I 've been waiting for the new Cassie Dewell installment, and it did not disappoint. CJ Box delivers another well-plotted mystery with one of my favorite cast of characters. It was fun catching up with the characters. Don't read this book out of order; it's more fun if you know the backstories.

This installment has two parallel stories, one pretty brutal, and the treasure hunt a fun tag along. Plus, Joe Pickett's daughter April joins the cast. I wish April were featured more (but I'm sure that is to come). I listened to the audio version, and it was a bit strange hearing April portrayed by a different narrator, but I adapted.

If you are new to CJ Box, start his series at the beginning. He's one of the most consistently good serial mystery writers around. If you are a long-time fan, you'll enjoy this volume. It's not my favorite of the Cassie Dewell series, but it's a solid story.

Thanks to NetGalley for giving me an audio version of this book in exchange for a review.

“Private “Investigator Cassie Dewell’s business is thriving, and her latest case puts her on the hunt for a slippery con man who’s disappeared somewhere in the “treasure state”. A wealthy Florida widow has accused him of absconding with her fortune, and wants Cassie to find him and get it back. The trail takes Cassie to Anaconda, Montana, a quirky former copper mining town that’s the perfect place to reinvent yourself. As the case develops, Cassie begins to wonder if her client is telling her everything.”

First off – What’s with cover art lately? All “chick lit” seems to be in shades of teal, whereas all thrillers/murder mysteries, yellow and blue. The Best Seller shelf in my library is looking tragically homogenous.

Second – This book is just not for me; both in the did-not-enjoy and the not-the-target-audience ways.

I love a good murder mystery as much as the next bibliophile, but I found this one flat.

The plot was fine, but the characters were especially shallow. A person was either Good or Bad, with zero nuance.

Added to that, the heavy-handedness in regards to the author’s feelings about Covid protocols? Those concerned are brainless, spineless, and heartless, whereas all the skeptics were brave, hard-working, and clear-eyed. I get that Mr Box has to appeal to his base, but as stated, I am not that base.

5/10

Thanks to NetGalley, MacMillan Audio, and St. Martin’s Press for this ARC.

Looks like this book is book 6, the final installment to The Highway Quartet series. A mystery thriller located in Montana. I'm new to C.J. Box books but I'm loving it especially since I haven't read any books located in Montana. I'm interested to read the first five books of this series when time permits.

This book followed a private investigator Cassie. Her mom Isabel settled for a salad dinner because she rant about how those poor chickens were raised inhumanely for people to eat. I liked how Cassie mad at herself for eating a donut when she told herself not to. Cassie however, has a sharp mind and was known for being the best in her field. She's investigating on the missing private investigator from Florida. She was hired by a lady who got swindle out of a lot of her money. She was also hired to find out who created the treasure hunt that was dangerous for many treasure hunters. The second view was of the con man. Another view was of Kyle who actively hunt for the treasures. The audiobook at first was not what I'm used to but I got to liking it. The narrator did well with different voices. Cassie is closing in on catching the bad guys and she just discovered a bug under her car. She planned to play smart with this bug instead of letting the bad guys know that she knew. I like how smart Cassie is when she covers herself with backup knowing she entered into dangerous territory. I had to refer to the book a few times because the story goes off then comes back and started 3 days before or 18 days before to let readers know what had happened previously. Excellent read and audiobook!

Thank you Macmillan Audio, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen, read and review!

I wasn't sure if I would like this book since it's book #6 or if a series I haven't read before. I have to tell you this read fast past and easy to read. My favorite character was Kyle and I thought the natatory narrator did a fantastic job with his voice. She made him stand out.

I was so happy for him. Still didn't understand why he ran when he first saw Cassie. The was weird.

I felt sorry for all the people who had to die. I lived how Cassie had a few cases going on at the same time. She is a great PI and honestly I might read the first 5 books in this series. I was able to read this one and not be lost. It was more like a stand alone novel.

In the end Cassie is able to solve her cases and we get closure on everything.

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to listen to this book. I really enjoyed it.

𝘛𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘶𝘯𝘱𝘶𝘵𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦!

Another series I read out of order, this is book 6, but let me tell you that didn’t affect me at all, I loved this book and I have no idea why this is my first book from this author. Intriguing, fantastic setting, great characters, a crime to solve, just wonderful!

