanding character development. Cassie Dewell is forced to confront demons from her past and Box effortlessly captures her personality, growth and accomplishments as she moves from one book to the next. I look forward to each and every book in this series with gusto. A well-deserved 5 stars!

Many thanks to Netgalley, Minotaur Books and C. J. Box for my complimentary e-copy ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

The Bitterroots is book four from the Cassie Dewell series. I thought it was a good read. I am giving it four stars.

I’ve found a new author to add to my favorites list. The Bitterroots by C. J. Box is book four in his Cassie Dewell series. I’m new to this author, but I love this book and will read others from him.

Cassie Dewell is a Montana private investigator and former sheriff’s deputy. She has been contracted by the Mitchell-Estrella Law Firm to investigate their latest client, Blake Kleinsasser, who’s been accused of molesting and sexually assaulting the fifteen-year-old daughter of his younger brother. Cassie is wary of this assignment despite the fact that Rachel Mitchell had assured her that she’d never ask her to do work that would “offend her sensibilities.”

C. J. Box makes great use of the Montana scenery. The mountains and wildfires are characters unto themselves. The human characters are well-developed and relatable, if not all likable. There are great plot twists. Some will have you catching flies with your open mouth. Totally unexpected! I literally couldn’t put it down. The Bitterroots is a definite 5 out of 5 and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good thriller.

My thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.

I love CJ Box’s books. It is like binge watching a great series. I would love for Joe Pickett to be made into a tv show because these books will pull you in. I can never wait until the next one comes out! This book was no exception. The Bitterroots may be my favorite in the series so far! Joe is such a familiar character he is like the Jack Reacher of the West.

CJ Box is a favorite at the library where I work. I now see why. The author keeps you engaged and guessing. I think everyone will enjoy this book.

THE BITTERROOTS
C.J. Box
Minotaur Books
ISBN 978-1-250-05105-9
Hardcover
Thriller

If you read THE BITTERROOTS really, really closely, you will find a similarity between former sheriff’s investigator and current p.i. Cassie Dewell and Colorado game warden Joe Pickett. Author C.J. Box is the creator of both and could have played it safe and tight by making Dewell a female model of Pickett, figuring that the Montana background would provide some cover. Box, however, has an understated but very real talent for creating unique characters with a flaw or three which makes them all too human and has been doing so with Dewell for the last several years. As I said, there is one similarity between the characters --- a flaw that they share --- but you’ll have to look closely to find it. But onto the new book.

THE BITTERROOTS is the fourth in a series featuring Dewell, who has left her old job in law enforcement in the rearview mirror. While she can set her own hours as a private investigator, however, sometimes those hours set her, a tough deal for a single mother with a son on the cusp of adolescence. It is especially tough in THE BITTERROOTS when defense attorney Rachel Mitchell calls in a chit that Dewell owes her. Mitchell’s boutique law firm has obtained some acquittals in a number of high-profile criminal cases. They may have taken on the wrong client, however, when they agree to represent Blake Kleinsasser. Blake is a fortunate son, being the designated heir of a prosperous and powerful ranching family in Montana. He angered his father and siblings, however, when he left Montana and made a fortune in the New York financial markets. He recently returned to Montana to offer his assistance in helping the family straighten out some estate matters but was arrested and charged with assaulting his niece. Blake vehemently denies the charges, and assists that he is being set up by his family so that he can be aced out of his inheritance. Dewell very reluctantly agrees to investigate the charges and the police investigation. She is met with hostility not only from Blake’s family but also from local law enforcement, who are solidly in the camp of the Kleinsasser family. Dewell is initially all but certain that Blake is guilty, but a nudge here and a blink there slowly convinces her that the case against him isn’t quite as strong as it was represented to be. Meanwhile, Isabel, Dewell’s hippie mother is butting heads with Ben, Dewell’s son, who is undergoing some teenaged problems of his own. There is also an omnipresent and threatening truck driver who seems to be everywhere that Dewell is and who may or may not be the ghost of one of Dewell’s past adversaries. Dewell is nothing if not tenacious, and the fact that the Kleinsasser family and local law enforcement seem united against her makes her dig her heels in all the deeper, even when her own employer tries to call her off for her own safety. It may result in her own undoing, however, and you will race to the last page of THE BITTERROOTS to find out.

Cassie Dewell won’t necessarily make you forget all about your favorite Wyoming game warden but two Box books in one year make for plenty of good reading. While THE BITTERROOTS is complete in itself, there is a plot thread (or maybe more than one) that holds promise as a launching point for a future novel in the series, thus whispering a promise that Box will take his multitude of readers to Montana again and again. THE BITTERROOTS and what has gone before make that a promise which will hopefully be kept. Recommended.

Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub
© Copyright 2019, The Book Report, Inc. All rights reserved.

The backdrop of a nearby forest fire lends this 5th installment of the Cassie Dewell series an air of urgency and imminent danger. Cassie finds herself investigating a long-established and powerful family on their turf. As with all books authored by C.J. Box , you find yourself drawn in by the characters, the well-developed plots, and even the character of the locations. Family members with deeply buried secrets and dark hearts keeps the readers following the storyline for just one more page...one more page...one more page. Just when you think you’ve solved the crime, Box throws another twist to the plot that leaves your skin crawling. I don’t know if I’m more impressed or frightened that Box can write characters as endearing as Joe Pickett (Joe Pickett series) and as deranged, twisted, and downright creepy as the characters we’ve seen in the Cassie Dewell series and the stand-alone Blue Heaven.