Thank you Minotaur Books and NetGalley for this gifted copy.

𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 by C.J. Box releases September 27, 2022.

https://www.instagram.com/booksandcoffeemx/

I enjoyed the main story as well as the side story that wound through it. Having not read any of the other books in this series I had no problem following this story.

An amazing novel with suspense and thrilling turns around every corner. I really enjoyed the plot and was not disappointed!

C.J. Box always knows how to pull me into the story!!

This book was set in Montana and mentions a few times the Lizard King from CJ book Paradise Valley.

Treasure State has a lot going on and Just when you think you have the suspect figured out Nope!

If you enjoy a good book about Money Fraud and treasure this one is for u!

The narrator did a great job - Christina Delaine. I’ll be looking out for more of her books she has narrated.

Have you ever been fooled by someone telling you a different name? I was and he ended up on the most wanted list. Haha I could totally relate to this book!

Though this is a part of the a series, I read as a stand alone and I didn’t feel as if it was an issue. I enjoyed the story (audiobook) and will be reading or listening to more by this author. This is kind of a story within a story. A woman scorned and stolen from wants what is hers back. Turns out she isn’t the only one who was scammed. The first investigator she hires goes missing and now Cassie is on the case. A conman working with a crooked law enforcement officer, a missing investigator, murder, and some very devious characters make for a well written, devious clever storyline.

While I enjoyed the story, and found it a great addition to the series, I sadly had a hard time with the narrator. I found it very difficult to finish the book. I will reread in book form, and more than look forward to it!

Middle of the road listen to for me. I liked the narrator, although the laughs she elicited were very irritating. I did not read the previous 5 books and feel this book could be considered a stand a lone novel. Will I seek out other books in the series, probably not. Although it was fast paced the story just didn't grab me. A big thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to review the book.

This felt like two mysteries wrapped in one and it was really cool. I loved the underlying treasure story and how, in the end, it ended up being involved in the main plot line. Of course, female heroines are also fun too and especially when they are in a male dominated career.

🌀Synopsis
When Cassie Dewell receives a call from a potential client out of Florida she’s immediately intrigued. Not only is she looking for a man who scammed a woman out of her riches but the previous private investigator she hired has gone missing. Cassie takes the job and begins trying to hunt both men down.

She finds that the old private investigator was on to something and definitely on the right track. He’d already found out that this woman wasn’t the only one scorned and lead Cassie to other victims as well.

What she finds in the small town where he was last seen is a crooked cop and the conman that he’s helping. She finds out that not only did they con all these women, over the town’s past mind you, but they also killed the sheriff and the private investigator (among others).

Along the way, Cassie also gets a lead on the mysterious Montana treasure too and that leads her to the prison to collect her earnings from the man who hid the treasure.

Cassie Dewell faces corruption and evil in Treasure State. I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator does a good job.
The people around Cassie are extremes in character - corrupt cop, charismatic con man, easily duped rich women and a loose lipped secretary who also happens to be Cassie’s mother.
There is a treasure to be found and a poet trying to stay hidden.
Kyle from a previous time in Cassie’s life returns in this book.
The movement of time in the book between chapters sometimes became confusing. Maybe this would be better in a written version?
The book is an interesting mix of elements. It did draw me in enough to have me declaring the villain a scoundrel and hoping aloud that Cassie wouldn’t be stupid enough to walk into a dangerous situation alone.
The resolution felt a bit hollow to me. I was glad to have a chance to encounter C. J. Box’s work and enjoyed a look at Montana.

Another quick and engaging weekend novel from the talented C. J. Box. Christina Delaines narration truly breaths life into each of the characters giving the readers a more immersive experience. Boxes descriptive writing and attention to detail will captivate readers making it hard to put down this small town thriller.

4 starts

I loved this audiobook! I alternated between reading & listening, but probably listened to 80% of this book.

In short Cassie Dewell, private investigator, has been hired for 2 different cases. One involves a treasure hunt and finding the man who created it, the other is chasing down a con man for a woman in Florida who believes he was last seen in Montana.

As a long time CJ Box fan this book was on point and a pure joy to read. I love Cassie, she’s a strong, smart, confident & witty woman. The way she unraveled both mysteries captivated me and kept me sucked in to see what would happen. I also loved that we got a little surprise crossover from Saddlestring.

I happen to live in Montana and Box captures the setting & local characters so well. Everything from the pride residents of Butte and Anaconda have for their town to how an employee at the Dept of Justice answers the phone. (I work in the same building as them and this made me laugh out loud!)

I also lived in Yellowstone at the height of the Forest Fenn treasure hunt. Using this treasure hunt as inspiration for the Sir Scott’s Treasure was fantastic and captured the craziness and obsession of hunters so well.

Lastly, the audiobook itself. It was narrated by Christina Delaine who I enjoyed listening to. I thought she portrayed Cassie and other characters very well using a variety of tones that kept me engaged.

Links to reviews will be added as soon as they’re posted closer to publication date.

Here is part of the publisher's blurb: Private Investigator Cassie Dewell’s business is thriving, and her latest case puts her on the hunt for a slippery con man who’s disappeared somewhere in the “treasure state”. A wealthy Florida widow has accused him of absconding with her fortune, and wants Cassie to find him and get it back. The trail takes Cassie to Anaconda, Montana, a quirky former copper mining town that’s the perfect place to reinvent yourself. As the case develops, Cassie begins to wonder if her client is telling her everything.

And my review:

First, I'd like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for this complimentary audio version of Treasure State. This is the first book I have read by the author CJ Box, and it's #6 in the The Highway Quartet. I read a few reviews that it didn't matter if you've read previous books in the series.

I read it on audio narrated by Christina Delaine and her matter-of-fact voice fell totally flat for me. I pushed myself to continue reading this novel because it was an ARC. I would've DNF'd it because I just couldn't engage with the monotone drone, as well as her voice as various men. I don't say this lightly that this is my opinion and to give it a try as it may work for you. The story might also be better read in your own mind without a narrator. I find it very difficult to be negative about a narrator as it's all in the eyes (or ears) of the beholder.

Some pros: It features a strong, woman, also a single mom, who works as a private investigator in Montana. Cassie Dewell is in the middle of 2 cases that keep her on her toes. My fave. was the one where she's been hired by an older woman in Fla who has been charmed out of millions. She wants Cassie to find the scoundrel! The other case is charming and involves some of the locals, which gives it a feeling that you're really in a small town in Montana. Apparently, there's a man who wants to draw attention to his treasure hunt and he wants Cassie to find HIM. There is also another man featured in the story that is mentally challenged but is a big winner in my book. It's great that the author included him because don't we all know someone like that IRL?

This is my first CJ Box book. I am enjoying it. The story is okay. The narrator does an excellent job. I even halfway in I’m not sure I’d read another with the main character but it’s holding my interest.

I discovered the Cassie Dewell novels through the ABC production of Big Sky. I was thrilled to receive this arc from Macmillan audio and journey through more adventures with the Montana detective.

Cassie Dewell is living her best detective life out in Montana, solving cases and helping others in her community. That is, until one day she receives a call from someone who has written a treasure hunt poem and is waiting in secret to be discovered. Along with this, Cassie is now on the case to find a con artist who has disappeared with a widower’s fortune. Everything is not what it first appeared to be in the treasure state. But with Cassie Dewell on the case, anything is possible.

I enjoyed listening to C. J. Box’s latest novel: “Treasure State.” Narrator Christina Delaine brings the story to new heights with captivating details about the town and mysterious crimes. Readers will delight in the amount of attention Box brings to each page and the new characters shared throughout each chapter. I recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys the Big Sky series or mysteries/thrillers.

Thank you Macmillan audio, Minotaur books and Negalley for my alc in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

My husband is a big fan of CJ Box reading probably 10 books. That said, this was my first one. I know this is maybe book #6 of the series, but it could certainly read as a stand alone. I thought it took quite some time for this one to get interesting. So about 30 percent in, I was really struggling to stick with it. The PI in this story is clever and does things you always wants your heroine to do (like give someone a heads up they are going into a dangerous situation). My issues were it was slow and predictable.

I have never read a Cassie Dewell(or a C J Box novel) before this one. However, this one will not be my last. I found the story to be very intriguing and Cassie to be a interesting character. I look forward to starting the series from the beginning.

Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for the audio ARC.