Thank you to NetGalley and Manotaur Books for an Advanced Readers Copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

“The Bitterroots” by C. J. Box is the fourth book in the Cassie Dewell series. Each book can be read individually, and all feature Cassie Dewell, whose previous career in law enforcement was intense and tumultuous as she pursued and apprehended a serial rapist and murderer who operated as a long-haul trucker. She is still haunted by his menacing presence every time an eighteen-wheeler thunders by her on the highway. A quick but thorough history of the events between the last book and this one details just how Dewell reached her status as a licensed private investigator in Bozeman, Montana.
Dewell finds herself with a case far removed from her usual skip-trace clients when a friend asks her to investigate the arrest of Blake Kleinsasser, the oldest son in a prominent family who owns a huge ranch near Bitterroot Range. Kleinsasser, who left the family business to run a successful hedge fund, is charged with scandalously inappropriate behavior with a minor relative. Dewell’s job is not to determine his guilt or innocence, but to assure that every step taken by the prosecutor is legal, one hundred percent by the book.
Box pulls readers into the distasteful investigation as Dewell interviews participants and learns more than she ever wanted to know about the Kleinsasser Family Trust. The Kleinsassers remind her more of a cult than a family. Dewell discovers that what really binds the family together is envy, resentment, and hate.
The geography of Montana plays an important part in the story with mountains, valleys, rivers, and plains, pushed together as if jammed against a wall. It is the “Summer of Fire” in Montana, with long fire lines that extend across the mountains and layers of smoke that give the impression of truncated buttes not mountains.
“The fire seemed like a living thing, a snake, a nocturnal beast more alive at night than during the day. It burned bright enough that it stained the bellies of low-hanging clouds with pink hues.”
Readers can use Google Earth to absorb the intensity of the massive mountains and the intervening valleys; follow the road as Dewell choses to leave Interstate Highway 90 after Butte and cuts south and west on two-lane state roads, or take a casual look around Deer lodge prison farm and Lolo Hot Springs.
Box keeps Dwell’s sense of justice and respect for the law remained intact, but pushes her to the limit as she uncovers inconsistencies in the statement of a girl who was likely traumatized and contends with a family that is toxic, twisted, and paranoid. Box pushes readers to the limit as a massive eighteen-wheel tractor-trailer, a black Peterbilt tractor, with a boxy cab and long nose like the lizard king’s, idles on a suburban street and the driver watches a neighborhood school with his eyes.
“The Bitterroots” starts as a routine investigation for Dewell and gains momentum until it the crushing, traumatic ending. When the Montana smoke clears, there is surprise for everyone. I received a review copy of “The Bitterroots” from C. J. Box, St. Martin’s Press, and Minotaur Books. Box has written a detailed, intense story that moves quickly and authoritatively. The geography is stunning, the characters complex, and the plot compelling. It is a book for new readers and die-hard Box fans alike.

The Bitterroots by C. J. Box is the 4th book in the Cassie Dewell series. Wow, another great suspense thriller from C. J. Box. One of my favorite authors, he always sucks me in and leaves me wondering how can anything turn out OK. I love the Joe Picket series, but I enjoyed going on this adventure with Cassie Dewell.

I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and St. Martin's Press. Thank you.

Another great story by CJ Box. The Bitterroots grabbed my attention from the start and it kept me reading quickly to see what would happen next. I will be recommending this to anyone who wants a good mystery taking place in a beautiful setting. Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

I, unfortunately, will not be finishing this book. There was nothing in the first hour of reading it that grabbed my attention. It was for me like a run of the mill police procedural and nothing stuck with me. Perhaps if I had read some of the characters other adventures I would have felt more of a connection and been more motivated to read!

I received an advance copy of this book to provide an honest review.

Fourth return for Cassie Dewell, however, this time as a Private Investigator. Her experiences tracking down the Lizard King, left her with no desire to remain a deputy, and she now has a successful business in Montana. When an old friend/lawyer calls in a favor Cassie agrees to investigate the son of a wealthy family, who is accused of raping his own niece. Leaving her son with her “still in the 60’s” mother, she travels to a small town controlled by the family of the accused and quickly becomes a target. Greed and secrets are not to be aired!

The author has created a dark story with his masterful abilities in description of characters and locale. The story starts slow and then turns into an engaging, suspenseful mystery. The twisted family dynamics add both depth and interest. When you get to the “why” you’re left shaking your head in disbelief.

This series is dark without the usual Joe Pickett wisecracks and comradery.

C.J.Box is one of the authors I track, noting when his next book is due and scouting it out. I've read the entire Joe Pickett series, the standalone books (Blue Heaven!!) and now the Cassie Dewell quartet.

I read Box because I live in the mountain west and he gets it right; because every book has -- along with crime, depravity and suspense -- solid family ties at its heart; and now because he's one of a very small number of male writers who can create convincing female protagonists.

A corrupt sheriff's department kowtowing to a single powerful family: That's not a scenario that's unique to this setting, the Bitterroot Mountains of western Montana. In Box's hands, it's plausible, and so many other details ring true as well.

There's the sense of claustrophobia that besets so many residents of the wide-open plains when they find themselves in dense, towering mountain forests. There's also the shift in social atmosphere, where the open, friendly interaction among prairie dwellers shifts to a private, secretive and isolationist vibe among mountain folks.

It's all there in The Bitterroots. Just don't travel up or down Highway 93 between Missoula and Hamilton looking for Lochsa County (it's fictional, although everything else is geographically correct.)

Even if you've never read C.J. Box before, this is good book with which to jump in.

Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for an advance readers copy.